Wooden Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

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Since the beginning of the game, pickleball has been played with wooden paddles. They were durable and easy to make. However, like tennis, which also began with wooden equipment, technology has changed over the years.

Just as the sport of pickleball has grown, so has the number of pickleball paddles that are offered on the market.

Today you can play with wooden paddles made from plywood that have a plastic edging, paddles made of graphite, fiberglass, aluminum (and the list continues to grow)!

Before we go too far, here is our list of the best wooden paddles:

>>READ MORE: Recommended Best Pickleball Sets for Beginners<<

Best Wooden Pickleball Paddles

Amazin Aces Wood Pickleball Paddle

• Material: Made of 7-ply wood from maple
• Edge: None
• Handle: A padded handle with a comfortable cushioned grip for better control. Grip circumference is 4.25″.
• Wrist Strap: Yes
• Weight: 9.8 oz – 10.5 oz
• USA Pickleball Approved: No
• Price: $
• Comes as a Set: Yes, these paddles come as a set

Pros: Comes with balls, and a mesh bag

Cons: None

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Champion Sports Rhino Edge

• Material: Made of 7-ply wood
• Edge: Solid surround edging
• Handle: A padded handle that ergonomically forms to your hand, tailored with a soft cushioned 5″ grip for better control. Handle length is 4.75″.
• Safety Strap: No
• Weight: 11.0 oz – 12.2 oz
• USA Pickleball Approved: No
• Price: $$
• Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle

Pros: Has edge guard around the paddle for maximum protection

Cons: These paddles tend to be on the heavy side

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Diller Wood Paddle

• Material: Made of 7-ply hardwood
• Edge: None
• Handle: Wrapped perforated cushion grips for comfort and performance. Handle length is 5.5″. Grip circumference is 4.25″
• Safety Strap: Yes
• Weight: 9 oz – 10.6 oz
• USA Pickleball Approved: Yes
• Price: $
• Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle

Pros: These paddles aren’t quite as heavy as other wooden paddles

Cons: These paddles are a little smaller than traditional paddles (15/5″ x 7″)

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Kanga Wood Paddle

• Material: Made of 7-ply maplewood
• Edge: None
• Handle: Perforated, plush grip with ribbing. Handle length is 5.25″. Grip circumference is 4.25″
• Safety Strap: Yes
• Weight: 9 oz – 10.6 oz
• USA Pickleball Approved: No
• Price: $
• Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle

Pros: These paddles aren’t quite as heavy as other wooden paddles. Has a colorful paddle face

Cons: Not approved by USA Pickleball

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Rally Meister

• Material: Made of 7-ply honey-colored white maple
• Edge: None
• Handle: Performance moisture-wicking cushion comfort grip. Handle length is 5.25″. Grip circumference is 4.25″
• Safety Strap: Yes
• Weight: 9 oz – 10.6 oz
• USA Pickleball Approved: Yes
• Price: $
• Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle

Pros: This offers one of the better grips for a wooden paddle

Cons: None

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Swinger Wood Paddle

• Material: Made of 5-ply alternating grain hardwood
• Edge: None
• Handle: Grip circumference is 4″. Ribbed wrapped with black grip. Handle length is 4.5″
• Safety Strap: Yes
• Weight: 9.7 oz – 11 oz
• USAPA Approved: Yes
• Price: $
• Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle

Pros: Can fit smaller hands better since it has a smaller grip circumference

Cons: It is a heavier paddle

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Are Wooden Paddles Good?

Wooden pickleball paddles are durable, however, they are also heavy and technology has surpassed wood as the pickleball paddle material of choice.

If you are new to the sport and just want to give it a try, wooden paddles are a good option. If you have children who want to play, wooden paddles work well since they are more durable.

Additionally, if you want to have extra paddles for guests, or if you have a camp or club where you need a large number of pickleball paddles to share with others, wooden paddles are a good option since they are less expensive.

However, if you’re an individual who plans to play pickleball on a regular basis, we recommend you forgo a wooden paddle and start with a lighter composite or graphite paddle instead.

Pros and Cons of Wooden Pickleball Paddles

There are some pros and cons of using a wooden pickleball paddle on the court. Here are some of the things to consider before making your paddle purchase:

Pros:

• Cost: Wooden paddles tend to be less expensive
• Durable: Wood paddles are more durable, so they may last longer than a graphite or composite pickleball paddle
• Power: Wooden paddles offer more power to your shot, however, they are harder to control

Cons:

• Weight: Wooden paddles are heavier than graphite or composite paddles. Wooden paddles tend to weigh around 10 ounces or more. This could put a strain on your wrist
• Control: Wooden paddles make it more difficult to control your shot
• Technology: Modern day technology provides pickleball paddles that can help you in certain areas of your game

Other Wooden Paddle Considerations

Today’s wooden pickleball paddles come with more options than previous paddles. Some paddles have a plastic edge around the paddle similar to composite paddles.

Some wooden paddles have colored faces which make them look more like a composite paddle.

Some wood paddles have longer handles, so depending on your preference you can choose a short handle or a longer handle.

Also, the grip of the paddle has gotten better over time. Newer wooden paddles have handles that are not just grip taped over wood. Their handles feel more like a traditional paddle handle.

How Much Do Wooden Pickleball Paddles Cost?

Wooden pickleball paddles can vary in their price depending on the manufacturer. A typical wooden paddle can cost anywhere from $12 up to $25. Compare that to a composite paddle which can cost anywhere from $30 – $200.

Wooden paddles can be purchased as an individual paddle or as a set. Often times, the paddle sets may come with additional items such as paddle covers, balls or nets. Purchasing a paddle set tends to be less expensive per paddle than purchasing a paddle individually.

There you have it – wooden pickleball paddles to get you started playing pickleball! Enjoy the game!

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