The best pickleball paddles to start with: what to look for and what to avoid
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Your first paddle doesn't have to be the best on the market. It has to be comfortable, light and easy to control so you learn without tiring your arm. This is what to look at.
What really matters when starting
- Weight between 200 and 250 g (7 to 8.8 oz). A light paddle handles better and tires less in a long match. Heavy ones give power, but are harder to control.
- Fiberglass face. It forgives off-center hits more and is the usual one in beginner paddles. Carbon gives more control, but it's stiffer and more expensive, and it pays off when you already play often.
- Polypropylene honeycomb core. It's the standard. A thickness of 13 to 16 mm (0.5 to 0.63 in) covers almost all cases.
- Standard size. USA Pickleball rules limit the length and width of the paddle; normal paddles fit with room to spare. About 40 × 20 cm (15.7 × 7.9 in) is a typical measurement.
- Non-slip grip of a thickness that feels comfortable. If the handle is too big or too small for you, you play worse.
What to avoid
- Very heavy wooden paddles. They're cheap, but they tire you and you play worse with them.
- Paddles with no data. If it doesn't say the weight, the material or the dimensions, you don't know what you're buying.
- Promises of "professional" power or spin in a beginner paddle. You don't need them yet.
If you're going to play tournaments
Each organization requires approved paddles. Before buying, check that the specific model is on the competition's list. To play for fun with friends it isn't needed.
A paddle or a set
If you're going to play with another person, a set of two paddles with a bag and balls usually works out better than buying everything separately. We explain it in is a paddle set worth it?.
An example to start with
As a concrete example: the ACE LED light-up paddle: translucent fiberglass face with a honeycomb core, 39.6 × 20 cm (15.6 × 7.9 in), 11 mm thick and about 238 g (8.4 oz), with an LED light strip all around the edge (20 modes, USB-C charging). The bag and balls are free: 1-paddle and 2-paddle versions. It's a recreational paddle: it's not on the USA Pickleball list, so it's not for official tournaments.
Frequently asked questions
What pickleball paddle is best for a beginner?
A light one, of about 200 to 250 grams, with a fiberglass face and a thickness of 13 to 16 mm. It's easier to control and forgives mistakes more.
Do you need to spend a lot on the first paddle?
No. At first you won't notice the difference from an expensive paddle. When you know what you're missing, you'll choose another with more judgment.
Can the same paddle be used by a lefty?
Yes. Pickleball paddles are symmetrical and work for right- and left-handed players.
