Pickleball University
April 29,2022
The Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
Pickleball is quickly gaining popularity in the US, with more than a million players joining the sport every year. There’s a lot of competition among manufacturers to offer the best pickleball paddles to accommodate the rising demand.
With so many options in the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed as a beginner. Every paddle has some unique qualities; the challenge is knowing how to choose the right one for you.
Pickleball paddles vary in design, quality, and price. Knowing the qualities of a paddle will equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the most suitable one.
Read on to get a feel of the best pickleball paddles for beginners in the market.
With so many options in the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed as a beginner. Every paddle has some unique qualities; the challenge is knowing how to choose the right one for you.
Pickleball paddles vary in design, quality, and price. Knowing the qualities of a paddle will equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the most suitable one.
Read on to get a feel of the best pickleball paddles for beginners in the market.
“To create an extraordinary new pickleball experience for novice and pro alike”
What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying a Pickleball Paddle?
As a beginner, the goal is to enhance your skills. It's therefore essential to select a paddle that is comfortable enough for a gentle introduction and strong enough to improve your gameplay over time.
When choosing a pickleball paddle, there are essential aspects to consider, such as:
Weight of the Pickleball Paddle
The paddle's weight directly affects your gameplay, as it determines your speed and swing. Most paddles available are either;
Light-weight: 6.7 to 7 ounces
Lightweight paddles are most appropriate for beginners and those with medical issues affecting the wrist or arm. It provides more control and is easy to maneuver.
Mid-weight: around 7.5 ounces
Most players are comfortable with mid-weight paddles because they offer well-balanced power and control.
Heavy-weight: 8.3 to 8.5 ounces
Heavy-weight paddles are most appropriate for strong people. Although their power is excellent, they have less control and can hurt the wrist or arm after prolonged use.
Material of the Pickleball Paddle
Light-weight: 6.7 to 7 ounces
Lightweight paddles are most appropriate for beginners and those with medical issues affecting the wrist or arm. It provides more control and is easy to maneuver.
Mid-weight: around 7.5 ounces
Most players are comfortable with mid-weight paddles because they offer well-balanced power and control.
Heavy-weight: 8.3 to 8.5 ounces
Heavy-weight paddles are most appropriate for strong people. Although their power is excellent, they have less control and can hurt the wrist or arm after prolonged use.
Material of the Pickleball Paddle
Pickleball paddles have different core and facing materials. The inner part or core provides stability and determines the weight and shape, while the honeycomb pattern keeps the weight light.
The outer part or facing touches the ball and can either be aluminum, Nomex, or polymer. Nomex paddles provide enough control but less power and are loud.
Polymer paddles are softer, quieter, and provide more power but less control. Aluminum paddles are dense and offer less power but excellent control.
The facing material is carbon fiber, fiberglass, or graphite. Fiberglass is the most common and ensures the most power. Although graphite is durable, it offers medium control and less force.
Carbon fiber is tough, durable, and provides excellent control and significant power.
Grip of the Pickleball Paddle
The outer part or facing touches the ball and can either be aluminum, Nomex, or polymer. Nomex paddles provide enough control but less power and are loud.
Polymer paddles are softer, quieter, and provide more power but less control. Aluminum paddles are dense and offer less power but excellent control.
The facing material is carbon fiber, fiberglass, or graphite. Fiberglass is the most common and ensures the most power. Although graphite is durable, it offers medium control and less force.
Carbon fiber is tough, durable, and provides excellent control and significant power.
Grip of the Pickleball Paddle
Pickleball paddles differ in thickness and circumference, and the suitable rim depends on your hand size. If you have a large hand, you will need a larger circumference and vice versa.
Using the wrong paddle circumference will make it difficult to grasp and control. The best way to determine the appropriate grip size is through your height. If you’re about 5ft. 2 inches, try the small grip size (4 inches).
If you’re between 5 ft.2 inches and 5ft. 8 inches, a medium grip size (4 ¼ inches) is most appropriate. Those taller than 5ft. 9 inches should use the large grip size (4 ½ inches).
Edge Guard
Using the wrong paddle circumference will make it difficult to grasp and control. The best way to determine the appropriate grip size is through your height. If you’re about 5ft. 2 inches, try the small grip size (4 inches).
If you’re between 5 ft.2 inches and 5ft. 8 inches, a medium grip size (4 ¼ inches) is most appropriate. Those taller than 5ft. 9 inches should use the large grip size (4 ½ inches).
Edge Guard
An edge guard is optional, so it depends on your preference. It protects your paddle if you drop it during the game. The main downside is that it occupies the surface area that comes into contact with the ball.
Although edgeless paddles have protective tape, it's less effective than the edge guard.
Although edgeless paddles have protective tape, it's less effective than the edge guard.
What’s Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners from Niupipo?