Are you just starting out and looking for a good pickleball paddle for beginners? If so, we understand that you probably want a decent paddle but may not be ready to spend a lot of money.
This Versix Pickleball Paddle is a reliable pick, however, there are several other top-rated beginner options that we’ve reviewed for you below.
With the rapid growth of pickleball, there are so many new paddles being launched that the choices can be overwhelming. In our honest opinion, if you are a beginner, those may not be the best options since you end up paying for features that you probably don’t need when just starting out.
So to help you narrow down your choices, we’ve come up with a list of top beginner picks along with detailed reviews to help find the paddle that best fits your playing style and budget.
Selkirk Amped Invikta Pro Air
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 7.8-8.2 oz |
Paddle Face Material | FiberFlex+ Fiberglass |
Paddle Core Material | X5+ Honeycomb, FlexFoam Perimeter |
Paddle Shape | Elongated |
Paddle Length | 16.5” |
Paddle Width | 7.5” |
Grip Size | 4 1/4 |
Handle Length | 5” |
View at Pickleball Central with discount code PORTAL10
Upside
- Balanced power/control
- Attractive design
- Easy spin potential
- Comfortable grip
- Large sweet spot
Downside
- Quick grit wear
- Slightly harsh feedback
- Durability concerns
- Higher price point
The Selkirk Amped Pro Air is one of those paddles that gives you a nice blend of power and control, which I found refreshing after using their Power Air model that was almost too focused on power. It’s got that all-court versatility, but if you’re like me and appreciate a bit more stability, adding some lead tape to the edges helps with that. The paddle looks sharp too, and while aesthetics aren’t everything, it definitely catches the eye.
From what I’ve seen online, the paddle’s ProSpin+ texture and FlexFoam perimeter are designed to give you great spin and comfort. That said, some folks have pointed out that the grit on the face wears down quicker than they’d like, which is something to consider if you’re playing a lot. Durability can be a bit of a question mark compared to raw carbon-faced paddles, but the paddle does offer a nice mix of power and control, especially if you like to play aggressively at the net.
If you’re thinking about the $180 price tag, I’d say it’s worth looking at other options like the Diadem Icon or Franklin FS Tour if you want something similar but maybe a little easier on the budget. The Amped Pro Air is definitely a solid choice for players who want to balance offense and defense, but it’s always good to weigh those long-term durability concerns if you’re playing frequently(WearTesters)(Pickleball Central)(Pickleball Union)(Pickle Madness).
Read our in-depth Selkirk Amped Pro Air review.
Diadem Hush
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 8.15 oz |
Paddle Face Material | eTPU Face |
Paddle Core Thickness | 14 mm |
Paddle Shape | Elongated |
Paddle Length | 16.4” |
Paddle Width | 7.5” |
Grip Thickness | 4 1/8″ |
Handle Length | Long – 5.7″ |
View the Diadem Hush at JustPaddles
Upside
- Very quiet
- Good spin potential
- Strong power
- Quick net play
- Cushions soft shots
- Even weight balance
- USAPA Quiet Approved
Downside
- Slight click noise
- Steep learning curve
- Not USAPA tournament approved
- Unpredictable trampoline effect
- Higher price point
When I first started playing with the Diadem Hush, I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since it’s marketed as a quiet paddle. But after giving it some time, it really grew on me. The eTPU foam face helps reduce noise, and it does a great job cushioning the ball during softer shots, like dinks. The paddle is surprisingly powerful when needed, especially with serves and drives, although you can hear a slight click when you swing hard. Even so, it’s much quieter than most paddles, which makes it perfect for those playing in noise-sensitive areas.
As for the playability, the Hush handles spin well thanks to the textured surface, which adds control without taking away from speed. I also checked out what JustPaddles had to say, and they mentioned that the noise reduction is around 40% compared to typical paddles (Justpaddles.com). Overall, it’s not just for quiet play—it performs well across the board once you adjust to its unique feel.
Read our in-depth Diadem Hush review.
A11N Zenith Pro Spin
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 8.48 ounces |
Paddle Face Material | Carbon Fiber Face |
Paddle Core Material | Polymer honeycomb core |
Paddle Shape | Elongated |
Paddle Length | 16.5″ |
7.38″W | 7.38″ |
Handle Length | 4 1/3 inches |
Upside
- Large sweet spot
- Solid power output
- Rough texture for spin
- Good price point
- Foam-injected edge
- Balanced performance
- Thermoformed unibody
- Comfortable grip
Downside
- Head-heavy feel
- Surface wear over time
- Bulky at the net
- Spin fades with use
- Limited finesse
The A11N Zenith C7 is one of those paddles that caught me off guard with how much value it offers for the price. You’re getting a solid 16mm core with a 3K woven carbon fiber face, which adds some nice flex and pop to your shots. At first, I noticed it felt a bit head-heavy, which threw me off at the net, but after a few games, I got used to it. The large sweet spot and solid feedback make it great for both defense and offense. At $99.99, it’s really hard to beat this paddle for what you’re getting.
I looked around, and a lot of people are echoing the same points. The rough texture on the surface gives a nice spin, especially on backhand slices, but the texture wears down over time, so it might lose some of that initial sharpness. That said, it still generates enough spin for most players. A few folks also mentioned the foam-injected edge, which helps with control and durability (Beer League Pickleball). Overall, this paddle holds its own, especially for players looking for something reliable without spending too much.
Read our in-depth A11N Zenith C7 review.
Six Zero Quartz
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 8.0 oz |
Paddle Face Material | Raw Carbon Fiber |
Paddle Core Material | Premium Honeycomb Polymer Core |
Paddle Core Thickness | 0.59″ / 15mm |
Paddle Length | 16” / 405mm |
Paddle Width | 7.9” / 200mm |
Handle Lenght | 5″ / 127mm |
Swing Weight | 104 |
Twist Weight | 6.46 |
View at SixZero with discount code NITESH for $81
Upside
- Affordable price
- Large sweet spot
- Excellent spin
- Lightweight feel
- Variety of colors
- Durable construction
- Control-oriented
- Forgiving design
Downside
- Limited power
- Short handle length
- Not ideal for two-handed backhand
- Warranty limitations
- Smaller sweet spot than competitors
The Six Zero Quartz paddle really hits that spot between performance and price, especially if you’re newer to the game or just don’t want to spend $200+ on a paddle. I’ve had a chance to play around with it, and for things like soft shots and dinks, the control is honestly great. The sweet spot feels forgiving, which is nice if you’re trying to avoid those frustrating mishits. Plus, it has enough spin to keep things interesting, even though it’s not exactly a power paddle.
One thing to note is the fun color options they offer, which makes it a bit more unique compared to other paddles in this price range. It might not have all the power that some higher-end paddles do, but for what it is—and for under $90—you’re getting solid value. I’ve also seen reviews mention that if you need more power or customization, paddles like the Vatic Pro Prism might be better suited, but for most players, the Quartz holds its own pretty well(Pickleball Effect). It’s definitely one I’d recommend for newer players or those who just want a solid paddle without the hefty price tag.
Read our in-depth Six Zero Quartz review.
Yalla Diamond
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 8.0-8.3 oz |
Paddle Face Material | T-300 Raw Carbon Fiber w/ Proprietary Friction Finish |
Paddle Core Material | Custom Honeycomb Core |
Paddle Shape | Elongated |
Paddle Length | 16.5” |
Paddle Width | 7.5” |
Grip Size | 4.5” |
Handle Length | 5.5” |
Upside
- Balanced weight
- Good power generation
- Decent spin (1700 RPM)
- Durable build quality
- Affordable price
- Includes accessories (overgrips, lead tape)
- Great for beginners
Downside
- Slightly heavy for smaller players
- Not USAPA-approved yet
- Spin lower than high-end paddles
- Limited for advanced players
The Diamond by Yalla Athletics really impressed me for its price. It has a solid, balanced feel and offers both power and control, making it perfect for beginner to intermediate players. The paddle weighs around 8.21 oz, which gives it a bit of heft without feeling too heavy, though some of the smaller players I know mentioned it felt a little weighty. The spin generation is decent—around 1700 RPM—so it’s not the top-tier spin paddle, but for the price, it’s plenty for most recreational players.
What sets this paddle apart is the value. For $69.99, you not only get the paddle but also extras like overgrips, lead tape, and a paddle eraser. That’s a pretty sweet deal compared to other paddles in this price range. While it’s not yet USAPA-approved, Yalla says they’re working on that and expect approval within the year. Overall, it’s a great option for those looking to upgrade from the typical Amazon paddle without breaking the bank, and the durability makes it feel like it’ll last a while.
Read our in-depth Diamond Yalla review.
PIKKL Vantage Pro
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 8.4 oz |
Thickness | 16mm |
Paddle Face Material | Multiweave Raw Carbon Fiber |
Paddle Core Material | Polypropylene Hex-Core Honeycomb |
Paddle Shape | Elongated |
Paddle Length | 16 1/4” |
Paddle Width | 7 1/2” |
Grip Size | 4 1/4” |
Handle Length | 5.35” |
View at JustPaddles with discount code PORTAL
Upside
- Great control
- Powerful serves
- Large sweet spot
- Effective spin
- Comfortable feel
Downside
- Head-heavy
- Moderate weight
- Limited spin durability
The PIKKL Vantage Pro has been getting a lot of attention lately. It has two versions: the 16mm and 14mm, and it’s easy to see why pro Gabe Tardio uses this paddle. The Generation 2 thermoforming gives it plenty of power and a generous sweet spot, making it really forgiving. The Raw Carbon Fiber Face offers a soft feel and lots of dwell time, which is great for spin. I tested the 16mm version, which weighs 8.4 ounces, and found it super consistent and accurate with all kinds of shots. The power is impressive, with serving speeds averaging around 49.6mph, and the spin is fantastic thanks to the carbon fiber face that grips the ball well.
The feedback is really comfortable, with a soft, plush feel, and the sweet spot is large and easy to hit. I love the clean design, and it comes in a bunch of colors like black, red, bright green, pink, and blue. This all-court paddle works great for players of all levels, from beginners to pros, and can be easily customized to fit anyone’s preferences. Overall, the Vantage Pro is an awesome paddle at a reasonable price.
Read our in-depth PIKKL Vantage Pro review.
Gamma Obsidian 16
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 7.8 oz |
Paddle Face Material | Raw Carbon Fiber |
Paddle Core Material | Sensa Core Honeycomb |
Paddle Shape | Elongated w/ Tapered Edge |
Paddle Length | 16-3/8 in. |
Paddle Width | 7-3/8 in. |
Grip Size | 4-1/8 in. |
Handle Length | 5-3/4 in. |
View at JustPaddles with discount code PORTAL
Upside
- Excellent control and consistency.
- Good for finesse and soft game strategies.
- Lightweight, allowing for customization.
- High spin potential.
- Comfortable grip and good for two-handed backhands.
Downside
- Lacks the pop some players prefer.
- Might be too soft for advanced players seeking more power.
The Gamma Obsidian 16 is an excellent choice for players who value finesse and control in their game, especially for those who enjoy a soft play style, setting up points with precision. It’s a bit too soft for my personal taste, as I usually prefer paddles with a bit more pop. However, its control, consistency, and the ability to execute drops, dinks, and resets seamlessly make it a solid option. For players like me, who seek more power, Gamma offers a 13mm version. The paddle is well-designed, lightweight, and offers great spin potential, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate players focusing on improving their game control. Advanced players might find it too soft, favoring the Obsidian 13 for extra power.
Read our in-depth Gamma Obsidian 16 review.
Versix Pro 6c
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 8.0 ounces |
Paddle Face Material | Carbon Fiber with Peel Ply Texture + Wear Prevention Coating |
Paddle Core Material | Polypropylene Honeycomb |
Paddle Shape | Standard |
Paddle Length | 15.6″ |
Paddle Width | 8.2″ |
Grip Thickness | 4 1/8″ |
Handle Length | 5″ |
Upside
- Affordable price of $84.
- Textured surface enhances ball spin for slicing and topspin.
- Natural feel and precise shot placements provide excellent control.
- Forgiving nature with a large sweet spot and effective dampening.
- Surprisingly easy to maneuver despite its 8-ounce weight.
- Decent power from the back baseline.
- Well-balanced swing weight aids in quick movements and positioning.
Downside
- Minor texture inconsistencies on the left side.
- Not solely focused on power, may not suit power players exclusively.
At an affordable price of $84, the Versix Pro 6c pickleball paddle may seem geared towards beginners, but its performance exceeds expectations. The textured surface enhances ball spin, allowing for easy slicing and topspin generation. While some minor texture inconsistencies are present on the left side, they have little impact on gameplay unless you consistently mis-hit. Transitioning to this paddle feels natural and it gives you consistent feedback, making it an ideal choice for beginners seeking control. Its forgiving nature and large sweet spot, coupled with effective dampening, result in minimal vibrations even on off-center hits. Surprisingly easy to maneuver despite its 8-ounce weight, the Versix Pro 6c allows players to stay in control during intense matches. While it may not focus solely on power, it still offers a decent amount of force from the back baseline. The well-balanced swing weight enables quick movements and easy positioning during volley battles near the net.
Read our in-depth Versix review.
Diadem Icon 12mm
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 7.7 (+/-0.20) oz |
Paddle Face Material | Carbon Fiber |
Paddle Core Material | Polypropylene |
Paddle Shape | Standard |
Paddle Length | 16” |
Paddle Width | 7 3/4” |
Grip Size | 4 1/4” |
Handle Length | 5” |
Upside
- Sufficient power and control
- Advantageous for counters and firefights
- Elongated allowing for good reach
- Unique 3 piece edge guard
Downside
- Not as reactive and poppy as many 12mm paddles
- Thin core sacrifices some control
Diadem is no stranger to the pickleball and tennis world. I found the Diadem Icon to be very unique, from it’s “Spin RP” polyurethane coating on the face to its three piece replaceable edge guard. After getting used to the feel and responsiveness of the paddle, I found the Icon to be quite forgiving and very well rounded in terms of power and control. My intermediate students loved this paddle.
The Icon was consistently generating spin at around 1400 RPM. Power was decent, not great. For a thin core paddle I was surprised at the amount of control and feel I had with the Icon. For $100, I would say this is an exceptional paddle for beginner to intermediate players that want to transition into a more well rounded paddle that isn’t too sensitive, but can get the job done and have a little fun with.
Read our in-depth Diadem Icon review.
Selkirk Evo Control Max 2.0
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 7.6 – 8.1 oz |
Paddle Face Material | G8-Flex Carbon Fiber |
Paddle Core Material | Rev-Control Polymer Core |
Paddle Shape | Standard |
Paddle Length | 16” |
Paddle Width | 7.85” |
Grip Size | 4 1/4” |
Handle Length | 4.85” |
Upside
- Affordable price compared to similar paddles.
- Gritty and textured surface for enhanced ball control.
- Polymer core minimizes noise during gameplay.
- Soft feel prioritizes precision and finesse.
- Good performance in the soft game.
- Wider sweet spot for more forgiveness.
Downside
- Possible grip defect.
- Moderate power compared to high-end paddles.
- Acceptable swing weight, but may be bothersome for smaller players.
The Selkirk Evo Control Max 2.0 pickleball paddle is an innovative addition to the Selkirk paddle lineup, designed to provide exceptional control and precision. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Evo Control Max, this new version incorporates a few new features. One of the key highlights of the Selkirk Evo Control Max 2.0 is its construction. The paddle is crafted using a high-quality polypropylene honeycomb core, known for its durability and responsiveness. This core is combined with a G8 Flex Face, which enhances the paddle’s feel and responsiveness while maintaining ball control.
While Selkirk is renowned for its superior craftsmanship, I encountered an issue with the grip on my paddle, where the tape shifted during swings. However, this seems to be an isolated defect as I’ve never encountered it with any other Selkirk paddle. With a price of $100, I was curious about how they achieved such affordability, and upon closer examination, I noticed disparities in component quality compared to higher-priced alternatives (see full review for details). In terms of design, the Selkirk Evo Control Max 2.0 showcases a sleek and modern look. It sports a vibrant and eye-catching graphic design on the face, no doubt.
Read our in-depth Selkirk Evo Control Max 2.0 review.
Prince Response Pro
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 7.8 – 8.3 oz |
Paddle Face Material | Fiberglass with Textured UV Coating |
Paddle Core Material | Polypropylene Honeycomb |
Paddle Shape | Round |
Paddle Length | 15 3/4″ |
Paddle Width | 8 1/4″ |
Grip Size | 4 3/8″ standard & 4 1/8″ thin |
Handle Length | 4.85” |
Upside
- Massive sweet-spot
- Unlimited forgiveness
- Fairly powerful
- Has game in the kitchen
- Easy to handle and get used to
Downside
- The lighter version is harder to control
- The grip has a boxy feel, but you can add more tape to offset
If you haven’t heard of Prince, then you haven’t heard of racquet sports. They’ve been around since the 70s. This gives them such an advantage and insight into what consumers really care about. They were the first to create a sweet-spot so big on a tennis racket, that they were able to get a patent on it… Full circle, this is ironic because the Response Pro undoubtedly has an oversized sweet-spot, which is one of the reasons why the pros use it. There’s also a few different weight options depending on your playing style, but for almost everyone I would recommend the middleweight option with a standard grip. Maybe go with the lighter option if you never plan on hitting the ball hard and only play doubles.
The thick polymer core makes the Response Pro a lot more plush than I would normally expect with a fiberglass face. Usually, I will look for a graphite material on the surface if I plan on hanging out in the kitchen, but the Response Pro soft game is actually one of the significant advantages to this paddle. The long handle allows for two-handed backhands, if you want to be like Anna Leigh Waters. And if Simone Jardim can achieve a historic triple crown victory with the Response Pro, I think that makes it a safe purchase. Also plenty of colors to choose from if you want to make it fun.
Read our in-depth Response Pro review.
Selkirk Omega Max
Specs | Description |
---|---|
Paddle Weight | 7.8 – 8.2 oz. |
Paddle Face Material | GC9-Flex Dual Carbon |
Paddle Core Material | Rev-Core+ Polymer Core |
Paddle Shape | Standard |
Paddle Length | 16” |
Paddle Width | 7.85” |
Grip Size | 4 1/4″ |
Handle Length | 4.85” |
Upside
- Decent Power
- Exceptional spin
- Good Build Quality
- Long-lasting
Downside
- Small sweet-spot
- Too low swing-weight
- Hard to control
- Inconsistent feel
Selkirk consistently excels in terms of build quality, and I must commend them for it. After hitting the ball over 300 times, my arm is sore, but I can confidently say that the paddle feels exceptionally well-made. It boasts a sturdy finish that shows no signs of wear despite several intense hitting sessions. Notably, the coating is impressively tough, although the edgeless design of the rim could benefit from tape for added protection. Nonetheless, the paddle remains blemish-free, allowing me to maintain a consistent feel and apply significant spin.
The paddle initially gives a positive impression with its lightweight and maneuverable design. However, during testing, I found that the paddle lacks some functionality despite its fashionable appearance. The low swing-weight and head-light balance can cause the paddle to move upon ball impact, resulting in reduced responsiveness and power. On the bright side, the paddle’s aerodynamic design provides a comfortable and less fatiguing experience for the hands and wrist.
One noticeable aspect of the paddle is its louder sound, which may or may not be a concern depending on personal preference. I think this is a phenomenal bargain if you naturally have good hand eye coordination and want a paddle that is resistant to your emotions on the court. To counterbalance the low swing weight, I recommend adding heavy tape to enhance its overall performance. If you’re willing to invest an extra $30, I suggest considering the Joola Vision, as it may provide a better value for your money.
Read our in-depth Omega Max review.
Expect more reviews to show up here on an on-going basis.
Things for beginners to consider
Price
All of the beginner paddles reviewed here fall somewhere in the “mid-range” of the price spectrum. Currently, pickleball paddles sell for anywhere between $10 to over $150. The options on our list are not the latest and greatest paddles but they are also not the cheapest pickleball paddles either. This list is somewhere between those two extremes.
So, if you are planning to play pickleball somewhat regularly, looking for a paddle you can play with as you improve …you want a quality paddle but not necessarily top of the line… this list is perfect for you, please keep reading below.
However, if you are just trying out pickleball for the first time and you’re not even sure you will be playing long term…and just looking for a cheap paddle click here to see a list specifically with a low budget in mind ($30 and under) for people that just need an affordable paddle.
Material
Since this list is for beginners, we’ve left off all the cutting edge paddle tech. Pickleball brands continue to push the limits of what they can offer, some of the high-end paddles use aircraft-grade composites, specially textured faces and vibration canceling cores.
All of these features can have benefits for advanced players but we don’t really think you need a lot of expensive bells and whistles. If you are still working on getting the ball over the net, you probably don’t need “liquid graphite” to increase your topspin…
Edge Guard
All of these paddles have a protective guard around the edge, it protects the paddle from normal wear & tear, not so you can slam it on the ground! Often times players accidentally scrap their paddle on the ground when returning shots.
We don’t generally recommend edgeless paddles to beginners, but if you want to find out more about the design, check out this article.
Weight
The #1 most important buying factor in this range is the weight.
Heavier paddles give you extra power, that will add a boost to your shots – especially long drives from the baseline and your serve.
Lighter paddles are easier to control and maneuver which helps when you are playing at the net, “dinking” and playing the slow game up at the kitchen.
If you do not have any injuries, especially tennis elbow or arthritis, you should be able to handle a heavier paddle. But if you do have any of the issues mentioned above – go for a mid-weight paddle (somewhere in the 7.3 to 8.4 oz range).
Grip Size
It’s also important to select a grip that fits your hand size. We’ve listed the grip size of each paddle. When in doubt between two sizes, get the smaller of the two. Here is the quick and easy way to determine grip size just based on your height. If you’re looking for a more detailed guide to buying your first paddle and other factors to consider, please see our Complete Pickleball Paddle Buyers Guide.
Height | Grip Size (inches) | Grip Size |
---|---|---|
Under 5’2″ | 4 inches | Small |
5’3″ to 5’8″ | 4 1/4 inches | Medium |
5’9″ & taller | 4 1/2 inches | Large |
GRIP SIZE. Wish you included recommendations for beginner paddles for those of us with large grips (mine is 4.75″).