When you’re just getting into pickleball, one of the first questions is simple: what paddle should I start with? There are so many pickleball paddles for beginners out there that it can feel like too much at once.

Some beginner pickleball paddles are made to be more forgiving with a big sweet spot, while others are built for players who want more power right away. You’ll also find lighter paddles that help with hand speed and heavier paddles that give you extra pop on your shots.

The truth is, there isn’t one perfect paddle for every beginner. The best beginner pickleball paddles depend on your play style, your budget, and how serious you plan on getting with the game. In this guide, we’re breaking down nine paddles that give you control, comfort, and the right features to build confidence on the court.

 

What Is a Good Pickleball Paddle for Beginners?

One of the first questions new players ask is simple: what is the best beginner pickleball paddle for me? The dilemma usually comes down to things like:

• Should I go for lighter paddles for hand speed or heavier paddles for more power?
• Do I need elongated paddles for reach or standard paddles for forgiveness?
• Will a carbon fiber face give me an edge, or should I start with a fiberglass face for more control?
• Is it better to buy one paddle or beginner paddle sets that come with pickleball balls?

The best beginner pickleball paddles are the ones that give you confidence from the start. A good beginner paddle usually has a larger sweet spot, a comfortable grip size, and a paddle weight that matches your play style. Understanding the technology behind pickleball paddles and how different pickleball paddle characteristics affect performance can help you find the right paddle faster.

 

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle for Beginners

Picking your first paddle can feel confusing because there isn’t just one paddle that works for everyone. Beginners often need a balance between control and power, and the right paddle weight, paddle shape, and paddle face all play into that. The goal is to find the best beginner paddle that feels natural in your hand and matches your play style.

• Paddle weight is a big factor. Lighter paddles give you quicker hand speed and less strain, while heavier paddles provide more power on your shots. Most beginners end up choosing a middle ground, since it offers both stability and comfort during a pickleball game.
• Paddle shape also changes how a paddle plays. Standard paddles are more forgiving with a wider sweet spot, while elongated paddles add reach and swing weight but can be harder for off center hits. Players with a two handed backhand may prefer a longer handle length for better control.
• Surface material is another detail worth noting. A fiberglass face tends to offer more control, while a carbon fiber face or raw carbon fiber surface can help generate spin and more power. Hybrid paddles combine features of both, giving beginners awesome control with added pop. The thickness of the core matters too. Paddles with a thicker core often provide more control and a softer feel, while thinner cores deliver more power.
• Don’t overlook the grip size either. A grip that’s too big or too small can throw off your shots. Many beginners experiment with overgrips or grip tape until they find the perfect paddle feel.

You can also look at this pickleball paddle buying guide, which explains how details like paddle shape, core design, and surface material show up in actual play.

 

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners in 2026

With so many beginner pickleball paddles out there, it can be tough to know which one will actually help you improve. Some paddles are light and forgiving, while others bring more power or spin to your game.

The good news is, there are a few standouts that consistently perform well for new players. To make things simple, here’s a list of beginner pickleball paddles that offer a balance of control, forgiveness, and comfort.

1. Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro – A Power Paddle With Balance

The Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro is a great choice for players who want more power without giving up control. It has a polymer honeycomb core paired with a fiberglass face that creates a nice mix of pop and touch. The paddle weight sits in the midrange, making it easier to swing than heavier paddles but still powerful enough to drive shots.

Performance-wise, this paddle shines when you’re working on your baseline shots or learning to finish points at the net. The sweet spot is forgiving, so off-center hits don’t feel as punishing. For beginners looking for the best paddle that can grow with them into intermediate levels, this one fits the bill.

Best for: Players who want a beginner paddle that blends stability and power while learning how different paddle plays affect their game.

2. Paddletek Bantam TS-5 – Lightweight and Quick in Hand

If you’re looking for a lighter paddle with awesome control, the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 is one of the best beginner pickleball paddles. Its lighter paddle weight makes it easier for new players to manage long rallies and defend quick shots at the kitchen line.

The paddle face is designed for more forgiving play, giving beginners extra confidence with dinks and resets. Because it’s easier to maneuver, it’s also a good option if you’re working on a two-handed backhand or need faster hand speed at the net.

Best for: Anyone who wants a first paddle that’s easy to swing, especially players worried about fatigue from heavier paddles.

3. Franklin Signature Fiberglass with MaxGrit – Spin-Friendly Control Paddle

Franklin Signature Fiberglass stands out for its fiberglass face with MaxGrit surface material, which really helps beginners add spin to their shots. It’s one of the most paddles that balances touch and spin, making it easier to keep the ball in play while still pushing your opponents back with top-spin drives.

Its polypropylene honeycomb core softens impact, giving it a more forgiving feel compared to some expensive pickleball paddles. The grip size is comfortable for most players, and the paddle shape allows you to experiment with both control and power.

If you’re looking for a beginner paddle that introduces you to spin without being too technical, this is a perfect paddle to start with. For more on how surface texture impacts performance, check out our guide on best pickleball paddles 2025 by play style.

Best for: Beginners who want to explore spin and control early in their pickleball game.

4. Head Gravity Team EX – Wide Sweet Spot and Forgiving Feel

The Head Gravity Team EX is one of the best beginner pickleball paddles because of its wider paddle face and generous sweet spot. For new players still working on consistent contact, that extra hitting surface makes a big difference. It uses a composite face with Head’s SpinOn textured surface over a 17mm polypropylene honeycomb core, creating softer touches while still producing decent pop.

The paddle weight leans toward the mid-weight side, making it easier to handle longer rallies without arm fatigue. This paddle is also forgiving on off-center hits, giving beginners confidence when their timing isn’t perfect.

Best for: Players who want a control paddle that helps them place shots and keeps mistakes to a minimum while they build their game.

5. GRUVN The Gripper-G16 – Raw Carbon Fiber for Awesome Control

The GRUVN Gripper-G16 in Smile Blue Green has quickly become a favorite among paddles for beginners because of its raw carbon fiber face. That texture grips the ball, giving awesome control and added spin on dinks and serves.

It has a 16mm thicker core, which makes it a more forgiving paddle and helps absorb pace from your opponents’ drives. Beginners often say the combination of a carbon fiber face and polypropylene honeycomb core gives them more confidence at the net.

For a deeper breakdown of how the Gripper stacks up against other GRUVN models, check out our GRUVN pickleball paddle review.

Best for: Players who want exceptional control and spin as they develop their touch shots.

6. GRUVN The Launch-G16 – Softer Feel, More Precision

The GRUVN Launch-G16 is another strong option in the GRUVN lineup. Instead of going all‑in on spin, this paddle emphasizes precision control and a softer feel thanks to its 16 mm polypropylene honeycomb core that absorbs vibration. Its widebody paddle shape, long handle, and textured UV sandpaper graphite/carbon fiber surface give beginners confidence with resets, drop shots, and quieter play—while still offering enough pop for volleys.

It also produces less noise than many paddles, which is something new players in shared courts often appreciate. For those who don’t want their first paddle to be too lively, this is a nice middle ground.

Best for: Beginners who want a quieter, softer paddle that rewards precision over raw power.

7. GRUVN The Gripper-G16 Aqua White – Control with Added Spin

The GRUVN Gripper-G16 Aqua White keeps the same trusted control and forgiveness as the Smile Blue Green version but adds a clean, modern finish. Its raw carbon fiber face helps generate more spin, giving beginners a chance to shape their shots earlier in their pickleball game. Compared to the Launch-G16, which focuses on a softer feel, the Aqua White version leans more toward control and consistency on every swing.

With its elongated paddle shape and balanced paddle weight, it offers a large sweet spot that forgives off-center hits. The handle length also makes it a comfortable option for players still developing grip and swing mechanics.

Best for: People who want dependable control with added spin and a sleek, professional design.

8. Engage Encore Pro V2.0 Hybrid – Balanced Power and Control

The Engage Encore Pro V2.0 Hybrid blends balanced power and control with a FiberFlex fiberglass face and E1+ polymer honeycomb core (12.7 or 15.2 mm). Its hybrid shape and mid‑weight build enable decent pop, strong spin, and a soft, controlled feel. For a beginner paddle under $100 that can take you into the intermediate game, it's a solid hybrid pick.

It’s slightly heavier than standard paddles, which helps players drive the ball harder without sacrificing too much hand speed. For a beginner paddle, it feels high quality and can carry players comfortably into the intermediate level. If you want a paddle that adapts to multiple play styles, this hybrid option is a safe choice.

Best for: Players who want an all-around paddle with strong spin and steady performance.

9. Paddletek Phoenix Genesis – Lightweight and Easy to Handle

The Paddletek Phoenix Genesis stands out as a lighter paddle with quick handling. It’s ideal for new players who need faster reaction time at the net but don’t want to feel weighed down. The combination of a polypropylene honeycomb core and fiberglass paddle face makes it forgiving while still offering exceptional control for a first paddle.

This paddle is also well-suited for those with smaller hands since the grip size is comfortable and easy to manage. The design helps with off-center hits and gives confidence to beginners who are just starting to play more competitive games. If you’re looking for a perfect paddle that doesn’t overwhelm you with too much weight, the Phoenix Genesis is worth considering.

Best for: New players who want a lightweight, forgiving paddle that’s quick at the net.

 

Find the Best Beginner Pickleball Paddles and Start Playing Today

Picking the best paddle can make your pickleball game more enjoyable from the start. The best beginner pickleball paddles give you a mix of control, comfort, and the right paddle weight for your play style. For many new players, finding that only paddle that feels natural in the hand is what builds confidence on the court.

From lighter paddles that boost hand speed to more forgiving paddle shapes with a larger sweet spot, there’s a perfect paddle for every beginner. Trying different grip sizes and paddle faces can also help you figure out what feels right for your first paddle.

If you’d like to test pickleball paddles for beginners in person, you can stop by our physical store at 875 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024. It’s a great way to feel the grip size, paddle face, and overall weight before choosing the one that suits you best.

 

FAQs About Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

What is a good pickleball paddle for beginners?

A good beginner pickleball paddle is one that feels comfortable in your hand and helps with control more than raw power. Many new paddles today use a polypropylene honeycomb core paired with a fiberglass face or raw carbon fiber for more forgiving play. The sweet spot should be wide enough to reduce off-center hits, giving you more confidence in every pickleball game.

How to choose a pickleball paddle for beginners?

The first paddle you pick doesn’t need to be the most expensive. Instead, think about paddle weight, grip size, and paddle shape. Lighter paddles help with hand speed, while heavier paddles give more power. A standard paddle shape is easiest to start with, but elongated paddles can help if you want more reach. If you’re comparing paddle face materials, a fiberglass face usually gives more pop, while carbon fiber provides awesome control. For more tips on play style and picking the right paddle, check out our guide on the best pickleball paddles.

Should I get a lightweight or heavier paddle as my first paddle?

Most beginners choose lighter paddles since they’re easier to swing and quicker at the net. A heavier paddle gives more power, but it can slow down hand speed if you’re just learning. The middle ground often works best, not too heavy, not too light, so your first paddle feels balanced. If you’re unsure, you can take our pickleball paddle quiz to find the weight and style that matches your play.

Do I need a beginner set, or can I buy only one paddle?

If you’re just starting and plan to play casually with friends, a beginner set with two paddles and pickleball balls is a good choice. It saves money and lets you share a paddle for doubles play. But if you want to take the game more seriously, investing in one paddle that fits your play style, whether it’s a control paddle, hybrid paddle, or thermoformed paddle makes sense. You can browse pickleball paddle sets to get started quickly, or go for high-quality paddles as your first upgrade.