The 6 Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners To Serve, Volley And Dink

If you’re looking to enjoy your time on the court and master the basics, look no further than the On Holiday Classic Paddle. It’s built with a durable fiberglass face to boost durability and a sturdy honeycomb core that makes it easier to control and place shots before focusing on sheer power.

An edge guard around the face of the paddle helps protect it against scrapes or scuffs, and the brown grip tape—a staple found on all of On Holiday’s paddles—prevents sweaty hands from dropping the paddle during intense volleys. Weighing eight ounces, it sits in a sweet spot between lighter paddles that promote control and heavier paddles that offer power. After you’ve spent a few weeks learning how to accurately place shots, you’ll have the opportunity to hit with more force before upgrading to a better paddle.

If you’ve never played pickleball and want to pick up a paddle without spending a lot on a new hobby, the PCKL Launch Series Premium Paddle is a good place to start. This paddle is sturdy and well-built, and what it lacks in power and spin, it makes up for in forgiveness. Constructed with a polypropylene honeycomb core, fiberglass face and comfort grip handle, the Launch Series is lightweight at 7.5 ounces and is ideal for anyone looking to learn. To find a paddle with such beginner-friendly qualities for less than $50 is rare, and the sticker price makes it that much easier to enjoy a new sport without the commitment.

Having played with the Vatic Pro Prism Flash before, I can say it’s a certain step-up you’re ready to upgrade to an intermediate carbon paddle after mastering the basics with cheaper paddles. With its foam edge walls, it offers remarkable ease in resetting, shot placement and finishing. Vatic goes so far as to add polyurethane inserts to enhance shock absorption and feel, striking a great balance between power and control.

With a broader face and therefore a bigger sweet spot, the Prism Flash provides controlled power even on mishits. It’s also USAPA approved and, thanks to its use of raw carbon fiber, it’s lightweight yet durable. According to Vatic, the cold-moulding approach that shapes the paddle makes it more sensitive to control and touch, which is essential for beginners and intermediate hitters alike. And at $100, it’s priced well for those who have outgrown beginner paddles and want to get to the next level.

If you’re simply looking for a paddle with a bit of pop (in terms of style), Hudef’s Viva Pro Paddle should help you stand out on the court in a more subtle manner. The raw carbon fiber face features a bright red rim for a bit of contrast, and while the design lacks any eye-catching color, raw carbon paddles are all the rage these days. As you get better, opponents will remember playing against the up-and-coming pro with the jet black paddle who serves up ruthless soft dinks from the kitchen line.

Beyond looks, the Viva Pro comes complete with a large 16.5 x 7.4-inch sweet spot and a 5.5-inch grip for plenty of control. As intimidating as it looks, remember that this is still a great paddle for beginners when all’s said and done.

If, however, a minimalist paddle isn’t really your style, consider the Classic Paddles from Nettie that feature brighter colors and designs inspired by specific locations around the world. They’re easy to use on the court and even easier on the eyes.

The Selkirk Prime Max Pickleball Bundle is a game-changer for beginners who are eager to play, learn and grow together on the court. The two Prime Max paddles boast a fiberglass face, giving the perfect balance of control, spin and power—elements that are essential for refining gameplay as you progress. What truly excites us about these paddles is their textured surface, which enhances spin consistency and ball control from the start. Powered by a 13mm core, these paddles provide the punch and responsiveness you need to step up our game. The bundle comes complete with not only two paddles, but three balls and a carrying case to boot—everything you need to get started and enjoy the game.

If you’re looking for the sweet spot between excellent balance and control—and you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks to get there—then Six Zero’s Double Black Diamond Control paddle is for you. This paddle demonstrates the trifecta of pickleball: It’s got power, balance and control, and if you’re a powerful (read: aggressive) player, this paddle will be able to keep up. The polymer honeycomb core provides plenty of pop; in fact, it may be a bit too responsive for beginners, but the large sweet spot makes up for that. There are plenty of paddles on the market that “guarantee” a blend of power and control, but in the case of the Double Black Diamond Control, this paddle actually delivers.