If you’re brand new to pickleball, you don’t need to blow your entire budget to find a solid paddle. Case in point: This affordable pick from MTEN that’s ideal for beginner players. The wide-body shape provides an ample sweet spot, the honeycomb core offers good ball control, and the midweight design helps ease newbies into the game without overloading their arms. Shoppers appreciate the bold color combinations and how this paddle feels in their hands. Another bonus: It’s also USAPA-approved.
- Weight: 7.78 to 7.8 oz. | Shape: Wide-body | Surface Material: Fiberglass
3. Best Paddle Set: Selkirk Latitude
Pros: Affordable, has everything you need to get started, USAPA-approved
Cons: Some reviewers say balls aren’t durable
One big perk of pickleball is that it’s a really social sport, which is why it never hurts to have an extra paddle on hand. That way, you can “bring other people to the court without having to tell them to go and buy something,” Landon Uetz, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and certified pickleball coach in Arizona, tells SELF. With this popular, affordable bundle, you can snag two paddles—plus three balls and a drawstring bag to haul everything around—for under $100. These essentials are USAPA-approved, designed for all skill levels, and crafted by well-known brand Selkirk.
- Weight: 6.9 to 7.5 oz. | Shape: Wide-body | Surface Material: Graphite
4. Most Durable: Onix Z5 Graphite
Pros: Lots of colors to choose from, USAPA-approved
Cons: Some reviewers say the handle is too thin
The Onix Z5 is a well-crafted, quality pick—and it was the first paddle Uetz used when he started playing pickleball. “It lasted me for a couple years playing recreationally,” he says. Ping pong players may find this option especially appealing, as the flared, wooden handle resembles the shape of a table tennis racquet. It’s USAPA-approved, comes in 13 different colors, and has that familiar, wide-body shape.
- Weight: 7.5 to 8.2 oz. | Shape: Wide-body | Surface Material: Graphite
5. Best Lightweight: Paddletek Bantam TS-5
Pros: USAPA-approved, comes in six weights
Cons: Pricier than other picks, some reviewers report durability issues
Coughlin’s other paddle of choice is the USAPA-approved Paddletek Bantam TS-5, which is crafted with a honeycomb core for good ball control. It’s available in six different weights (ranging in increments of 0.1 oz), so you can find the perfect heft for your hands. Amazon reviewers love how the lightweight design allows them to make precise shots and play long games without fatiguing.
- Weight: 7 to 7.5 oz. | Shape: Wide-body | Surface Material: Fiberglass epoxy
6. Best for Beginners: Joola Essential Pickleball Paddle
Pros: Approachable price, sleek design, also sold in a set
Cons: Some players report that the handle is too thin
