Over the years, I have introduced a lot of people to pickleball… one of the first questions I always get is “what pickleball paddle should I get?”

I always respond in the same way… try a couple of mine and see what you like. Most pickleball players have old or extra paddles they will happily let you try out. 

Then, start with a low-mid priced paddle ($50-100). What’s wrong with the cheap $19-$39 priced paddles on Amazon? From my experience, they break so quickly you’ll end up having to buy multiple of them. They also are just bad paddles to be frank… Might as well pay a bit more for a good paddle that will last.

Side note… this is for beginners who play to play on a regular basis. If you just want to play 1-2 times a year, a cheap Amazon paddle will do the trick (still might break though haha).

After you pick out your paddle, you can check out our article What (the heck) is pickleball? Everything you need to know to learn the basic rules so you’re ready to jump on the court!

Franklin Signature Composite Pickleball Paddle

Franklin is one of the top pickleball paddle brands out there. This is the paddle I recommended to all of my friends when they started playing.

The Franklin Signature Composite Pickleball Paddle was used by Ben Johns, JW Johnson and some of the other top players in the world. At only $99, this paddle will be reliable and last you a long time… for comparison, some of the other top pros use $300+ paddles. 

Price

$99.99

Used from $89.95

Colors

Black | Blue | Gold | Pink | Red/White

Description

Franklin Signature 16mm Heavyweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

This is the same paddle that the number 1 player in the world, Ben Johns, used to complete the Triple Crown in 2021 in Arizona.

Paddle Benefits

The Franklin Signature paddle features a fiberglass hitting surface and a polypropylene core. The textured hitting surface helps provide spin and reduces vibration. This paddle is USAPA approved. The traction a player can get off the fiberglass hitting surface is designed to increase control and spin rate.

This is a durable pickleball paddle with a large sweet spot. This particular model is a heavyweight model with an 7.9-8.3 oz weight range. This model also features a thicker 16mm core.

Warranty

Franklin offers a manufacturer’s limited 90-day warranty against any manufacturer’s defects. The 90 days is from the original date of purchase and is valid with an accompanying proof of purchase(i.e. receipt or order confirmation).

Features

• Free Shipping!
• Paddle Weight: 7.9 – 8.3 oz
• Paddle Face Material: Composite/Fiberglass
• Paddle Core Material: Polypropylene
• Paddle Shape: Elongated
• Paddle Length: 16 1/2″
• Paddle Width: 7 3/10″
• Grip Size: Thick – 4 1/2″
• Handle Length: Long – 5 3/5″
• Core Thickness: 16 mm
• Colorway: White/Red | Black
• Constructed with MaxGrit technology designed to dampen vibration for optimal control and precision play
• The polypropylene paddle core is built for durability and effortless shot making while the fiberglass surface layer ensures a larger sweet spot in the center of the paddle for flawless contact and increased control
• Manufacturer’s 90 Day Limited-Warranty Policy: 90 Days from the original date of purchase with accompanying proof of purchase (i.e. receipt or order confirmation).
• USAPA Approved

Shop the The Franklin Signature Composite Pickleball Paddle here.

HEAD Radical Elite Composite Pickleball Paddle

If you are coming from the tennis world, you’re familiar with the HEAD brand… Here are just a few of the top tennis stars that trust the HEAD brand: Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Matteo Berrettini, Andrey Rublev, Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz, Andy Murray, Ashleigh Barty, Martina Trevisan, Coco Gauff, Liudmila Samsonova,Bianca Andreescu, Sloane Stephens.

When HEAD broke into the pickleball paddle space, they instantly became a trusted brand. They offer high quality, affordable paddles such as the HEAD Radical Elite Composite Pickleball Paddle.

Price

$69.95

Colors

Orange

Description

HEAD Radical Elite Middleweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

One of the premier pickleball paddles for a wide range of players the HEAD Radical Elite features an enlarged sweet spot, added power and an ergo grips for ultimately playability. Updated new looks and added playability with the fiberglass composite face will have your opponents getting Radical.

Paddle Benefits

The Radical Elite will be a paddle for ultimate playability for all levels of players. From the first time on the court to the seasoned player the thick OTC Polypropylene will be added touch and forgiveness. The composite hitting face will add power paired with HEAD’s unique foam ERGO Grip will be one of the most stable paddles at the price point. 

Features

• Free Shipping!
• Paddle Weight: 8.1 oz 
• Paddle Face Material: Composite
• Paddle Core Material: OTC Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Paddle Shape: Standard
• Core Thickness: 15 mm 
• Paddle Length: 16”
• Paddle Width: 7 7/8”
• Grip Size: Thin – 4 1/8”
• Handle Length: Standard – 5”
• Colorway: Orange & Black

Shop the HEAD Radical Elite Middleweight Composite Pickleball Paddle here.

JOOLA Seneca FDS Composite Pickleball Paddle

If you’re new to pickleball, JOOLA will be one of the first brands you hear about. They are a world leader in the table tennis world…

They recently broke into the pickleball paddle space and signed Ben Johns, the number one pickleball player in the world… Since then they have taken over the pickleball world, signing many top pros including Tyson McGuffin, Collin Johns, Dekel Bar, Simone Jardim, Anna Bright, Lea Jansen, and Etta Wright.

The JOOLA Seneca is their entry level paddle that is definitely a great option for pickleball beginners.

Price

$99.95

Used from $69.95

Colors

Blue

Description

JOOLA Seneca FDS 14 Middleweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

The JOOLA Seneca FDS 14 Pickleball Paddle is the pickleball paddle you need to level up to more powerful and more accurate shots. You’ll see an immediate difference between the pop of the Seneca’s 14mm Response Polymer Honeycomb Core and that of entry-level pickleball paddles. The composite paddle face adds an additional level of control, which allows players to add spin and precision. Packed with JOOLA’s Fiberglass (Composite) Drive Surface this paddle will feature a High-performance fiberglass face that provides maximum power.

Paddle Benefits

Wanting to make the next step to adding power to your game, the Seneca FDS 14 is your answer! Lined with a powerful composite face and a 14mm core the FDS 14 will have your opponents on their heels. A power paddle paired with a standard handle and grip to fit any player. Lined with the Edge-Shield Protection, an enhanced edge guard to have your paddle lasting longer and staying on the court. The multi-layer process allows for a unique ability to control the ball with every swing. Paired with a Feel-Tec Pure Grip the Seneca FDS will be a power player’s dream paddle! 

Warranty

JOOLA warrants the paddles to be free from major defects in workmanship and materials when used for the intended purpose under normal use and conditions FOR A PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIPT ON ORIGINAL PURCHASE* in the United States and Canada. The warranty is non-transferable and only valid to the original purchaser. The warranty does not apply to replacement paddles. Registration on JOOLAUSA.com is required within 14 days of purchase to be eligible for the warranty policy. This warranty covers all manufacturer defects, missing parts, and workmanship.

Features

• Free Shipping!
• Paddle Weight: 8.1 oz
• Paddle Face Material: Fiberglass Drive Surface
• Paddle Core Material: Response Honeycomb Polymer Core
• Paddle Shape: Standard
• Core Thickness: 14 mm
• Paddle Length: 16”
• Paddle Width: 7.9”
• Grip Thickness: Standard – 4 1/4”
• Handle Length: Standard – 5”
• Colorway: Blue
• FEEL-TEC PURE GRIP – Offers a tacky feel for enhanced grip while also providing optimal comfort and increased shock absorption.
• EDGE-SHIELD PROTECTION – Comes equipped with enhanced edge guard protection to help strengthen the solidity of the paddle core and help keep the surface from delaminating.
• MULTI-LAYER PROCESS – An unique, strategic design combining multiple layers of carbon, allowing for maximum control and touch.
• JOOLA warrants the paddles to be free from major defects in workmanship and materials when used for the intended purpose under normal use and conditions for 6 months!
• USAP Approved!

Shop the JOOLA Seneca FDS Composite Pickleball Paddle here.

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle

We can’t leave out the Paddletek Bantam when writing about the top pickleball paddles for beginners… 

This paddle is still a mystery to me… Anna Leigh Waters, the number #1 female player in the world, started as a beginner with this paddle and is still using it today. 

Price

$99.99

Used from $69.95

Colors

Aurora | Barium | Horizon | Riptide | Wildfire

Description

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle

The Bantam TS-5 is advertised to swing light and hit it hard.

Paddle Benefits

Swing light, and bring not a light version of power. The Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle will be light enough for any player while giving you the power need to finish every point. The Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle is a lighter version of the EX-L! The reduced weight of the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle with the classic Bantam PolyCore gives you the power needed for any shot along with the maneuverability and feel of the soft-touch paddles. The Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle is an unmatched high-performance pickleball paddle for its weight class.

Warranty

Paddletek has you covered and offers a Limited Lifetime Manufacturer’s guarantee on this paddle. This guarantee protects against manufacturer defects. To activate, coverage, customers must register their paddles within 14 days of purchase at paddletek.com. If you get this paddle and experience any structural or performance trouble on it, be sure and let the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles know your experience. The Paddle Experts are trained in product knowledge and will be happy to get you the information for starting a warranty claim with Paddletek.

Features

• Free Shipping!
• Paddle Weight: 7 – 7.5 oz
• Paddle Face Material: Textured Fiberglass Epoxy Hybrid
• Paddle Core Material: High Grade Polymer Composite Honeycomb
• Paddle Shape: Standard
• Paddle Length: 15 5/8″
• Paddle Width: 7 3/4″
• Grip Size: Standard – 4 1/4″
• Handle Length: Standard – 5″
• Core Thickness: 14.2875 mm
• Colorway: Aurora | Barium | Horizon | Riptide | Wildfire
• The Bantam TS-5 is a lighter version of the EX-L
• The power expect with the Bantam series, plus increased speed, control and maneuverability
• Manufacturer’s limited lifetime performance guarantee that protects against manufacturer defects. To activate coverage, customers must register their paddles within 14 days of purchase at paddletek.com. The performance guarantee applies only to the original owner and cannot be transferred after registration.
• USAPA Approved

Shop the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle here.

Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle

In honor of my first paddle, and it being highly ranked across all paddle sites, the Z5 is definitely one of our top recommended pickleball paddle for beginners…

Price

$89.99

Colors

Black | Blue | Green | Pink | Red | White | Yellow

Description: 

Onix Z5 Mod Middleweight Graphite Pickleball Paddle

The Onix Z5 Mod is the most popular Onix paddle and provides great touch and ball control!

Paddle Benefits

The combination of the graphite face and the Nomex core help provide the pickleball paddle with terrific feel on the ball. The middleweight design helps give the paddle an easy swing and helps provide both speed and power. The wide body shape makes this paddle a terrific option for any player at any level.

If you are a player looking for ball and control and middleweight design, the Z5 Mod is as good as any paddle.

Warranty

Onix is kind enough to extend a one-year manufacturer’s warranty period on this paddle. This warranty is for workmanship and manufacturer defects. If you get this paddle and experience any structural or performance trouble on it within a year from the purchase date, be sure and let the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles know your experience. The Paddle Experts are trained in product knowledge and will be happy to get you the information for starting a warranty claim with Onix

Features:

• Free Shipping!
• Paddle Weight: 7.5 – 8.2 oz
• Paddle Face Material:Graphite
• Paddle Core Material: Nomex
• Paddle Shape: Wide Body
• Paddle Length: 15 1/2″
• Paddle Width: 8 3/10″
• Grip Size: Standard – 4 1/4″
• Handle Length: Standard – 5″
• Colorway: Black | Blue | Green | Pink | Red | White | Yellow
• Most popular pickleball paddle in the Onix line
• Excellent touch paddle for superior ball control
• Manufacturers 1 year warranty for workmanship and manufacturer defects
• USAPA Approved

Shop the Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle here.