What Makes a Paddle "Beginner-Friendly"?
Beginners need three things from a paddle: a large sweet spot (forgiveness on off-center hits), moderate weight (7.5-8.2 oz — light enough to maneuver, heavy enough for power), and good control (a polypropylene core that dampens hard shots). Advanced paddles prioritize power and spin at the expense of forgiveness — exactly backwards for new players.
We tested these paddles with 20 beginners over 6 weeks, measuring rally consistency, serve accuracy, and subjective comfort. For more on paddle construction, see our paddle weight and balance guide and paddle face materials explained.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Model | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Overall | Selkirk SLK Evo Soft | $80 | Best beginner paddle overall |
| 💰 Best Value | HEAD Radical Elite | $50 | Best under $60 |
| ⚡ Quick Learner | Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS | $100 | Paddle to grow into |
| 🎯 Control | Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 | $90 | Maximum control |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family | Amazin' Aces Signature Set | $45/set | 2-paddle set for families |
| 💪 Power | Onix Graphite Z5 | $70 | Beginners with tennis background |
| 🪶 Lightweight | Prince Spectrum Pro | $85 | Older players, wrist issues |
| 🌟 Premium | Paddletek Tempest Wave II | $110 | Invest-in-quality beginners |
Detailed Reviews
#1. Selkirk SLK Evo Soft — Best Overall for Beginners
Selkirk SLK Evo Soft Pickleball PaddleEDITOR'S CHOICE
The Evo Soft was designed specifically for new players. Rev-Core polymer core provides an enormous sweet spot — the largest in our test group. T700 carbon fiber face gives enough pop for power without being uncontrollable. The SLK line is Selkirk's value brand, but the quality rivals paddles at twice the price. Our beginner testers rated it #1 for 'I can actually hit the ball where I want.'
- Largest sweet spot in test group
- T700 carbon fiber face — quality materials
- Perfect weight for beginners (7.8 oz)
- Edge guard protects during learning phase
- Selkirk quality at a value price
- Not enough power for advanced play
- Grip is basic — may want to re-wrap
- Only one color option
- Will eventually be outgrown
#2. HEAD Radical Elite — Best Budget Pick
HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball PaddleBEST VALUE
HEAD's tennis pedigree shows in the Radical Elite. Ergo grip reduces vibration, the polypropylene core absorbs pace from hard-hitting opponents, and the fiberglass face provides a soft touch at the net. At $50, it's the best paddle for players who aren't sure pickleball will stick.
- Best paddle under $60
- Ergo grip reduces vibration
- Good for touch/dink shots
- HEAD quality and warranty
- Lightweight (7.6 oz)
- Fiberglass face doesn't generate spin
- Sweet spot is smaller than Selkirk
- Power is limited
- Edge guard is thin
#3. Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 14 — Best to Grow Into
Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 14mm Pickleball Paddle
Named after the #1 ranked player in the world, the Hyperion CFS with 14mm core thickness is the beginner-friendly version of Ben Johns' paddle. The thicker core provides a larger sweet spot and more control than the 16mm version. Carbon Friction Surface adds spin potential as your skills develop. This is the paddle you won't need to upgrade for years.
- Paddle that grows with your skill level
- Carbon Friction Surface for spin development
- 14mm core = big sweet spot + control
- Used by recreational and competitive players
- Excellent build quality
- $100 is premium for a first paddle
- Slightly head-heavy
- 16mm would be even more forgiving
- Not the most powerful option
#4. Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 — Best for Control
Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle
If control is your priority, the Pursuit MX 6.0 is unmatched. Proprietary ControlPro polymer core absorbs pace beautifully — hard shots come back soft and placed. The textured fiberglass face provides enough spin for dinks and drops. Our beginners who played doubles (where control matters most) rated this their favorite.
- Best control in the test group
- ControlPro core absorbs pace perfectly
- Excellent for dinks and soft game
- Good weight distribution (8.0 oz)
- Textured face for spin
- Less power than carbon fiber paddles
- Not as exciting to hit with
- Fiberglass face wears faster
- Slightly heavy for quick exchanges
#5. Onix Graphite Z5 — Best for Power
Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
The Z5 has been a best-seller since 2018 and remains one of the most popular paddles in the game. Wide-body shape provides a large hitting surface. Graphite face delivers satisfying power on drives. Nomex honeycomb core is loud and responsive. For beginners with a tennis or racquetball background who naturally swing harder, the Z5 channels that power well.
- Wide-body shape = big sweet spot
- Graphite face provides natural power
- Loud, satisfying feedback on contact
- Proven design — millions sold
- Good price for the quality
- Nomex core is LOUD (some venues restrict)
- Less touch than polymer core paddles
- Heavier at 8.2 oz
- Starting to show its age vs newer designs
#6-8. Prince Spectrum Pro, Paddletek Tempest Wave II, Amazin' Aces Set
Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle
The lightest paddle in our test at 7.2 oz. Prince's tennis heritage shows in the comfortable grip and maneuverability. The polymer core provides a forgiving sweet spot. Ideal for older players, those with wrist/elbow issues, or anyone who values quick hand reactions at the kitchen line.
Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle
Handmade in the USA with Paddletek's proprietary Smart Response Technology. The Tempest Wave II is the premium beginner option — built like a paddle twice the price. SRT core provides the best feel and feedback in our test. If you're investing in pickleball as a long-term hobby, this is the quality choice.
Amazin Aces Signature Pickleball Paddle SetBEST VALUE
Two paddles, four balls, and a carry bag for $45. The paddles are basic but functional — polypropylene core, fiberglass face, comfortable grips. For families or couples trying pickleball for the first time, this is the most cost-effective entry point.
Comparison Table
| Paddle | Price | Weight | Core | Face | Sweet Spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk SLK Evo Soft | $80 | 7.8 oz | Rev-Core Polymer | T700 Carbon | ★★★★★ |
| HEAD Radical Elite | $50 | 7.6 oz | Polypropylene | Fiberglass | ★★★★☆ |
| Joola Hyperion CFS 14 | $100 | 8.0 oz | Reactive Polymer | CFS Carbon | ★★★★☆ |
| Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 | $90 | 8.0 oz | ControlPro Polymer | Fiberglass | ★★★★☆ |
| Onix Graphite Z5 | $70 | 8.2 oz | Nomex | Graphite | ★★★★☆ |
| Prince Spectrum Pro | $85 | 7.2 oz | Polymer | Fiberglass | ★★★☆☆ |
| Paddletek Tempest Wave II | $110 | 7.8 oz | SRT Polymer | Fiberglass | ★★★★☆ |
| Amazin' Aces Set | $45/2 | 7.8 oz | Polypropylene | Fiberglass | ★★★☆☆ |
Beginner Paddle Buying Guide
Core Material: Polymer vs Nomex
Polymer (polypropylene) cores are quieter, softer, and more forgiving — ideal for beginners. Nomex honeycomb cores are louder and more powerful but less forgiving. For new players, always start with polymer. See our face materials guide for more detail.
Weight: The Goldilocks Zone
7.5-8.2 oz is ideal for beginners. Under 7.5 oz lacks power; over 8.2 oz causes arm fatigue. Our weight and balance guide goes deeper on how weight distribution affects play. If you have tennis elbow or wrist issues, stay under 7.6 oz.
How Much to Spend
$50-100 is the sweet spot for beginners. Under $30 paddles have poor quality control and dead spots. Over $100 paddles have features beginners can't utilize. The $50-80 range offers the best value.
Decision Matrix
Sources & Further Reading
- The Kitchen - Pickleball Magazine. "Best Beginner Paddles 2025." thekitchenpickleball.com
- USA Pickleball Association. "Equipment Guidelines." usapickleball.org
- Pickleball Effect. "Paddle Core Materials Explained." pickleballeffect.com
- Third Shot Sports. "Paddle Reviews Database." thirdshotsports.com
