The best pickleball paddles for beginners
Last Edited
Nov 24 2025
Category
Gear
If you’ve just played pickleball for the first few times and are looking to start playing more regularly, you’re going to need a better paddle than whatever cheapo option you found at Target or Walmart or Amazon.
We know you don’t think you need something fancy, but just trust us on this.
Most new players experience a vicious cycle that goes something like this:
- I’m not going to buy a paddle. I’ll just borrow someone else’s.
- Damn, that was fun. Guess Amazon gets my $20 after all.
- *Plays a few more times* This paddle sucks. Guess Amazon gets $60 more.
Now you have two paddles and you’ve dropped about $80.
Eventually, you end up wishing you’d just spent a little more in the first place to get something that lasts and is good quality.
So we recommend you (or the person you’re convincing to play) skip all the steps up to this point and spend the money on a good paddle at a low price point.
We’re here to help you with that.
These are the best pickleball paddles on the market today for beginning players. We’ve kept it to paddles under $100 and will update this list regularly as new paddles are released or if we see a good sale on something that usually costs more than that.
In many cases, using code "KITCHEN" at checkout will get you an even bigger discount -- using our code also helps us continue to produce this type of content.
Last updated: November 2025
1. JOOLA Vision
The JOOLA Vision model comes in the company's familiar Hyperion shape, which features the Aero-Curve design along the top edge. This 16mm paddle is designed for players who prioritize precision and spin. It is constructed using a cold-pressed layering process and a textured carbon fiber surface.
Learn more about JOOLA's Vision line here.
2. Paddletek Phoenix Genesis Pro
Paddletek has long been a trusted brand for players just getting into the game. The Phoenix Genesis Pro offers powerful but balanced performance with perimeter weighting, vibration dampening tech and a generous sweet spot.
Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 10% off.
3. Franklin Signature Carbon Series
Franklin Sports is widely known in the sporting goods industry for making quality, durable products for many sports. The brand's pickleball paddles are no different, and their beginner model features a carbon fiber surface with a foam infused edge guard for an expanded sweet spot and dependable performance.
4. Engage Encore Pro V2.0
The Engage Encore Pro V2.0 is a perfect beginner-level paddle that will keep up with players as they progress. Its unique FiberFlex Fiberglass Skin hitting surface offers players plenty of forgiveness and the ability to "feel" their shots. Although the 15.2mm version is the thicker and more controllable iteration of the Encore Pro V2.0, the polymer core still packs a punch on putaways. Lightweight yet high-performing, it’s a go-to for new players working on their soft game.
Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 10% off.
5. Gearbox G2 Quad
If you asked anybody in pickleball what Gearbox is known for, they'd probably say one of two things: Power and/or durability. If you're looking for a paddle to get you started in the game but want something that's going to last, you can't go wrong with Gearbox. The 11mm thickness of this paddle makes it much more maneuverable and easy to swing than the other paddles on this list.
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