Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
The best beginner pickleball paddle is usually a forgiving midweight paddle with a thicker core and an approachable price—not the most expensive carbon paddle in the catalog. Start here if you are ready to upgrade from a free-loaner or basic starter set.
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Quick picks
Jump to a recommendation, then read the full write-up below.
| Category | Recommendation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm | Check price |
| Best under $100 | Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm | Check price |
| Best lightweight | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 | Check price |
| Best later upgrade | Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit) | Check price |
What beginners actually need
You need a paddle that helps you make clean contact, keep the ball in play, and learn soft game skills. Extreme power is less useful than a comfortable grip, reasonable weight, and a surface that is not punishing on mishits.
Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
Best for: Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Length | 16.5" |
| Width | 7.5" |
| Grip length | 5.6" |
| Grip circumference | 4.5" |
| Surface | Fiberglass with MaxGrit |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Shape | elongated |
| Price range | $70–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Approachable price for a USAP-approved paddle
- +16mm core favors control and a softer feel for newer players
- +MaxGrit surface helps generate spin without a steep learning curve
Tradeoffs
- −Not as powerful as premium carbon paddles
- −Larger 4.5" grip may feel thick for smaller hands
- −Build quality is solid for the price, not flagship-tier
Who should buy it
Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle Players shopping around or under $100 Recreational players who want a forgiving fiberglass face
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a carbon face for max spin Competitive players seeking premium thermoformed construction
Alternatives
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit)
A thicker-core Selkirk control paddle for intermediate players who want soft, precise playability more than raw pace.
Check price on Amazon →
Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
Best for: Players who want a truly lightweight paddle
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Paddletek |
| Weight | 7.0–7.5 oz |
| Thickness | 12.7mm |
| Length | 15.625" |
| Width | 7.75" |
| Grip length | 5.0" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
| Surface | Textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid |
| Core | Bantam PolyCore polymer honeycomb |
| Shape | standard |
| Price range | $80–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Light static weight (7.0–7.5 oz) for hand speed
- +Standard shape is approachable for most recreational players
- +Strong value from a established paddle brand
Tradeoffs
- −12.7mm core is thinner than typical “control” 16mm recommendations
- −Fiberglass hybrid face, not carbon
- −Less brand hype than JOOLA/Selkirk for some shoppers
Who should buy it
Players who want a truly lightweight paddle Recreational players seeking faster hands at the kitchen Shoppers who want a reputable sub-$100 all-court option
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a thick 16mm+ control core Players chasing elongated reach or premium raw carbon
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit)
A thicker-core Selkirk control paddle for intermediate players who want soft, precise playability more than raw pace.
Check price on Amazon →
Selkirk
Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit)
Best for: Players prioritizing soft hands and reset consistency
A thicker-core Selkirk control paddle for intermediate players who want soft, precise playability more than raw pace.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Selkirk |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Thickness | 19mm |
| Length | 15.85" |
| Width | 7.85" |
| Grip length | 5.25" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
| Surface | Florek carbon fiber (InfiniGrit) |
| Core | X7 Thickset polypropylene honeycomb |
| Shape | hybrid |
| Price range | $200–$280 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +19mm core profile favors control and dwell time
- +Hybrid Epic shape balances reach and forgiveness
- +InfiniGrit carbon surface is positioned for durable spin texture
Tradeoffs
- −Premium pricing
- −Less pop than thinner power-oriented paddles
- −Multiple Selkirk shapes can confuse first-time buyers
Who should buy it
Players prioritizing soft hands and reset consistency Intermediate players who win points with placement over pace Anyone comparing thicker control builds to standard 16mm paddles
Who should skip it
Players shopping for raw plowing power at a lower price Beginners who would be better served by a sub-$100 upgrade first
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →
FAQ
Troxgo Editors
Research & editorial
We research manufacturer specs, compare paddles against consistent criteria, and explain who each product actually makes sense for—without fabricated “we tested it” claims.
Published 2026-03-20 · Updated 2026-03-20
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