Best Pickleball Rackets for Beginners [By Price, Type, Player]
Pickleball is booming due to its inclusive and fun atmosphere. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s report in 2024, it is America's fastest-growing sport, with participation up 223.5% over the past three years. Its impact reaches beyond traditional courts, even finding its way into unexpected places like pickleball-prisons, where the sport is making a surprising difference. Now is the perfect time to join the growing community of pickleball players. If you are new to the game, choosing your racket is a critical first step. This guide covers all you need to know about the best pickleball rackets for beginners.
At 11 PICKLES, we’re dedicated to making pickleball inviting for players of all skill levels. Our goal is to simplify the rules, help you find the right gear, and foster connections within the community. Pickleball is more than a sport—it's about fostering a welcoming space where people can enjoy the game and connect with one another.
We’ll smash through the ins and outs of choosing your first pickleball racket answering questions like:
- Why is pickleball the perfect racket sport for beginners?
- How do you choose the best starter pickleball racket?
- What are some of the best beginner rackets?
- What pickleball equipment is best for beginners?
Why is Pickleball the Perfect Racket Sport for Beginners?
Compared to tennis, pickleball is an easy choice for beginners. Pickleball’s simplicity and accessibility make it ideal for players of all ages and fitness levels.
If you question what’s the difference between pickleball and tennis, wondering which is best for you, the simple answer is that pickleball can be a lot easier to take up as a beginner. Pickleball has a few key differences that make it a popular choice for beginners.
Smaller Court Size
- Pickleball Court - 44' L x 20' W (Singles and Doubles)
- Tennis Court - 78’ L x 27’ W (Singles) & 36’ W (Doubles)
Slower Game Speed & Intensity
- Less running and shorter rallies compared to tennis.
- Pickleballs are similar to wiffle balls, with less bounce and flex, making serves and volleys easier to manage.
- Tennis balls are heavier and bounce higher, allowing for more powerful shots that can be challenging for beginners.
Social Aspect of the Game
- Pickleball is more relaxed and approachable than tennis, while still being competitive.
- It is typically played in doubles, encouraging more social interaction.
- Pickleball is a low-cost sport, often played for free, making it easy to get on the court and connect with others.
Pickleball is not only easier to pick up for beginners, but it also offers many of the same health benefits as other racket sports like tennis. The game’s simplicity reduces the risk of injury while promoting overall well-being.
Benefits of Starting Pickleball as a Beginner
Pickleball is an excellent sport for beginners due to its low-impact nature, making it easier on the joints and more accessible for players with physical limitations. Its smaller court requires less movement, reducing strain and making it a gentler alternative to sports like tennis.
Beyond just being fun, playing pickleball can also be great exercise; as the game promotes cardiovascular health and overall well-being, motivating players to stay active. If you're managing a knee injury and wondering can I play pickleball with a torn meniscus, the sport’s low-impact nature might still make it a viable option with the right precautions.
How Do You Choose the Best Starter Pickleball Racket?
The best pickleball racket will be the one that “just feels right.” It sounds cliché, but what works for you may not work for everyone else. When considering how to choose a paddle, the correct choice will depend on your intended style of play. But how do you decipher that when you are a beginner?
We’re here to help you understand all the characteristics of rackets and give you some hints about what could work. There are a few racket features to consider when shopping for a beginner racket: weight, grip, shape, thickness, and composition.
Pickleball Rackets: Key Features
Any paddle will suffice to get you out on the court, but paying attention to all these little details will put you on the right track to select a paddle that works in your favor.
- Weight: Paddles typically range from 7-9 ounces. Heavier rackets enhance momentum for powerful volleys and slams. Lighter ones are better for precision play and strategic dinks. We’ve already covered what is dinking in pickleball if you are new to the sport.
- Grip: The grip should fit comfortably in your hand. A thinner grip improves shot feel but may be harder to hold during intense play. A thicker grip absorbs more shock on hard hits and feels snug & secure even on the heaviest slams. Precision shots can be more difficult with a thicker grip.
- Size: Pickleball racket shapes vary in design: elongated paddles offer increased reach and power; wide paddles provide a larger sweet spot for control and forgiveness; balanced paddles blend reach, power, and control for all-around performance. As for size, the total of a paddle's length and width added together must not exceed 24 inches.
- Thickness: Thicker paddles absorb more of the ball’s impact, making them perfect for precision volleys. Thinner paddles, on the other hand, allow for faster, more powerful shots, requiring more focus when attempting gentle returns.
- Composition: The best pickleball brands create rackets with different material compositions tailored for various styles of play. Polymer cores reduce vibrations and expand the sweet spot, while Nomex cores add power and a crisp “pop.” Fiberglass boosts speed and spin, graphite offers lightweight precision, and carbon fiber reduces vibrations for powerful serves and slams.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Choosing a Racket
As a beginner, it’s hard to know which play style will suit you best without practice.The number one rule is to avoid generic paddles. If you are genuinely interested in improving your game, you will need a pickleball racket that enhances your skills.
In the beginning, you can get away with using the wrong paddle since you may not necessarily know what a good one is. Our best piece of advice is to shop for rackets from the best pickleball brands and try to avoid the following mistakes.
- Thinking Expensive is Always Better: In order to play well, you don’t need to buy the most expensive paddle. Figure out a budget that works for you, and opt for an entry level option usually priced around $50. If you can see pickleball being more than just a hobby, purchasing a mid-tier racket around $100 will set you up for success giving you more of a long-term paddle as you develop your game.
- Prioritizing Cost Over Quality: Paddles that are too cheap lack quality. Investing in better gear ensures control, power, and durability. Wooden and aluminum paddles are the ones that are normally cheaper. They are heavier and less responsive, which can lead to fatigue and reduced control during gameplay
- Overlooking Composition: The composition of a pickleball paddle most directly affects how the ball bounces off the paddle. A racket made from high-quality materials, such as polymer or fiberglass, provides a better feel and larger sweet spot, making it easier to learn and improve. Neglecting paddle composition can lead to frustration with inconsistent play and hinder your progress on the court. The more you can try out different paddles before buying, the better you’ll understand which one suits your play style.
Best Beginner Pickleball Rackets
Nowadays you will find rackets in all kinds of stores from sporting goods stores to retail shops, everyone is hopping on the pickleball trend. If you are truly interested in improving your skills in pickleball it is important to realize how a quality paddle can work in your favor. The best pickleball paddle for a beginner will be the paddle that blends ease of use, comfort, and affordability.
We are breaking down some of the top recommended rackets so you can feel confident about how to choose a pickleball paddle.
3 Rackets Designed for Beginners
These are some of the best beginner pickleball paddles made by some of the top brands. You can be sure that you are setting yourself up for success when you invest in quality rackets like these.
- Lightweight and USAPA-approved with a fiberglass surface and polymer honeycomb core
- Pro-level tech inspired by Ben Johns, balancing control and durability
- Perfect for beginners or intermediates looking for a quality upgrade
- Tournament-ready paddle designed by pros Vivienne David and Jack Foster
- Graphite carbon fiber surface with added grit for spin and polypropylene honeycomb core for superior control and power
- Ultra-perforated cushion grip for comfort during fast-paced play
- Balanced medium weight paddle with a wide body, honeycomb core, and edge guard for protection
- A great starter paddle to help you develop technique and set yourself up for success
- USAPA-approved
Affordable Pickleball Rackets for Beginners
Quality pickleball gear is affordable, with top brands offering paddles under $50. The best part about affordable options from trusted brands is that most rackets are tournament-approved, letting you compete at a high level without a large upfront cost.
Niupipo Graphite: Find your blend of control with the proper amount of rigidness and lightweight feel. This racket comes with a cover, can be bought in sets of two, and is offered at a low price by a well-known company in the pickleball world. This is an easy way to not break the bank when you start your pickleball journey. For the value this is one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
Franklin Sports Pilot: This racket features a durable polypropylene core for a large sweet spot and a MaxGrit fiberglass surface for enhanced spin and precision. With a non-slip comfort grip and rugged edge protection, this paddle is built for lasting durability and control, making it ideal for beginners who want to eventually become serious players.
Best Pickleball Equipment for Beginners
If you want to focus on the basics, buy a set of rackets, paddles, and balls. For ideas on great gifts for beginner players, check out our guide to pickleball gifts for him. Here are some top choices to give you everything you need to start playing.
If you know local courts, start with a paddle and balls. If for some reason you don’t have a place to play nearby, you may want to consider purchasing a net so that you can create your own court.
Best Pickleball Sets for Beginners
There isn’t that much overhead to invest in when you are looking to purchase your first pieces of pickleball equipment. If you want to focus on the basics, buy a set of rackets, paddles, and balls. Here are some top choices to give you everything you need to start playing.
Selkirk Pickleball Paddle Bundle - A best seller in pickleball equipment on Amazon, the Selkirk pickleball paddle bundle offers great value from a company that is a key player in the pickleball game. This set is perfect for new players seeking performance and value from a top company on the pickleball circuit.
Nettle Colorful Pickleball Paddle Set - If you are looking for a more colorful pickleball set to stand out and bring the vibes to the court, check out these colorful mismatched sets. This USAPA approved set includes two T700 carbon fiber paddles, two balls, and headbands. Nettle’s paddles offer lightweight, tournament-quality performance with a balance of power, control, and comfort.
More Pickleball Equipment to Get Started
When choosing pickleballs, pick yellow or green for outdoor play and orange for indoor play, as these are the standards for visibility. Unlike white wiffle balls, pickleballs have smaller holes, providing better control, durability, and consistent performance. Play with a wiffle ball and you may experience a lot of whiffs.
If you can’t find courts nearby, consider purchasing a portable net that’s easy to assemble and adjustable to the standard 36-inch height. You can set up your own net in your driveway or wherever you can find a flat, firm surface.
Lastly, check out our 11 PICKLES swag for unique apparel that embodies our fun, community-focused spirit while showing passion for pickleball. Our gear ensures you'll stand out on the court and represent the joy of the game. Whether you’re playing pickleball at home, in a tournament with friends, or you aren’t playing at all, we’ve got the perfect athleisure gear for on and off the court! Explore our pickleball shirt options, tote bags, mugs, hats, and more in our online store to find the perfect apparel for you or any pickleball enthusiast.
FAQ: Can I Use Tennis Shoes for Pickleball?
Shoes are the last piece of equipment a beginner needs to feel complete out on the court. You may be wondering if you can wear tennis shoes on the pickleball court or how wearing other athletic shoes can affect your play. Here are the facts:
Q: Can I wear tennis shoes for pickleball?
A: Yes! Tennis shoes provide the support, comfort, and traction needed for quick lateral movements on the court.They are a great substitute for proper pickleball shoes.
Q: Are tennis shoes the best footwear for pickleball?
A: While tennis shoes work well, some players prefer specific pickleball shoes. Check out our guide on the best sneakers for pickleball to find the best footwear designed for stability, support, and comfort on the court. Pickleball shoes are designed with extra support for lateral movements and the specific demands of the sport. However, if you already own tennis shoes, they’ll serve you just fine. Just make sure they have a solid grip and good cushioning
Q: What features should I look for in shoes for pickleball?
A: Look for shoes with:
- A non-marking sole to avoid scuffing up indoor courts.
- Good lateral support for side-to-side movements.
- Cushioning for comfort during long sessions.
- Durable grip for stability and traction.
Q: Can I wear running shoes instead of tennis shoes?
A: Running shoes are generally less ideal for pickleball. They are designed for forward movement and lack the lateral support needed. Tennis shoes or pickleball-specific footwear are better options for optimal performance.
Q: Do I need special shoes for indoor vs. outdoor courts?
A: Yes! For indoor courts, choose shoes with non-marking soles. Outdoor courts may require more durable shoes with thicker soles to withstand rougher surfaces.
For shoes made especially for pickleball, look for brands like Asics, Nike, Adidas, K-Swiss, New Balance, Prince, and Babolat.
Join Our Community for More Equipment Reviews & the Latest Pickleball News
When choosing a racket, comfort is key–factors like weight, grip, and material composition influence play. There are many options for newcomers to find affordable rackets that don’t sacrifice quality. Whether you are looking for your first pickleball racket, clothing to make you look like a legend out on the court, or you are interested in reading the latest news about professional players we’ve got the info you need to stay in the know.
At 11 PICKLES we are committed to giving everyone a chance to fall in love with the game of pickleball. We know when to take things seriously and when to just sit back and have a good time on the court. Whether you are an aspiring professional or a laid-back player, there is something for everyone here. If you want to receive more updates, sign up for our newsletter.
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