5 Best pickleball paddles for beginners 2024

If you are new to pickleball paddle, more than happy, you must be overwhelmed and confused with the options available. Even if you are an experienced player looking for a change in the paddle, you need to be guided. There are a lot of options from Franklin Sports Best pickleball paddle leading the result pages.

Here are the Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners you must compare before buying. The buying guide here will help you to choose further from these five options.

What is the best pickleball paddle?

Three factors to consider while choosing the Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners.

Whether you are a novice to this sport or a veteran player, there are always these three factors that should be behind your ideal selection. Otherwise, you may end up confused after reading tons of product descriptions with terms you do not necessarily understand.

Also, paddles with the terms ‘ Nomex’ ‘Polypropylene core’ or ‘ PMI Core X-charge’ seem like some scientific names and that just adds to the dilemma. I have seen buyers get so overwhelmed with choices that they thought it was better to decide the quality by cost. Well, it turns out to be the wrong choice.

You should not buy your pickleball paddle prioritizing the price factor. The budget sure is one of the essential factors to decide the range but should not be centrally focussed. In simpler words, more expensive pickleball paddles don’t mean it will be a better paddle for you as it varies from person to person.

These three major factors will help you to understand the specification that actually matters in the paddle.

1. Weight — with what weight you can play best
2. Power & Control — how much power it exerts & control you have on
3. Grip — grip size fits your hand for better hits

Weight

Accordingly, to experts, weight should be your highest priority when choosing a pickleball paddle, and I agree with it. After all, weight is a constraint that dictates a lot of essential specifications in a paddle.

Before you get into that, you must know the range for lightweight paddles to heavy paddles goes from 6 ounces to 14 ounces. So, lightweight paddles are under 7.3 oz, mid-weight paddles are 7.3 to 8.4 oz and heavy paddles weigh 8.5 oz and above.

Weight determines the overall ‘feel’ of the paddle. For all different weights, the experience of carrying to it, swinging it, or using it for hours will be different. But there’s more to it. The comfort with the weight choice in paddles varies from one person to another depending upon the fitness level, health, stamina, experience, or gameplay style as well.

As I mentioned earlier weight is an essential constraint in paddles affecting other specifications as well. I was talking about power and control which brings us to the next factor which you must look for while buying the best pickleball paddle for beginners.

Power & Control

Unlike with weight, your fitness level, experience, and gameplay style is irrespective of power and control regarding the performance. Power and control depend upon various factors including the weight and core material.

Let’s make things more clear.

The advantages with lighter paddles and heavier paddles are different. Lighter paddles have increased ball control whereas heavier paddles have more power. With lighter paddles, you will get better maneuverability but heavier paddles make your effortless to hit the ball harder. You have to go for less stress on the shoulder or elbow with lighter paddles, whereas heavier paddles allow you to hit the ball deep much easier.

Similarly, the disadvantages are also distinctive to both lighter and heavier kinds of paddles. You get reduced power or drive, the requirement of stronger swing, and difficulty to hit long or hard shorts if you look for disadvantages of lighter paddles. Heavier paddles give you more stress on injuries, slower swing, comparatively less control, and increased chances of fatigue if played long.

So how to decide then?

Well, you can choose heavy paddles to increase the power of your hits. This you need to do gradually with your growing experience. Choose a slightly heavier paddle each time you want to escalate the power of your shots.

But to improve control, swing, and aim better, you should go for lighter paddles. It depends upon your gameplay style, strength, and weakness.

If you are still exploring this, nothing to worry about. I recommend you to go for mid-weight paddles to play safely in your choices. Other than that, think about your preference. If you want extra power in your shots, go for heavy paddles. If you want to control your shots, go for lighter paddles. Easy-peasy!

Grip

Choosing the right grip for you comes next in your list of considerations while buying a pickleball paddle. You must select the correct grip circumference which should be according to your hand size.

Wrong grip size of the paddle can constrain your performance. A smaller grip gives you more wrist action good for control and putting spin in the shots. It also allows you to exert more power to your serve.

If you choose a larger grip, it increases your stroke stability by reducing strain on the elbow, wrist, and shoulder. Always check for the grip size, handle length, and grip circumference as well. It also depends upon personal preference.

There is also another easy way to measure the grip size which is using the height.

• Under 5’2’’ height, go for 4’’ grip size.
• From 5’3’’ to 5’8’’, go for 4 1/8’’ to 4 1/4’’ grip size.
• For 5’9’’ and taller, choose 4 1/2’’ grip size.

5 Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players.

Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle — Carbon Fibre — Viper

With Viper, Franklin Sports present their price-for-value pickleball paddle to the market under their X series of brands. The edgeless carbon fiber pickleball paddle comes with a honeycomb center to generate a powerful bounce. It can be a great mid-range price for a value intermediate paddle for you if you are looking for a striking balance between price and performance.

The pure carbon-made fiber construction offers great balance and serves the wider range of players.

The Viper carbon paddle weighs 7.5oz — 7.7oz with a carbon honeycomb core. This lightweight feature is great for control players who want to maximize their playability and maneuverability without exhausting too much.

The 4.75-inch grip quite resembles a tennis style grip which makes it comfortable, absorbent, and tack in playing experience.

There is a large sweet spot on the edgeless design because of that it provides the maximum playing surface on the paddle front face. The edgeless construction of the paddle primarily promotes high performance. It would have been primarily useful for semi-professional players who are at the edge of their learning or practice.

Another feature which is quite attention-grabbing is the aesthetics of the paddle. It comes with a green gradient design with a green ‘Viper’ brand font at the front. The edges of the paddle are highlighted in bright green.

Pros

1. It is 100% carbon-made.
2. Due to its lightweight design, it offers maximum playability.
3. The central large sweet spot makes it more versatile for all kinds of shots.
4. The edgeless honeycomb design increases the balance by providing maximum playing surface area on the paddle face.
5. The honeycomb center of the paddle makes it more bouncy.
6. High paddle performance due to edgeless lightweight carbon construction.
7. The 4.75-inch tennis style grip offers a good combination of comfort, balance, and limited controlled power.

Cons

1. You cannot use this viper paddle in official tournaments.
2. Some players might want more power in the paddle than Viper.

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2. Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle — Polypropylene Core -X- 1000 USAPA Approved

Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle- Polypropylene Core-X-1000 is a USAPA approved ace signature pickleball paddle that is lighter, faster, and more responsive in the game.

In brief, one can explain this paddle as lightweight, durable, advanced built material, comfortable grip-hold, and perfect balance. If you are looking for such efficiency in playability, Polypropylene Core-X-1000 can be a suitable choice for you.

It weighs 7.7 oz — 8.2 oz which is quite lightweight but without compromising the strength. The strength comes from its polypropylene honeycomb thick core making the surface extremely durable. There is a non-slip grip handle, highly comfortable and form-fitted grip and superior control even in moisture.

The pickleball paddle is engineered to provide the perfect balance to all kinds of skill levels due to its large sweet spot. If you are someone who finds quality in strength and durability, this might be the one you are looking for.

There is a layer of flexible fiberglass to concentrate the force or energy of the ball to the paddle’s core. The edge band adds durability to the paddle and protects it from any abuse. It is chemical, corrosion, and moisture resistant.

Pros

1. Highly durable
2. The paddle provides a good balance between power and control
3. Lightweight
4. It gives perfect balance due to the large sweet spot.
5. Because of polypropylene honeycomb thick core, it provides great strength
6. Great energy distribution on paddle surface due (when the ball hits the paddle) to a flexible fiberglass

Cons

1. It is a bit expensive
2. Bit struggling for tennis players

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3. Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle — Nomex Core- X-factor — USAPA Approved

Nomex Core X-factor is one of the quietest pickleball paddle, from the Franklin Sports brand. Among other features, the most standout feature you find with Nomex Core X-factor is noise reduction. So, if the loudness in the game annoys you, this paddle is probably the best option to reduce the amount of contact noise.

The paddle is engineered with unique paddle elements to create a large sweet spot in the centre. This allows you to attain the perfect balance for different players with all kinds of skill levels.

Nomex Core X-factor has remarkable performance handle length and grip, which is great because it makes your grip highly comfortable allowing you to hold it the way you want. The length of the handle is 5 inches and 1/8th circumference which explains the holding grip area you get here.

This Franklin sports paddle has a durable rubber band to aid maximum paddle protection. It is made of carbon fibre with a Nomex core and is highly responsive to the balls. It also gives you a reasonable amount of control if you like to add spin to your shots. Combining responsive shot placements and adequate power, it can be a good choice for newbie players.

Pros

1. It comes with high noise reduction.
2. Nomex core X-factor gives perfect balance.
3. It provides a highly comfortable grip with a 5-inches handle.
4. There is a durable rubber guard for extra protection.
5. It is extra-lightweight.

Cons

1. It might not be suitable for those who prefer heavy paddles.
2. For professionals, it might come as a low-power paddle.

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4. Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle — Polypropylene Core — Vibe- USAPA Approved

Franklin’s USAPA-approved Sports Pickleball Paddle Polypropylene Core Vibe fits perfectly for professionals. However, it justifies all kinds of players with all levels of skill.

The state-of-the-art polypropylene honeycomb core constructed with a combination of advanced materials provides sustaining durability. The edge band is engineered to provide protection from any accidental pounding court contact.

Rather than advanced and new PMI foam, Vibe provides the traditional but effective honeycomb polypropylene core. If you are someone looking for a premium quality high-performance paddle but PMI core X-charge seems costly, this might serve the purpose best.

The fibreglass face of the paddle is aesthetically appealing if you are someone with such preferences as well. It is not as lightweight as other Franklin sports paddles but that doesn’t take away the performance capability here in the mid-range paddles community.

Pros

1. It is suitable for all kinds and levels of pickleball players.
2. It provides great control with a solid core.
3. Like other traditional paddles from Franklin sports, it also has a large and reliable sweet spot due to its thick polymer core.

Cons

1. It is not lightweight as compared to other Franklin sports paddles if that is your preference.
2. It might be liked by players who believe in lightweight paddles with powerful strokes.

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5. Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle- PMI Core — X-charge — USAPA Approved

One of the premium and high-end products from Franklin Sports is this PMI core X-charge pickleball paddle. I find this very product suitable for experienced professionals as it brilliantly strikes with great power with the lightweight feature. Most of the professionals complain about lightweight paddles being less powerful and heavy paddles being less swift in shot movements.

What grabs attention with this particular pickleball paddle, is its Polymethacrylimide (PMI) core. It is a lightweight foam that is primarily used in the airline industry. The face of the paddle is made of fiberglass. Now that gives you an idea of how much lightweight but strong the PMI core X-charge paddle is.

This is the first pickleball paddle from Franklin Sports to be entering in the premium and higher-end paddles. Like other Franklin sports paddles, you also find the sweet spot in the center core of the paddle to make it more bouncy and responsive.

The paddles come with a form-fitting quality grip which is excellent as it doesn’t let it slip from your hand while aggressive gameplay. Also, it is the only pickleball paddle in the market made with advanced core materials that are used in the airline industry. Due to the PMI core, it is highly durable and dominates for many years.

Pros

1. It provides more power and durability as it uses the patent PMI core.
2. It provides more accuracy in the shots.
3. PMI core advanced materials are used in the paddle making it unique from others.
4. It is ideal for professionals or players who are looking for high-end paddles.

Cons

1. It is highly expensive if you constraint with a budget.

Conclusion

Buying the new pickleball can be really confusing especially if you are new. Even with experience, there are certain factors you need to consider before choosing your next paddle. To sum up, there are three major factors that are grip, weight, and power & control. Grip size should be according to either your height or your personal preference.

I recommend going for one size smaller if you are not sure about the grip size and then developing the grip over time. Weight decides the overall ‘feel’ of the paddle. It varies from player to player depending on their fitness, stamina, and playing style.

You can decide what weight really suits you. Lightweight and heavyweight, both have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you are confused, start with mid-weight paddles. Rest, you can choose lightweight paddles and heavy paddles according to your preference for control and power respectively.

Remember, the most expensive paddles are not necessarily to be the best for you. Apart from weight, grip size, power, and control, also check core materials whether it is composite, graphite, carbon fibre, or more.

Deciding stage

Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle Reviews

Franklin sports Polypropylene core vibe can be a great choice if you are looking for a perfect balance of performance and price. You can also go for Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle PMI core X-charge which can be a good choice for highly professional and experienced players.

However, all these 5 Best Pickleball Paddles For beginners & Advanced Players 2024 serve different preferences of pickleball players in one way or another in the quality range.

Now, one bonus tip, do not get distracted or overwhelmed due to fancy or technical model names. Weight and grip size are two fundamental deciding factors in choosing the best paddle for yourself.

Thanks for reading!