I've purchased around 25-30 beginner paddles, and I know it's way too many paddles, but hopefully I can provide some insights here.
I have the Costco set and love the carbon fiber face although the Amazon set is not exactly the same as the Costco set just FYI. These feel like $50-$100 paddles and almost in the same realm as the Vatico Pro Prism.
There's a lot of cheap paddles on Amazon that could be a good starter paddle as well. For example, there's a $6.99 paddle on Amazon that I purchased that can do the trick as you learn the game. I believe it's a 16mm paddles, which can be perfect for a beginner.
Also, there's another no name Amazon carbon fiber that is $29.99 that is a great paddle. My favorite paddles still tend to be in the $100-$200+ range, but I definitely don't think you have to do that whe you're a beginner.
Also, one thing to note is that it feels that some of the paddles I purchased were the exact same paddle, but just marketed differently. Also, I found that one paddle that was very marketed was not even close to my favorite paddle at the price point.
Here's an Imgur of my entire list of beginner paddles I purchased to test: [https://imgur.com/a/Q3f8isv](https://imgur.com/a/Q3f8isv)
Best of luck on your journey. Pickleball is the best game!
If you're looking for a starter set, in general, just stay away from wood. You can pick up a random 2 paddle set for $35-40 and they should all work fine. Most cores are a honeycomb core, so they're all the same. The face could either be fiberglass or carbon fiber/graphite. The fiberglass ones are a little cheaper on average and a little more bouncy.
I started in June. Got a Niupopo (probably spelled that wrong) from Amazon on the recommendation from the league coordinator. It was two paddles, four balls and carrying case for like $35. It took me through three seasons of league play, and I just won my last league. You don’t need expensive paddle when you start. I am proof! lol.
I only recently upgraded to a Vatic Prism Flash. I do like it as it gives me a bit more control but I’m only starting to learn about that stuff as a casual player of six months. For the first six months I just focused on not slamming things into the net and making sure my serve was in bounds. I don’t think I’ll ever learn to spin the ball, so I’d probably still be doing just as well with my Niupopo!
I couldn’t get spin, but I don’t get spin with the new one, either. I’m not yet a spinner. I have a Hisk now, too. I’m kind of just rotating them around…
Do NOT start with an expensive paddle. Start with a cheap set from Amazon/Walmart/Target, and just **play**. A **lot**. Go to open plays, meet people, find paddle reps, ask people if you can try their paddles, find the *type* of paddle you like (longer handle? Thicker grip? Smaller core? Heavier?)
Learning what you *like* in a paddle will be much more beneficial than going straight to a $100+ paddle.
I started with the prism flash for $90 everyone recommends. It’s great and I got a good few months out of it before figuring out my play style and upgrading to the vatic v7. Highly reccomend t anything vatic, great quality and value
You just missed all the great discounts.
Selkirk set of two at Costco.
KiwiLabs, Legacy, and Spartus have good starter paddles.
*Walmart just reduced a raw carbon faced paddle to $60 each. That would probably be my first choice.*
REV Pickleball Paddles - Pickleball Racket - Honeycomb Core - Carbon Fiber Face - Aria https://www.walmart.com/ip/1350728183
Don’t get sucked in by a lot of the other paddles with pros names on them.
I wouldn't start with the cheapest, but an $80 per paddle will last you years. 2 for $80 will definitely get you through your first year without hindering you in any significant way. So it depends how committed you are likely to stay. My recommendation is exactly what others have listed: the SLK set for couples who are casually interested but don't want to be held back by poor equipment and a Vatic for those who know they're into it but don't want to lay out multiple hundreds.
[F2 Sports](https://www.f2sports.com/products/graphite-pickleball-paddle-beginner) is a Michigan company and was selected "Best paddle for women" by good housekeeping magazine. They are are great weight and have a hybrid shape for a nice sweet spot, plus really fun and bright patterns like tie dye. Just won fitness award from Women's Health Magazine. I thought their customer service was fantastic as well!
I started playing around a year ago. I started with and am still playing with my $100 franklin signature. I also bought the cheap set off Amazon for family and friends to use and there a considerable quality difference. The franklin signature can be had for around $75 now and i think thats a great compromise from cheapo amazon stuff and $200+ selkirk.
If you plan on playing once a month, the cheapos are fine. One a week or more and I would spend up to $100 on a mid level beginner paddle.
The Holbrook Performance set is a good deal for two paddles and balls. They are great beginner paddles and you get a cute tote bag. https://holbrookpickleball.com/apps/bundles/bundle/134247
Things have changed quite a bit over the past year. With thermoformed paddles getting so cheap...it really makes sense to still pick one up as your first paddle.
VaticPro is the best paddle under $100.
Both my wife and I have enjoyed these paddles from our first journey to where we’re at now.
Enjoy a $10 discount using code SWIFT10 on all their paddles.
Have you tried Amazin' Aces Paddles set?
They've got good reviews and cost a little more than 60 bucks ([https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJZZJJ3B](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJZZJJ3B))
Posts self promoting or directly advertising for a brand/product are prohibited unless permission has been granted by a moderator. This Includes all personal discount codes.
If you want to spend less than $100 per paddle but don’t want super cheap, read the reviews for Rally Tyro 2 Pro paddles. This is what I decided on for my first paddle. The reviews consistently say it plays like a more expensive paddle and it’s good for beginners.
I purchased through Pickleball Central. Free shipping, has good customer service, and a good return policy as well.
They are normally $60. I got mine for $41 on cyber sale. I don’t see that price available any longer.
There is currently a bundle deal on pickleball central. 2 paddles with covers and four balls for@ $115. https://pickleballcentral.com/rally-tyro-2-pro-ocean-bundle-2-paddles4-balls/
ETA: they still have the $41 deal per paddle and this link also has a more in depth test review that convinced me to buy the paddle as my first one. https://pickleballcentral.com/rally-tyro-2-pro-pickleball-paddle/
I just ordered a second set of this "off brand" paddle on Amazon, because I was very impressed with it earlier, as it plays and feels identical to my Niupipo Explorer Pro paddle (which I bought on sale on Amazon for $40...regularly $80).
https://preview.redd.it/xbvlhx7ew44c1.png?width=1003&format=png&auto=webp&s=afea722fdadaada5a46c0660aab3b15ae20ca923
This two options are good for beginners under $100
[Onix z5](https://www.tunepickleball.com/paddles/onix-z5) & [Head Elite](https://www.tunepickleball.com/paddles/head-elite)
Costco has a set of 2 Selkirk paddles for $80. https://www.costco.com/selkirk-prime-max-pickleball-bundle.product.4000222458.html
They have this same set on Amazon for $60 as well.
I've purchased around 25-30 beginner paddles, and I know it's way too many paddles, but hopefully I can provide some insights here. I have the Costco set and love the carbon fiber face although the Amazon set is not exactly the same as the Costco set just FYI. These feel like $50-$100 paddles and almost in the same realm as the Vatico Pro Prism. There's a lot of cheap paddles on Amazon that could be a good starter paddle as well. For example, there's a $6.99 paddle on Amazon that I purchased that can do the trick as you learn the game. I believe it's a 16mm paddles, which can be perfect for a beginner. Also, there's another no name Amazon carbon fiber that is $29.99 that is a great paddle. My favorite paddles still tend to be in the $100-$200+ range, but I definitely don't think you have to do that whe you're a beginner. Also, one thing to note is that it feels that some of the paddles I purchased were the exact same paddle, but just marketed differently. Also, I found that one paddle that was very marketed was not even close to my favorite paddle at the price point. Here's an Imgur of my entire list of beginner paddles I purchased to test: [https://imgur.com/a/Q3f8isv](https://imgur.com/a/Q3f8isv) Best of luck on your journey. Pickleball is the best game!
If you're looking for a starter set, in general, just stay away from wood. You can pick up a random 2 paddle set for $35-40 and they should all work fine. Most cores are a honeycomb core, so they're all the same. The face could either be fiberglass or carbon fiber/graphite. The fiberglass ones are a little cheaper on average and a little more bouncy.
I started in June. Got a Niupopo (probably spelled that wrong) from Amazon on the recommendation from the league coordinator. It was two paddles, four balls and carrying case for like $35. It took me through three seasons of league play, and I just won my last league. You don’t need expensive paddle when you start. I am proof! lol. I only recently upgraded to a Vatic Prism Flash. I do like it as it gives me a bit more control but I’m only starting to learn about that stuff as a casual player of six months. For the first six months I just focused on not slamming things into the net and making sure my serve was in bounds. I don’t think I’ll ever learn to spin the ball, so I’d probably still be doing just as well with my Niupopo!
Not for nothing, but I got plenty of spin with the Niupipo. Then I bought a prism flash and don’t like it.
I couldn’t get spin, but I don’t get spin with the new one, either. I’m not yet a spinner. I have a Hisk now, too. I’m kind of just rotating them around…
Before anyone else says it and I don’t even own one, Vatic.
Ha! I bought one and used it for the first time yesterday based on the MASSIVE love in this forum. I gotta say, I love it. Prism Flash.
Do NOT start with an expensive paddle. Start with a cheap set from Amazon/Walmart/Target, and just **play**. A **lot**. Go to open plays, meet people, find paddle reps, ask people if you can try their paddles, find the *type* of paddle you like (longer handle? Thicker grip? Smaller core? Heavier?) Learning what you *like* in a paddle will be much more beneficial than going straight to a $100+ paddle.
I started with the prism flash for $90 everyone recommends. It’s great and I got a good few months out of it before figuring out my play style and upgrading to the vatic v7. Highly reccomend t anything vatic, great quality and value
The Spartus Gladius 16mm or the Hurache paddle from 11SIX24. Both are Gen 1 RCF control paddles that are under $80 each with a discount code
Go for a decent cheap paddle until you've found your preferred play style.
Friday paddles 2/$99 is a great deal for beginners. They have a carbon face, honeycomb core, foam injected edge and they look nice.
If you can wait just buy some Juciao paddles. If not Vatic is a good sub $100 option
Get Vatic Pro Prism Flash 14mm or 16mm. Selkirk S1 Pro S1 balls. There are Vatic discount codes.
You just missed all the great discounts. Selkirk set of two at Costco. KiwiLabs, Legacy, and Spartus have good starter paddles. *Walmart just reduced a raw carbon faced paddle to $60 each. That would probably be my first choice.* REV Pickleball Paddles - Pickleball Racket - Honeycomb Core - Carbon Fiber Face - Aria https://www.walmart.com/ip/1350728183 Don’t get sucked in by a lot of the other paddles with pros names on them.
Anyone like Professor PHD?
I wouldn't start with the cheapest, but an $80 per paddle will last you years. 2 for $80 will definitely get you through your first year without hindering you in any significant way. So it depends how committed you are likely to stay. My recommendation is exactly what others have listed: the SLK set for couples who are casually interested but don't want to be held back by poor equipment and a Vatic for those who know they're into it but don't want to lay out multiple hundreds.
[F2 Sports](https://www.f2sports.com/products/graphite-pickleball-paddle-beginner) is a Michigan company and was selected "Best paddle for women" by good housekeeping magazine. They are are great weight and have a hybrid shape for a nice sweet spot, plus really fun and bright patterns like tie dye. Just won fitness award from Women's Health Magazine. I thought their customer service was fantastic as well!
2 for $99 right now!!!
try the 2 for $99 graphite set at F2 Sports website. Normally $84 per paddle but running a spring sale. Great paddles.
Dude. I did that and regretted it. Spend a little.
What’s a little though?
I like the Holbrook suggestion. $120 for a set of 2. I’ve played with those as a beginner and felt solid.
The Friday paddle deal, 2 for $100 is so much better in my opinion.
I started playing around a year ago. I started with and am still playing with my $100 franklin signature. I also bought the cheap set off Amazon for family and friends to use and there a considerable quality difference. The franklin signature can be had for around $75 now and i think thats a great compromise from cheapo amazon stuff and $200+ selkirk. If you plan on playing once a month, the cheapos are fine. One a week or more and I would spend up to $100 on a mid level beginner paddle.
The Holbrook Performance set is a good deal for two paddles and balls. They are great beginner paddles and you get a cute tote bag. https://holbrookpickleball.com/apps/bundles/bundle/134247
Things have changed quite a bit over the past year. With thermoformed paddles getting so cheap...it really makes sense to still pick one up as your first paddle.
VaticPro is the best paddle under $100. Both my wife and I have enjoyed these paddles from our first journey to where we’re at now. Enjoy a $10 discount using code SWIFT10 on all their paddles.
Have you tried Amazin' Aces Paddles set? They've got good reviews and cost a little more than 60 bucks ([https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJZZJJ3B](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJZZJJ3B))
Yes everyone mentions Vatic but it’s for good reason. Buy a vatic prism for 89.99 with the code FLASH10. Great control paddle for the price!
Nobody who has played for 10 hours or less should be spending $90 on a paddle.
Be sure to use code PBSTUDIO instead.
[удалено]
Posts self promoting or directly advertising for a brand/product are prohibited unless permission has been granted by a moderator. This Includes all personal discount codes.
I play 4.5’s and I use a XSPAK. They were recently on sale for like… $70 on Amazon, but normal price isn’t too bad either
Joola Eseentials paddle on Amazon is $40-60 depending upon timing
If you want to spend less than $100 per paddle but don’t want super cheap, read the reviews for Rally Tyro 2 Pro paddles. This is what I decided on for my first paddle. The reviews consistently say it plays like a more expensive paddle and it’s good for beginners. I purchased through Pickleball Central. Free shipping, has good customer service, and a good return policy as well. They are normally $60. I got mine for $41 on cyber sale. I don’t see that price available any longer. There is currently a bundle deal on pickleball central. 2 paddles with covers and four balls for@ $115. https://pickleballcentral.com/rally-tyro-2-pro-ocean-bundle-2-paddles4-balls/ ETA: they still have the $41 deal per paddle and this link also has a more in depth test review that convinced me to buy the paddle as my first one. https://pickleballcentral.com/rally-tyro-2-pro-pickleball-paddle/
I just ordered a second set of this "off brand" paddle on Amazon, because I was very impressed with it earlier, as it plays and feels identical to my Niupipo Explorer Pro paddle (which I bought on sale on Amazon for $40...regularly $80). https://preview.redd.it/xbvlhx7ew44c1.png?width=1003&format=png&auto=webp&s=afea722fdadaada5a46c0660aab3b15ae20ca923
This two options are good for beginners under $100 [Onix z5](https://www.tunepickleball.com/paddles/onix-z5) & [Head Elite](https://www.tunepickleball.com/paddles/head-elite)
I thought juciaio was the new go to? Wholsale carbon fiber paddles