Blue JOOLA pickleball paddle laying on a pickleball court next to a pickleball.
JOOLA has long been one of the leading brands in the paddle market. @joolapickleball / Instagram

The best beginner pickleball paddles

Whenever someone decides they want to play pickleball, their first stop is Amazon.

They type in “pickleball paddles” and get flooded with hundreds of different options ranging from wooden ping-pong looking paddles for $25 all the way to sleek paddles upwards of $300.

So how on earth can you find a pickleball paddle that’s the right one for you? 

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Pickleball Central is the best place to start your search because they’re the paddle experts in the game.

You also get a 30-day test drive with your new paddle, and if you don’t absolutely love it, you can return it for a full refund. And if you shop using this link, you get the best discount automatically applied to every item in your cart. 


First off, let’s start with paddles that aren’t going to break the bank. 

Best pickleball paddles under $100

Pickleball Central Drop Series Cubist Paddle currently only sale for $24

Rally Power Pickleball Paddle currently on sale for $45

Head Radical Tour Classic Paddle currently on sale for $45

Erne Sydney Pickleball Paddle currently on sale for $55

JOOLA Andre Agassi Champion for $59

Pickleball Central ‘Drop’ Series Check Paddle for $59

Paddletek Pheonix G6 Paddle for $69

Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle for $89


Selkirk SLK Valkyrie Widebody Paddle for $79

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Paddle for $89

Diadem Rush Pickleball Paddle for $99

JOOLA Perseus Heat Vision Paddle for $99

FRIDAY Fever 101 Elongated Paddle for $99

Franklin Sports Signature Pro Series for $99

These paddles will not only play well, they’re also from trusted brands in the game. They will support your game as you learn to dominate the court. And, they’re the kind of paddles that don’t scream “newbie,” like the cheap plastic Amazon paddles do. 

But if you’re looking for a little bit higher of an investment, here’s some beginner paddles over that $100 budget. 

Best beginner pickleball paddles

FRIDAY Fever 102 Widebody Pickleball Paddle for $102

FRIDAY Fever 102 Elongated Pickleball Paddle for $102


FRIDAY Aura Hybrid Pickleball Paddle for $129

Diadem Warrior V1 Pickleball Paddle for $129

Versix Vector XL Pickleball Paddle for $129

JOOLA Perseus Double Vision Paddle for $119

JOOLA Hyperion Double Vision for $199

JOOLA Perseus Double Vision Rally Rocket for $139

Onix Supercell Pickleball Paddle for $139

Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle for $149


FRIDAY Aura Pro Elongated Pickleball Paddle for $169

CRBN-3 X-Series Carbon Fiber Paddle for $169

FRIDAY Aura Pro Metallic Pickleball Paddle for $179

Selkirk SLK ERA Power Widebody Paddle for $199

Diadem Edge BluCore Hybrid for $249


Lastly, I highly recommend getting a pickleball set if you’re a beginner to the game. It usually comes with two pickleball paddles, a set of pickleballs, and a bag that gives you all the essential gear for the game at a good price. 

Best pickleball sets for beginners

Dinkly Pickleball 2 Paddle Set for $39

Dinkly Pickleball 4 Paddle Set currently on sale for $49

Holbrook Rove 2 Paddle Set for $99

Selkirk Sports SLK Paddle Set currently on sale for $103

JOOLA Agassi / Graf Champion Pickleball Set for $129

JOOLA pickleball Paddle Set for $129

JOOLA Heat Vision Paddle Set for $199

Remember to shop Pickleball Central using this link, and if you’re looking for more pickleball gear, check out my list for pickleball must-haves and shop my favorite athleticwear for the girls and the guys. And be sure to follow us on Instagram to keep up to date on all things pickleball.