Introduction
Getting onto the pickleball court for the first time is nothing short of a memorable experience, but there is a big challenge that comes upfront is finding the best pickleball rackets for beginners, and this can be overwhelming especially as a beginner we've little to no exposure.
As a beginner, we used to wonder what are the best pickleball paddles for beginners, and also worry are beginner pickleball paddles worth it. Helios Pickleball understands this challenge and so we have dedicated to help you select the best pickleball paddles for beginners by the help of this informative article.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best beginner pickleball paddle and best pickleball set for beginners alongside showcasing our top picks from Helios Pickleball and other leading brands.
Understanding Paddle Materials
Before diving into the space of dimensions and specifications, it's essential to understand the role of core materials holds up for a pickleball paddle. The two primary components are the material core and the surface material from the top.
Pickleball Paddle Core Materials
The core is the heart of your paddle, and it significantly influences the paddle's performance. Common core materials include:
- Polymer - A classic favorite that can be balanced towards power or control, thus a great all-around paddle for a new player. The Helios paddle features a 16mm Polymer Honeycomb Core, a power boat with an excellent sweet spot, by the way.
- Aluminum - Lightweight and responsive, but can be less durable compared to other materials.
- Nomex - Known for its excellent durability and soft touch, Nomex cores are a reliable option for beginners.
Pickleball Paddle Core Thickness
Another point to consider is the thickness of the core. Core thicknesses are usually in the 13mm to 16mm range for beginner paddles. In general, the thicker the core, the more powerful it will be. On the other hand, thinner cores provide better control and touch.
Finding the right balance between above pointers is key to optimizing your performance on the court.
Pickleball Paddle Surface Materials
The surface material of your paddle affects the feel, spin, and overall performance. Popular options include:
- Graphite-Good power with a smooth, responsive feel makes graphite the top choice for players of all skill levels.
- Fiberglass- It provides a balance of power and control, hence it is a versatile paddle for first timers. The Khione paddle is uniquely reinforced with fiberglass for improved performance.
- Carbon Fiber - Known for its soft touch and enhanced spin, carbon fiber surfaces are ideal for players looking to add finesse to their game. The Apollo and Helios paddles use Toray Carbon Fiber, which is renowned for its superior performance and durability.
- Kevlar - As seen in the Athos paddle from Dupont, Kevlar provides a crisp feel at the hit, offering a unique playing experience.
Key Factors To Check While Choosing A Beginner Pickleball Paddle
There are so many things that go into choosing the best paddle for beginner pickleball players.
Pickleball Paddle Grip Size
Grip size is important for comfort and control. Rest your arm against your side and then placing your hand flat and measuring from the ring finger to the middle of the palm will help you determine your grip size. You're likely to fall in the 4-to-4.5-inch range. A grip in that size will allow you to execute proper form and avoid hand cramping during long play times.
Pickleball Paddle Weight
Paddle weight determines a lot of aspects regarding power, control, and maneuverability for a beginner. It is usually acceptable to use a midweight or lightweight paddle at 7.6 oz to 8.2 oz when beginning.
Lighter paddles are well-controlled and provide greater maneuverability, though heavier paddles push power behind each shot. The sweet spot needs to be found in order to get good technique and maximize the enjoyment of the game.
5 Best Beginner Pickleball Paddles
The Gaia by Helios Pickleball
Category: Recreational
Player Level: Beginner - Intermediate
The Gaia paddle from Helios Pickleball is a top choice for beginners. Lightweight and maneuverable, it has a reactive honeycomb polymer core that gives the best balance of control, power, and spin.
The long anti-slip grip handle allows for a comfortable and snug hold on the game, so that you can forget about slippage easily. The Gaia is one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners, providing an excellent foundation for developing your skills. Check out The Gaia paddle here.
The Helios by Helios Pickleball
Category: Recreational
Player Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Another exceptional option from Helios Pickleball is The Helios paddle. This paddle is built from Toray Carbon Fiber with beginners in mind, so there's unmatched power and immediate feel. The paddle is lightweight and extremely easy to maneuver around yet still throws deep drives and precise shots.
The reactive honeycomb polymer core provides consistent rebound and reduced vibration, and the long anti-slip grip handle gives superior shock absorption. If you're wondering how to choose a pickleball paddle for beginners,your search has got a stop. The Helios is among the best beginner pickleball paddles, offering a perfect mix of performance and comfort. Explore The Helios paddle here.
Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The wide body shape will offer a sweet spot, so new players have little to worry about. Graphite face material assures a highly responsive feel. Overall the core gives extra durability and very consistent performance. The handle is shorter compared to other paddles, that has caused some issue with throwing power shots. Other than this, you can consider Oniz Z5 as your first paddle.
HEAD Extreme Tour Graphite Pickleball Paddle
HEAD Extreme Tour is a light graphite paddle perfect for beginners looking for control and maneuverability. It features graphite paddles with a smooth surface feel and polymer core for a balanced mix of power and touch. The ergonomic grip enables long-lasting comfort during extended play sessions, thereby reducing hand fatigue.
The paddle is 11mm thick, and 7.6oz in weight, making it ideal for young kids. There were a few concerns of the surface not delivering enough to the ball due to softer texture. But, you can definitely try this as well.
Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle
A great paddle for beginners who want a rounded stick, the Selkirk Amped S2 will provide an easy balance of power and control with its polymer core and fiberglass face, giving it a wonderful feel that really helps develop proper technique.
The paddle is very light in weight and really easy to grip, so you can pay more attention to your shots. One of the good beginner pickleball paddles would be Selkirk Amped S2.
Best Pickleball Paddle For Women Beginners
The list goes on as we know girls are equally passionate to pickleball like boys. This section will take you through some best women's pickleball paddles.
Here’s a list of best pickleball paddle for beginner women who are super excited to get their foot on the court:
The Athos by Helios Pickleball
With its premium edge-saving armor and reactive honeycomb polymer core, The Athos ensures durability and consistent performance, allowing you to develop your skills with confidence. The paddle's design enables beginner women to improve their game through easy control and responsive play. The Athos is a reliable choice for women seeking a pickleball paddle for beginners. Explore The Athos paddle here.
The Khione by Helios Pickleball
Another exceptional option for women beginners is The Khione paddle from Helios Pickleball. Inspired by the deity associated with snow-capped mountains, The Khione embodies endurance and majesty.
The paddle is capable of providing exceptional spin and responsiveness due to triple layer core material of G2S Fiberglass. At just 8 ounces, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver - perfect for beginners learning proper strokes. The extra-large sweet spot and reactive honeycomb polymer core offer consistent rebound and reduced vibration, making it an ideal choice for women starting their pickleball journey.
The Khione combines lightweight design with powerful performance, allowing new players to develop their skills with a paddle that provides both control and immediate feedback. Check out The Khione paddle here.
Common Beginner Challenges and Solutions
As a beginner, you may face several challenges when starting your pickleball journey. Here are some common issues that are faced by players and practical coping solutions to overcome them:
Inconsistent shots
- Focus on developing proper form and technique
- Practice regularly, paying attention to your grip, stance, and swing
- Consistency will come with repetition and muscle memory
Difficulty with serves
- Start with a simple underhand serve to build confidence
- As you progress, gradually work on more advanced serving techniques, such as the overhead serve
- Practice serving from both sides of the court
Positioning on the court
- Study basic court positioning and practice moving efficiently between shots
- Work on your footwork and anticipate where the ball will land
- Effective court coverage will improve your overall game
Overreliance on power
- Focus on control and placement instead of hitting the ball as hard as possible
- Develop a soft touch and aim for strategic spots on the court
- Precision and consistency are more valuable than raw power
Paddle selection
- Choose a paddle that fits well your style of play and skill set.
- Consider factors like paddle weight, core material, and grip size.
- Don't hesitate to try different paddles until you find one that feels comfortable and enhances your performance
Every beginner faces challenges, and improvement comes with practice and persistence. Embrace the learning process of this adventurous game and enjoy the journey of transforming into a better pickleball player.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pickleball paddle for a beginner involves many considerations: core material, surface material, grip size, and weight. Helios Pickleball offers the very best paddles for beginners: The Gaia, The Helios, The Athos, and The Khione.
A good investment in a quality paddle that fits your specific needs really gets you ready to enjoy playing pickleball and enhances your skills on the court. We also have a bunch of best pickleball paddle sets for beginners.
Of course, beginning success starts to be placed on one's patience and regular practice to follow the goal of proper technique. Provided with the right paddle and attitude, you will be on your way in becoming a confident and skilled pickleball player with this exclusive list of best pickleball rackets for beginners.
Check out Helios Pickleball's collection of beginner paddles to make the most of your pickleball journey. In both men's and women's paddles, casual and competitive players alike can find just the right paddle in the Helios Pickleball collection to unlock their potential on the court.
FAQs
What are the key features to look for in a beginner pickleball paddle?
When choosing a beginner pickleball paddle, look for the following key features:
- Lightweight construction (7.6-8.2 oz) for better control and maneuverability.
- Polymer core is a must for a balanced blend of control and power.
- Comfortable grip size that fits your hand.
- Durable edge guard to protect the paddle from damage.
How often should I replace my pickleball paddle as a beginner?
As a beginner, you should replace your pickleball paddle when you notice significant wear and tear, such as visible damage to the paddle face or edge guard, reduced performance or responsiveness, and an uncomfortable or worn-out grip.
On average, beginners who play regularly may need to replace their paddle every 1-2 years, depending on usage and care.
Can beginners use advanced paddles?
While it's possible to use an advanced paddle as a beginner, it's generally not recommended. Advanced paddles often have features that require a higher skill level to control effectively, such as heavier weight for increased power, textured surface for enhanced spin, and smaller sweet spot for precision.
As a beginner, it's best to start with a paddle designed specifically for your skill level, which will offer more forgiveness and easier control.
What's the best way to care for my pickleball paddle?
To ensure the longevity and performance of your pickleball paddle, follow these care tips:
- Clean the paddle face with a soft, damp cloth after each use
- Store the paddle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Use a paddle cover or case for protection during transport and storage
- Avoid hitting the paddle into the ground or other hard surfaces, as this may cause severe damage to the paddle body.
- Regular practice of replacing the grip as needed to maintain a secure and comfortable hold.
How can I improve my pickleball skills as a beginner?
To improve your pickleball skills as a beginner, consider the following tips:
- Practice regularly, focusing on basic shots, serves, and footwork drills
- Take lessons from a certified pickleball instructor or join a local club for guidance
- Watch instructional videos and analyze the techniques of experienced players
- Participate in beginner-friendly tournaments or round-robin events to gain match experience
- Play with a variety of partners to adapt to different playing styles and strategies
Dedicating time to practice, seeking guidance, and exposing yourself to various playing situations will help you steadily improve your pickleball skills and gain confidence on the court.