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I purchased most of these paddles from Amazon to review them as I have been obsessed with figuring out the best beginner paddle after learning how to play. Here’s what I look for in a beginner paddle.
- Cheaper paddles (most under $50) and all under $100 with great playability compared to more expensive paddles.
- Control paddles focus over power and spin because once you have control because you can add the power and spin elements.
- Carbon fiber paddles with larger sweet spots. I do not like cheap fiberglass paddles most people start with.
- I do not care whether paddle is USAP approved for a beginner paddle.
What was your favorite beginner paddle? Add it to the comments, and I’ll plan to purchase/review more and update this list.
1. Best Beginner Paddle: Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control – $49.99
This is my top beginner paddle pick for 2025, and I love the control it provided. In real game beginner paddle tests, this paddle ended with the most wins than other beginner paddles.
For a beginner paddle, I believe control matters most, and this paddle delivers in a way I didn’t expect.
- Thickness: 20mm, which allows for more control for beginner player, making touch shots and resets easier. T700 Carbon Fiber has been excellent.
- Control: Designed with a larger sweet spot. It gave me so much confidence placing shots, especially in softer exchanges at the kitchen.
- Real-Game Test:
- Game 1: Used a $10 paddle and lost 11-6.
- Game 2: Switched to an $80 paddle and barely won 12-10.
- Game 3: Used my Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm and won 11-8.
- Game 4: Used the Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control and dominated 11-3.
- Feel: The textured face grips the ball well, and the thick core absorbs just enough of the ball’s impact for added precision.
- Price: For under $50 on Amazon, I believe this is one of the best values for a true control-focused paddle.
Finally, I challenged this paddle against #2 and #3 on this list in games recently, and won the first game this paddle, and lost the next game using paddle #2 and lost the third game with paddle #3 on this list. Not a huge amount of data, but I thought I’d share.
2. Runner-up Beginner Paddle: PBVMURTG – $44.99
This paddle has been great. I picked it up because of the price which was lower than the current price, but it ended up playing way better than expected, even compared to paddles much more expensive.
- Price: Under $50, which is great.
- Materials: Carbon fiber face with a 16mm thick core, which is more rare at this price point.
- Surprise Performance: I played against a intermediate player using one of my $200_ paddle and lost 3 straight games. Switched to this paddle for game 4 and surprisingly won.
- Extras: Comes with a paddle cover, grip tape, and carbon fiber cleaner, which is fine. I prefer better paddle playability to extras, but it’s a nice add on.
- Drawbacks: Slightly smaller sweet spot and a bit stiffer than high-end paddles, but for around $50, it’s great.
3. Second Runner-up Paddle: Fanovae 3D ~$50
The Fanovae 3D paddle was one of the nicest surprises of my beginner paddle tests. It combines control and spin in a way that’s super beginner-friendly.
- Price: Around $50.
- Control & Spin: Excellent balance, making it easy to place shots while still being able to add spin when needed.
- Build Quality: Solid construction, and it came with some nice accessories.
- Sweet Spot: Generous sweet spot that’s more forgiving than some other paddles in this price range.
4. Great Beginner to Intermediate: Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm – $99
If you’re a beginner willing to invest a little more, the Vatic Pro Prism Flash is the paddle I recommend to friends.
- Face Material: Toray T700 carbon fiber, which gives amazing durability and touch.
- Thickness: 16mm for great balance between control and power.
- Performance: I’ve started beating friends who used to always beat me, all thanks to this paddle.
- Price: The paddle is under $100, and you can often find a pickleball paddle discount code to get this paddle below $90.
Also, I wanted one paddle in the $100 range to this list, and slightly prefer the Vatic Pro to 11six24 Jelly Bean, but the 11six24 Jelly Bean is really close and another solid choice if you want to check out.
5. Best Ultra-Cheap Beginner Paddle: ZTTENLLY – $9.99
If you just want to try pickleball with the absolute bare minimum investment, this paddle works. I lost the game I played with it, but I like that it’s carbon fiber. Unfortunately, it has very little grip, but it’s $10, so I cannot complain.
- Price: Under $10.
- Playability: It’s not going to blow you away, but for a $9 paddle, it’s actually playable for casual beginners.
6. Honorable Mention Beginner Paddle: Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle ~$50
The Franklin Sports paddle is a thinner option than I usually prefer, but it’s solid for a beginner-friendly price.
- Thickness: 10mm, thinner than most control paddles.
- Material: Polypropylene core with a face that mimics carbon fiber’s feel.
- Grip: 5-inch handle with a printed sweet spot graphic, which is a nice touch for beginners learning paddle control.
- Weight: 8 ounces, balanced enough for beginner-level play.
7. Best Beginner Paddle Set: Selkirk Pickleball Paddle Set ~$80
Selkirk is a top pickleball paddle brand. Costco had a Selkirk set that was decent, but I am not sure whether it’s still available. I had an Amazon set that I liked that seemed similar. It’s a great choice for two new players wanting decent paddles without spending too much.
- Set Includes: 2 paddles, a bag, and balls.
- Paddle Quality: Much better than I expected for a bundle set.
- Bag Quality: Surprisingly good for a freebie.
- Ball Quality: Decent, not top-tier tournament balls, but totally usable for casual play.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re a beginner looking for your first paddle, these are the best options based on price, playability, and value:
- Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control – Best beginner paddle overall
- PBVMURTG – Runner up best beginner paddle
- Fanovae 3D – Great Balanced Paddle
- Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm – Decent More Expensive Option
- Selkirk Set – Best set for two beginners if you can find it
There’s no perfect paddle for everyone, but I’m confident these will give you the best chance to learn the game and improve quickly.
Finally, I can share a spreadsheet of my collection if helpful to you.
Let me know if you try any of them!
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