Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
Looking to join in the fun of America's fastest growing sport? Obviously you need a reliable pickleball paddle, and we can help! Our playtesting team at Pickleball Warehouse spends countless hours testing paddles, so you don't have to! We share our top 5 paddle picks for beginners. (Updated May 2025)
SLK EVO Power (XL or Max)
What makes it great: Thermoformed construction fortifies the SLK EVO Power paddles with excellent durability, feel and of course power. The XL and Max shapes of the EVO Power's receive a lively 13mm polypropylene core; and both shapes are paired with the same ultra spin-friendly T700 Raw Carbon composite surface. The option of the XL’s extra reach or the Max’s more maneuverable feel provides the means for players to choose their preferred type of paddle performance. The shorter Max version of the SLK EVO is designed for maneuverability, which benefits play near the kitchen, and the XL example supplies a little extra reach and power by virtue of its extra length. Regardless of shape, either SLK EVO Power paddle is an excellent option for entry level and intermediate players who want a paddle they can grow with.
Six Zero Quartz
What makes it great: The Six Zero Quartz is a gem of a pickleball paddle. It's packed with premium materials and comes in an array of color options. Performance wise, the Quartz's is on par with premium priced paddles but at a more modest! The compact 16" x 7.9" shape utilizes unibody construction, which on its own is a source of power, comfort and affords incredible tip-to-grip durability. A semi-lively 15mm polypropylene core encased by T300 Raw Carbon Fiber helps shed unwanted vibration at contact of the ball and also delivers a crisp feel not to mention top-notch spin potential. Along with a manageable average weight of around 7.9 oz, the Six Zero Quartz is a great option for any level of player who wants an all-court capable paddle they can grow with.
Recess Paddles
What makes it great: The company was founded in 2021 by two women who aimed to produce high quality and stylish paddles for recreational players. The Recess paddles are not only built to perform and last, but they are also available in an array of cool colors and themes; plus they are priced right at just under $50! A stock weight of just under 8 ounces makes the Recess paddles heavy enough to be stable against heavy hitters yet light enough for all-day play. The compact shape of the paddles, combined with their weight, complements paddle agility, which is handy for dink rallies and fast exchanges near the kitchen. Contrasting that control with easy power on groundstrokes, serves and returns is a the thinner 14mm polpypropylene core. And for a high degree of face durability along with some extra pop, not to mention easy access to spin, every Recess paddle features a textured fiberglass hitting surface.
JOOLA Agassi and Graf Edge Paddles
What makes it great: The new line of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Edge paddles from JOOLA are sure to satisfy the performance needs of any level of player and without lightening up the pocket book much either. Eye-catching cosmetics aside, other than the Graf Edge being paired with a slightly smaller 4.125" grip diameter both paddles are otherwise identical. Either paddle delivers the same manageable degree of power and extra reach via their average weight of around 8 oz and extended 16.5" overall length. To add control and easy access to spin JOOLA uses its premium Carbon Friction hitting surfaces. Whether you are coming from another racquet sport or not, the value and quality of the Agassi/Graf paddles are an invitation to the sport of pickleball, and their all-court performance will no doubt make players wish they had got into the game earlier.
Ektelon Rogue RS
What makes it great: Traditionally known for making high-quality racquetball racquets, Ektelon has now seamlessly entered the realm of making great pickleball paddles. The Ektelon Rogue RS is evidence of that as it features full uni-body/thermoformed construction along with premium raw carbon fiber surfaces. The former renders power, comfort and a high degree of durability. And combined with the raw carbon surface the Rogue RS provides a crisp, responsive feel along with top tier spin potential. An average weight of 8 ounces allows the Rogue RS to strike a balance between paddle stability and agility, and its 15.7" overall length comes standard with a compact 5" long handle.
Our Testing Methods and Criteria
Our top 5 paddle list is composed of a variety of our best-performing paddles based on our playtester feedback.