5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Kids

Unlike some other sports, which have a higher hurdle for mastery, pickleball is an activity that kids can excel at from a very early age.

To maximize the fun and accessibility of pickleball, you need a paddle that is manageable from the get-go, but it should also provide some room for growth. To help find suitable paddle for kids, we share five of our best pickleball paddles for younger players, plus a paddle bundle that is ideal for kids and adults alike.

The Babolat’s XPLR is aptly named. Its sub-8 ounce weight and compact shape makes the XPLR easy to swing. A 14 mm polypropylene core amplifies the power of a young person’s swing, and the RPM Grit hitting surfaces harnesses the XPLR’s power with easy access to spin.

The Six Zero Quartz is one of the best paddles we have tested regardless of price. The Quartz is a solid choice for kids by virtue of its value (under $90), turnkey performance and use of premium materials like a raw carbon fiber hitting surface. At a weight of just under 8 ounces, the Quartz promotes a speedy, agile feel from anywhere in the court and is available in multiple colors. In addition the Quartz features unibody construction, which contributes to both power and excellent durability.

The SLK EVO Power XL and EVO Power Max paddles serve up both quality and versatility with the option of either an elongated or compact design. Both feature the same high-quality materials and thermoformed construction, which results in predictable performance and top tier durability. The Max version of the SLK EVO Power, due to its slightly shorter length, is easier to swing. The XL example provides extra reach to the ball plus a longer handle. Both utilize the same long-lasting and spin-friendly carbon fiber composite surfaces. With a range of weight between 7.8 – 8.2 oz the SLK Power EVO paddles offer the choice of a higher level of paddle agility or stability.

What better way to ignite a youngster’s passion for sport than combining two together with the Franklin NFL Team paddles. Currently we offer four different team options to choose from: KC Chiefs, LA Rams, San Francisco 49ers and the LA Rams edition. Each delivers easy power and extra reach via its slightly extended length along with a longer handle, making them easy to swing with one or two hands on the paddle. Additionally, the weight of the NFL paddles begin around 7.5 oz with some examples weighing closer to 8 ounces, giving the young player the option of either a faster feel or more stability.

Weighing between 7.3 and 7.7 oz Franklin’s FS Tour Featherweight Tempo paddle is one of the lightest paddles on our list. It is also packed with top quality materials and construction, which results in premium paddle performance. An overall length of just under 16 inches means the Tempo’s compact shape keeps you feeling connected to every shot and matches most kid’s energy level with its all-day playability.

The SLK Dude Perfect Pickleball Paddle Bundle presents a huge value. It includes two paddles, three balls and a sling bag to carry it all with extra room to spare. Both Dude Perfect Trick Shot paddles feature an overall length of 15.5 inches, making them the shortest paddles on the list, which makes them easier for young kids to swing effectively. A gritty composite surface gets young players who are new to the sport acquainted with applying spin to their shots. When you consider that the Dude Perfect Bundle is priced under $90 it easy to understand why we chose this bundle for kids and families.

All of the paddles on our list provide out-of-the-box fun and predictable performance for anyone swinging from their business end. Kids in the 7-12 age range will find them to be easy to play with and also offer plenty of room for skill improvement. If you’re looking for an ideal paddle weight for players in this range of age, anything under 7.7 oz leans a paddle in the direction of maneuverability. This means that the paddles on this list are going to be easy to control and swing.