Buying guide
Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners: 5 Verified Picks
Five beginner pickleball paddles from $50 to $90, compared on verified specs, current US prices and USA Pickleball approval. Research-based, not play-tested.
- Paddles compared
- 5
Paddle reviews
What each paddle is made of, what it costs and who it suits, worked out from the maker's published specs.
How the Picklenball score works
Scored from published specs, price and manufacturer information. Not play-tested.
JOOLA
JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm
JOOLA's original Hyperion is still sold, still USA Pickleball approved, and now $60 below its launch price. A thick-core, elongated control paddle that newer models have passed on technology but not on value.
- Picklenball score
- 8.5 / 10
- Listed price
- $159.95
Gearbox
Gearbox GX6 Control
A thin, edgeless carbon fiber control paddle that is still USA Pickleball approved, but Gearbox no longer lists it, so it only makes sense at a clearance price.
- Picklenball score
- 7.0 / 10
- Listed price
- $134.99
Niupipo
Niupipo Voyager Pro Elongated Graphite Pickleball Paddle
One of the cheapest USA Pickleball approved ways to try an elongated shape. The long, narrow face favors reach over forgiveness, and the core is mid-thickness at about 14 mm by third-party measurement.
- Picklenball score
- 7.0 / 10
- Listed price
- $49.99
AugOcean
AugOcean 3K CFS PRO AN-01 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
A 16 mm carbon fiber paddle for around $40 with one model on the USA Pickleball approved list. Strong on paper for the price, with thin brand support behind it.
- Picklenball score
- 6.5 / 10
- Listed price
- $39.99