Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners (UK & USA)
Paddle | Features | Price (USD/GBP) | Where to Buy |
---|---|---|---|
Selkirk SLK Neo | Lightweight (7.5–8 oz), large sweet spot | $69 / £75 | Selkirk.com, Amazon, Selkirk Europe |
Franklin Sports X-40 | Durable, budget-friendly, includes balls | $39 / £45 | FranklinSports.com, Amazon |
ONIX Recruit 2.0 | Great starter polymer paddle | $49 / £55 | ONIXPickleball.com, Amazon, PickleballSuperstore.co.uk |
Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
Paddle | Features | Price (USD/GBP) | Where to Buy |
---|---|---|---|
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro | Graphite face for control, mid-weight feel | $169 / £180 | Pickleball Central, Paddletek.com, Tennisnuts.com, Amazon UK |
Engage Encore EX 6.0 | Power plus soft feel, spin friendly | $159 / £175 | EngagePickleball.com, PickleballSuperstore.co.uk |
HEAD Radical Elite | Affordable upgrade, wider sweet spot | $69 / £75 | HEAD.com, Amazon USA, Amazon UK |
Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players
Paddle | Features | Price (USD/GBP) | Where to Buy |
---|---|---|---|
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 | Pro-level spin and precision | $219 / £240 | Pickleball Central, JOOLA USA, Amazon UK, PickleballSuperstore.co.uk |
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta | Power paddle for aggressive play | $249 / £260 | Selkirk.com, Selkirk Europe |
CRBN 1 Pickleball Paddle | Ultimate touch and control | $179 / £190 | CRBNPickleball.com, PickleballUK.co.uk |
Quick Paddle Recommendations by Player Type
Newcomer? Get the Selkirk SLK Neo — fantastic control and easy to handle.
Intermediate or serious club player? Try the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro — precision and comfort.
Going pro or competing? Grab the JOOLA Hyperion — world-class spin and shot-making.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pickleball paddle is a game-changer. Whether you’re just learning to “dink” or you’re drilling for your next tournament, having the right paddle can unlock new levels of performance and fun.
Remember:
✅ Try to demo a paddle if possible.
✅ Pay attention to weight and grip size.
✅ Invest in quality — your game will thank you
Paddle Buying Checklist: Find Your Perfect Match!
Before you buy your next pickleball paddle, make sure you can confidently answer these:
✅ Weight:
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Do you want a lighter paddle (for control) or heavier (for power)?
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Ideal range: 7.0–7.8 oz for control, 8.0+ oz for power.
✅ Grip Size:
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Small hands = smaller grip (around 4″–4.25″).
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Larger hands = thicker grip (around 4.5″+).
✅ Core Material:
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Polymer = softer, quieter, and good for control (best for most players).
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Nomex = harder, louder, faster shots (good for power players).
✅ Surface Material:
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Graphite/Carbon Fibre = better touch and accuracy.
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Fiberglass = better pop and power.
✅ Shape Preference:
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Standard shape = more forgiving, easier for beginners.
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Elongated shape = more reach, great for competitive players.
✅ Skill Level:
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Beginner = larger sweet spot, lighter paddle.
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Intermediate/Advanced = precision control, potential for spin.
✅ Price Range:
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Budget: £40–£75 / $40–$75
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Mid-range: £100–£180 / $100–$180
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Premium: £200–£260+ / $200–$260+
✅ Brand Reputation:
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Look for trusted brands: Selkirk, JOOLA, ONIX, Paddletek, Engage, HEAD, CRBN.
✅ Where to Buy:
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Always buy from a trusted retailer to ensure genuine products and warranty.
🌟 Top Tip: If possible, try a friend’s paddle or visit a local demo day before you buy. Feel matters!
Check out Amazon here : https://amzn.to/3EyGdFh
Prices above, subject to change
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