You want to get into pickleball and you're looking for a paddle. Where do you start?
Most people ask friends who already play, talk to players at their local club, or ask a coach. That’s a great place to begin. Word of mouth can be very helpful.
But it’s also important to do a little research so you choose the right paddle for your level and playing style.
Think of it like skiing. If you’re just starting out, you wouldn’t rent professional racing skis. You need equipment that helps you learn, control the ball, and enjoy the game.
Don't buy your paddle on amazong! Many beginners simply buy a $30 paddle on Amazon with thousands of reviews. The problem is that many of those paddles are older designs that may not help you develop your game.
I’m passionate about helping players choose the right paddle for their developmental journey. I often hear from players who bought the newest paddle from a big brand but struggle to control the ball.
If you're spraying shots everywhere, it’s often not your fault — the paddle may simply be too powerful for your level. Just because a professional uses a certain piece of equipment doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyday players.
Choosing the right pickleball paddle should help you learn the game, control the ball, and enjoy the journey.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the levels most players can relate to:
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Beginner – never played pickleball
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Advanced Beginner – playing for 3–6 months
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Intermediate – playing regularly, often several times per week
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Improved Intermediate – consistent club players
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Advanced (5.0) – high-level competitive players
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Professional
Each level benefits from different paddle characteristics and price ranges.
Typical Paddle Price by Level
| Player Level | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Beginner | ~$45 |
| Advanced Beginner | $50 – $100 |
| Intermediate | $90 – $150 |
| Advanced | $150 – $250 |
| Professional | $250+ |
Beginner (new to the sport)
⚠️ Important: Beginner paddles should be priced between $29 and $50.
But watch out.
Many paddles in this price range are made with fiberglass or graphite surfaces. These paddles are often inexpensive, stiff, and have smooth surfaces that make it harder to generate spin and control. Don't buy fiberglass paddles!
Instead, beginners SHOULD look for paddles with:
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13mm thickness
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carbon fiber surface!!
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semi-rough texture
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classic or widebody shape
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weight around 8 oz
These characteristics help beginners:
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control the ball
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develop consistency
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start learning spin
Buying a paddle with these features will make learning the game much more enjoyable.
Below is a comparison of common beginner paddles.
| Brand | Paddle | Surface | Thickness | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | X-1000 | Fiberglass | 13mm | ~8 oz | $35 |
| Franklin | Geo | Fiberglass | 13mm | ~8 oz | $30 |
| PBPRO | Signature | Carbon Fiber | 13mm | 8 oz | $42.99 |
The PBPRO Signature paddle was designed specifically for beginner players.
It also comes in 7 colors, making it fun and approachable for new players entering the game.
This paddle gives beginners a great feel for the ball, helps them start learning spin, and provides the control needed to build confidence on the court.
Beginner Advanced Players (3–6 Months)
After playing pickleball for a few months, many players reach what I call the Beginner Advanced stage.
At this point you likely have:
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solid groundstrokes
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consistent volleys
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reliable serves and returns
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the ability to drive the ball
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the ability to dink and control pace
You understand the game and can play full matches with confidence.
This is the stage where many players benefit from upgrading to a 16mm paddle with a T700 raw carbon fiber surface. These paddles offer more control, better spin, and a softer feel, which helps improve your soft game and consistency.
The good news is you don’t need to spend $150+ yet. Many excellent paddles in the $50–$100 range provide the same materials used in higher-priced models.
| Brand | Paddle | Surface | Thickness | Core | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBPRO | Signature Plus | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | Polypropylene Honeycomb | $54.99 |
| CORE | Reaction Pro | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | Polypropylene Honeycomb | ~$99 (often discounted) |
| Vatic Pro | Prism Series | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | Polymer Honeycomb | ~$79–$89 |
| Rally | Control Raw Carbon | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | Polypropylene Honeycomb | ~$65 |
| Garye | T700 Carbon Paddle | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | Polymer Honeycomb | ~$70 |
Example specs of paddles in this category often include 16 mm cores, T700 carbon fiber faces, and weights around 7.8–8.2 oz, providing a large sweet spot and better control for developing players.
Intermediate Paddle Comparison ($100–$150)
At the intermediate level, most players move into 16 mm paddles with T700 raw carbon fiber faces and polypropylene (PP) honeycomb cores, which offer better control, spin, and touch.
These paddles typically fall into two construction types:
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Gen-1 paddles (Cold Press) – softer feel, slower ball speed, excellent control
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Gen-2 paddles (Thermoformed) – more power, larger sweet spot, more pop
Gen-1 Paddles (Cold Press)
| Brand | Paddle | Surface | Thickness | Core | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBPRO | Infinity Arch | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | PP Honeycomb | $199 (Sold Out) |
| PBPRO | Infinity Classic | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | PP Honeycomb | $199 (Sold Out) |
| Vatic Pro | Prism V7 | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | Polymer | ~$119 |
| CORE | Reaction Pro | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | Polymer | ~$99 |
Gen-1 paddles are ideal for players who want maximum control and consistency while refining their soft game.
Gen-2 Paddles (Thermoformed)
| Brand | Paddle | Surface | Thickness | Core | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBPRO | Patriot | T700 Raw Carbon | 13mm | PP Honeycomb | $149 (discounted) |
| PBPRO | Falcon Lite | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | PP Honeycomb | $149 (discounted) |
| PBPRO | NXTGEN Arch | T700 Raw Carbon | 16mm | PP Honeycomb | $149 (discounted) |
| Selkirk | Vanguard Control | Raw Carbon | 16mm | Polymer | ~$150 |
| JOOLA | Hyperion CFS | Carbon Friction Surface | 16mm | Polymer | ~$149 |
The Patriot, Falcon Lite, and NXTGEN Arch paddles feature raw carbon fiber surfaces and modern construction designed for improved spin, reach, and stability.
PBPRO Patriot is 13mm and has a bigger sweet spot - it offers controlled power.
Thermoformed paddles wrap the carbon shell around the paddle structure, creating more pop, durability, and a larger sweet spot.
Quick Recommendation
If you are an Intermediate player, start with a Gen-1 paddle for maximum control.
If you are an Improved Intermediate player, moving into a Gen-2 thermoformed paddle can help you generate more power and finishing ability as your game improves.
Advanced Players
Advanced players know exactly what they are doing on the court. These are experienced club players or tournament competitors who have mastered all the fundamental strokes—drives, volleys, dinks, resets, serves, and returns.
Many former tennis players fall into this group. At this level, players have a strong understanding of strategy, can control the speed of the ball extremely well, and can handle almost any shot during a rally.
Because of their experience, advanced players can truly feel the differences between paddles. They also understand their own playing style and what they need more of from their equipment.
Some players want more feel and touch around the kitchen. Others may want more power for aggressive drives and finishing points. Defensive players often prefer paddles with more control, while heavy hitters may lean toward paddles that generate more power.
At this level, paddle technology becomes more advanced.
Gen 3 Paddles
Gen 3 paddles typically feature thermoformed construction with injected edge guards and foam added in specific areas of the paddle. This improves stability, expands the sweet spot, and increases power without sacrificing too much control.
Gen 4 Paddles
Gen 4 paddles take this technology even further. These paddles often use a full foam core paired with T700 raw carbon fiber, or a polypropylene core with enhanced foam injections around the edge and neck of the paddle. This design improves energy transfer, stability, and overall responsiveness.
At the advanced level, paddle choice becomes very personal. Players often experiment with different constructions to find the perfect balance of feel, control, and power for their game.
Advanced Paddle Comparison ($150–$250)
| Brand | Paddle | Generation | Surface | Core | Thickness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBPRO | Gen-X4 (Blue) | Gen 4 | T700 Raw Carbon | Foam Core | 16mm | $199 (Coming Soon) |
| PBPRO | Gen-X4 (Pink) | Gen 4 | T700 Raw Carbon | Foam Core | 16mm | $199 (Coming Soon) |
| Selkirk | Luxx Control Air | Gen 3 | Carbon Fiber | Polymer + Foam | 19mm | ~$250 |
| JOOLA | Hyperion CFS | Gen 2/3 | Carbon Friction Surface | Polymer Honeycomb | 16mm | ~$160 |
| Six Zero | Double Black Diamond | Gen 3 | Raw Carbon | Polymer Honeycomb | 16mm | ~$180 |
