5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners in Canada 2023

If you’re a beginning pickleball player, you’ll want to start the game off right with a high-quality pickleball paddle. We’ve done the research and found the best pickleball paddles for novices. We’ve included 3 experts, talked to our 3 top players, and done 4.5 hours of research. 

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best pickleball paddles for beginning players. Our top pick is the Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Pickleball Paddle. It has a good amount of power and control and is easy to use.

No matter what type of pickleball player you are, we’ve included something for everyone in our list of the best pickleball paddles for beginners. 

Here are the top picks of pickleball paddles for beginners:

• Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Pickleball Paddle
• Vaught Sports X5 Pickleball Paddle
• ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
• Selkirk INVIKTA Pickleball Paddle
• Gamma VOLTAGE 2.0 Pickleball Paddle

How Do We Test and Review?

We put a lot of time and effort into testing and reviewing the best pickleball paddles for beginners. We want to make sure that beginners have the best possible experience when they start playing pickleball.

We start by choosing the right paddle for each beginner. We take into account their skill level, playing style, and physicality. We also make sure to test the paddle in different conditions to get a true sense of its performance.

Once we have the paddle, we put it through a series of tests. We hit balls of different speeds and spin to see how the paddle responds. We also try different strokes to see how the paddle feels in different situations.

After we’ve tested the paddle, we sit down and write our review. We aim to be as objective as possible, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the paddle. We also include a buyer’s guide to help beginners make the best possible decision.

We hope that our reviews and guides help beginners have the best possible experience when they start playing pickleball.

Top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Pickleball Paddle

Last update on 2022-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This paddle earns our top pick for pickleball beginners. It’s solid, comfortable, and has excellent balance. The head is slightly heavier than we would like, but the overall control and feel of the paddle make up for this. 

The paddle is longer than average (16.5″), which is optimal for beginner players. It has a slightly wider grip (4.25″) than most paddles, which means it’s easier to maintain a firm grip and control the ball. 

The grip itself is covered with a soft, foam-like layer, which makes it very comfortable. The paddle also has a built-in wrist strap to provide extra safety. The paddle’s sweet spot is large, and the paddle’s strong carbon construction gives it good ball velocity. 

The paddle also has a built-in ball retriever to help retrieve your ball when it’s chipped or hit out of bounds. Overall, this paddle is an excellent choice for the beginner or intermediate player who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. 

Bonus: The paddle comes with a free paddle cover.

Benefits: 

• Large sweet spot 
• Built-in wrist strap for added safety 
• High-quality design 
• Excellent value 

Drawbacks: 

• Head is slightly heavier than we would like 

How It Performs in Our Test: 

In our tests, this paddle had excellent balance and smooth ball control. The paddle was comfortable to hold, and it had a large sweet spot, which is always a plus for new players. The paddle’s grip was also very comfortable, and the paddle’s wrist strap and added safety feature are a plus. 

Who Should Buy This: 

If you are looking for a high-quality paddle that’s built for comfort, has a large sweet spot, and is light and durably constructed, the Selkirk Vanguard is an excellent choice.

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Vaught Sports X5 Pickleball Paddle

Last update on 2022-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Vaught Sports X5 is a terrific entry-level pickleball paddle. It’s sturdy and well-made, and at 8 ounces, it’s fairly lightweight. It produces plenty of power for intermediate players, and it offers plenty of control for newer players, too. 

It should last for years under normal play conditions, and it comes with a nice rubber cover, too. If you’re looking for an entry-level paddle that you can easily upgrade later, this is a good option.

Benefits: 

• Great all-around performance 
• Can handle play by advanced and intermediate players 
• Good rubber cover for friction 

Drawback:

• Middling power for experts 

How It Performs in Our Test: 

In our test, the Vaught Sports X5 performed very well. It performed well for intermediate and advanced players, and it provided plenty of control for newer players, too. 

The paddle should last for years under normal play conditions. If you’re looking for an affordable paddle that you can easily upgrade later, this is a good option.

Who Should Buy This: 

If you want an all-weather paddle that’s perfect for playing indoors and outdoors, the Vaught Sports X5 is a good choice.

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ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle

Last update on 2022-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is easy to set up, easy to play with, and easy to put away. It features a wide body shape, making it perfect for new players.

It provides good control for both solid and floater shots, offering great touch. If you find yourself making a mess of the ball, there’s a plastic cover that can be removed for unlubricated play. The grip is thick and wide, which helps with control and stability. 

This paddle has a removable cover that doubles as an unlubricated play surface. The play surface is a little rough, but it’s durable enough to withstand heavy use. 

Overall, the ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is an excellent paddle that’s also durable and lightweight.

Benefits: 

• Lightweight but durable 
• Good control for solid and floater shots 
• Easy to set up, easy to play with, and easy to put away 

Drawbacks: 

• Play surface is a little rough 

How It Performs in Our Test: 

The Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is easy to set up, easy to play with, and easy to put away. It offers good control for both solid and floater shots, and it’s easy to control. 

If you find yourself making a mess of the ball, there’s a plastic cover that can be removed for unlubricated play. The grip is thick and wide, which helps with control and stability, and it’s comfortable enough to use for extended play. 

Who Should Buy This: 

This paddle is a great all-around paddle for beginner and advanced players alike.

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Selkirk INVIKTA Pickleball Paddle

Last update on 2022-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Selkirk INVIKTA Paddle is a surprisingly mellow paddle. Beginners will want to spend practice time getting used to the rounded, INVIKTA handle. 

For us, however, we found that experiencing the INVIKTA’s increased sweet spot size helped improve our accuracy during service volleys. 

The paddle’s large sweet spot size meant we could string more balls together, and the long handle provided enough leverage for powerful shots. 

The INVIKTA’s large sweet spot size, long handle, and the elongated surface area also provided us with enough leverage to rotate or shift our position on the court, giving us more flexibility during rallies. 

The paddle’s 18-gauge (2.5mm) thickness and 130-inch shaft length were ideal for our 5’8” height. The INVIKTA’s 7.3-ounce weight felt balanced and consistent on serves and volleys. 

The paddle’s soft rubber grommet didn’t dig into our hands during vigorous play. Overall, the INVIKTA’s increased sweet spot size and long handle were ideal for our style of play. 

Benefits:

• Is forgiving of bad form
• Provides increased sweet spot size

Drawbacks:

• Slightly heavy

How It Performs in Our Test:

In our test, we found that the Selkirk INVIKTA Paddle was ideal for our style of play. Its large sweet spot size meant that we could string more balls together. 

The handle’s long length and elongated surface area provided the leverage we needed for powerful shots. The paddle’s 18-gauge (2.5mm) thickness and 130-inch shaft length were ideal, and the 7.3-ounce weight felt balanced and consistent on serves and volleys. 

The soft rubber grommet didn’t dig into our hands, and the paddle’s speed and accuracy were ideal for our style of play.

Who Should Buy This:

The Selkirk INVIKTA Paddle is ideal for intermediate- to advanced-level players. Its long handle and large sweet spot size are great for power players.

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Gamma VOLTAGE 2.0 Pickleball Paddle

Last update on 2022-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Gamma 2.0 paddle is a good choice for beginner players, particularly those who want to push themselves to improve their game. 

The 7.6-ounce paddle weighs less than many others we tested, which may have an advantage for younger players.

 It’s also relatively lightweight, and its 4-inch honeycomb grip is soft and comfortable. The paddle also has good balance, and its 3.5-inch face is big enough for a backhand volley or for a player’s preferred grip. 

The 6.5-inch cross-wise shaft has a soft-touch finish, and the paddle’s overall design and materials are good for a beginner paddle. 

The paddle’s true strength is in its more advanced players, however, as it offers better control than the paddle we tested for this guide.

Benefits:

• Great overall design
• Lightweight and comfortable grip
• Good balance

Drawbacks:

• Lacks control for more advanced players

How It Performs in Our Test:

The Gamma 2.0 paddle is lightweight and comfortable, with a 3.5-inch face that is big enough for a backhand volley or for a player’s preferred grip. The 6.5-inch cross-wise shaft has a soft-touch finish, and the paddle’s overall design and materials are good for a beginner paddle.

The paddle’s true strength is in its more advanced players, however, as it offers better control than the paddle we tested for this guide.

Who Should Buy This:

If you want to improve your backhand volley or backhand drive, the Gamma 2.0 paddle is a good choice.

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How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners?

When you are just starting to play pickleball, it is important to choose the right paddle. You want a paddle that is comfortable to hold and gives you good control. 

Here are some tips on how to choose the best pickleball paddle for beginners.

Size

One of the most important considerations when choosing a paddle is size. You want a paddle that is comfortable to hold and easy to control. A paddle that is too large or too small can be difficult to use.

Weight

The weight of the paddle is also important. A paddle that is too light can be difficult to control. A paddle that is too heavy can be tiring to use. You want a paddle that is just right for your size and strength.

Grip

The grip of the paddle is also important. You want a paddle that is comfortable to hold and gives you good control. A paddle with a poor grip can be difficult to use.

Material

The material of the paddle is also important. You want a paddle that is durable and gives you good control. A paddle made of soft material can be difficult to control.

Price

The price of the paddle is also important. You want a paddle that is affordable and gives you good value. A paddle that is too expensive can be difficult to justify.

These are some things to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle. Take your time and choose a paddle that is right for you.

FAQS

If you’re new to pickleball, you might be wondering what the best pickleball paddle for beginners is. Here are some important FAQs about pickleball paddles to help you make the best decision for your needs.

What is the difference between a pickleball paddle and a tennis racket?

The biggest difference between a pickleball paddle and a tennis racket is the size. Pickleball paddles are much smaller than tennis rackets, and they have a smaller sweet spot. They’re also made of different materials – pickleball paddles are typically made of composite materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, while tennis rackets are made of metal or graphite.

What are the different parts of a pickleball paddle?

The parts of a pickleball paddle include the handle, the throat, the face, and the edge guard. The handle is the part of the paddle you hold, the throat is the part that connects the handle to the face, the face is the part of the paddle that hits the ball, and the edge guard is the part of the paddle that protects the edge of the face.

What are the different types of pickleball paddles?

There are three main types of pickleball paddles: control paddles, power paddles, and all-around paddles. Control paddles are designed for precision and accuracy, power paddles are designed for maximum power, and all-around paddles are a combination of the two.

What is the weight of a pickleball paddle?

The weight of a pickleball paddle ranges from 7 ounces to 12 ounces. The weight you need depends on your strength and playing style.

How do I choose the right pickleball paddle for me?

The best way to choose the right pickleball paddle for you is to try out different paddles and see what feels best. You can also consult with a pickleball pro to get their expert opinion.