What is the difference between graphite and composite pickleball paddles?

Graphite paddles are lighter and offer a more responsive feel, which is good for touch and control at the net. Composite (fiberglass) paddles are heavier and generate more power, which can help beginners and baseline players. Most intermediate players prefer graphite for the control advantage.

Best Pickleball Paddles 2025: Picks for Every Level

Q: What is the best pickleball paddle for beginners?

For beginners, look for a mid-weight paddle (7.5–8.2 oz) with a composite or fiberglass face. The Paddletek Bantam EX-L, Onix Graphite Z5, and Gamma Micron 2.0 are all strong beginner options. Avoid very cheap wood paddles if you plan to play regularly.

Q: How much should I spend on a pickleball paddle?

A decent beginner paddle costs $40–$80. Intermediate players typically spend $80–$150 for a higher-quality graphite paddle. Tournament-grade paddles run $150–$250. You don't need to spend over $100 to have a very good time at the recreational level.

📅 Updated 2025 ⏱ 9 min read 💰 All budgets

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📋 Quick navigation

How to choose a paddle
Best paddles for beginners
Best for intermediate players
Best for power players
Best for touch & control
Best budget paddles (under $50)
FAQ

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

Before picking a paddle, understand the three main variables:

1. Weight

Weight	Category	Best for
Under 7.3 oz	Lightweight	Touch, quick hands, players with arm issues
7.3–8.4 oz	Mid-weight	Most players — best balance of power and control
Over 8.4 oz	Heavy	Power hitters, baseline players, doubles

2. Face Material

Graphite: Light, responsive, excellent for control and touch. Most popular at intermediate/advanced levels.
Fiberglass / Composite: More power and a slightly softer feel. Great for beginners and power players.
Carbon fiber: The top tier. Maximum control, spin potential, and responsiveness. Usually $150+.
Wood: Cheap, heavy, and fine for casual play — but not recommended if you plan to play regularly.

3. Core

Almost all quality paddles use a polymer (polypropylene) honeycomb core. This core is quiet, provides excellent control, and has largely replaced the older nomex and aluminum cores. If you're buying a modern paddle, you'll almost certainly be getting a polymer core.

4. Grip Size

Grip sizes run from 4 inches to 4½ inches in circumference. Smaller grips allow more wrist action (spin); larger grips give more stability. When in doubt, go slightly smaller — you can always add an overgrip to increase size, but you can't shrink it.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

1. Onix Graphite Z5 (~$70) Buy on Amazon →

One of the most popular beginner paddles for years, and for good reason. The Z5 is a mid-weight graphite paddle with a wide body shape that gives you a large sweet spot. It's forgiving on off-center hits and easy to control. A safe, reliable first paddle.

Weight: 7.5–8.2 oz (mid)
Face: Graphite
Core: Nomex honeycomb
Best for: Beginners who want control

2. Gamma Compass 2.0 (~$60) Buy on Amazon →

Gamma is a long-established racket sports brand and the Compass 2.0 is their workhorse beginner paddle. Fiberglass face, polymer core, mid-weight. Very forgiving and generates good power for beginner drives. The grip is comfortable out of the box.

Weight: 7.9–8.4 oz
Face: Fiberglass
Best for: Beginners who want more power

3. Paddletek Bantam TS-5 (~$90) Buy on Amazon →

A step up in quality but still accessible for new players. Paddletek builds excellent paddles and this one features a graphite face and polymer core. The larger sweet spot makes it very easy to rally with. Worth the extra $20 over budget options.

Weight: ~7.9 oz
Face: Graphite
Best for: Beginners who want a paddle that'll last as they improve

Best for Intermediate Players

1. Selkirk Amped S2 (~$130) Buy on Amazon →

Selkirk is one of the most respected paddle brands in pickleball, and the Amped S2 is their most popular intermediate option. The FiberFlex fiberglass face gives great touch and a large sweet spot. Excellent for players transitioning from baseline-heavy to net-focused play.

Weight: 7.7–8.3 oz
Face: Fiberglass (FiberFlex)
Best for: All-around intermediate play, dinking, control

2. Engage Poach Advantage (~$130) Buy on Amazon →

Engage paddles are known for their exceptional touch and spin control. The Poach Advantage is a favorite among intermediate players who want to develop their dinking and third-shot drop game. Slightly textured face helps with spin.

Weight: 7.9–8.3 oz
Face: Graphite
Best for: Touch-focused players, improving at the kitchen

3. Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 (~$200) Buy on Amazon →

Pro player Ben Johns' signature paddle. The carbon fiber face and 16mm foam core give it tremendous pop and control. If you're serious about improving and want to invest in equipment that'll grow with you, this is one of the best paddles on the market at any price point.

Weight: ~7.9 oz
Face: Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS)
Best for: Dedicated intermediate-to-advanced players

Best for Power Players

Power players tend to prefer heavier paddles with a wider body that can generate more momentum on drives. Some options:

Onix Summit C1 (~$90) – Heavy enough to add power on drives, composite face
HEAD Radical Tour (~$120) – Famous in racket sports, great for powerful baseliners transitioning from tennis
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air (~$190) – Top-tier power paddle with a large surface area

Best for Touch & Control

Control paddles are lighter and have a textured face that allows for more spin and placement. Great for advanced players who win points at the kitchen line:

Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 (~$150) – Exceptional control, a top pick for 4.0+ players
Selkirk Latitude Invikta (~$160) – Elongated shape for reach and precise placement
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro (~$140) – Responsive graphite, excellent for two-handed backhands

Best Budget Paddles (Under $50)

If you're buying your first paddle just to try the sport, you don't need to spend much:

Amazin' Aces Classic Set (~$40 for 2 paddles + balls) – Perfect for just trying it out with a friend. Comes as a complete starter set.
Niupipo Graphite Paddle (~$45) – Surprisingly solid graphite option at a budget price. Fine for recreational play.
TMPR Sports Electron (~$50) – Good entry-level composite option with decent touch.

💡 Budget tip Don't buy a full paddle set (paddle + net + balls) as your "real" setup. They're good for casual play but the paddles are usually very basic. If you're going to play at a real court with other people, invest at least $60–$80 in a quality standalone paddle.

FAQ: Pickleball Paddles

What is the best pickleball paddle for beginners?

For most beginners, the Onix Graphite Z5 (~$70) or Gamma Compass 2.0 (~$60) are excellent first paddles. Both are mid-weight, forgiving, and will serve you well through your first year of playing.

How much should I spend on a pickleball paddle?

For casual rec play, $50–$80 buys you a genuinely good paddle. If you're playing 3+ times a week and want to improve, $100–$150 gets you into higher-quality options. Professional-level paddles run $150–$250 but are overkill until you're playing at a 4.0+ level.

Graphite vs composite — which is better?

Neither is universally better. Graphite gives more control and responsiveness; composite/fiberglass gives more power and a softer feel. Most beginners do fine with either. Intermediate and advanced players tend to prefer graphite for the control advantage at the kitchen line.

Does paddle weight really matter?

Yes, especially over time. Heavy paddles (8.5+ oz) can cause arm fatigue and are linked to elbow issues in frequent players. Most coaches recommend mid-weight paddles (7.3–8.4 oz) as the best balance for recreational and competitive play.

Don't forget shoes

A good paddle helps, but the right shoes matter just as much for lateral movement and preventing injury. See our pickleball shoe guide →