Pickleball for Beginners: What Paddle Should I Buy First?

Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, and if you’re just starting out, choosing the right paddle can feel overwhelming. The good news: you don’t need to spend hundreds to get a paddle that helps you learn quickly and win more games.

  • What to Look for in a Beginner Paddle:

    • Weight: Light-to-midweight paddles (7.5–8.2 oz) reduce fatigue.

    • Material: Carbon fiber offers the best mix of forgiveness and performance.

    • Grip: A comfortable handle prevents wrist pain and blisters.

  • Mistakes Beginners Make:

    • Buying cheap fiberglass $59 paddles → cheap material and inconsistent.

    • Buying “power-only” paddles → hard to control shots.

  • Why AIKAI Works for Beginners:
    Our paddles are USAPA-approved, lightweight, and built with CoretechFoam that gives you the perfect balance of forgiveness and control.

Ready to start strong? Grab the "AIKAI Bundle" so you and a friend can hit the courts together.