How to Choose Your First Pickleball Paddle for Beginners: Complete Buyer's Guide
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia — and for good reason. It's social, easy to pick up, and genuinely fun from your very first session. But choosing your first paddle can feel overwhelming, especially with so many brands and technical terms thrown at you before you've even hit a ball.
This guide cuts through the noise. We'll walk you through everything you need to know — grip size, weight, materials, shape — and recommend the best beginner paddles available right now at Racquet World in Epping, Melbourne. Every paddle we recommend is in stock and available for click and collect or Australia-wide shipping.
Understanding paddle anatomy — what you're actually buying
Before you choose a paddle, it helps to know what the key parts do. Every pickleball paddle has three main components that determine how it feels and performs.
The face is the flat hitting surface — what actually contacts the ball. Face material has the biggest influence on spin, power, and feel. At Racquet World, most of our range uses carbon fibre faces, which provide excellent spin potential, a crisp response, and durability that lasts well beyond your first year of play. Our entry-level paddles use fibreglass composite faces, which are more forgiving and power-assisted — ideal while you're learning.
The core sits inside the paddle and determines how the ball feels on impact — how much it pops, how forgiving it is on mishits, and how much vibration travels into your arm. Most quality paddles use a polypropylene honeycomb core. Thickness (12mm, 14mm, or 16mm) is the key variable and we cover that below.
The handle affects comfort, grip size, and whether you can play two-handed shots. Most paddles sit between 5" and 5.5" in handle length — enough for single-handed play with room for a second hand if needed.
The sweet spot is the area on the face where contact feels cleanest and produces the best combination of power and control. Beginner-friendly paddles prioritise a larger sweet spot so off-centre hits still go where you want them.
Grip size — more important than most beginners realise
Getting your grip size wrong is the most common beginner mistake. Too small and you'll squeeze the paddle too tightly, leading to arm fatigue and risk of injury over time. Too large and your wrist can't move freely, costing you control and consistency.
The most reliable way to find your size: open your dominant hand with fingers together, and measure from the bottom crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. That measurement in inches is your ideal grip circumference. Most adults fall between 4.0" and 4.5".
As a rough guide based on height: under 5'3" typically suits a 4.0" grip; 5'3" to 5'8" suits 4.25"; over 5'8" suits 4.5". But hand size varies more than height, so measure if you can.
The good news: you can always add an overgrip wrap to increase handle size slightly. You can't easily go the other way, so if you're between sizes, err smaller and add an overgrip. If you're unsure, come into our Epping store and we'll help you hold a few paddles before you commit.
Weight — the single most important factor for beginners
Paddle weight affects everything: how your arm feels after an hour of play, how quickly you can react at the net, and how much power you generate on drives. Most paddles fall into three categories:
- Lightweight (under 207g / 7.3oz): Fast and easy to manoeuvre, but less power and more vibration transferred to your arm on impact.
- Midweight (207–235g / 7.3–8.3oz): The sweet spot for most beginners. Enough mass for power without straining your arm over a long session.
- Heavyweight (over 235g / 8.3oz): Maximum power, but slower to move and harder on your joints if you're not conditioned for it.
For most new players, a midweight paddle in the 220–230g range is the right starting point. It gives you enough power to drive the ball confidently while still being quick enough for net exchanges. If you have any existing elbow or shoulder issues, lean toward the lighter end and consider a paddle with vibration-dampening technology — which is exactly what the Pro Kennex Kinetic range is designed for.
Core thickness — 12mm, 14mm and 16mm explained
This is one of the most common questions we get in store, and the answer is simpler than it sounds.
A 12mm core is the liveliest and most powerful option — the ball comes off fast and the feel is snappy. It rewards players who like to attack aggressively and have developed precise technique. Not the easiest starting point for beginners, but great for tennis converts who want a familiar, responsive feel.
A 14mm core is livelier and more powerful than 16mm — the ball comes off faster, which rewards aggressive play but requires more precise technique. A strong mid-point for players developing their game.
A 16mm core is softer, more forgiving, and better for control. The thicker core slows the ball slightly off the face, giving you more time to shape your shots. It produces a larger sweet spot and is generally more comfortable over longer sessions. Most beginners find 16mm the easiest to learn with.
Our recommendation for beginners: start with 16mm, especially if you enjoy dinking and kitchen play. You can always move to 14mm or 12mm once you've built confidence and consistency.
Materials — what to look for at Racquet World's price points
You may have read guides recommending fibreglass faces for all beginners. That advice is based on cheap paddles under 0 sold at mass-market retailers. At Racquet World, our range starts at 4 and uses significantly better materials — so the approach is different here.
Fibreglass composite faces flex more on impact, creating a trampoline effect that helps beginners get the ball over the net even with an imperfect swing. They're forgiving and power-assisted — ideal for your first few months. The Pro Kennex Strike and Performer Set use fibreglass composite and are our recommended starting point for complete beginners.
Carbon fibre faces are stiffer, generate more spin, and give a crisper, more precise feel. They require slightly more technique but our beginner-appropriate carbon fibre options — like the Joola Agassi & Graf Champion and Joola 3S — are designed with enough forgiveness that the learning curve is manageable from day one.
Paddle shape — which is right for you?
Paddle shape affects reach, sweet spot size, and how quickly you can move the paddle. The three main options are:
Standard / widebody shape: Wider face, larger sweet spot, easier to make consistent contact. Best for beginners. The Pro Kennex Strike and Joola 3S sit in this category.
Hybrid shape: A middle ground between standard and elongated. Slightly longer than a widebody but not as narrow as a full elongated — giving you extra reach without sacrificing too much sweet spot size. A great option for beginners who want to grow into a more versatile paddle.
Elongated shape: Longer and narrower, providing extra reach for baseline shots and singles play. The sweet spot is smaller and positioned higher, requiring more precise timing. Better for intermediate players. Most of our premium range — RPM, Facolos, Six Zero — uses elongated shapes.
For your first paddle: standard or widebody. For your first upgrade once you've developed consistent ball contact: hybrid or elongated, as you'll appreciate the extra reach and power.
Our recommended beginner paddles at Racquet World
1. Best starter set — Pro Kennex Performer Pickleball Set ($119)
Shop: Pro Kennex Performer Set — $119 (use code KENNEX15 for 15% off)
If you're getting into pickleball with a partner, friend, or family member, this set is exceptional value. For $119 you get two paddles, two indoor pickleballs, two outdoor pickleballs, and a bag — everything you need to walk onto a court and start playing immediately. The paddles use fibreglass composite construction, so you're not sacrificing quality for convenience.
It's also a great option if you want to try the sport before committing to a premium paddle. Play a few months with the set, and when you're ready to upgrade, you'll know exactly what you want.
- Includes: 2 paddles, 2 indoor balls, 2 outdoor balls, bag
- Face: Fibreglass composite
- Best for: Couples, friends starting together, gift purchases
- Price: $119 — use code KENNEX15 for 15% off
2. Best first paddle — Pro Kennex Strike ($99)
Shop: Pro Kennex Strike — $99 (use code KENNEX15 for 15% off)
The Strike is our top recommendation for anyone picking up a pickleball paddle for the very first time. It uses a polymer honeycomb core with a fibreglass composite face — the combination that delivers the most forgiveness and the widest sweet spot, making your first sessions on court enjoyable rather than frustrating.
At $99 it's the most affordable paddle in our range, but it's built by Pro Kennex — a brand with decades of racquet sport engineering behind it. This is not a cheap beginner paddle that will hinder your development; it's a genuine quality paddle at an accessible price. Use code KENNEX15 at checkout for 15% off.
- Core: Polymer honeycomb
- Face: Fibreglass composite
- Best for: Complete beginners, all levels of fitness, social play
- Price: $99 — use code KENNEX15 for 15% off
3. Best step-up carbon fibre — Joola Agassi & Graf Champion 12mm ($94 each)
Shop: Joola Agassi Champion 12mm — $94 | Joola Graf Champion 12mm — $94
Two iconic names, two exceptional beginner-friendly paddles. The Joola Agassi Champion and Graf Champion are designed in collaboration with tennis legends Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf — bringing their tennis expertise into a paddle that's built for players transitioning into pickleball, or those wanting their first quality carbon fibre paddle at an accessible price point.
What makes these great for beginners
The 12mm core provides a lively, responsive feel that makes drives and groundstrokes feel effortless — a natural fit for anyone coming from a tennis background. The carbon fibre face gives you real spin potential and a crisper touch than fibreglass, while the Agassi-inspired shape feels familiar and intuitive from the first swing. At $94 each, these are outstanding value for a genuine carbon fibre paddle from one of the world's most recognised pickleball brands.
- Core thickness: 12mm
- Face: Carbon fibre
- Best for: Tennis converts, beginners wanting carbon fibre, social players
- Price: $94 each — Andre Agassi Champion or Stefanie Graf Champion
4. Best premium step-up — Joola Agassi & Graf Edge 16mm ($159 each)
Shop: Joola Agassi Edge 16mm — $159 | Joola Graf Edge 16mm — $159
The Edge series takes everything that makes the Champion great and steps it up with a thicker 16mm core for more control and forgiveness — making it one of the best mid-range options for players who are ready to move beyond an entry-level paddle but don't yet want to commit to the top-tier price point.
Why choose the Edge over the Champion
The 16mm core slows the ball slightly off the face compared to the 12mm Champion, giving you more dwell time and better feel for controlled shots at the kitchen. If you've been playing a few months and want more precision in your dinking game without sacrificing the signature Agassi power, the Edge is the natural next step. Available in both Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf signature versions — the 5.5" handle accommodates two-handed backhands comfortably.
- Core thickness: 16mm
- Face: Carbon fibre
- Handle: 5.5" — suits two-handed backhands
- Best for: Intermediate beginners, tennis converts, players wanting more control
- Price: $159 each — Andre Agassi Edge or Stefanie Graf Edge
- USA Pickleball approved
5. Best for serious beginners — Joola 3S ($339.95)
Shop: Joola 3S Paddles — $339.95
The Joola 3S is the ideal paddle for a beginner who wants to skip the entry-level stage and go straight to a carbon fibre paddle they can genuinely grow with. Joola is one of the most trusted names in competitive pickleball globally, and the 3S brings their carbon fibre technology to a more accessible price point than their Pro IV range. It's forgiving enough for a newer player but technical enough to still be rewarding as your game improves.
Available 3S models — all $339.95
The full 3S range at Racquet World includes nine models across 14mm and 16mm cores, each signed by a Joola touring professional:
- JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S — 14mm
- JOOLA Tyson McGuffin Magnus 3S — 14mm
- JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus 3S — 16mm
- JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion 3S — 16mm
- JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion 3S — 14mm
- JOOLA Tyson McGuffin Magnus 3S — 16mm
- JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus 3S — 14mm
- JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S — 16mm
- JOOLA Simone Jardim Hyperion 3S — 16mm
Not sure which model to choose? The Perseus 16mm and Hyperion 16mm are the most popular starting points for beginners — the 16mm core keeps things forgiving while the carbon fibre face gives you room to develop your spin game. Come into the Epping store and we'll help you pick the right one for your game.
A note on arm health — don't wait until it hurts
Pickleball elbow is a real and increasingly common issue as the sport grows in Australia. The repetitive motion of hundreds of swings per session puts stress on your elbow and wrist, especially if you're gripping too tightly or using a paddle that transmits too much vibration.
To protect yourself from day one: use the correct grip size, stay relaxed in your grip during play, and consider a paddle with vibration dampening if you plan to play more than twice a week. The Pro Kennex Kinetic range — available from $99 with the Strike — is the best available technology for this purpose.
If you already feel discomfort after play, come into our Epping store before it becomes a bigger problem. The right paddle change can make a significant difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight paddle should a beginner use?
Midweight, between 220–235g (7.8–8.3oz), is the best starting range for most beginners. It gives you enough power for effective shots without causing arm fatigue. If you have any existing arm issues, lean lighter and look at the Pro Kennex Kinetic range.
Is carbon fibre too advanced for a beginner?
Not at our price points. Our entry-level carbon fibre options — like the Joola Agassi Champion ($94) and Joola 3S — are designed with enough forgiveness for newer players while giving you better long-term performance than a basic fibreglass paddle. If you're not sure you'll stick with the sport, start with the Pro Kennex Strike ($99) and upgrade when you're ready.
What's the difference between 12mm, 14mm and 16mm cores?
A 12mm core is the liveliest and most powerful — great for aggressive players with good technique. A 14mm core offers a balance of power and control. A 16mm core is softest and most forgiving — best for beginners focusing on consistency and kitchen play. When in doubt, start with 16mm.
Do I need a USA Pickleball approved paddle?
Not for casual social play. But all the paddles we sell at Racquet World are USA Pickleball approved, meeting strict standards for materials, size, and performance. If you ever want to enter a tournament or join a club competition, you'll already have legal equipment.
Can I try a paddle before I buy?
Yes — visit us at 4/59 Willandra Drive, Epping VIC 3076 and our staff will help you find the right fit. We know the range inside out and can talk you through options based on your background, goals, and budget.
How much should I spend on my first pickleball paddle?
Our entry point is $94 for the Joola Agassi Champion, $99 for the Pro Kennex Strike, or $119 for the Performer Set if you need two paddles. Avoid very cheap paddles under $50 — they use inferior materials that slow your development and are harder on your arm.
What's the best paddle if I'm coming from tennis?
The Joola Agassi or Graf Champion is a natural fit — co-designed with Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf, they feature a tennis-inspired shape that feels familiar immediately. The carbon fibre face and 12mm core give you the lively, responsive feel you're used to from tennis.
Do you ship outside Melbourne?
Yes — we ship to all Australian states and territories. Free standard shipping applies on orders over $250. We do not ship internationally. Free click and collect is also available from our Epping store with a 48-hour turnaround.
Ready to start playing?
Pickleball is addictive, social, and one of the best sports you can pick up as an adult. The right paddle makes your first sessions enjoyable rather than frustrating — and gets you improving faster.
Our recommendation for most beginners: grab the Performer Set ($119) if you need everything in one purchase, or start with the Pro Kennex Strike ($99) for a quality individual paddle. If you want carbon fibre from day one, the Joola Agassi or Graf Champion ($94) is exceptional value, and the Joola 3S ($339.95) is the paddle you'll still be playing with years from now.
Visit us at Racquet World, 4/59 Willandra Drive, Epping VIC 3076, or browse the full range at racquetworld.com.au/pickleball. Free standard shipping Australia-wide on orders over $250, and free click and collect with a 48-hour turnaround.
