I’m trying something different with this video. I get asked about beginner paddles constantly—at my local club, in DMs, at tournaments—and honestly, most people are more confused after doing their research than before they started. So instead of another generic “top 5” list, I wanted to create the guide I wish had existed when I was starting out.
Fair warning: this gets a little technical. But I promise the terminology is easy to understand and actually useful when you’re ready to buy. And if you want to skip straight to recommendations, they’re listed below—or just email me your questions [visit my website www.mattspickleball.com]. Maybe I’ll create a simplified version 2 if enough people ask for it.
Here’s the thing: choosing your first pickleball paddle shouldn’t be this hard. But the industry makes it confusing on purpose. Too many specs, too much marketing, and way too many people pushing you toward expensive pro paddles that’ll actually slow down your progress.
This guide cuts through all of that. We’ll cover the three paddle types (and why most beginners accidentally grab the wrong one), the specs that actually matter—like swing weight (105-117 is your sweet spot), twist weight for forgiveness on mishits (look for 6.5+), and why core thickness changes everything about dwell time and control. I’ll also walk you through what to avoid on Amazon, the most common beginner mistakes I see every week, and which paddles actually make sense based on where you are right now.
Real talk: you don’t need a $250 paddle to get better. You need one that helps you build consistency and doesn’t punish every imperfect shot. That’s what this video is about.
Whether you’re wondering if you should buy what Ben Johns uses, trying to figure out control vs. power, or just tired of analysis paralysis—this framework will help you make the right call for your game.
🎾 PADDLES I ACTUALLY RECOMMEND FOR BEGINNERS:
– Vatic Pro Prism Flash/Bloom/V7 (use code MPB)
– 11SIX24 JellyBean Hurache/Vapor/Pegasus (use code MPB)
For my full paddle database and more recommendations: www.mattspickleball.com
0:00 – Intro: Why Most Beginners Use the Wrong Paddle
1:26 – The 3 Paddle Types: Control, All-Court, Power
3:35 – Not All Beginners Are the Same (Skill Level Matters)
5:32 – Paddle Specs That Actually Matter
8:36 – Surface Materials & Layups Explained
11:24 – Core Materials & Internal Construction
13:12 – Paddle Shapes: Standard, Hybrid, Elongated
13:49 – What to Avoid: Amazon Paddle Traps
15:25 – Common Beginner Mistakes
17:22 – Final Recap: How to Choose the Right Paddle
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🔥 PADDLE DISCOUNTS (Code MPB works on most)
Selkirk (INF-MPB) →
JOOLA (10% OFF) →
CRBN (10% OFF) →
Franklin (10% OFF) →
Diadem (10% OFF) →
Ronbus ($20 OFF) →
Six Zero (10% OFF) →
Vatic Pro ($10 OFF) →
Bread & Butter (15% OFF) →
Pickleball Apes (10% OFF) →
Mark Pickleball (10% OFF) →
Spartus (10% OFF, code MPB) →
11SIX24 (10% OFF) →
Chorus (10% OFF) →
Thrive (10% OFF) →
Maverix (15% OFF) →
Neonic (10% OFF) →
Reload (10% OFF) →
FORWRD (KTCHN, 10% OFF) →
Honolulu Pickleball (10% OFF) →
Hi I just watched your video. I’m wondering if you have any links for intermediate senior players. I currently use a Selkirk epic. The grip is wearing out and showing signs of wear on the paddle. I’m not sure what to upgrade with. Any ideas for me what to purchase next? Would the J2 nf be a good fit? Thank you.
I started with a Franklin x1000. Then progressed to the PBPro Signature. I recently got a 6.0 DBD infinity and TF CRBN. I’ve been playing for a couple of years now. People always want to hit hard and then get frustrated when they smack it straight out of bounds. I teach my sons, to learn how to play fast you must first learn how to play slow.
I just started taking classes this month (April) which is only once a week and I’m coming to the final week, now would you recommend taking the intermediate class or just jump into the “Drop-In” games? I really liked your breakdown for a beginner such as myself on what to look for in a paddle!! but when you talk about the swing how do you really know if the paddle is to light or to heavy?
Matt, great video! Thanks for deciding to put it out there. I just attended an intro class at the local YMCA. Ironically the instructor lent me a X5 paddle.
I am 60 and overweight (one of the reasons I took the class in the first place). I really enjoyed the game and want to take the sport up. I am in the process of shopping for a paddle and this video made me stop and consider the specs vs the advertising. You really helped in explaining the jargon I am seeing while doing my research
I got a onyx paddle is wide I hope that good for start