Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners UK: 7 Tested

By Gary, founder of RacketRise. Researching and testing racket sport equipment so you don't have to.

I earn a small commission from purchases through affiliate links in this article. This helps keep RacketRise free and costs you nothing extra.

Last Updated: March 2026

Quick Summary

• Best overall beginner paddle: Selkirk SLK Evo — fantastic sweet spot, lightweight, and widely available in the UK (~£55)
• Best budget pick: Franklin X-40 Performance — genuine quality for under £35, hard to beat at the price
• Best for tennis converts: ONIX Graphite Z5 — familiar weight and feel for players switching from racket sports
• Find courts near you — use the RacketRise Court Finder to find padel and pickleball courts across the UK

Choosing your first pickleball paddle is genuinely confusing. The American market has hundreds of options, most UK retailers stock a fraction of them, and every review online seems to recommend something different.

Quick Answer: The best pickleball paddle for most UK beginners is the Selkirk SLK Evo (£55). It has a large, forgiving sweet spot, weighs enough to generate easy power without tiring your arm, and is available through several UK retailers. If you want to spend less, the Franklin X-40 Performance (£35) is brilliant value. Do not spend more than £65 on your first paddle — you will not appreciate the difference until you have played 20+ sessions.

Table of Contents

• What Beginners Actually Need in a Paddle
• Quick Comparison: 7 Best Beginner Pickleball Paddles
• 1. Selkirk SLK Evo — Best Overall Beginner Paddle
• 2. Franklin X-40 Performance — Best Budget
• 3. JOOLA Ben Johns Junior/Essentials — Best Starter Set Value
• 4. ONIX Graphite Z5 — Best for Tennis Converts
• 5. HEAD Radical Tour — Best Brand Recognition
• 6. Diadem Icon v2 — Best Sweet Spot
• 7. JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 — Best Premium Beginner
• Grip Size Guide for UK Players
• What to Avoid as a Beginner
• Sources & Further Reading
• Related Articles
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Beginners Actually Need in a Paddle

Before diving into specific paddles, here is what genuinely matters when you are starting out.

Lightweight (200-230g). A heavier paddle generates more power but tires your arm faster and makes control harder. As a beginner, you are still learning where to position the paddle — a lighter model gives you more reaction time at the net and reduces fatigue during longer sessions.

Large sweet spot. The sweet spot is the area on the paddle face where contact feels clean and the ball goes roughly where you intended. Beginner paddles use thicker cores and wider faces to maximise this area. When your technique is still developing, a forgiving sweet spot saves you from constant mishits.

Forgiving core material. Polymer (poly) honeycomb cores are standard on beginner paddles for good reason — they absorb vibration, reduce shock to your elbow, and provide a softer feel that is easier to control. Avoid Nomex cores at this stage; they are louder, stiffer, and less forgiving.

Affordable price. Honestly, do not spend more than £65 on your first paddle. The difference between a £40 paddle and a £150 paddle is almost entirely wasted on a beginner. You will want to upgrade once you know your playing style — better to spend £40 now and £120 later than £150 on something that turns out not to suit you.

Quick Comparison: 7 Best Beginner Pickleball Paddles

1. Selkirk SLK Evo — Best Overall Beginner Paddle

Price: ~£55 | Best for: all-round beginners, club sessions, social play | Check price →

The SLK Evo is Selkirk's entry-level line, and it punches well above its price. Selkirk is one of the most respected names in pickleball, and the Evo brings their engineering know-how to a paddle that beginners can actually afford.

What's good: The Rev-Core polymer core delivers a soft, controlled feel that rewards accuracy over raw power. The fibreglass face has a textured surface that gives beginners a taste of spin without being overwhelming. The sweet spot is genuinely large — off-centre hits still go where you roughly intended. At 215-225g, it is light enough for extended rallies without causing arm fatigue.

What's not so good: The grip is slightly thinner than some competitors, which might not suit players with larger hands. The fibreglass face will not generate the same spin as carbon fibre paddles at higher price points. You will likely outgrow it within 6-12 months if you play regularly.

Verdict: The best all-round beginner paddle available in the UK. It does everything competently, nothing badly, and costs less than a decent pub meal for two.

2. Franklin X-40 Performance — Best Budget

Price: ~£35 | Best for: first-time buyers, casual play, families | Check price →

Franklin has been making sporting goods for decades, and their pickleball range offers genuine quality at prices that make trying the sport risk-free. The X-40 Performance is their standout beginner model.

What's good: At around £35, this is the cheapest paddle on this list that I would genuinely recommend. The polymer core provides decent touch for dinking and short game shots. The wide body shape creates a large hitting area that is very forgiving for new players. It comes in several colourways, which might matter more than you think when you are choosing your first paddle.

What's not so good: Build quality is a step below the Selkirk and JOOLA options — the edge guard feels slightly cheaper, and the grip wrap is basic. Power output is limited, though that is actually an advantage for beginners learning control. Do not expect this paddle to last more than a season of regular play.

Verdict: Brilliant value. If you are not sure whether pickleball is your thing, this paddle lets you find out for the cost of a couple of cinema tickets.

3. JOOLA Ben Johns Junior/Essentials — Best Starter Set Value

Price: ~£40 | Best for: beginners who want a trusted brand, younger players | Check price →

JOOLA — the German table tennis giant — has made a serious push into pickleball, and their Ben Johns line is named after the world's number one player. The Essentials model strips back the premium features while keeping the core paddle quality.

What's good: JOOLA's build quality is consistently excellent, even at the budget end. The polymer core is responsive without being overly powerful. The face texture offers enough grip on the ball for beginners to start understanding spin. The Ben Johns branding carries some cachet at the courts, if that matters to you. Widely available on Amazon UK with quick delivery.

What's not so good: The "Junior/Essentials" naming can be confusing — some versions are specifically sized for younger players, so check dimensions carefully before ordering. The paddle leans toward control, which means harder hitters might feel it lacks pop. Edge protection is adequate but not exceptional.

Verdict: A solid entry point backed by one of pickleball's biggest brands. Just make sure you are ordering the adult Essentials version, not the junior model.

4. ONIX Graphite Z5 — Best for Tennis Converts

Price: ~£60 | Best for: players switching from tennis, players who like a crisp feel | Check price →

The Z5 has been around for years and remains popular for a reason. Its Nomex honeycomb core gives it a feel quite different from the polymer-core paddles that dominate the beginner market.

What's good: The graphite face and Nomex core produce a crisp, responsive feel that tennis players often prefer. There is more immediate feedback on contact — you know exactly where the ball hit the paddle. The wide body shape provides good coverage at the net. It has a loyal following among UK club players, so you will find plenty of people to chat to about it.

What's not so good: The Nomex core is louder and stiffer than polymer — expect a distinct "pop" on every shot that some indoor venues find disruptive. It transmits more vibration to your arm, which can be an issue during longer sessions. At £60, it is at the top of what I would recommend spending as a pure beginner.

Verdict: The right choice if you are coming from tennis and want a paddle that feels connected and responsive. Less forgiving than polymer-core alternatives, but some beginners prefer that honest feedback.

5. HEAD Radical Tour — Best Brand Recognition

Price: ~£50 | Best for: players who trust established sports brands, all-round play | Check price →

HEAD needs no introduction to anyone who has played tennis or skiing. Their pickleball range leverages decades of racket sport engineering, and the Radical Tour sits at an accessible price point for beginners.

What's good: HEAD's build quality is consistently high — the edge guard, grip, and overall construction feel premium for the price. The polymer core offers a balanced blend of control and power that suits most playing styles. The brand recognition means UK sports retailers stock it reliably, so you can often find it in physical shops to try before buying.

What's not so good: It does not particularly excel in any single area — it is a jack-of-all-trades paddle. The design is somewhat conservative, and more adventurous beginners might find it a bit safe. HEAD's pickleball-specific innovation lags behind dedicated brands like Selkirk and JOOLA.

Verdict: A reliable, well-built paddle from a brand you already know. It will not let you down, but it will not surprise you either.

6. Diadem Icon v2 — Best Sweet Spot

Price: ~£45 | Best for: beginners who mishit frequently, social players | Check price →

Diadem is less well known than some names on this list, but they have been producing thoughtful racket sport equipment for years. The Icon v2 is designed specifically with forgiveness in mind.

What's good: The sweet spot on this paddle is enormous. Even shots that catch the edge of the face still make it over the net with reasonable direction. The polymer core is soft and quiet — ideal for indoor play at leisure centres. At 210-220g, it is one of the lightest paddles here, making it excellent for quick reactions at the kitchen line. The carbon fibre face at this price point is unusual and welcome.

What's not so good: The light weight means you sacrifice some power on drives and serves. UK availability can be patchy — you may need to order online rather than finding it in physical shops. The brand lacks the community recognition of JOOLA or Selkirk.

Verdict: If consistent mishitting is ruining your enjoyment, this paddle will help. The forgiving sweet spot and light weight make it one of the easiest paddles on this list to play with.

7. JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 — Best Premium Beginner

Price: ~£65 | Best for: committed beginners, players who know they will stick with it | Check price →

At the top of our beginner price range, the Solaire CFS 14 represents a step up in paddle technology while still being accessible to new players. JOOLA's Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) adds genuine spin capability.

What's good: The CFS face texture provides noticeably more spin potential than fibreglass alternatives. The 14mm polymer core gives a balance of power and control that grows with you as your game develops. Build quality is excellent — this feels like a paddle worth more than its price. JOOLA's UK distribution is strong, so availability and customer support are reliable.

What's not so good: At £65, it sits at the absolute maximum of what I would recommend for a beginner. The spin capability is somewhat wasted until you develop the technique to exploit it. The 14mm core is slightly thinner than some competitors, giving a bit less forgiveness on off-centre shots.

Verdict: The paddle to buy if you have played a few sessions, know you love pickleball, and want something that will not need replacing for a while. The best long-term value on this list.

Grip Size Guide for UK Players

Grip sizing catches out a lot of UK beginners because pickleball uses American sizing conventions. Here is how to find your fit.

How to measure your grip size: Hold your dominant hand flat with fingers extended. Measure from the middle of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. This gives you your grip circumference in inches.

The golden rule: When in doubt, go smaller. You can always build up a grip with an overgrip tape (adds roughly 1/16" per wrap), but you cannot make a grip thinner.

UK-specific note: Most paddles sold through UK retailers come in a 4.25" grip, which suits the majority of players. If you need a smaller or larger size, you may need to order directly from the brand or adjust with overgrips.

Overgrip tip: A good overgrip (Tourna, Selkirk, or JOOLA all make decent ones) costs about £3-5 and transforms both the size and feel of your paddle handle. It is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make. Many experienced players replace their overgrip every few weeks.

What to Avoid as a Beginner

Paddles over £100. You will not appreciate the difference, and you might buy something that suits advanced play styles you have not developed yet.

Elongated paddle shapes. These have a longer reach but a smaller sweet spot. As a beginner, you want the widest face possible for forgiveness.

Extremely lightweight paddles (under 200g). While light paddles are easier on the arm, those below 200g often lack enough mass to generate controlled shots. You end up swinging harder to compensate, which hurts your technique.

Unbranded paddles from marketplace sellers. A £15 paddle from a random Amazon seller might look identical to a branded option, but the materials and quality control are unpredictable. Stick to established brands for your first paddle — even budget options from Franklin or JOOLA are far better investments.

Carbon fibre faces at the cheapest price points. Some budget paddles advertise carbon fibre faces, but the quality varies enormously. At under £30, a good fibreglass face will outperform a cheap carbon fibre one.

Where to Buy Beginner Paddles in the UK

Amazon UK. The widest selection and fastest delivery. All seven paddles on this list are available on Amazon UK with Prime delivery for most. The downside is that you cannot try before you buy, and returns can be inconvenient.

Decathlon UK. If you want to walk into a shop, hold a paddle, and buy it the same day, Decathlon is your best option. Their own-brand Kuikma paddles are not on this list, but they are decent starters. Some Decathlon stores also stock HEAD and Franklin paddles.

Pickleball specialist retailers. Websites like Pickleballnuts.co.uk, Pickleball.co.uk, and Tennisnuts.com carry dedicated pickleball equipment. Selection is better than general sports shops, staff knowledge is superior, and you are supporting specialist businesses. Prices are usually comparable to Amazon.

Direct from brands. Selkirk, JOOLA, and HEAD all ship to the UK from their own websites. Useful for specific models or colourways that UK retailers do not stock, but delivery times and shipping costs are higher.

Second-hand. Facebook Marketplace and eBay occasionally have used paddles. This can be excellent value if the paddle is in good condition, but check for dead spots, cracked faces, and worn grips before buying.

When to Upgrade

Your beginner paddle is not a lifetime purchase. Here are the signs it is time to move on.

Your technique has developed. When you can consistently execute dinks, drops, drives, and serves with intention, you are ready for a paddle that rewards that precision.

You understand your playing style. Are you a power player? A touch player? A spin player? Once you know, you can choose an intermediate paddle that amplifies your strengths.

The paddle feels limiting. When you swing and the result does not match your intention — not because of technique, but because the paddle cannot deliver — it is time.

You have played 20+ sessions. As a rough guide, 20 sessions gives you enough experience to benefit from a better paddle. Before that, technique improvements will dwarf equipment improvements.

When you are ready, check our guide to intermediate pickleball paddles for the next step.

Sources & Further Reading

• Pickleball England — Getting Started
• USA Pickleball Equipment Standards
• RacketRise — Best Pickleball Paddles UK (Full Guide)
• RacketRise — What Is Pickleball? UK Beginner's Guide

Related Articles

• Best Pickleball Paddles UK: 7 Paddles for Every Budget
• What Is Pickleball? Complete UK Beginner's Guide
• How to Play Pickleball: Rules and Scoring Explained
• Best Pickleball Sets UK
• Pickleball Court Size and Dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pickleball paddle for a complete beginner in the UK?

The Selkirk SLK Evo (£55) is the best all-round beginner paddle available in the UK. It has a large sweet spot, comfortable weight, and is widely stocked by UK retailers. If budget is a concern, the Franklin X-40 Performance (£35) is excellent value.

How much should I spend on my first pickleball paddle?

Between £30 and £65. Anything less than £30 risks poor quality that could put you off the sport. Anything more than £65 is wasted on a beginner — you will not feel the difference between a £65 paddle and a £130 paddle until you have played regularly for several months.

Can I use a cheap paddle from Amazon to start?

If it is from a recognised brand (Franklin, HEAD, JOOLA, Selkirk, ONIX, Diadem), yes. If it is from an unknown brand with no reviews, avoid it. Quality control on unbranded paddles is inconsistent, and you might end up with something that puts you off the sport entirely.

What grip size should I choose?

Most UK adults will be fine with a 4.25" grip, which is the standard size on most paddles sold in the UK. If you have larger hands, look for 4.5". When in doubt, go smaller and add an overgrip to build it up.

Should I buy a pickleball paddle set or a single paddle?

If you are buying for yourself only, buy a single, quality paddle. Sets often pair decent paddles with poor-quality balls and cases to justify the bundle price. The exception is if you want to introduce a partner or friend — a two-paddle set from Selkirk or JOOLA can be good value for pairs.

When should I upgrade from a beginner paddle?

When you can consistently dink, execute third-shot drops, and recognise the difference between topspin and backspin, you are ready for an intermediate paddle. For most players, this takes 3-6 months of regular play. Check out our guide to the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players when you are ready.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Equipment recommendations are based on research and testing — individual preferences may vary. Always consult venue staff about court-specific requirements. Prices and availability are subject to change.