Picking your first paddle can feel overwhelming — core thickness, surface material, shape, weight, price ranging from $40 to $300+. Here's how to actually narrow it down without getting lost in specs you don't need yet.

Start With Forgiveness, Not Power

New players lose more points to off-center hits than to lack of power. A wider, more forgiving paddle — usually a standard or widebody shape — will serve you better early on than an elongated "pro" shape built for players who already have consistent contact.

Core Thickness: Go Mid-Range

Thinner cores (14mm) tend to favor touch and control; thicker cores (16mm) tend to favor power and forgiveness on mishits. As a beginner, a 16mm core is usually the safer starting point — it's more forgiving while you're still developing consistent contact.

Weight: Middleweight Is the Default for a Reason

Lighter paddles are faster through the swing but transfer less power and can be harder to control at the net. Heavier paddles hit harder but fatigue your arm faster and are slower to reset with. Middleweight (roughly 7.8-8.3oz) is the right starting point for almost every new player — you can always move lighter or heavier once you know your game.

Don't Overspend on Paddle #1

A $250 pro paddle won't make you a better player faster than a $60-100 paddle will. Save the premium purchase for once you know what you actually want out of a paddle — shape, weight, control vs. power — because that's a decision best made from experience, not a spec sheet.

Shop our beginner-friendly paddle collection online, or text us and we'll point you toward a couple of solid starting options based on your budget.