Confused about what paddle to buy?
As a beginner – or even moving into early intermediate club level – buying a pickleball paddle can feel like an absolute minefield.
What should you buy? Why does it cost that much? And do you really need it?
Below, we’ve tried to answer the questions and concerns we hear all the time.
So… what should I buy?
Here’s the simple checklist we recommend for beginners and improving club players:
🧱 Proper core
Honeycomb core for lighter weight, better feel, and more control.
📏 Standard size
Total length + width must not exceed 24 inches.
This keeps the paddle legal, balanced, and easy to handle.
⚖️ Lightweight
Around 7.6 – 8.3 oz (215–235 g) for control without arm fatigue.
🧠 Thicker = more control
Look for 14–16mm thickness.
More forgiveness, better touch, fewer mishits.
(You’ll even see many pros still choosing 16mm.)
🎯 Surface that helps, not hinders
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Fibreglass – forgiving, lively, great all-round
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Carbon fibre – slightly grippier, adds spin and control
🤝 Quality grip
A good grip matters. Cheap paddles often fail here, loosening or breaking even with light use.
How much should I spend?
This is where we can really help.
Below, we offer two paddle options designed specifically for beginner and improver players:
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Play Series – ideal for new players, social play, and early club level
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Match Series – for those progressing faster and wanting more spin and feel
Both paddles meet the criteria above – no gimmicks, no unnecessary upgrades, just the right specs for where you are now and perfect for progression.
Savings passed on
By buying direct, you’re not paying for a third or fourth middleman. That saving is passed straight on to you.
You can:
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Collect from one of our workshops, or
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Have your paddle delivered via Royal Mail
Simple, honest paddles – chosen to help you enjoy the game and improve faster.
