You don't need your own paddle to start pickleball: almost every UK leisure centre and club session lends or hires them. But once you're playing regularly, a paddle of your own is the one piece of kit that changes how the game feels. The choice can look overwhelming, with hundreds of models and prices from about £20 to nearly £300. In practice, a few decisions narrow it down quickly.
What the rules allow
The rulebook limits a paddle's size: length plus width can't exceed 24 inches, and length can't exceed 17 inches. There is no limit on weight or thickness (USA Pickleball rules, Section 2). For sanctioned tournaments a paddle must be on the approved list; for social play at a leisure centre, anything goes.
Face, core and thickness
- Wood. The cheap paddles in starter sets. Heavy, with a small sweet spot. Fine for a garden game, but you'll outgrow it quickly.
- Fibreglass faces. Springy and forgiving, with good "pop". A good choice for beginners and players who like a lively paddle.
- Carbon fibre faces. Stiffer and more controlled, with more grip on the ball for spin. Most mid and high-end paddles use carbon.
- Polymer honeycomb core. The standard core in almost every modern paddle.
- Thickness. Paddles are commonly around 13 mm, 14 mm or 16 mm thick. Thicker cores (16 mm) are softer, quieter and more controlled, with a bigger sweet spot. Thinner cores (13 to 14 mm) give more power and pop but less control. For most beginners, 16 mm is the forgiving choice.
Weight, shape and grip
- Weight. Most composite paddles sit roughly between 220 g and 240 g. Lighter paddles are quicker at the kitchen line and easier on the elbow and shoulder; heavier ones give more power and stability. If you've had tennis elbow, go lighter.
- Shape. Standard (wider) paddles have the biggest sweet spot and suit beginners. Elongated paddles add reach and power but have a smaller sweet spot. Hybrids sit in between.
- Grip size. Too small and you'll squeeze the handle; too big and you lose wrist movement. Check the grip size listed by the maker and, if you can, hold the paddle before buying. Overgrips can make a handle bigger, but not smaller.
- Handle length. Longer handles help two-handed backhands; shorter handles give a bigger face.
- Edge guard. Most paddles have a protective edge. Edgeless paddles give a slightly bigger usable face but chip more easily when you scrape the floor.
What to spend in the UK
Prices from UK retailers in 2026 fall into roughly three bands:
| Band | Typical price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | About £20 to £60 | Fibreglass or basic composite faces, often 13 mm. Fine for casual play. |
| Mid-range | About £60 to £120 | Carbon or better fibreglass faces, 16 mm options. The best value for regular players. |
| Premium | About £120 to £280 | Raw carbon, thermoformed construction, tournament-approved models. |
For reference, one UK retailer lists entry paddles such as the HEAD Kickstarter at £21 and mid-range 16 mm paddles such as the Gamma Rainmaker 16 and Franklin Signature Pro Series 16mm at around £80 to £85 (PDH Sports), while another's premium range runs from about £110 to £280 for brands such as Selkirk, JOOLA and Vatic Pro (Tennis Nuts). Prices change often and discounts are common, so treat these as a guide.
Our advice for a first paddle
- Try a few at your club first. Most regulars are happy to let you hit with theirs.
- Pick a standard or hybrid shape, a 16 mm core and a mid-range weight.
- Spend in the mid-range band if you're playing weekly. Premium paddles only make sense once your technique is consistent.
- Don't buy on power claims alone. Power paddles are fun for drives but make the soft game, dinks and drops, harder to control, and that's where most points are won.
- Look after it. Keep it out of a hot car, which can damage the core, and replace the grip when it gets slippery.
- Buy balls to match where you play: indoor balls are softer with fewer, larger holes; outdoor balls are harder, with more, smaller holes.
Paddle sorted? Find pickleball near you or browse every UK pickleball venue. If you're just starting, read pickleball for beginners.
Questions
What is the best pickleball paddle for a beginner?
A standard or hybrid shape with a 16 mm polymer core and a fibreglass or carbon face, in the mid-range price band. It gives a big sweet spot and good control.
How much does a good pickleball paddle cost in the UK?
Around £60 to £120 buys a good paddle for regular play. Starter paddles start at about £20, and premium models run up to around £280.
Is a 14 mm or 16 mm pickleball paddle better?
16 mm is softer and more controlled with a bigger sweet spot, which suits most players. Thinner paddles give more power but are less forgiving.
Are carbon fibre pickleball paddles better?
Carbon faces give more control and spin and are used on most mid and high-end paddles. Fibreglass is springier and can suit beginners who want more power.