How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle: Beginner to Pro

Hey everybody—CJ Johnson here! One of the most common questions I hear is:

“How do I choose a pickleball paddle?”

With so many shapes, sizes, and price points, it’s tough to know where to start. Luckily, our friends at Pickleball Central sent me three different paddles, each designed for a different type of player.

If you’ve been trying to figure out how to choose a pickleball paddle that fits your game, these examples will give you a clear starting point.

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Paddle #1: Tyro Rally — Best for Beginners and Casual Players

If you’re new to pickleball or just play once in a while, the Tyro Rally is a great choice.

Why you might choose it:

• Lightweight (around 7 oz).

• Smaller grip, perfect for players with smaller hands.

• Affordable (around $30–$35).

• Easy to swing, less strain on the arm.

On the Court:
The Tyro feels light, firm, and surprisingly easy to control. It doesn’t have grit on the paddle face, so you won’t get much extra spin—but for learning the game and hitting consistent shots, it’s a winner.

👉 If you’re asking how to choose a pickleball paddle as a beginner, this is exactly the kind of paddle to look for: light, comfortable, and budget-friendly.

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Paddle #2: Versix 6C Plus — For Recreational and Intermediate Players

If you’ve been bitten by the pickleball bug and are playing more regularly (once or twice a week), the Versix 6C+ is a great step up.

Why you might choose it:

• Elongated shape (extra reach).

• Noticeable grit on the surface for spin.

• Thicker, tackier grip.

• Mid-range price (~$75).

On the Court:
The grit made it easier to generate spin, and the elongated design gave me extra reach. While it’s slightly heavier and more head-weighted than the Tyro, it still felt very comfortable in play.

👉 If you’re asking how to choose a pickleball paddle as an intermediate player, look for one with added features like grit for spin and a shape that matches your style.

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Paddle #3: Paddletek Bantam GTO-C — For Competitive and Frequent Players

For players who are on the court multiple times a week, you’ll want a paddle with more performance features. That’s where the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C comes in.

Why you might choose it:

• Elongated, slightly curved shape.

• High-quality grip material.

• More feedback and power.

• Premium price ($150+).

On the Court:
This paddle has a heavier swing weight and more pop than the others. It delivers excellent control and spin, but the head-heavy feel may bother players sensitive to swing weight (like me, since I’ve dealt with golfer’s elbow). Tennis players, though, may love this paddle because it feels similar to a tennis racket.

👉 If you’re asking how to choose a pickleball paddle as a serious player, this is the level of paddle you’ll want to explore.

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Quick Rundown

Here’s how to match a paddle to your level:

• Tyro Rally ($30–$35) → Best for beginners. Light, easy to control, great value.

• Versix 6C+ (~$75) → Ideal for recreational players. Nice spin, balanced feel, solid choice.

• Paddletek Bantam GTO-C ($150+) → Built for frequent, competitive players. More feedback, power, and spin, but heavier swing weight.

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Final Thoughts: How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

The best way to choose a pickleball paddle is to start by asking:

• How often do I play?

• Do I want more power, spin, or control?

• How much am I ready to invest?

Once you know your priorities, it’s much easier to pick a paddle that matches your game.

If none of these paddles sound like the right fit, don’t worry—Pickleball Central has hundreds of paddles to choose from. There’s one out there that’s perfect for you.

See you on the courts!

Better Pickleball can help you with more than how to choose a paddle!  We are here to support your pickleball journey!  Check out our free guides on how to improve your pickleball game!  We have everything from a Beginner Guide to Pickleball to a free on-line clinic “3 Pickleball Myths Holding You Back”  to a huge catalogue of free articles for every level of play.