Trying to find the best Pickleball Paddle for you can be a difficult challenge. If you’re new to the sport, then you’re likely to feel completely overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options out there on the market.
How can you know what the best shape is? What about materials—are some better than others? If you find yourself scratching your head, then you have arrived at the perfect place.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the 5 best Pickleball paddles that you can buy at Walmart.
We’ve made sure to give you a handy list of pros and cons for each, as well as an extensive buyer’s guide that will help explain why we made some of the selections we did.
We’ve also included a short FAQ section to help answer anything else you might be wondering about.
This Pickleball paddle has been designed in collaboration with professional pickleball legend Ben Johns, and because of this, it has been created for performance and durability.
It includes a carbon fiber composite surface, which means that you’re going to get excellent power, control, and speed. This surface is very durable and we found that it’s been designed to withstand lots of wear and tear.
Another important feature is its control grip system, which creates a unique style of grip, offering you a lot more control, even when your hand is sweaty during intense games.
This CGS technology has been designed with a diamond pattern that supports you as you grip the handle, allowing you much more precision and stability.
It’s also very important to note the paddle’s low-profile edge guard.
This is something you will find with all high-level pickleball paddles and acts as the perfect balancing act between maximum protection without giving you any unnecessary weight.
With an edge guard like the one on this paddle, you’ll feel a lot more confident about trying out tough shots.
Pros
Carbon Fiber Composite: This helps to create exceptional power, speed, and control.
The Control Grip System: This design technology enhances grip and control, making it easier to hit precise shots.
Low Profile Edge Guard: Offers maximum protection without adding extra weight.
Cons
Affordability: The paddle is relatively expensive compared to other models in the market.
Thickness: The 16mm thickness of the paddle may not be suitable for players who prefer a lighter paddle.
Next up we have a pair of paddles that are perfect for beginners, or those who want something affordable for casual games of pickleball.
This set includes two wooden paddles and two pickleballs, (see also: Best Wooden Pickleball Paddles)making it easy to get started with the game and bring a friend along with you.
One of the most notable features of this set is the wooden paddles, which although not suitable for official tournament play, are light enough to get you started and have good durability.
They have been designed to have a traditional shape and size, making them suitable for players who are new to the game.
We were also impressed with how comfortable of a grip they have, allowing you some additional control and accuracy.
Finally, this is a complete set, which means you won’t have to buy anything else to start enjoying the game of pickleball right away.
Although these might not be the most complex pickleball paddles ever, if you’re looking for a simple, affordable option then these are a great starting point.
Pros
Design: The wooden paddles provide good control and durability, making them suitable for beginners or casual players.
Good Grip: A comfortable grip reduces fatigue and enhances control, allowing players to play longer and with greater accuracy.
Comes As A Set: A complete set includes everything needed to start playing pickleball, making it a great value.
Cons
Build Quality: The wooden paddles may not provide as much power or speed as composite paddles.
Only For Beginners: The set may not be suitable for advanced players looking for high-performance paddles.
For the second on our list of the best mid-range paddles, we’ve chosen Recruit by ONIX.
This is a paddle that has been designed for players of all ages and skill levels, making it a great choice no matter where you are on your pickleball journey.
It has been constructed with a high-quality graphite face, as well as a Nomex honeycomb core—meaning that you will be provided with a great balance between power and control.
The graphite face provides some impressive durability, allowing the paddle to withstand regular use.
The paddle can be classified as medium in weight, making it easy to maneuver and swing while still providing enough power to hit hard shots.
This medium weight means that you will have greater accuracy and control, making it a good pick for players who want to play close to the net as part of their style.
Another important feature is its grip, which has been created with a perforated design, helping to reduce hand fatigue and providing a secure hold on the paddle.
You might also enjoy the paddle’s aesthetic design, with a blue color making it an attractive choice for players who want a good-looking paddle when they’re out there on the court.
Pros
Lightweight: The Recruit by ONIX Pickleball V3 Paddle(see also: ONIX Evoke Pro Pickleball Paddle Review) is designed to be lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver and swing.
This feature is especially beneficial for players who like to play close to the net and need a paddle that is easy to move quickly.
Perfect Balance: The 15.5-inch length of the paddle provides a great balance between power and control. This size allows players to hit hard shots while still maintaining precision and accuracy.
USAPA Approved: This paddle meets all the necessary standards for official pickleball games. This means that players can use this paddle during tournaments and official matches.
Cons
Material: While the Recruit by ONIX Pickleball V3 Paddle is durable, the materials used may not be of the same quality as other high-end paddles on the market. This could potentially impact the longevity of the paddle.
The JOOLA Radius CGS 16mm Pickleball Paddle is designed for players who want to improve their game with a paddle that delivers both power and control.
This paddle has a carbon fiber composite surface that allows for maximum power and speed in your shots, while still maintaining control.
Another standout feature of this paddle is its Control Grip System (CGS), which creates a unique style of grip that offers players more control and precision during intense games.
The perforated diamond pattern on the grip provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when your hands are sweaty.
The JOOLA Radius CGS 16mm Pickleball Paddle is also USAPA-approved, making it suitable for use in official pickleball tournaments and games.
The large width and 8.25-inch paddle face provide ample hitting surface, allowing players to hit with power and accuracy.
Pros
Carbon Fiber Composite Surface: The carbon fiber composite surface delivers maximum power, speed, and control in your shots.
Control Grip System: The diamond pattern grip provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when your hands are sweaty, enhancing control and precision during intense games.
USAPA Approved: This paddle is approved for use in official pickleball games and tournaments.
Large Width and Paddle Face: The paddle's large width and 8.25-inch paddle face provide ample hitting surface for powerful and accurate shots.
Cons
Weight: At 8.2 oz, this paddle may be heavier than some players prefer.
Thickness: The 16mm thickness of the paddle may not be suitable for players who prefer a lighter paddle.
Best Pickleball Paddles At Walmart Buying Guide
So that was our list of the 5 best pickleball paddles you can buy at Walmart today, but it’s not the end of the story!
When you’re out there searching for your best pickleball paddle, whether it’s online or in-store, there are some important factors you’ll need to keep in mind.
In the following section, we have created a list of things you’ll want to keep in mind when searching for the right paddle for you.
Your Skill Level
One of the first things you should consider before buying a paddle is your skill level. Are you searching for something that will help you learn the fundamentals of pickleball?
Or perhaps you’re looking for something that will help you develop your skills and compete in official tournaments.
Whatever your skill level, consider this as an important factor before you commit to a purchase!
Materials
The materials used in pickleball paddles can have a significant impact on your gameplay. The most common materials are wood, composite, and graphite.
We would suggest wooden paddles for those who are new to the sport, or who want to just have casual games without worrying too much about performance.
Composite paddles are made from a mixture of materials and offer a good balance between power and control.
Graphite paddles are the most expensive but provide the most power and control. You are most likely to find all of the high-end paddles on the market to be some mixture of graphite and composite materials.
Grip Systems
A good grip system is essential for a pickleball paddle. Some paddles come with a standard grip, while others have more advanced grip systems.
Advanced grip systems like cushioned grips, perforated grips, and tacky grips can help you maintain a comfortable and secure hold on the paddle during gameplay.
Make sure to check out the grip of the paddle you’re looking at, especially if you’re shopping in stores. This can have a big impact on how comfortable the paddle is over the course of a game.
Size
Pickleball paddles come in different sizes, with the most common sizes being small, medium, and large. Small paddles offer better control, while larger paddles provide more power.
Weight
The weight of a pickleball paddle is another essential factor to consider. The weight typically ranges from 6-14 ounces.
Lighter paddles are easier to maneuver and swing, but may not provide as much power. Heavier paddles offer more power but can be challenging to handle.
Often, the best idea is to choose a paddle that suits your play style. If you’re looking for something that can generate some serious power, then go for a heavier weight.
Shape
Pickleball paddles come in different shapes, with the most common shapes being oval, rectangular, and teardrop.
The shape can affect the sweet spot and the balance of the paddle. Rectangular shapes are usually considered the best for official settings.
Sweet Spots
The sweet spot is the area of the paddle that provides the most power and control. Different paddles have different sweet spots, so it's essential to find one that suits your playing style.
USAPA Approval
If you plan to play in official pickleball tournaments or games, make sure to choose a paddle that is approved by the USAPA.
This ensures that the paddle meets the necessary standards for competitive play.
You can find out whether or not a paddle is approved by checking out the product description if you’re online, or looking at the packaging in-store.
If a paddle has been approved by the USAPA, then there’s a really good chance that it will be advertised!
Style
Finally, consider the style of the pickleball paddle. Some paddles come in a single color, while others have colorful and unique designs.
Choose a style that appeals to you and fits your personality. You can even get some really customized pickleball paddles that will allow you to really stand out from the crowd!
No matter what level of play you are at, selecting the correct paddle is going to support you through your growth as a player.
Make sure you consider size, weight, grip systems, shape, sweet spots, and style before committing to a purchase.
As you can see, there are many different pickleball paddles available (see also: 5 Most Expensive Pickleball Paddles Available Now)at Walmart, and each of them offers you some unique pros and cons.
When you’re trying to decide between a few different paddles, make sure you check out user reviews to see how well these paddles perform in the real world. You should also make sure to consider durability above all else.
While a high-end paddle might end up costing you more, it is much more likely to last you longer.
We hope that this guide has helped you to select your perfect paddle and that you now at least have some ideas of where to start looking.
If you still have some questions, make sure to keep reading for our short FAQ section. Happy pickleball games!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make Sure I Choose The Right Size Pickleball Paddle?
It’s important to know that the ‘correct’ size of a pickleball paddle will depend on your playing style.
At a high level of the sport, players tend to look for paddles that combine strength, durability, and lightweight materials to get the best of all possible worlds.
However, you should select one that fits you best!
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a young sport that combines together a lot of the best elements of racket sports like tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, making it a much lighter sport to play. It is usually played with singles or doubles, on a court with smaller dimensions than a tennis court.
It’s a great sport to get into if you don’t want to commit to something like Tennis, and is a great way for you to keep fit and active with friends!
Hi, I’m Michael Walter, and I am a Pickleball enthusiast. I work as a High School Physical Education Teacher, so I have an expansive knowledge of sports and its impact on physical health.
When I first took a position at my current school, one of the many things I wanted to implement in the curriculum was Pickleball.
Pickleball is a fantastic sport to keep yourself active, healthy, keep your blood pumping, and to start a good sense of competitiveness and team work.
