Is this MTEN pickleball paddle set worth it for beginners?
Worth it, if you're still learning the game
Why beginner pickleball paddles sting on off-center hits
Picture your first real rally: the ball clips the edge of your paddle instead of the center, and instead of a clean pop you feel a dull sting run up into your wrist. That's the moment most beginners quietly wonder if the paddle is the problem, not the swing. You start scrolling pickleball paddle reviews, hoping one of them actually forgives those off-center hits instead of punishing them.
How the honeycomb core and fiberglass face actually work
Here's the trick this set leans on. Instead of a solid core, the paddle face sits over a polypropylene honeycomb, a lattice of tiny hexagonal cells rather than one dense block. When the ball hits, that lattice flexes and absorbs the shock before it reaches your hand, which is why the vibration that usually stings a beginner's wrist gets soaked up instead of transmitted. Because the core is doing the absorbing, MTEN can put a fiberglass skin over it instead of a heavier composite, and fiberglass has just enough texture to grip the ball for a beat longer, which is what gives you spin without extra swing speed. The face is also built wide, spreading the effective sweet spot further from center, so the mis-hit that would sting on a narrow paddle just doesn't. At 7.78 to 7.8 ounces it sits in the medium range: light enough to react fast at the net, with enough mass that shots don't feel like you're pushing air. The wider grip circumference gives your wrist room to snap through for spin instead of fighting a cramped handle, and USAPA approval means the set is legal for sanctioned play, not just backyard use.
So you're not really buying a paddle, you're buying margin for error, the honeycomb core doing the forgiving so your technique doesn't have to be perfect yet. That buys you more clean-feeling rallies while you're still learning exactly where the sweet spot is.
Who this pickleball paddle set is for, and who should skip it
Worth it if
- You're new to pickleball and want a paddle that forgives off-center hits
- You want a ready-to-play set with balls, bag, and grip tape included
- You're playing casually or with family rather than in sanctioned tournaments
Skip it if
- You're already competing and want a paddle tuned for maximum power
- You have a strong preference for a weight well outside the medium range
- You want a paddle built from advanced composite or carbon fiber materials
If you're already playing competitively and chasing every extra ounce of pop, this beginner-tuned build will feel like a ceiling.
The MTEN pickleball paddle set verdict
If you're new to pickleball or picking up a pair for casual weekend games, this is a quiet yes, it arrives ready to play with balls, bag, and grip tape already sorted. If you're already competing and chasing every extra ounce of pop a specialized paddle gives, this medium-weight, beginner-tuned build will feel like a ceiling, not a launchpad.
Amazon shoppers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 9,341 ratings. That is their number, not ours.
Before you go
Do expensive pickleball paddles really make a difference?
Mostly at the competitive edge, pricier paddles use advanced core materials for a higher power ceiling, but for someone still learning shot placement, a well-built honeycomb core paddle like this one closes most of that gap where it actually matters, at the sweet spot.
How to tell if a pickleball paddle is good quality?
Check the core material, the face material, and whether it carries USAPA approval, a honeycomb or polymer core that absorbs vibration, a fiberglass or carbon face for consistent contact, and certification if you plan to play sanctioned matches.
What is the best pickleball paddle for an average player?
For an average or beginner player, a medium weight paddle around 7.8 ounces with a honeycomb core and a wide face is the right starting point, which is exactly what an entry set like this one is built around.
Full spec sheet
| Brand Name | MTEN |
|---|---|
| Sport Type | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | All |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Unit Count | 7 Count |
| Included Components | 2 x Pickleball Rackets, 4 x Outdoor Pickle Balls, 1 x Carry Bag, 2 x Adhesive Strips |
| Item Type Name | pickleball paddles |
| Size | 2 paddles |
