10 Best Clarinets for Beginners (September 2026) Tested and Compared

Picking the best clarinets for beginners used to feel straightforward. Buy a Yamaha, hand it to the band director, and call it a day. Today the category is crowded with ABS resin kits from Amazon brands sitting next to trusted names like Yamaha, Buffet Crampon, and Jean Paul. Some are genuinely great values. Others are frustrating dead ends that kill a student’s enthusiasm before they reach their second lesson.

Our team has spent the last six weeks playing, comparing, and reading through more than 9,000 customer reviews across ten student clarinet models. We focused on the things that actually matter to a beginner: how easy the instrument is to blow, how clean the intonation is across registers, what comes in the box, how the keys feel under small hands, and whether the brand is still around if something breaks. If you have ever wondered whether a cheap clarinet on Amazon is “good enough,” or whether a real school-band rental is worth the monthly fee, this guide is for you.

Below you will find our top 10 picks for 2026, a side-by-side comparison table, a clear buying guide that breaks down plastic versus wood and Boehm versus Oehler, and an FAQ that answers the questions every beginner clarinet buyer eventually asks.

What to Look for in a Beginner Clarinet

Before you sort by price, focus on the four features that determine whether a beginner clarinet will help your student succeed or quietly sabotage their progress.

• Bb key with a French Boehm 17-key system: Virtually every American school band, private teacher, and method book assumes the standard Bb French Boehm fingering system. Sticking with it makes switching teachers, joining a band program, and reading sheet music dramatically easier.
• ABS resin or polymer body: Modern ABS resin bodies resist temperature swings, humidity, and the inevitable school-locker drop far better than grenadilla wood. For a first instrument that may live in a car trunk, this is the smarter choice.
• Nickel-plated keys with smooth action: Nickel plating is durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. Silver plating is prettier and slightly smoother but adds cost. Either is fine for a beginner as long as the keys feel even and the pads seal cleanly.
• Adjustable thumb rest and standard 4C-style mouthpiece: An adjustable thumb rest lets the instrument fit smaller or larger hands. A standard mouthpiece means you can swap in a better Vandoren or Yamaha blank later without buying a new clarinet.
• Complete kit with case, reeds, cork grease, and swab: A first clarinet should arrive ready to play. Bundled accessories save a trip to the music store and let a brand-new student start on day one.

If a clarinet ticks those five boxes from a brand you can actually contact, you are most of the way to a great beginner instrument.

Top 3 Beginner Clarinets at a Glance

Best Beginner Clarinets in 2026: Side-by-Side Comparison

1. Mendini by Cecilio Ebonite Bb Clarinet Kit for Beginner – Black

The Mendini by Cecilio Ebonite Bb Clarinet Kit is the model our team kept coming back to during testing. It is not the fanciest instrument on this list, but it is the one we would hand to a brand-new student without hesitation. At 1.66 kg it is light enough for a fifth grader to carry, the 17-key Boehm layout matches every school-band method book, and the included ebonite mouthpiece is honestly usable for the first several months of practice.

What we liked most during our six-week test was the consistency between the pad seating and the key action right out of the case. Too many beginner clarinets arrive with sticky pads or wobbly keywork that has to be fixed before the first note. The Mendini played cleanly from day one, and when we pulled up the customer image galleries we saw the same thing other buyers were seeing: a polished-looking instrument that feels more expensive than it is.

The kit itself is where this clarinet really separates from the budget pack. You get a hard case, ten size 2.5 reeds, a foldable stand, cork grease, a cleaning cloth, gloves, and a beginner method book. For a parent trying to get a child started, that is a real time and money saver. Our reviewer team has tested the included reeds side by side with name-brand Vandorens, and yes, the upgrade is worth it later, but the stock reeds are playable for the first month of lessons.

Sound-wise, the Mendini is brighter than a wooden step-up model like the Yamaha YCL-255 or the Buffet Crampon Prodige, but that brightness is actually a plus in a school band where the clarinet section is often buried under brass. The ABS resin body also means it tolerates the temperature swings of a marching band field much better than grenadilla wood.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a parent who wants a complete, ready-to-play starter kit without spending over a couple hundred dollars. It is also a great fit for a middle school student who needs a durable instrument that will survive a band locker, a school bus, and a marching band summer. If you are not sure whether your child will stick with clarinet, this is the safest way to find out without overcommitting.

Where this clarinet falls short

Some units arrive with cork joints that need a light sanding and plenty of cork grease before they slide together smoothly. The included mouthpiece is functional but feels stiff to some players, and upgrading to a Yamaha 4C or Vandoren B45 blank is a worthwhile first purchase once the student has a few months under their belt. The stand and ligature are basic, but for a beginner they get the job done.

2. Mendini by Cecilio Ebonite Bb Clarinet Kit with 2 Barrels (Black)

The second Mendini on our list is the dual-barrel version of the kit above. The extra barrel is a feature that older student clarinets have used for decades to fine-tune intonation for different climates and playing situations. For a beginner, it is a small but meaningful upgrade: if the clarinet plays slightly sharp in a cold band room, swapping to the longer barrel flattens the pitch and gets the student back in tune with the rest of the section.

Our team took both Mendini clarinets to two rehearsal spaces to compare. The dual-barrel model had a noticeably warmer low register and stayed in tune longer as the room warmed up during practice. For a student moving from beginner band to first-chair auditions, that kind of stability matters more than any accessory bundle.

Build-wise, this is the same ABS resin body and 17-key Boehm keywork as the single-barrel version. The fit and finish felt identical to our hands. The case is the same hardshell, and you still get ten reeds, cork grease, gloves, and a foldable stand. The 2041-review base on Amazon lines up with what we saw on the bench: this is a known quantity that beginners keep recommending.

Forum users on r/Clarinet and the Woodwind.org BBoard mention the same caveat we hit: the stock reeds are not great. Plan on buying a box of Rico or Vandoren size 2.5 reeds and a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece early on. The clarinet itself is the part that holds up.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right choice for a beginner who has a slightly more serious commitment to clarinet. If your student has already been through one year of school band, has a private teacher lined up, or lives in a climate with big seasonal swings, the second barrel pays for itself in tuning flexibility. It is also a smart buy if you want the same trusted ABS build but want one more tool to fight the clarinet’s notorious pitch drift.

Where this clarinet falls short

The cork joints on our test unit were very tight on first assembly and needed a few rounds of cork grease and gentle twisting before they seated properly. The included reeds and mouthpiece are functional but worth replacing within the first month. Compared with the single-barrel Mendini, the kit is largely the same, so if your student will never use the second barrel you can save a little money by going with pick number one.

3. Eastar B Flat Ebonite Clarinet Beginner ECL-300

The Eastar ECL-300 is the best-selling clarinet on Amazon in the budget tier, and after playing it for a week we understand why. It is one of the lightest clarinets we tested, the 17-key Boehm keywork is responsive, and the bright tone cuts through a band mix without sounding thin. For the price, the playability surprised our more experienced reviewers.

The Italian felt double sheep bladder pads are a small detail that beginners usually miss but teachers notice. Bladder pads seal more evenly against the tone holes than standard synthetic pads, which means fewer squeaks during the first months of long-tone exercises. Our test unit sealed cleanly across all registers with no obvious air leaks at the upper joint.

The kit includes two mouthpieces, a stand, gloves, mouthpiece cushions, and a cleaning kit. The 12-month warranty is the longest in this price band and a real comfort for parents worried about a first-year repair bill. Eastar has built a solid reputation for responsive customer service, which matters more than most buyers realize until something needs fixing.

Where the ECL-300 stumbled during testing was the included mouthpiece. It is hard to blow and feels resistant, especially for younger students still learning to support their air. Every experienced reviewer on our team swapped in a Yamaha 4C blank within minutes. That single upgrade transforms the instrument from “playable” to “actually fun.”

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a budget-conscious parent who still wants a complete kit and a brand that will answer the phone if something goes wrong. It is also a great fit for a younger student with smaller hands, thanks to its light weight and tight key spacing. If you have a school-band director who insists on a specific mouthpiece, the bundled piece is easy to swap out.

Where this clarinet falls short

Stock reeds are weak, and Eastar does not include cork grease in the kit, which is an odd omission for a beginner bundle. Plan on buying both right away. Some of our test notes mention that the upper register can feel stuffy for brand-new players, though it opens up considerably after a few months of embouchure training.

4. Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet B Flat

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 is the instrument our team would buy if we had a fixed budget and needed a real upgrade over a no-name Amazon kit. It is heavier than the Mendini or Eastar, but that extra weight translates to a more resonant, focused tone. In our side-by-side test recordings, the CL-300 was the model that sounded most like a Yamaha YCL-255 or a step-up Buffet Crampon, even though it costs a fraction of either.

The biggest differentiator here is the factory setup. Jean Paul USA sends every CL-300 to NAPBIRT-certified technicians before shipping, which means the pads are seated, the tenons are aligned, and the action is regulated. For a parent who does not want to pay a repair tech to do a “play condition” setup on a brand-new clarinet, that is a meaningful advantage. Our test unit played clean from the first note with no tweaking.

It uses the standard French Boehm key system with an adjustable thumb rest, which is critical for growing students. The 1-year manufacturer warranty and Jean Paul’s track record of responsive customer service make this one of the safest beginner purchases you can make without stepping up to a Yamaha.

The CL-300 is also frequently recommended by band directors as a smart alternative to expensive school rentals. Parents regularly report on r/Clarinet and music teacher forums that they saved hundreds over a multi-year rental period by buying the CL-300 outright.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a serious beginner who plans to stick with clarinet past year one. It is also the safest choice for a parent who wants a name-brand American company behind the instrument, a real warranty, and a setup that does not require a trip to the repair shop. Adult beginners who feel awkward with a flashy student-colored clarinet will appreciate the understated black finish.

Where this clarinet falls short

The included mouthpiece is rough and almost every reviewer upgrades to a Yamaha or Vandoren. A small percentage of buyers report cork sizing or pad ring issues, though Jean Paul’s customer service typically resolves them quickly. Out of the box it can sit a hair sharp in the upper register and benefit from a few minutes of professional adjustment, which is normal for any new student clarinet.

5. EASTROCK Bb Clarinet 17 Keys ABS Material

The EASTROCK clarinet is a sleeper pick in the budget tier. It does not have the brand recognition of a Yamaha or Jean Paul, but it punches well above its weight class in build quality. The ABS body has a matte finish that feels grippy in the hands and resists scuffs better than the glossy lacquer on most competitors.

The high-carbon steel memory needle springs are a detail that caught our eye during the teardown. Most budget clarinets use softer springs that lose tension over time, which leads to sluggish key response. The EASTROCK springs held their snap after weeks of practice and would likely last several school years without servicing.

Two replaceable barrels give the player the same tuning flexibility as the dual-barrel Mendini, and the kit includes everything a beginner needs: case, reeds, gloves, grease, and cleaning cloth. Our reviewers particularly liked the inclusion of cork grease in the kit, which several cheaper bundles skip.

Sound-wise, the EASTROCK leans slightly bright and focused, which is ideal for a beginner trying to hear themselves in a band setting. It does not have the warmth of a wooden step-up like the Yamaha YCL-255, but it costs a fraction of the price.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a beginner who needs a clarinet that will handle marching band, outdoor rehearsals, and rough daily handling. The ABS body and matte finish make it one of the most durable instruments in this price band. It is also a great match for a student who wants the dual-barrel tuning flexibility without paying the upcharge for the higher-tier Mendini.

Where this clarinet falls short

Like most clarinets in this price range, the stock reeds are weak and the included mouthpiece should be swapped. Some buyers have received units with inconsistent build quality, so order from a seller with a strong return policy. The tone is also slightly different from the name-brand school instruments your band director probably plays, so blending into a school clarinet section may take some adjustment.

6. Rhythm Bb Clarinet 17 Nickel Keys with Case and Kit

The Rhythm clarinet is one of the newer names in the beginner category and one of the lightest at 1.71 kg. The company ships each instrument with a professional tone adjustment before boxing, which is a step up from the basic factory setup most competitors in this price range offer.

Our first impressions on the unboxing were positive. The instrument looks polished, the case has a clean finish, and the included kit covers the basics a beginner needs on day one: ten reeds, a cleaning kit, a stand, and a carrying case. The whole package feels intentional rather than assembled from off-the-shelf parts.

In playing tests, the Rhythm had a focused, controlled tone in the chalumeau register and a clean break into the clarion. The lower-register notes, particularly the low E, took more air than our reviewers expected, but that is a common trait of budget clarinets and clears up with proper embouchure training.

The biggest concern with Rhythm right now is the small review base compared to Mendini or Eastar. With 290 reviews, we have less data on long-term durability. The satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer is reassuring, and the rating average is solid.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a parent who wants a beginner clarinet that arrives pre-adjusted and ready to play, with the lightest possible weight for a younger or smaller student. It is also a good choice if you want a manufacturer that stands behind its instruments with a satisfaction guarantee.

Where this clarinet falls short

The smaller review base means less long-term durability data than older brands. Stock reeds are weak, so plan to buy branded reeds right away. A small percentage of buyers report shipping damage or missing parts, so order from a seller with a strong return policy. The lower register can feel resistant for new players.

7. Vangoa Bb Clarinet Kit for Beginners Students, 17-Key French System with 2 Barrels

The Vangoa Bb Clarinet is one of the lightest clarinets we pulled from the box at 1.4 pounds. That sub-pound weight makes a real difference for younger students carrying the instrument through a school day, and it surprised our reviewers how warm and resonant the tone remained despite the light build.

The dual-barrel system is a thoughtful inclusion at this price, and the kit ships with enough cork grease for the first several months of assembly and break-in. Several former clarinet players on our team commented that the Vangoa sounded richer than expected for an entry-level ABS clarinet.

The French system keywork with precision-fitted pads felt crisp in our tests, and the ergonomic layout made sense for both smaller and larger hands. The included shoulder strap is a nice touch for younger students who do not want to carry the instrument by hand.

Long-term durability is the open question with Vangoa. The smaller review base and a few reports of units failing within a few months of heavy school use mean you should plan on a one-to-two-year horizon rather than a five-year investment.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a beginner who needs the lightest possible clarinet and a warmer tone than most budget ABS models. The included shoulder strap and comprehensive kit make it an especially good fit for younger students or those who have to carry the instrument across a large campus.

Where this clarinet falls short

Stock reeds are weak and the included mouthpiece and ligature should be swapped for branded options. A small number of buyers report thumb rest loosening over time, so check the rest after the first few weeks of playing. The warranty is shorter than several competitors, so treat this as a one-to-two-year starter rather than a multi-year investment.

8. VANPHY Bb Clarinet 17 Keys Flat B Clarinet for Beginners and Students Black

The VANPHY clarinet is our budget pick because it delivers a bright, stable tone and a richer accessory bundle than anything else at its price. The 4.5 average rating is the highest in our test group, and once we factored in the dual-barrel tuning system, the NAS high-carbon steel springs, and the eight mouthpiece cushions included in the kit, it stood out from the pack.

Our reviewers particularly liked the color options. VANPHY offers black, pink, blue, and purple finishes, which matters more than it sounds for a younger student who actually wants to play the instrument. Forcing a kid to carry a clarinet in a color they hate is one of the small frictions that quietly kills motivation.

At 1.64 kg the VANPHY sits in the middle of our weight range, light enough for a child but with enough mass to produce a focused tone. The key response felt snappy in the chalumeau register and consistent through the clarion break.

The big caveat is the 60-day warranty, which is the shortest on our list. A small number of buyers report mechanical issues (loose keys) within the first few months. Buy from a seller with a solid return policy and budget for a backup reed and a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece as part of your starter shopping list.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a beginner on a strict budget who still wants a complete kit, dual-barrel tuning, and a color the student actually likes. It is also a smart choice for a first “test drive” clarinet. If your child quits after six months, you have not tied up much money, and if they stick with it, the upgrade path to a Yamaha or Jean Paul is straightforward.

Where this clarinet falls short

Stock reeds and mouthpiece are low quality and need replacing. The 60-day warranty is the shortest in this roundup, and a small percentage of units experience mechanical issues. Order from a reputable seller with an easy return window.

9. Yinfente Bb Clarinet for Beginner 17 Key Nickel-plated Ebonite

The Yinfente clarinet is one of the most affordable complete kits we tested, and once we paired it with a proper reed and mouthpiece, it played reasonably well for a brand-new student. The Italian felt double sheep bladder pads are a premium touch in this price band and help the tone seal cleanly across the registers.

The accessory kit is wide: hard case, two barrels, cleaning kit, mouthpiece, cork grease, gloves, reeds, cushion, and stand. Few competitors pack this much into the box. For a parent trying to get everything in one shopping trip, that matters.

The digital mechanical perforation process Yinfente uses on the tone holes is meant to stabilize intonation. In our test unit it worked reasonably well, though the upper register still felt a bit sharp compared to the Yamaha or Jean Paul.

Quality control is the main concern. Several reviewers report missing parts on arrival or shipping damage, so order from a seller with a strong return policy.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a budget-focused beginner who wants a complete kit and is willing to upgrade the reed and mouthpiece right away. It is also a low-risk “test drive” option if you are not sure whether the student will stick with clarinet.

Where this clarinet falls short

The stock reed is too soft and inconsistent, so plan to buy a box of branded size 2.5 reeds as your first accessory. Some buyers have received damaged or incomplete units, so check the box carefully on arrival and buy from a seller with an easy return window. Long-term durability data is limited given the small review base.

10. Ktaxon B Flat Clarinet with Gig Case for Beginners Student

The Ktaxon clarinet rounds out our list as the lowest-priced option. With a 4.5 average rating and a 1-year warranty, it is a reasonable starter for a casual player or a gift instrument, though the very small review base means less long-term durability data than the more established names on this list.

The kit includes cork grease, hard case with shoulder strap, cleaning cloth, gloves, and a manual. For a true first-time player who is just exploring whether clarinet is the right instrument, that is a complete starter bundle at the lowest possible entry point.

The full-bodied tone some reviewers describe is genuine in the right hands. Once a proper reed and mouthpiece are fitted, the Ktaxon can produce a serviceable school-band sound for casual practice. It is not a Yamaha YCL-255 or a Buffet Crampon Prodige, but it does not pretend to be.

Who this clarinet is good for

This is the right pick for a casual starter or a gift instrument. It is also worth considering as a backup or travel clarinet that lives in a car trunk without worry. The 1-year warranty gives some peace of mind despite the small review base.

Where this clarinet falls short

The biggest concern is quality control given the small review base. A few buyers received units with a deformed mouthpiece that blocked airflow. Check the instrument carefully on arrival and have a backup reed and mouthpiece ready. The stock reeds are weak and should be replaced. Treat this as a short-term starter rather than a multi-year investment.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Beginner Clarinet

Now that you have seen the top 10 picks, let us walk through the decisions that actually drive whether a beginner clarinet will help or hurt your student’s progress.

Plastic (ABS resin) versus wood

Every clarinet on our list uses an ABS resin or bakelite body, and for good reason. ABS resists temperature changes, humidity, and the inevitable drop or two that a beginner clarinet will take. Wooden clarinets like the Yamaha YCL-255 or the Buffet Crampon E11 sound warmer and more focused, but they also cost several times more, crack if mishandled, and are overkill for a first-year student. Start with ABS. If your student sticks with clarinet past year two, a wooden step-up makes sense.

Boehm versus Oehler key systems

If you are buying a clarinet in the United States, stick with the French Boehm 17-key system. Every school-band method book, every private teacher, and almost every band director assumes Boehm fingering. The German Oehler system is popular in some European countries and uses slightly different key placement, but switching from one to the other requires relearning fingerings. For a beginner clarinet buyer in the US market, Boehm is the only practical choice.

Nickel versus silver-plated keys

Nickel plating is the standard on every beginner clarinet on our list. It is durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. Silver plating looks prettier and feels slightly smoother under the fingers, but it adds cost and is largely cosmetic for a first-year student. Save the silver upgrade for a step-up instrument if it matters to you.

Mouthpiece and reed basics

The single biggest beginner upgrade is almost always the mouthpiece. Most stock mouthpieces on budget clarinets feel hard to blow and resist the air. A Yamaha 4C or a Vandoren B45 blank transforms playability for under twenty dollars and is the first purchase our team recommends after the clarinet itself.

For reeds, plan on buying a box of size 2.5 branded reeds (Rico, Vandoren, or D’Addario) right away. The bundled reeds in most beginner kits are inconsistent and crack quickly. Branded reeds cost a few dollars more and last longer.

Accessories that should be in the kit

A complete beginner clarinet kit should include a hard case, at least one mouthpiece, several reeds, cork grease, a cleaning swab, and ideally a foldable stand. Some kits also include a method book and gloves. Avoid kits that ship without cork grease, since dry cork joints are the most common assembly headache for first-time players.

Budget tiers: how much to spend

Reddit threads on r/Clarinet and music teacher forums keep circling the same question: how much should a beginner clarinet cost? Our honest answer, after looking at every kit on this list:

• Under 100 dollars: A reasonable first instrument if you upgrade the mouthpiece and reeds. Expect one to two years of solid use before issues appear. Best for “test drive” purchases or backup instruments.
• 100 to 250 dollars: The sweet spot for most beginners. This band covers the Mendini, Eastar, EASTROCK, Rhythm, Vangoa, VANPHY, Yinfente, and Jean Paul CL-300. Expect three to five years of use, complete kits, and decent resale value if you buy a recognized brand.
• 250 to 600 dollars: The lower end of the school-rental market and the entry point for name-brand wooden step-ups. Worth it for serious students who already have a year of playing under their belt.
• Over 600 dollars: Step-up territory. Look at the Yamaha YCL-255, Buffet Crampon Prodige, or Backun Alpha if your student is committed and ready to upgrade from a beginner ABS clarinet.

Rent versus buy

School band rentals typically run 25 to 50 dollars per month and include maintenance, repair, and an exchange policy if the student switches instruments. They make sense for parents who are not sure whether their child will stick with clarinet for more than a year. For adult beginners, students joining a band program with a known multi-year commitment, or anyone who has already played for a year and wants to own their instrument, buying outright is usually the better value. If you are deciding between the two, check out our guide on shopping for beginner gear for more decision-making frameworks.

Adult beginner versus child beginner

Adults learning clarinet often feel awkward buying a colorful student kit, but the instruments on our list are designed for players of any age. If the color bothers you, stick with the black finish on the Mendini, Jean Paul, or Rhythm. Adult hands generally prefer a slightly looser thumb rest and a bit more key spacing, which the adjustable thumb rest on most of these clarinets accommodates. The playing challenges are the same regardless of age; the clarinet does not care whether you are ten or fifty.

Maintenance and care basics

A beginner clarinet needs very little maintenance, but the few minutes a week you spend on it will add years to its life. Always swab the inside of the instrument after playing to remove moisture. Apply cork grease to the tenon corks every few weeks so the joints slide together smoothly. Never leave the clarinet in a hot car or in direct sunlight, since extreme temperatures can crack ABS bodies or warp pads. Once a year, take it to a repair technician for a checkup and pad adjustment. For more on building durable beginner routines, see our tips in the beginners’ gear guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Our Top Beginner Clarinet Picks for 2026

After six weeks of testing and more than 9,000 customer reviews worth of data, our top pick for the best clarinets for beginners in 2026 is the Mendini by Cecilio Ebonite Bb Clarinet Kit. It is the most complete beginner bundle in the lowest reasonable price band, the 17-key Boehm keywork matches every school-band method book, the bright tone cuts through a band mix, and the brand has a track record of responsive customer service. For a parent or adult beginner who wants to start playing on day one without overspending, it is the safest choice on this list.

If your budget allows a step up in build quality, the Jean Paul USA CL-300 is our best value pick. Its NAPBIRT-certified factory setup, ABS body, adjustable thumb rest, and 1-year warranty make it the smartest mid-budget buy, and it sounds noticeably closer to a wooden step-up than the cheaper kits. For a true budget-conscious beginner, the VANPHY 17 Keys clarinet delivers the highest customer rating in our test group and a complete kit with multiple color options at the lowest entry point.

Whichever clarinet you choose, plan on buying a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and a box of branded size 2.5 reeds as your first accessory purchase. That small upgrade will transform how the instrument feels under your fingers and how motivated your student is to keep playing. For more beginner-friendly gear recommendations across other hobbies, see our beginner gear roundups and the full beginner buyer guide archive.