Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100
Testing & Rating By Product Experts
Written by
Kris Maine
One great thing about playing pickleball is that all you need is a paddle and a ball. Although some high-end paddles can get up there in pricing, there are some solid paddles that can be found under the $100 mark. Sure, there’s extra gear you can purchases here and there down the road, but a $100 can get you far in the pickleball community.
In this guide we will be looking at the best pickleball paddles you can buy under $100. We’ve researched the most affordable paddles testing aspects like control, spin, sweet spot, durability, overall quality, and of course pricing. Based on our in-house testing we will discuss our picks for the best bang for your buck paddles on the market!
Our Favorites
- Best Overall: Swinton Hero Breeze Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Control: Rally Club Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Spin: SLK Latitude Pickleball Paddle
- Best Lightweight: JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle
- Best Under $100: Tangerine Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Beginners: Play Nettie Pro Control/Power Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Kids: Recess Pickleball Paddle
Swinton Hero Breeze Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $69.00 | Swinton | Shop |
80
Overall Score
Recently, I came across the Swinton Hero Pickleball Paddle and was intrigued by its unique features and designs. The Swinton hero paddle has a standard polypropylene core with a premium graphite carbon blended face. It is well balanced and lightweight for optimum ball control. It features a black edge guard along with a padded synthetic grip. The Hero paddle is great for newbies to intermediate players. This is a great “bang for your buck” paddle with many color options.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
Affordable beginner paddleUSAPA approved
Cons
Rally Club Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $68.00 | Rally Club | Shop |
82
Overall Score
The Rally Club Pickleball Paddle is an exceptional paddle that suits both competitive players and those just starting out. Competitively priced for a carbon fiber paddle given its control and durability. When it comes to performance, the Rally Club Paddle is no slouch. The design boasts a larger sweet spot compared to other paddles. With over 14 color options that are designed in Washington by a family run business, you are sure to find the right design to stand out on the court.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
Comes with paddle coverLarge sweet spotFamily ownedlow profile edge guard14 color options
Cons
Not great for power
SLK Latitude Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $59.99 | Selkirk | Shop |
83
Overall Score
The Selkirk Latitude Pickleball Paddle is a premium-grade paddle offered at an entry-level price. Selkirk is simply known for making great paddles and this is no exception. Its balance between power and control makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of players. The overall feel is very lightweight yet sturdy. Overall a great budget friendly paddle.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA ApprovedGreat for powerLightweightVery affordable
Cons
More for beginners
JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $56.00 | Joola | Shop |
86
Overall Score
The Joola essentials paddle is a great option for players looking to develop their shot. It's larger and heavier face allows for a large sweet spot and increased power. For a budget friendly option this paddle fits very well in the hand and looks very "premium".
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approvedGreat spin
Cons
Slightly heavier feel
Tangerine Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $85.00 | Tangerine | Shop |
83
Overall Score
If your looking for a solid paddle for a good price Tangerine is the way to go. With over 15 different designs, Tangerine has the best selection for pickleball paddles. Their paddles are visually pleasing, have a nice sweat spot, and extremely comfy grip. Tangerine paddles are competitively priced for what you get with the added bonus of cool colors.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
LightweightUSAPA ApprovedGood power and accuracyOver 15 design options
Cons
Does not come with cover
Play Nettie Pro Control/Power Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $79.99 | Nettie | Shop |
84
Overall Score
After using the Play Nettie Pro paddle extensively, I can confidently say that this paddle is a game-changer in the world of pickleball. The pro power uses 18k twilled raw carbon fiber, while the pro control uses 3k twilled. This is the leading technology in surface materials for pickleball paddles. The high-end carbon fiber surface is the most durable around. My personal favorite is their pro power paddle which is slightly less thick but allows for greater power and pop. Overall, the design is very clean, the handle feels smooth, and the performance is equivalent to a paddle in its price range.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA ApprovedOption to purchase as a set of 2 (paddles, balls and headbands)Gift box for the set make a wonderful gift presentationComfortable grip
Cons
Expensive
Recess Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $86.00 | Recess | Shop |
85
Overall Score
The Recess Pickleball Paddle is a top-notch choice for intermediate players seeking a paddle that combines power, control, and durability. Its carbon fiber face, responsive core, and spin-friendly design make it a reliable and versatile tool on the court. While it may come at a slightly higher price point, the Recess paddle offers excellent value for money with its performance, durability, and overall quality construction.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA Approved Comes with coverGrip cushion
Cons
Not ideal for advanced players
What can affect the price of a pickleball paddle?
Pickleball paddles come in a wide range of prices that reflects in materials, feel, and performance. However, it is entirely possible to find a good paddle at any price point.
- Quality of materials: Higher quality materials often lead to a higher priced pickleball paddle. Carbon fiber is considered the best material for pickleball paddles depending on your play style. Luckily you can find many paddles made with carbon fiber in this budget.
- Weight: The typical pickleball paddle weights between 7 ounces and 8.5 ounces. A heavier weight paddle is generally cheaper due to lower quality materials.
- Manufacturer: Pickleball brands may cater to different segments of the market which can influence prices they charge. Some brands offer perks like free shipping, lifetime warranties, or a free paddle cover which may affect pricing.
Although pickleball is a fast-growing sport, it is still considered new with limited paddle options. Manufacturers take advantage of this by adjusting their pricing. If you are looking to get into pickleball there are still many budget friendly options under $100 that won’t break the bank. Compared to other sports pickleball paddles are still relatively inexpensive.
