If you’re looking for the best pickleball paddle under $100, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of great options available. While some higher-end paddles can cost hundreds of dollars, you can find a quality paddle for a fraction of the price.
In recent years, pickleball has grown in popularity, and there are now many different manufacturers offering a wide range of products. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
However, if you’re looking for a great value paddle that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top three picks for best pickleball paddle under $100.
List of Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100
There are a lot of different pickleball paddles on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. If you’re on a budget, though, you’ll want to make sure you get the best possible paddle for your money.
To help you out, I’ve put together a list of the best pickleball paddles under $100. I’ve personally tested and reviewed each of these paddles, so you can be confident that they’re all great options.
I’ve also compared them side-by-side, so you can easily see which one is right for your needs. Whatever your budget may be, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect paddle on this list.
01. JOOLA Essentials – Overall Best Pickleball Paddle under $100
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable and high quality construction.
- Textured surface for better control and accuracy.
- Comfortable, soft grip that prevents slippage and hand fatigue.
- Large sweet spot for easy hitting of the ball.
- Great paddle return for increased speed and accuracy on returns.
- Suitable for beginners and casual players.
- Sure-Grip technology for superior grip and comfort.
Reasons to Avoid
- Not suitable for more experienced players who require more spin and control.
- Smooth surface may make it difficult to produce a lot of spin.
- May feel slightly heavy for smaller or less active players.
If you’re looking for a quality pickleball paddle that won’t break the bank, the JOOLA Essentials is a great option. This paddle is perfect for semi-experienced players or those just starting out in the game.
Comfort and Control
I found it to be very comfortable and had great control over the ball. The polymer honeycomb construction also made it easier to hit the ball accurately. I really liked the fact that the ball return was more controlled with this paddle.
It is made of fiberglass and has a textured face. I would say that although it has a nice-sized sweet spot, I felt that the surface of the paddle was smooth and did not have a lot of grip.
Spin Limitations
I found the paddle to be difficult to produce a lot of spin, and therefore, it may not be suitable for more experienced players. However, if you are a beginner or casual player, this paddle may be a good option for you.
The Sure-Grip technology provides a very grippy and soft feel to the touch, which helps prevent hand fatigue and slippage. In addition, the anti-slip ridge grip helps keep your hand in place while playing, even when things get sweaty.
All in all, the JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use paddle that provides good grip and control.
02. HEAD Radical Elite – Elongated Design Under 100 Dollars
Reasons to Buy
- The elongated shape of the HEAD Radical Elite provides excellent control, making it easy to hit the ball with precision and power.
- Weighing in at 8.0 – 8.3 oz, this paddle is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a great option for beginners and intermediates alike.
- The large sweet spot on the HEAD Radical Elite makes it easier to hit the ball with power and accuracy, no matter where you happen to be standing on the court.
- The composite hitting surface provides good power and spin, making it a great choice for players who want to really take their game to the next level.
- The 5″ handle on the HEAD Radical Elite offers enhanced feel and comfort, allowing you to play at your best for longer periods of time.
Reasons to Avoid
- While the textured surface of the paddle may help with spin, some players may find it to be too abrasive and uncomfortable over time.
- The light weight of the HEAD Radical Elite can make it difficult to control at times, especially if you are used to a heavier paddle.
The HEAD Radical Elite is my second favorite pickleball paddle on the market, and it’s the best one you can find for under $100. I’ve used this paddle extensively and I’ve found that it performs well in all areas.
Easy Control and Maneuverability
The elongated shape makes it easy to control, and the light weight (8.0 – 8.3 oz) makes it easy to maneuver. The paddle is also easy to use, making it a great option for beginners and intermediates. I was able to manage dinks up at the net with ease, and I always felt in control of the game.
Power, Spin, and Comfort
The composite hitting surface provides good power and spin, and the 5″ handle offers comfort and enhanced feel. I really like about this paddle is the large sweet spot.
It makes it easier to hit the ball with power and accuracy. The texture on the surface is also good, but it may not help with getting good spin.
03. JOOLA Method – Wide Shape Paddle for Powerful Hitting
Reasons to Buy
- Wide hitting area for powerful hits
- Well-distributed weight for easy control
- High build quality for durability and performance
- Excellent grip with carbon hitting surface that provides excellent spin
- Easy to dink, drive, and lob shots with precision and control
- Ideal paddle for intermediate level players looking for enhanced performance and convenience
Reasons to Avoid
- May miss or clip low shots due to the wider hitting area
- May require a bit more practice to get used to the slightly different shape of the paddle
I absolutely loved the JOOLA Method Pickleball Paddle. I found the precision hits are easier with this paddle due to the bit different shape. The hitting area is actually a bit wider which makes for easier hitting as well.
Feel, Weight, and Build Quality
The paddle has a nice feel and the weight is well distributed. The build quality is excellent too. I would highly recommend this paddle to anyone who wants a good feel and is looking for a paddle that is highly suitable for an intermediate level player.
Enhanced Grip and Spin
I was really impressed with the JOOLA Method Pickleball Paddle. The carbon hitting surface provides excellent grip and more spin.
I was able to dinks and drives with ease, however I would say low balls may be missed or clipped. The Grip Length is 5.5 in and the Sure-Grip technology really reduces moisture.
04. ONIX Evoke Pro – Best for Pop and Power
Reasons to Buy
- The composite face and polymer core of the ONIX Evoke Pro Pickleball Paddle provide a large sweet spot for excellent pop and power.
- Made from durable materials, this paddle is designed to handle heavy impacts without breaking or wearing down too quickly.
- With its slightly larger grip size, this paddle is ideal for players who want extra control and precision over their shots.
- The polymer honeycomb construction of the paddle provides incredible strength and power, making it ideal for more advanced players.
- Whether you are looking to add spin to your shots or want more power, the ONIX Evoke Pro Pickleball Paddle is sure to deliver.
Reasons to Avoid
- The edges of the paddle may begin to wear down more quickly than those on other paddles, requiring you to replace it more frequently.
- While the larger grip size is great for experienced players who want more control, it may be too large for beginners or those with smaller hands.
The ONIX Evoke Pro Pickleball Paddle is a top-notch choice for experienced players who are looking for a well-suited paddle under $100.
Spin and Sweet Spot
The composite face and polymer cores of the paddle provide ample spin and a sweet spot, making it ideal for those who want to add extra power to their game.
I also like about this model that it can pop and dampen the impact of slams, making it a great choice for those who want to protect their wrists and elbows.
The polymer honeycomb construction provides excellent power and strength, while the slightly larger grip gives you more control over your shots.
Considerations for Edges and Handle Size
However, I would say that the edges lose power more quickly than other paddles, and the handle is a bit larger for beginner players.
Overall, I would advise you to consider the ONIX Evoke Pro Pickleball Paddle if you are looking for a paddle that offers excellent control and power.
05. Franklin Sports Pro – Best for Ball Control and Extra Spin
Reasons to Buy
- Polypropylene core delivers more power and consistency.
- Big sweet spot for easier ball control.
- MaxGrit technology dampens vibration for a comfortable playing experience.
- Great spin potential with the paddle’s surface.
- Long handle is great for players with larger hands.
- Excellent choice for experienced pickleball players.
- Affordable price makes it a great value.
Reasons to Avoid
- Grip can wear out more quickly than other paddles.
- Not suitable for beginners or casual players.
I would like to appreciate the Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle. It has a polypropylene core that delivers more power and consistency. The sweet spot is also big, making it easier for me to control the ball.
Vibration Dampening and Spin Generation
Additionally, the MaxGrit technology helps to dampen vibration, making it more comfortable for me to play. I was also able to generate a lot of spin with this paddle, which is a plus for spin enthusiasts.
The Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for experienced players who are looking for plenty of spin potential and good ball control.
Spin Potential, Grip, and Handle Length
The paddle’s surface provides plenty of spin potential, and the grip size is comfortable for most players. The lengthy handle is great for players with larger hands.
I would say that although the paddle’s grip is comfortable, I have noticed that it will need to be replaced more often than other paddles.
06. ONIX Graphite Z5 – Best for Large Sweet Spot
Reasons to Buy
- Nomex honeycomb core provides stable, hard-hitting surface
- Graphite face gives paddle good power and spin
- Paddle is lightweight and easy to control
- Paddle has a large sweet spot and room to swing
- Paddle is forgiving, making it a great choice for beginners
- Grip is comfortable and secure
- Paddle produces a unique “pop” sound
Reasons to Avoid
- Delamination on both sides of paddle is a defect
- Grip needs to be re-taped and re-secured after only a few weeks of use
The ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for any pickleball player. It features a nomex honeycomb core, which provides a stable, hard hitting surface. The graphite face also gives the paddle good power andspin.
Lightweight and Control
In addition, the paddle is more lightweight than many other options on the market, making it easier to control. The paddle also has a nice feel for dinking and dropping, and the unique “pop” sound is sure to be a hit with your opponents.
Large Sweet Spot and Forgiveness
The Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for players who are looking for a large sweet spot and room to swing. This paddle is also very forgiving, making it a great choice for beginners.
However, I want to make clear that the delamination on both sides of the paddle is a defect that should be fixed. The handle length on this paddle is 5″, which is slightly longer than average. This makes it great for players with larger hands.
However, the grip on this paddle needed to be re-taped and re-secured after only a few weeks of use. Overall, this is a great paddle, but the defects should be taken into consideration before making a purchase.
How to Find the Best Pickleball Paddle Under $100
If you’re a pickleball enthusiast on a budget, the good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality paddle.
With the right guidance, you can find a fantastic pickleball paddle for under $100. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for when searching for an affordable, yet excellent paddle.
Paddle Material
When it comes to budget paddles, it’s essential to consider the materials used. Here are a few options:
Polymer Core: Many affordable paddles feature polymer cores. Polymer is known for its balance of power, control, and durability. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious players.
Nomex Core: Some paddles in this price range use a Nomex core. These paddles tend to be lightweight and provide good control. However, they may have a shorter lifespan compared to polymer core paddles.
Aluminum Core: While less common, some budget paddles have aluminum cores. These paddles are durable but might not provide the same level of control as other core materials.
Weight
The weight of your paddle can significantly impact your game. Most paddles in the sub-$100 range come in a mid-weight range, which is suitable for many players. However, consider your playing style:
Lightweight: Light paddles (usually 6-7.5 ounces) offer excellent maneuverability and control. They’re a great choice for finesse players.
Middleweight: Most budget paddles fall into the middleweight range (7.6-8.4 ounces). They provide a balanced mix of power and control, making them versatile for various playing styles.
Heavyweight: Heavier paddles (8.5 ounces and up) offer more power but can be less maneuverable. They suit players who prefer a more aggressive game.
Grip Size
Choose a grip size that fits your hand comfortably. Most budget paddles have standard grip sizes, which are suitable for many players. However, consider the following:
Cushioned Grip: A cushioned grip can enhance your comfort and reduce the risk of arm strain.
Overgrip: If you find the grip too small, you can always add an overgrip to increase the circumference slightly.
Surface Material
Paddle surfaces can vary. Common surface materials include:
Graphite: Graphite surfaces provide a good mix of power and control. They’re durable and offer excellent spin potential.
Composite: Composite surfaces often combine materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber. They provide a good balance of attributes and are suitable for budget-conscious players.
Fiberglass: Some budget paddles feature fiberglass surfaces. These offer control and are budget-friendly, but they may not be as durable as graphite or composite options.
Edge Guard
Look for a paddle with a durable edge guard, especially if you’re on a budget. An edge guard protects your paddle from damage during play. Many budget paddles have edge guards made of composite materials that strike a good balance between protection and cost.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research the brands and models you’re interested in. Look for paddles that have received positive reviews from players. Established brands often produce reliable paddles even in the budget range. Read user reviews and consider the experiences of other players when making your decision.
Warranty
Check if the paddle comes with a warranty. Even budget paddles should have some form of warranty to protect you from defects or damage upon purchase.
Demo or Test
Whenever possible, try out the paddle before buying. Many retailers offer demo paddles, or you can borrow one from a friend. Testing a paddle can help you determine if it suits your playing style.
