Pickleball paddle is a must to play the game for recreation, practice, or in tournaments. If you are new to the new, then look for the best pickleball paddle under $100. This is ideal for practicing the game, and once you gain perfection, you can go for the expensive one. Not many also can afford to buy the expensive ones. For them, there are a lot of paddles from different brands which are available below $100. With hundreds of options, it is always challenging to choose the right one. Therefore, we have reviewed each one and selected the top 8 pickleball paddles that fit the budget of everyone.
| 1. | Head cyber elite pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 2. | Onix Z5 pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 3. | XS XSPAK carbon fibre pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 4. | Head gravity pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 5. | Selkirk SLK Evo Soft max paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 6. | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 7. | Joola Essentials | Buy it On Amazon |
| 8. | Rally PXL | Buy it On Amazon |
Affordable Excellence: Discovering the Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100
In this article, you can find only the paddles which are below USD 100 with special features and pros and cons. Read and choose the one that suits your budget and play style. Now, you can have a pickleball paddle in hand without having to spend too much money. In case you’re looking for even more budget-friendly options, be sure to check out our related article on the “Best Pickleball Paddles Under $50.
1. Head cyber elite pickleball paddle
Heads manufactured solid yet performance-oriented pickleball paddles without burning holes in the pocket. The great texture and smooth fiberglass hitting surface offer excellent grip. It also gives perfect balance that gives momentum to the swings. The balance offered by the paddle gives powerful serves and overhand smashes. The paddle also gives a nice feel and quickness you need.
The wide sweet spot will consistently pop the ball. It assures excellent performance. Having said that, many players are complaining about its shorter handle. Due to this, they do not have better control. If you want a great control paddle, then look for another paddle. It is a solid choice for players looking for a beginner paddle under USD 100. Though it is not a show-stopper yet will perform well and offer balance for great shots.
Specifications
- Size – 408*199 millimeters
- Grip size – 4 1/8 inches
- Material – Polypropylene
- Skill – All
- Frame and shaft material – Graphite
- Weight – 230 grams
- Age – Adult
Pros
- Enough balance to play the game for a longer period
- Offer quickness and great swing with its mid-weight
- Consistent sweet spot
Cons
- Do not have control to hit dinks and resets
- A short handle is not suitable for all players.
2. Onix Z5 pickleball paddle
If you are looking for the popular and best pickleball paddle under $100 that performs like an expensive paddle, then Onix is an ideal option. You can find this brand of paddles in the pickleball courts. It offers the great consistency, feel, and durability you expect. The price is also affordable. The well-balanced paddle gives enough grip for you to hold and hit great shots continuously. It gives a great feeling when you hold it in your hands, and the wide face gives a huge sweet spot. The lightly textured surface is perfect for you to hit spin shots and cut shots.
The paddle gives the power to swing and hit wonderful shots. The design of the handle gives blisters to hands despite the tape wrap. You have to invest in an over-grip after buying this to keep your hands safe. Another bothering thing is it produces a lot of sound when you strike the ball with this racquet. Perfect for beginner to intermediate players.
Specifications
- Size – one size
- Grip size – 4 ¼ inches
- Material – Plastic
- Level – Beginners
- Frame material – Carbon fibre
- Shaft material- Graphite
- Weight – 0.51 pounds
- Age – adults
Pros
- Well-balanced
- A wide face and enough sweet spot to take all shots without a miss
- Excellent power
- Great grip to spin the ball
- Great feel and consistency
Cons
- The handle is not so comfortable for holding longer
- A loud sound is produced with every shot
- Handle wrap will unravel
3. XS XSPAK carbon fibre pickleball paddle
If you have a tight budget to buy a pickleball but love to play this game, then this is the best pickleball paddle for under $100. The look and feel of the paddle make it highly comfortable for you to hold and play intense matches. The carbon fibre material is used to make this paddle generate the spin you expect. Undeniably, the paddle starts to boost your performance over time, with carbon fibre weaves starting to fray.
The paddle is durable and can be used by beginner and advanced-level players. The 16mm core lets you smoothly hit dinks and drops. It is lightweight to give you enough power to hit powerful groundstrokes. It is available at the best price without burning holes in your pockets and uses honeycomb technology to reduce vibrational waves. It is tested and approved by USAPA to use in tournaments and international pickleball events.
Specifications
- Size – one size
- Grip size – 5.5 x 4.35 inches
- Material – Carbon fibre
- Skill level – Professional
- Frame and shaft material – Carbon fibre
- Weight – 0.5 pounds
- Age -adults
Pros
- Carbon face products have great spins
- 16mm offers manoeuvrability and stability
- The long handle and perfect weight give great power
- Easy to control
- Durable
Cons
- No warranty offered
- Initially is rigid and stiff
4. Head gravity pickleball paddle
Durability, performance and quality are what is assured by the Head gravity paddle. Indeed, it is the best pickleball paddle under $100 that stands out from the rest. It is made using composite and graphite materials. The tri-axial pattern will add spin to every shot you hit with this paddle. It is thick and has a low-density core that gives a great touch and absorbs shock while maintaining a reactive surface. The best thing about the paddle is its huge sweet spot. The wide paddle has a wide sweet spot to never miss the spot that comes your way.
The head gravity offers a comfortable grip that feels soft when you hold this in hand. With an extra-large sweet spot and quality surface material, the paddle gives solid pop when you hit the ball. However, the paint on the surface will rip off sooner, and this has no impact on performance but makes the paddle look old. It lacks balance. In case the player is not used to thick paddle, the player may feel clunky but performs well once the player is used to it. If you want an effortless swing, you can look for another paddle.
Specifications
- Size – One size
- Grip – 3 7/8 inches
- Material – Polypropylene
- Skill – all
- Dimensions – 15.75″L x 8.1″W
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Great pop
- Wide sweet spot
- Produce great spins
- Excellent shock absorption
Cons
- Paint on the surface will wear off sooner
- Not suitable for all players
5. Selkirk SLK Evo Soft max paddle
Selkirk is a powerful yet strong midweight paddle that comes with thick polymer core and edge guards of low profile. Though it may not be the best performer in every category, yet performs above average in every area. The wide sweet spot will send the ball flying with great pop. The thick polymer core will give a soft touch to the ball, while the carbon fiber surface is precise. With the short handle, it offers a great connection. The handle comes with excellent padding and grip that makes you feel comfortable and highly secure to hold it.
Having this paddle with you will let you hit powerful shots and give you great control over the game. Players with different gameplay styles should use this paddle.
Specifications
- Size – X-large
- Grip size – 4 ¼ inches
- Material – Polymer
- Skill level – Beginner
- Frame material – Carbon fibre
- Weight – 0.48 pounds
- Age – Adult
- Dimension – 16.4″L x 7.5″W
Pros
- Excellent power and pop
- Wide sweet spot
- A soft touch gives excellent control over shots
- Low-profile edge guards
- Paddle is versatile
Cons
- Grip has a durability problem
- The short handle makes players feel awkward
6. Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Paddle
If you are looking for an extremely lightweight and best pickleball paddle under $100, then the Paddletek brand is perfect for you. It produces great power, has a soft core and a slim body. The silk-screened matte fibreglass face is ideal for players to stay focused on the game. The best thing about this paddle is that it follows all the sound regulations and allows players to play the game quietly. It has a long handle and a short paddle length. The weight is also distributed evenly and lets you hit powerful shots despite being lightweight.
Paddletek is a great paddle for those who have joint issues. It puts less weight on hands while offering the same power that heavy paddles will offer. Indeed, this paddle is used by many top players in tournaments. Playing with this gives full control and improvement in performance. The edge guard is thicker compared to other paddles. After heavy usage, the grip tape becomes loose and won’t give the grip that your hands need.
Specifications
- Size – one size
- Sports type – Pickleball
- Skill level – All
- Weight – 0.25 kg
- Paddle dimensions – 16 x 8 x 0.8 inches
Pros
- Lightweight paddle offering enough power
- Enough control over the paddle
- Does not produce sound
- Perfect for players with joint issues
- Slim core to offer excellent pop
Cons
- The edge guard is thick
- Grip tape becomes loose sooner
7. Joola Essentials
The smaller yet mid-weight paddle comes with a perforated grip, great pop and a wide sweet spot. It is the best pickleball paddle under $100 for people who are looking for affordable paddles to have in their pickleball gear. With its small size, it gives greater manoeuvrability and comfort to hold and swing in different directions to hit the ball that comes in different angles effortlessly. The weight offers enough control over the game and gives you the power to hit wonderful shots.
The multi-layered fibreglass face gives a snap to the ball coming from the opponent but has limited spin capabilities. The paddle gives a great feel to hold and play intense games and lets you shine in the game by having greater control. The handle is comfortable and makes you feel like a soft pillow. It performs great and is affordable. However, the paddle is known to have durability issues, yet it will last longer. It is good for players who want to play with a competitive paddle without breaking the bank.
Specifications
- Size – one size
- Material – Plastic
- Skill level – All
- Shaft material – carbon fibre
- Weight – 0.51 pounds
- Age – Adult
- Dimensions – 20.25″L x 7.9″W
Pros
- Excellent control over the paddle
- Sizable sweet spot
- Easier manoeuvrability
- Give a wonderful snap over the ball
- Excellent pop
Cons
- Hard to generate spins
8. Rally PXL
If you want an elongated paddle that comes within your budget, then Rally is a superb option. It is a combination of durability, performance, control, accuracy and reach. The long length of the handle and ergonomic design will let you hit every shot with great power and authority. The slender shape will focus on the sweet spot, making this paddle perfect for powerful smashes. The textured surface material will have excellent control and spin capabilities. The paddle is lightweight and offers great balance with its elongated design.
The graphite face reacts with the ball and gives a snappy feel. The elongated shape makes it simple for you to hit balls that are otherwise not possible with standard paddles. These paddles make players cover more ground. However, if you are not used to playing with a long paddle, it may feel a bit awkward to hold and play with this. However, once you get used to this paddle, you enjoy the game. The handle has durability issues, and you should get this replaced if it is broken during the warranty period.
Specifications
- Size – Large
- Grip size – 4 ¼ inches
- Material – Graphite
- Frame and shaft material – Graphite
- Age – Adult
- Dimension – 16.5″L x 7.25″W
- Skill level – Intermediate
Pros
- Excellent texture to hit spin shots
- Consistent control
- Large sweet spot with an elongated handle
- Unique design
Cons
- Durability issues with the handle
- Balance is awkward
If you’re an intermediate player seeking even more specialized options, make sure to check out our article on the “Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players.”
Conclusion
Pickleball paddles are available in different shapes and sizes and come with different pricing. However, if you want to play this game for recreation, tournaments, and practice, you do not have to break the bank since we have listed the top 8 pickleball balls with pros and cons. You might have gone through the reviews and decided on the best pickleball paddle under $100 that helps you to level up the game. However, not all the paddles are within the same price range and have the same quality. So, research and find the one that meets your needs and style of playing.
FAQs
Q: What are the key features to look for in a pickleball paddle under $100?
A: When searching for a pickleball paddle under $100, look for features like a durable construction, a comfortable grip, a balanced weight, a responsive hitting surface, and a size that suits your playing style.
Q: Can I find a paddle under $100 that offers good power and control?
A: Yes, you can find pickleball paddles under $100 that offer a good balance of power and control. Look for paddles with a polymer or composite core and a graphite or fiberglass face, as they tend to offer a nice blend of power and precision.
Q: Are there any specific brands known for producing quality paddles under $100?
A: Yes, some reputable brands are known for producing quality pickleball paddles under $100. Look for offerings from brands like Onix, Selkirk, HEAD, and Paddletek, among others.
Q: How do I choose the right weight for my pickleball paddle under $100?
A: The weight of the paddle is a personal preference. Lighter paddles (typically around 7.3-7.8 ounces) offer better maneuverability, while heavier paddles (around 8.3-8.7 ounces) provide more power. Try out different weights to see which one feels more comfortable and suits your playing style.
Q: Can I find a pickleball paddle under $100 suitable for both beginners and intermediate players?
A: Absolutely! There are plenty of pickleball paddles under $100 that are well-suited for both beginners and intermediate players. Look for paddles with a balanced design, medium weight, and a forgiving hitting surface.
Q: How long can I expect a pickleball paddle under $100 to last?
A: The durability of a pickleball paddle depends on factors like construction quality, frequency of use, and how well it is maintained. A well-constructed paddle can last anywhere from several months to a few years under normal playing conditions.
Q: Can I get a pickleball paddle under $100 with a comfortable grip?
A: Yes, many paddles under $100 come with comfortable grips. Some even feature cushioned or perforated grips to help reduce hand fatigue during gameplay.
Q: Are there any specific paddles under $100 that are great for seniors or players with arm issues?
A: Yes, some paddles under $100 are designed with features to reduce vibrations and strain on the arm. Look for paddles with a softer core or ones labeled as “arm-friendly” to cater to these specific needs.
Q: How can I find the right balance of power and touch in a budget-friendly pickleball paddle?
A: To find the right balance, consider paddles with a medium weight and a composite core. These paddles typically offer a good combination of power and touch, providing you with versatility on the court.
Q: Are there any upcoming deals or discounts on pickleball paddles under $100 that I should be aware of?
A: While specific deals and discounts can change over time, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for seasonal sales, holidays, or special promotions from pickleball equipment retailers to score the best deals on paddles under $100.