If you are new to pickleball, choosing a paddle can be a challenge. There are so many options, brands, styles, etc. Some have a carbon face, others are graphite and some are composite. Many beginner pickleball players search Amazon for their first paddle. We don’t recommend that because experience shows, if you like the sport you’ll want a better paddle. Pickleball Superstore recently launched a collection and blog post called: “Best Selling Pickleball Paddles for Under $100“. Enjoy this link and keep it handy because new paddles launch each month and old paddles fade away quickly.
When buying a pickleball paddle, there are a lot of factors you’ll want to consider. Generally, the more expensive the paddle, the more specific you will likely become when choosing it. But for now, we recommend taking a look at these three categories to get a quality, well-rounded paddle for a low price. Remember that choosing the perfect paddle can be subjective and so they are listed in alphabetical order below.
Pickleball Brand:
Choosing a reputable pickleball brand is always a good place to start. Brands like Selkirk, JOOLA, CRBN, Gearbox, ProKennex and Diadem are some of the most well known in the industry. They have a variety of paddles at different price points, ranging from $49 to $249.
Pickleball Paddle Materials:
It’s important to understand that less expensive paddles won’t always have the most premium materials. Checking out materials like graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite, and other high-end materials will offer everything you need in a great paddle.
Pickleball Paddle Weight:
Some less-expensive paddles are made of wood or cheaper metallic materials, making the paddle very heavy. When looking for an inexpensive paddle, consider finding a paddle within 7.0-8.5 ounces to maximize the versatility of the paddle.
Paddle Pickleball Options:
For a curated collection of products, check out this link to the Pickleball Superstore website.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Diadem ICON pickleball paddle (this paddle is currently discounted to $99 as a new model recently launched; the old model is great for this price)
- Franklin Signature pickleball paddle (this paddle is priced just at $100 and is a great paddle for the price)
- BERK – The Point pickleball paddle (a relatively new and local Southern California paddle)
- SLK Latitude (made by top brand Selkirk)
- There are many others on this list which are worth reviewing. Reach out to the Pickleball Superstore team with any questions as they have a solid Customer Care team.
Your Pickleball Journey
As you continue to play pickleball, you will most likely level up to a new paddle every 3 to 6 months. Try a few brands and models out for yourself before you drop the $200 you’ll most likely want to in a few months. Focus on power vs control vs spin. But most importantly, when looking to invest in a new, high performing pickleball paddle make sure it feels good in your hand. So many people chase the new pickleball paddle fad, but they end up not liking the paddle or their game suffers. It’s super important to find the right pickleball paddle that fits your game and your style. Looking good in one thing, but playing great is another. Enjoy!