9 Affordable Pickleball Paddles That Will Up Your Game In 2023

Cheap Price Pickleball Paddles

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Pickleball is a fast-moving game, which means that you need the best paddle. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best cheap pickleball paddles under $100. These are options that won’t break the bank, but they’re high-quality paddles that will get the job done.

We tested these paddles and talked to experts to find them. We looked at lots of different aspects of these paddles, including speed, durability, and price.

Based on our research, the ONIX Graphite Z5 is our top pick for the best cheap pickleball paddle. It has a great price point and it’s durable despite its low price.

If you’re looking for a great paddle for under $100, you can’t go wrong with the ONIX Graphite Z5.

Here are our top picks of pickleball paddles under $100:

  1. ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
  2. SLK Evo Hybrid MAX Pickleball Paddle
  3. Niupipo Explorer Pro Pickleball Paddle
  4. Rally Graphite Pickleball Paddle
  5. Franklin Sports Pro (Signature Series) Pickleball Paddle
  6. GAMMA Atomic 2.0 Pickleball Paddles
  7. Paddletek Phoenix G6 Pickleball Paddle
  8. ROKNE Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle
  9. SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle

Top 9 Cheapest Pickleball Paddles in 2024

#1 ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle

Features
4,060 Reviews
Features
  • LEADING PICKLEBALL MANUFACTURER – ONIX is the leading manufacturer of performance pickleball...
  • MOST POPULAR PADDLE – The Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is the most popular paddle coming from...
  • TENNIS HANDLE SHAPE – Mimics the handle shape of a tennis racket, making it comfortable to us, as...

The ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive paddle. We tested this paddle to see how it stacks up against the competition and were impressed by its performance.

The paddle is made with Nomex and graphite materials, to ensure that it is durable and lightweight. It also features a widebody shape with a 4-1/4″ grip size, making it easy to handle.

The ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is the perfect choice for those looking to improve their touch shots. It features superior control thanks to its superior materials, and the dark graphite finish makes it easy to see the ball while hitting it.

Overall, the ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for improving your game. It features high-quality, lightweight materials, and a wide grip that allows you to swing your wrist with ease. If you live in a metropolitan area and need a cheap paddle, the ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is a perfect choice.


#2 SLK Evo Hybrid MAX Pickleball Paddle

Features
609 Reviews
Features
  • 【 C6-Flex Power Fiberglass 】 Developed to dominate the game, the C6-Flex Power Fiberglass Face...
  • 【POLYMER REV-CORE 】 Combining a powerful paddle interior, large sweet spot and the C6-Flex Power...
  • 【 LIGHTWEIGHT PICKLEBALL PADDLES 】 Only 7.6–8oz this lightweight Pickleball paddle allows...

We found that the SLK Pickleball paddles offer unmatched performance for beginner to advanced Pickleball players alike. If you’re looking for an affordable Pickleball paddle that won’t break your budget, we recommend the SLK Evo Hybrid Max Pickleball Paddle.

This Pickleball paddle features a lightweight polymer Rev-Core Power Polymer Core and Ultra-Comfort Grip. It measures 8″ in length, making it easy to use, and we like that it comes with a protective carrying case for added protection. Overall, it’s a great option for anyone looking for affordable Pickleball paddles.

Best of all, the SLK Evo Hybrid Max Pickleball Paddle is hands-down the best Pickleball paddle for under $100. If you’re looking for lightweight Pickleball paddles, we recommend the SLK Evo Hybrid MAX Pickleball Paddle.


#3 Niupipo Explorer Pro Pickleball Paddle

Features
768 Reviews
Features
  • USA Approved Pickleball Paddles for Sanctioned Tournament Play - The niupipo pickleball paddle is...
  • Pickleball Paddles Designed by Pros but Built for Everyone - This pickle ball raquette is...
  • Graphite Carbon Fiber and Added Grit Provides Unrivaled Pop and Spin - The niupipo pickleball...

If you are looking for an affordable pickleball paddle under $100, we recommend the niupipo Explorer Pro pickleball paddle. We tested this paddle and were impressed with its performance for the price.

The graphite carbon composite build aims to provide full, balanced power, while the shape is designed to create a “power pocket” that increases the sweet spot and adds stability during play.

The paddle also comes with a head cover and carrying case.

Unfortunately, this paddle is not USAPA-approved, so it is not legal for sanctioned play. We recommend only using this paddle when playing with paddles approved for sanctioned play.

If you’re looking for a low-priced pickleball paddle, we recommend checking out the niupipo Explorer Pro pickleball paddle. It’s an affordable paddle that is light enough to control easily but heavy enough to generate power.

However, it is not legal for sanctioned tournaments and is only safe to use when playing with paddles approved for sanctioned tournaments. Overall, the niupipo Explorer Pro is a budget pickleball paddle worth trying, especially since it’s one of the more inexpensive options available.


#4 Rally Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Features
883 Reviews
Features
  • TEXTURED GRAPHITE FACE / COMPOSITE POLYMER HONEYCOMB CORE | A balance focused paddle with a ball...
  • XL HEAD SIZE | Wide paddle face minimizes edge guard hits and provides bigger sweet spot and...
  • PERFECT WEIGHT | Most popular weight range of 7.7 - 8.0 ounces is great for all around performance...

The Rally Graphite Pickleball Paddle is a great option for anyone looking for a quality pickleball paddle at an affordable price. The large head size is perfect for fast players looking for a grab-and-go paddle for everyday practice, and the lightweight paddle allows for easy playing. The textured graphite carbon face gives players ultimate ball control, even on off-center shots.

The ergonomic cushioned grip ensures that you’ll have a comfortable grip on the paddle, and the Performance Perforated Cushion Grip (Size 4 1/4″) allows you to grip the paddle without any issues. Overall, the Rally Graphite Pickleball Paddle is a great option for players on a budget.

We’ve tested the Rally Graphite Pickleball Paddle and were impressed with its performance. The paddle features a textured graphite carbon face for ultimate ball control, and the high-strength honeycomb composite polymer core is great for players looking for reliable control.

The ergonomic cushioned grip results in a great overall customer experience and the Performance Perforated Cushion Grip (Size 4 1/4″) allows you to grip the paddle without any issues. The Rally Graphite Pickleball Paddle is a great option for players on a budget and we highly recommend it.


#5 Franklin Sports Pro (Signature Series) Pickleball Paddle

Features
541 Reviews
Features
  • PROFESSIONAL QUALITY: Designed by Franklin pickleball pros, this premium quality paddle has been...
  • MAX-GRIT: This paddle is constructed with max grit surface coating technology designed to achieve...
  • STRONG, DURABLE CORE: The 13mm polypropylene Paddle core is built for durability and effortless shot...

The Franklin Sports Pro has a graphite face that provides the perfect combination of power and control. The MaxGrip grip ensures optimum control and Rory’s Signature Series technology is the winner of several gold medals and a remarkable seven consecutive WPSR (World Pickleball Association Pickleball Tour) championships.

Franklin Sports is committed to producing superior equipment at an affordable price. Great performance and superior paddles with proven designs, along with tremendous customer service and extended warranties, make Franklin Sports the best value in the industry.

Designed for avid and competitive pickle ballers, this paddle has a max Grip surface that minimizes slipping, so the paddle stays connected and delivers extra power. It’s a great buy for the price and we highly recommend it.


#6 GAMMA Atomic 2.0 Pickleball Paddles

Features
96 Reviews
Features
  • ATOMIC 2. 0 PADDLE: A heavier-midweight ~8.0 oz paddle with a textured fiberglass face, perfect for...
  • IMPROVE YOUR GAME: Pick a paddle suited to your skill level to boost your play on the court
  • ARAMID HONEYCOMB CORE: A blend of power and control benefits beginners and experienced players alike

We tested the GAMMA Atomic 2.0 Pickleball Paddles to see if they are a good value for the money. We found that these paddles offer great value, especially for first-time buyers.

The GAMMA Atomic 2.0 Pickleball Paddles have a fiberglass face that offers exceptional maneuverability. This makes it easier to hit specific targets with your serve, and also offers livelier faster play. The 4″ honeycomb core (contains graphite) offers balance and an excellent blend of power and control, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players.

The weatherproof grip (which uses high-tech foam) absorbs sweat, allowing you to hit with confidence. The GAMMA Atomic 2.0 Pickleball Paddles weigh 7.0 oz, so they are lightweight and easy to handle. Overall, the GAMMA Atomic 2.0 Pickleball Paddles are a great value for beginner players.


#7 Paddletek Phoenix G6 Pickleball Paddle

Features
338 Reviews
Features
  • DURABLE HONEYCOMB CORE: PolyCore interior combined with an embedded graphite polymer composite...
  • AMPLE SWEET SPOT: Phoenix G6 pickle ball paddle boasts a large sweet spot along with better...
  • ULTRA-CUSHION HIGH-TACK PERFORMANCE GRIP: The Paddletek Phoenix G6 pickle ball paddles feature an...

The Paddletek Phoenix G6 is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable, durable paddle. We found that it offers the perfect balance of power, control, and accuracy. This is a paddle that will make any player a better player, and your friends and family will be impressed.

We tested the Paddletek Phoenix G6 to determine how easy it would be to use for a novice paddle player. The results were excellent. We found that controlling the power of the paddle was very simple and that it offered the right amount of feel. The Paddletek Phoenix G6 is a great set for beginners, and it’s a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a cheap, reliable paddle.

Overall, the Paddletek Phoenix G6 was a great paddle that we highly recommend. It’s sturdy enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, and it was easy to learn with. If you want a great set of paddles at a reasonable price, the Paddletek Phoenix G6 is your best option.


#8 ROKNE Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle

Features
188 Reviews
Features
  • ✅ MIDWEIGHT PADDLE, HEAVY ON QUALITY - The ProGrit textured fiberglass pickleball racket face...
  • ✅ PERFECT GRIP SIZE FOR COMFORT & CONTROL - The unique 5.5” long contoured cushioned composite...
  • ✅ INNOVATIVE & STYLISH DESIGN - Loaded with top technology and crafted from premium materials, the...

The ROKNE Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle is an affordable option for anyone wanting to play pickleball. We tested this paddle to see how it performs compared to other paddles on the market, and we were pleased with its performance.

The fiberglass and polypropylene honeycomb core ensures that the paddle can stand up to wear and tear and the max spin control provides for optimal playability. The comfort cushion grip also provides optimal playability and ensures that it is comfortable to hold. Best of all, the paddle is USAPA approved, meaning it is fully recommended by the association.

Overall, we recommend the ROKNE Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle as one of the best budget pickleball paddles. It can make a great addition to anyone’s game, is USAPA approved, and is affordable to buy.


#9 SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle

Features
222 Reviews
Features
  • 【 G5 CONTROL GRAPHITE FACE 】 Built to deliver ultimate control, our SLK Atlas delivers a soft,...
  • 【 POLYMER REV-CORE+ 】 Reliable and proven technology paired with a large sweet spot for constant...
  • 【 LIGHTWEIGHT PICKLEBALL PADDLES 】 Only 7.5OZ for each paddle, these pickleball racquets are...

The SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle is the perfect option for anyone who’s looking for a cheap, but high-quality, pickleball paddle.

Designed in the USA, the SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle features a G5 Control Graphite Face & Polymer Rev-Core+. It also has an appealing price tag of under $100 and is offered in 2 attractive colors.

Our top performance test was the d/s rating, which measures the amount of friction between the top and bottom faces of the paddle. This measurement shows how the paddle reacts to the ball without bouncing. We recorded the SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle with a d/s of .034. This measurement is relatively good, meaning the ball stays on the paddle without bouncing.

The weight of the SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle is on the light side at 7.6oz. This makes it a perfect option for anyone looking to improve their hand-eye coordination and balance.

Overall, the SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle is a great pickleball paddle that’s designed to improve your game. It’s also an affordable option that won’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for a high-quality pickleball paddle that’s offered at an attractive price, then we highly recommend the SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle.


What Should You Consider Before Purchasing A Cheap Pickleball Paddle?

Price

There are many good cheap pickleball paddles, but you should not expect to find the best paddle within your budget.

Of course, there are some exceptions now and then, but overall it will be hard to find a good quality pickleball paddle for under $100. With that said, I have found several paddles available around this price range that are worth checking out.

Flexibility

The better, flexible pickleball paddles are usually more expensive due to the design.

But there are still some affordable options available that are pretty good for their price, but they will not be as stiff or have as much pop as higher priced models. So keep that in mind.

Construction

The more advanced pickleball paddles are made of at least 2 different materials, such as carbon fiber and some type of polymer (i.e. Dynapower) or even wood (i..e Ultra-Lite). This helps to transfer the energy from your hand into the ball better and makes for a more powerful shot.

There are also some cheap pickleball paddles which are made of one piece, but they will require better technique to get most out of them. Just because this is the case doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy them though.

Weight

The weight of the paddle plays an important part in regards to the speed, feel and power of the shots.

A heavier pickleball paddle will give less power and make it harder to react on short shots. A lighter paddle will give you more control, but also more power. So you should look for a middle ground or try out what works best for your play style.

Balance

Some paddles are head heavy which means you have to be on top of your game or use some wrist, but others are more evenly balanced. This heavily depends on the design of the paddle and it is often a matter of preference what you prefer.

Shape

The shape of the handle does not change very much from model to model, so that won’t decide whether you like the paddle or not. A round handle with a grip might be more comfortable for some, but others find it harder to hold on to and prefer an octagon (8 sides) shaped handle instead.

Personally, I play better with a round handle due to its ergonomic design, but that is up to everyone’s personal preference.

Oversize Vs. Standard

Most pickleball paddles are standard size, but there are even more oversized models available these days. Oversized pickleball paddles can be good for big hands, but they will make it harder to get through the air quickly and your swings need to be more powerful in order to get a good speed on the ball.

If you have small hands, a standard pickleball paddle will probably be the better choice.

Paddle Performance

How well does a cheap pickleball paddle perform? Well, when it comes to performance there are no significant differences between different models in different price ranges. It is more about what works best for your play style and what feels the best.

If you like to play hard and speedy, a lightweight paddle with lots of whip will help you get more speed on the ball. If you go for something stiffer though, it will be harder to create a lot of power when swinging. But this doesn’t mean that a cheap pickleball paddle can’t perform at a high level.

Longevity

How long the cheap pickleball paddle will last depends on how well you look after it and what you use it for, but it is hard to say if they are durable enough to handle several hundred hours of play during the years.

It’s easy to find some pretty durable pickleball paddles for reasonable prices, but there are also some that will not last forever. So the performance of the paddle is often a matter of preference once again.

Now you know the basics of what you should consider when buying a cheap pickleball paddle.

But that doesn’t mean this list is complete – there are actually more things to look out for depending on your personal preferences, like grip (rubber/polymer), paint (powder coat vs anodized) and different custom options available.

Don’t forget to mix and match everything together to find the perfect cheap pickleball paddle for you!

Most of these paddles are also approved by the USA Pickleball Association , so this should give an indication on how well they perform.

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