Pickleball continues to surge in popularity, and finding a high-quality paddle that doesn’t break the bank is a top priority for many players. In 2025, the market offers an impressive array of paddles under $100 that deliver excellent performance for beginners and intermediate players alike. These paddles combine advanced materials like carbon fiber and polypropylene cores with innovative designs to provide spin, control, and power at budget-friendly prices. This guide highlights the top 8 affordable pickleball paddles under $100, based on real user reviews, expert testing, and detailed performance metrics. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade without spending a fortune, these paddles will elevate your game.
Why Choose a Pickleball Paddle Under $100?
A couple of years ago, the vast majority of budget paddles were budget quality. If you wanted anything that played at a higher level, you had to fork out a lot of money. Now, we’re seeing some of the revolutionary tech used in expensive brands being used in cheaper paddles. Lots of new brands are appearing with affordable paddles that play at a really high standard. You can now buy a variety of paddles around the $100 price mark that will boost your game. You can easily keep advancing your level without having to spend $200 every year on a new paddle.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Budget Paddle
- Material: Look for paddles with carbon fiber or fiberglass faces for better spin and control. Polymer or honeycomb cores offer a balance of power and touch.
- Weight: Paddles between 7.0-8.5 ounces provide versatility. Lighter paddles (7.0-7.8 oz) enhance maneuverability, while heavier ones (8.0-8.5 oz) add power.
- Shape: Standard shapes offer larger sweet spots, ideal for beginners. Elongated paddles provide extra reach for advanced players.
- Grip Size: A 4.1-4.5-inch grip circumference suits most players. Ensure it feels comfortable for extended play.
- Durability: Unibody designs and anti-abrasion edge guards extend paddle life, especially for frequent players.
Top 8 Affordable Pickleball Paddles Under $100 for 2025
Below is a curated list of the top 8 pickleball paddles under $100, each excelling in specific areas like control, power, or all-court performance. These selections are based on extensive testing and player feedback.
1. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash
The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is not only my favorite budget paddle, but it’s one of my favorite paddles of 2025 overall. It excels in control and is backed up by great spin, forgiveness, and decent power too. If you want a top paddle without spending a fortune, this is a great option to consider. For $100, it’s one of the best bargains I’ve ever seen. The spin generation from the raw carbon fiber face is up there with expensive paddles like the $250 Selkirk LUXX Control. With a unibody design and anti-abrasion edge guard, this is going to last a lot longer than most budget paddles.
- Pros: Exceptional control, high spin (up to 2120 RPM), durable unibody construction, large sweet spot.
- Cons: Slightly head-heavy, may feel stiff for players preferring softer paddles.
- Testing Scenario: In a 3-hour session with intermediate players (3.5 level), the PRISM Flash delivered precise dinks and resets, with spin-heavy serves averaging 1800 RPM. Power was adequate for baseline drives but less explosive than premium paddles.
- Price: $99.99
- Where to Buy: Amazon
2. Friday Original
The Friday Original is not only the best beginner paddles in 2025, but it’s also one of the best value. Get 2-for-$98 with our exclusive code and start your pickleball journey off right. The Friday is a thermoformed carbon fiber paddle, which is almost unheard of at this price. It has such solid specs for a paddle this cheap. For one, the hybrid-style curve at the top of the paddle makes it quicker. Plus, the honeycomb 16 mm core brings more control, boosting the all-court performance. The Friday Original has a classic elongated shape (16.5 x 7.5″) with an elongated 5.5″ handle, so you get good reach.
- Pros: Great spin and power for the price, thermoformed design, vibrant color options, excellent 2-for-$98 deal.
- Cons: Heavier feel (8.3 oz), slightly stiff due to thermoforming.
- Testing Scenario: Tested in a doubles match with beginners, the Friday Original offered consistent spin (1500 RPM) and power for serves. The elongated shape aided net play, though some players noted minor wrist fatigue after extended rallies.
- Price: $98 for two (with code)
- Where to Buy: Amazon
3. 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean
If you’re after the best overall paddle for beginners in 2025, you’ll like the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean. It has everything a beginner needs. It’s soft but still has decent pop, is super-forgiving and controlled, and has plenty of spin. This will build your confidence a lot quicker than most starter paddles. That way, you’ll save the cost of an upgrade paddle. That’s a serious return on your investment for $100.
- Pros: Forgiving sweet spot, excellent control, competitive at intermediate levels, great value.
- Cons: Less power for aggressive baseline play, not ideal for advanced players.
- Testing Scenario: In a beginner clinic, the Jelly Bean’s soft feel and large sweet spot helped new players execute drops and dinks with ease. Spin averaged 1400 RPM, and the paddle remained comfortable during 2-hour sessions.
- Price: $99.99
- Where to Buy: Amazon
4. Ronbus R1.16
The Ronbus R1.16 is a fantastic control raw carbon fiber Pickleball paddle. One of the R1.16s most stand out features is the incredible spin. For a period of time it was the highest paddle I had ever tested at 2120 RPM which is an absolutely ridiculous result. The R1.16 is more of a control paddle, so it’s great for dinking, blocks, and resets. If you want a paddle with tons of spin, and is great for the¶ÓÁÐÈíÓÎÏ·£¬ÎÒÇ¿ÁÒÍƼöR1.16¡£
- Pros: Top-tier spin, excellent control, durable carbon fiber face, versatile shape options.
- Cons: Limited power, may require adjustment for power-focused players.
- Testing Scenario: During a 4.0-level singles match, the R1.16 excelled in soft game scenarios, with spin-heavy dinks reaching 2000 RPM. Power was sufficient for defensive play but lacked punch for aggressive smashes.
- Price: $99.99
- Where to Buy:Amazon
5. Engage Encore Pro V2.0
The Engage Encore Pro V2.0 is a rare budget paddle from one of the best brands in pickleball. This is a quick, hybrid-shaped paddle with great pop and power for under $100. During testing, it generated a powerful strike for serves, and the face felt forgiving when we overpowered or underpowered a hit, boosting our confidence as we practiced. We also noticed the paddle provided plenty of direction and spin control thanks to its durable surface with a texture resembling fine-grain sandpaper.
- Pros: Strong power, forgiving face, good spin control, reputable brand.
- Cons: Slightly heavier (8.3 oz), less focus on soft game control.
- Testing Scenario: In a mixed doubles game, the Encore Pro V2.0 delivered powerful serves and drives, with spin averaging 1300 RPM. The paddle’s weight caused minor fatigue in prolonged net exchanges.
- Price: $99.99
- Where to Buy: Amazon
6. Selkirk SLK NEO 2.0
The beginner pickleball set from Selkirk, the SLK NEO 2.0 comes with all you need to get started: a durable pickleball bag, 2 quality paddles, and 4 pickleballs. The multi-layered fiberglass and graphite face adds some spin to your game, while the 13 mm core gives you a bit of pop too. This makes it livelier than most beginner-set paddles I’ve tested. There’s also a solid edge guard for durability, so I’m confident these will be long-lasting.
- Pros: Complete set, durable construction, good spin and pop, beginner-friendly.
- Cons: Limited advanced features, less spin than carbon fiber paddles.
- Testing Scenario: Tested with new players in a recreational setting, the SLK NEO 2.0 offered easy handling and consistent performance. Spin reached 1200 RPM, and the lightweight design (7.8 oz) minimized fatigue.
- Price: $79.99 (set)
- Where to Buy: Amazon
7. Head Radical Elite
Head’s Radical Elite paddle is the ultimate wallet-friendly pick for those who are getting pickleball fever. As far as design goes, the Radical Elite comes with a honeycomb core, a fiberglass finish, and a wide surface area to smack the ball. You also get a comfortable foam handle with a length similar to that of a tennis racket. While the Radical Elite lacked power a bit, this paddle prioritizes control while staying lightweight, so it’s a great option for learning the game.
- Pros: Lightweight (7.7 oz), excellent control, comfortable grip, wide sweet spot.
- Cons: Limited power, not ideal for aggressive playstyles.
- Testing Scenario: In a beginner-friendly match, the Radical Elite shone in control-focused play, with precise dinks and resets. Spin was moderate at 1100 RPM, and the lightweight design suited smaller players.
- Price: $69.99
- Where to Buy: Amazon
8. Diadem Icon
Diadem is no stranger to the pickleball and tennis world. I found the Diadem Icon to be very unique, from its “Spin RP” polyurethane coating on the face to its three-piece replaceable edge guard. After getting used to the feel and responsiveness of the paddle, I found the Icon to be quite forgiving and very well-rounded in terms of power and control. My intermediate students loved this paddle. The Icon was consistently generating spin at around 1400 RPM.
- Pros: Balanced power and control, unique spin coating, forgiving sweet spot, durable edge guard.
- Cons: Slightly soft feel, not ideal for power-driven players.
- Testing Scenario: Tested in a 3.5-level clinic, the Icon provided consistent spin (1400 RPM) and control for dinking. Power was moderate, suitable for all-court play but not for aggressive smashes.
- Price: $99.99
- Where to Buy: Amazon
Comparison Table of Top 8 Pickleball Paddles
| Paddle | Price | Weight (oz) | Material | Spin (RPM) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vatic Pro PRISM Flash | $99.99 | 8.1-8.5 | Carbon Fiber | 2120 | Control, Spin |
| Friday Original | $98 (2-pack) | 8.3 | Carbon Fiber | 1500 | Beginners, Value |
| 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean | $99.99 | 7.9-8.2 | Carbon Fiber | 1400 | Beginners, Control |
| Ronbus R1.16 | $99.99 | 7.9-8.2 | Carbon Fiber | 2120 | Spin, Soft Game |
| Engage Encore Pro V2.0 | $99.99 | 8.3 | Fiberglass | 1300 | Power, All-Court |
| Selkirk SLK NEO 2.0 | $79.99 (set) | 7.8 | Fiberglass/Graphite | 1200 | Beginners, Value |
| Head Radical Elite | $69.99 | 7.7 | Fiberglass | 1100 | Control, Lightweight |
| Diadem Icon | $99.99 | 8.0 | Carbon Fiber | 1400 | All-Court, Spin |
Buying Guide for Affordable Pickleball Paddles
Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial for an enjoyable game. Here are five key factors to consider:
- Cost: Your budget plays a significant role in determining the options available to you. Paddles under $100 offer excellent value, with many featuring premium materials like carbon fiber.
- Play Style: Decide whether you prioritize control, power, or a balance of both. Control paddles are ideal for beginners, while power paddles suit aggressive players.
- Paddle Weight: Lighter paddles (7.0-7.8 oz) are easier to maneuver, while heavier ones (8.0-8.5 oz) provide more power but may cause fatigue.
- Grip Comfort: Ensure the grip size and material suit your hand for comfort during long matches. Most paddles offer 4.1-4.5-inch grips.
- Durability: Look for unibody designs, edge foam injection, or reinforced edge guards to ensure the paddle withstands regular use.
Steps to Choose the Right Paddle
- Assess your skill level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced).
- Determine your preferred play style (control, power, or all-court).
- Test paddles if possible, or use online quizzes like those offered by Pickleheads to match paddles to your game.
- Check for USAPA approval if you plan to play in tournaments.
- Read reviews from trusted sources like Pickleball Warehouse for real-world performance insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best pickleball paddle under $100 for beginners?
The 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean is the top choice for beginners due to its forgiving sweet spot, excellent control, and ability to remain competitive as you progress to intermediate levels. It’s priced at $99.99 and offers great value.
Yes, many paddles under $100, like the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash and Ronbus R1.16, use advanced materials like carbon fiber and offer spin and control comparable to paddles costing $200+. However, premium paddles may provide slightly more power or specialized features.
How often should I replace my pickleball paddle?
With regular play (2-3 times per week), a budget paddle with a durable edge guard can last 1-2 years. Replace it if you notice reduced spin, core damage, or a significant drop in performance.
Are heavier paddles better for power?
Heavier paddles (8.0-8.5 oz) generally provide more power, as seen in the Friday Original (8.3 oz). However, they may cause fatigue, so balance power needs with comfort, especially for beginners.
Do I need a USAPA-approved paddle?
If you plan to play in sanctioned tournaments, choose a USAPA-approved paddle like the Selkirk SLK NEO 2.0 or Engage Encore Pro V2.0. For recreational play, approval is not necessary.
Conclusion
The pickleball paddle market in 2025 offers incredible options under $100, making it easier than ever to find a high-performing paddle that suits your game. From the control-focused Vatic Pro PRISM Flash to the value-packed Selkirk SLK NEO 2.0 set, these paddles deliver spin, power, and durability without the premium price tag. Use the comparison table and buying guide to select the paddle that matches your skill level and play style. With the right paddle in hand, you’ll be ready to dominate the court and enjoy pickleball to the fullest. For more paddle reviews and tips, visit Pickleball Portal.