*Thud*
There’s nothing worse than the sound of a failed dink from a wooden or cheap plastic pickleball paddle. It’s time for an upgrade! But when Googling “best pickleball paddles” you can be met with results ranging from under $25 all the way to over $400.
It’s hard to know quality paddles from poor online.
That’s where we come in!
Welcome to the ultimate list of pickleball paddles under $100 — all available to buy on Amazon.
We’ve scoured the internet reading hundreds of reviews and tests to compile a list of only the very best.
Find your next paddle below!
1. ONIX Graphite Z5 Wide Body Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Price: $89.99
Rating: 4.6/5 with over 4,971 total reviews
Weight: 0.51 Pounds
Overview: The ONIX Z5 Wide Body is a good beginner-to-intermediate pickleball paddle. The grip is comfortable and you can get decent power out of it. The sweet spot feels smaller on this paddle than other non-wide options, but not entirely missing. Buy this paddle if you are a casual player or just trying out competitive Pickleball. We would not recommend this for higher-level play (4.5+).
2. JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle with Reinforced Fiberglass
Price: $59.95
Rating: 4.6/5 with over 464 total reviews
Weight: 0.51 Pounds
Overview: A great entry-level paddle! This paddle leans on the softer side which will provide the beginner player more control and reduce popups. Compared to cheaper no-name paddles on Amazon, however, the JOOLA paddle still provides some umph. This paddle is perfect for the beginner who is early in their pickleball addiction. Not too serious, but still working on hitting the ball where they’re aiming.
3. VINSGUIR Pickleball Paddle
Price: $89.99
Rating: 4.4/5 with over 101 total reviews
Weight: 0.73 Pounds
Overview: This paddle has some of the best texture available at this price point. You can manage to get decent spin on the ball and the grip is comfortable and sturdy. We did notice the VINSGUIR paddle is a bit heavy compared to other options so this is not recommended for extended play or beyond the intermediate level.
4. SLK by Selkirk Evo Power, Hybrid & Control Paddle with SpinFlex Surface
Price: $100.00
Rating: 4.6/5 with over 222 total reviews
Weight: 0.66 Pounds
Overview: Designed for control, the EVO Power SLK by Selkirk is surprising in a few ways. Unlike other control options this paddle has some real power to it! The hybrid construction made with fiberglass gives the paddle some unique attributes allowing newer players to get the control they need without being too heavy or dead for higher-level play. While the price point is a bit high, this paddle is the ideal option for an intermediate player looking for control and power while working to level up their game.
5. SLK Latitude 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
Price: $70
Rating: 4.8/5 with over 26 total reviews
Weight: 0.68 Pounds
Overview: The SLK Latitude is a steal at the $70 price point. While we would still consider this paddle a beginner paddle it has much of the power and sweet spot benefit we found in the Evo Power and some of the higher-priced paddles. Purchasing the Latitude, you’ll have have decent texture for spin and a light-enough weight for quick hands at the net. This would be a great option for the beginner who plans to really get into the game and will last longer than your typical $40-70 paddle.
6. Paddletek Phoenix G6 Graphite Pickleball Paddle
Price: $69.99
Rating: 4.4/5 with over 400 total reviews
Weight: 0.51 Pounds
Overview: Paddletek’s Pheonix G6 will feel like a significant step-up for anyone used to a cheap starter paddle. Players normally like the mobility the lightweight construction offers and have good things to say about the spin potential. The handle can feel a bit small for players with larger hands, but the Pheonix G6 is a good all-around paddle for intermediate play.
7. XS XSPAK Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle – Tournament Edition
Price: $99.99
Rating: 4.4/5 with over 320 total reviews
Weight: 0.5 Pounds
Overview: Don’t let the Amazon listing here fool you. Clearly, the team writing the product description and photoshopping the paddle into Roger Federer’s photos are not pickleball players, but this paddle has some serious potential! This may be the most surprising paddle on our list because there’s really no indication this would be a good paddle by looking at it online. It’s not until you’ve used it out on the court that the potential of this paddle is realized. You won’t find this paddle used much beyond the intermediate level, but for semi-serious players this is a phenomenal option.
8. PCKL Launch Series Premium Pickleball Paddle — Lightest Under $100
Price: $64.99
Rating: 4.6/5 with over 187 total reviews
Weight: 0.47 Pounds
Overview: A true beginner’s paddle, the PCKL Launch Series provides everything a new pickleball player is looking for: control, a wide surface, some texture, a comfortable grip, and lighter weight. We’d recommend this paddle for players who are casual and don’t plan to get competitive but still want a fun and comfortable pickleball experience. Plus, this paddle gets extra points for design!
9. Performance Series Pickleball Paddle by Holbrook — Best Design Under $100
Price: $89.99
Rating: 4.8/5 with over 115 total reviews
Weight: 0.49 Pounds
Overview: This series of paddles by Holbrook is obviously beautiful, but surprisingly functional as well. The craftsmanship extends beyond the colors as the grip is perhaps the most comfortable on this list. You’ll also be surprised by the amount of spin you can generate with a paddle that looks like it belongs in a trophy case. The performance series is not the most powerful paddle on our list and it won’t work well for upper-level play, but the is a genuinely good option for consistent pickelball players to consider.
10. Franklin Pilot Pickleball Paddle
Price: $69.99
Rating: 5/5 with over 23 total reviews
Weight: 0.5 Pounds
Overview: The Franklin Pilot serves the casual pickleball player well. The price point seems fair to us and you’ll find you can have a lot of fun with the Pilot. This paddle is also USAPA-approved, but a common complaint is the gritty texture seems to wear off after some time of serious play so this is not recommended for competitive pickleballers.
11. Head Radical Pro Fiberglass Paddle — Editor’s Best Overall Pick
Price: $89.95
Rating: 4.6/5 with over 314 total reviews
Weight: 0.51 Pounds
Overview: The Head Radical Pro paddle has been around for a number of years now and is tried and true. This is our favorite paddle for this price point. The paddle is lightweight and snappy without feeling brittle. The grip and handle feel good in your hands and allow for both powerful serves and lightning-fast reactions at the net. The face has a fair amount of grit to it for the price which will allow players to get a surprising amount of ball spin. While the texture won’t last forever we found that it performs well over time and outlasts much of the similarly-priced competition. We recommend this paddle for beginners and even semi-serious pickleball players (up to 4.5).
12. HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle
Price: $64.95
Rating: 4.6/5 with over 1,555 total reviews
Weight: 0.55 Pounds
Overview: The next step down from the Radical Pro, the Radical Elite is a solid option for players with a slightly more limited budget or intensity level. The paddle’s fiberglass exterior still gives much of the snap you’ll find in the Pro, without some of the texture. The Radical Elite is a great choice for intermediate players looking for a tried and true paddle without some of the extras you’ll find in more expensive options.
13. Kasaca Edgeless Pickleball Paddle — Best Edgeless Under $100
Price: $64.99
Rating: 4.4/5 with over 217 total reviews
Weight: 0.5 Pounds
Overview: If you’re looking for an edgeless pickleball paddle under $100 the Kasaca Aero Spike is our pick. You won’t get the same spin or control from this paddle that you will on edgeless paddles above $100, but you get some solid construction and decent bounce. If you’re finding problems with your paddle because of the edge try this one out. For the price, it’s hard to beat!
