Pickleball paddles are a high-demand item around the world. After all, pickleball is the world’s fastest-growing sport! It’s easy to get discouraged when you type “pickleball paddle” into the search bar and start seeing prices upwards of $200. Fortunately, there are plenty of great pickleball paddles under $100 if you know which ones to look for.
If you want to improve your game without breaking the bank, consider one of these five best pickleball paddles under 100 dollars!
The Best Overall
The Gamma MIrage Composite Paddle has earned the spot of best overall because of its many features you’d typically find in more expensive paddles, making it one of our favorite pickleball paddles under $100.
A textured fiberglass face makes this high-quality paddle much more powerful than a paddle with a smooth fiberglass surface. The texture creates great control over the ball spin, which is especially important for intermediate and advanced players.
The comfort of this paddle is noticeable from the first time you hold it. The Gamma Honeycomb Grip technology is textured and tacky for an effortless grip. When you sweat, the ergo grip tack will absorb the moisture so you can keep your mind on the game.
Gamma took it a step further by adding its Sensa Poly Core technology. This core creates a power-oriented paddle that still provides great touch on the ball. Poly-core paddles make it, so you’re able to control the ball quickly with a large sweet spot and core-shock absorption. We think this is one of the best polymer paddles for the money, and it has many features you’d see in a more expensive pickleball paddle.
Gamma Mirage Composite Paddle Specs
- Paddle weight – 8 ounces
- Paddle length – 15 ⅞ inches
- USAPA Approved for Sanctioned Tournament Play
- Paddle Face – textured fiberglass
- Price – $89.99
Best for Beginners
The Head Extreme Elite Pickleball Paddle is ideal for beginners. It’s a lighter paddle that helps prevent muscle fatigue when you’re learning how to play. A smooth fiberglass paddle face creates shots that are predictable and easy to control. Starting with a textured paddle can create an added challenge that isn’t necessary for new players.
The paddle width and length make this the best pickleball paddle suitable for sanctioned play while still providing a nice-sized sweet spot. A polypropylene honeycomb core with tubular construction will absorb the impact of the ball to minimize noise and discomfort while playing.
A medium grip style and built-in edge guards make this a paddle that can work for a variety of players. The low price tag of this lightweight paddle is just a bonus!
Head Extreme Elite Pickleball Paddle Specs
- Paddle Weight – 7.8 ounces
- Paddle Length – 16 inches
- USAPA Approved for Sanctioned Tournament Play
- Paddle Face – smooth fiberglass
- Price – $59.95
Best for Ball Spin
The Niupipo Explorer Pro is a pro-level paddle that can also be enjoyed by other skill levels. A graphite carbon fiber face with added grit provides great ball control with even better ball spin.
The grit of this graphite pickleball paddle works to increase friction with the ball, keeping it on the paddle surface just a little longer than smooth paddles. That short amount of time is all you need to put a spin on the ball that will keep your opponent guessing!
The perforated grip length is ultra-cushioned for long-lasting comfort during tournament play. A built-in edge-guard will protect your paddle while the polypropylene honeycomb core maintains a solid hitting surface every time you play.
The Niupipo Explorer Pro has the same dynamic power shape as some of the most expensive paddles on the market, too – all for less than $100!
Niupipo Explorer Pro Specs
- Paddle Weight – 8 ounces
- Paddle Length – 15.42 inches
- USAPA Approved for Sanctioned Tournament Play
- Paddle Face – graphite carbon fiber
- Price – $85.99
Best Paddle for Versatile Playing
The New Era Bantam EX-L pickleball paddle is a more affordable version of the popular Paddletek Bantam EX-L., and it’s one of our favorite paddles under $100. This power paddle has a Bantam Polycore, velvet textured polycarbonate, and a thin edge guard. Adding a thin edge guard creates a larger sweet spot while the velvet textured face improves ball spin.
Polymer paddles are some of the best your money can buy when you want the perfect balance of control and power behind your shots. The Bantam Polycore is made of high-quality polymer composite, making it even more durable than other polymer paddles.
The ultra-cushioned high tack performance ergo grips not only feels great in your hand, but they can also improve your shots too. You’ll spend less time adjusting your grip and more time focused on the ball with this high-quality, great paddle!
New Era Bantam EX-L Specs
- Paddle Weight – 8.3 ounces
- Paddle Length – 15 ⅝ inches
- USAPA Approved for Sanctioned Tournament Play
- Paddle Face – velvet textured polycarbonate
- Price – $99.99
Best Elongated Paddle
Elongated paddles are becoming increasingly popular across all skill levels. The Franklin Ben Johns Heavyweight Paddle is not only an elongated paddle under $100. It’s one of the best-elongated paddles on the market! This paddle was designed to provide extra reach on the court while maintaining a large sweet spot.
The paddle face is made of fiberglass with a max grit coating on top for a lightly textured surface. The grit coating and paddle are USA Pickleball Association approved for tournament play. A honeycomb polypropylene core absorbs shock to make playing more comfortable while providing excellent power.
The 5.6-inch handle is longer than you’d find on a traditional paddle, but it’s the perfect length to control the elongated paddle face. Each paddle has a cushioned, sweat-absorbing grip. Built-in edge guards will protect the layered paddle face from extending the life of your paddle.
If you’ve never used an elongated paddle before, this paddle is the perfect way to try it out without spending too much money!
Franklin Ben Johns Heavyweight Paddle Specs
- Paddle Weight – 8 ounces
- Paddle Length – 16.5 inches
- USAPA Approved for Sanctioned Tournament Play
- Paddle Face – fiberglass with max grit coating
- Price – $95.07
Buying Guide
Paddle Shape
Not every pickleball paddle is the same shape. The most common shapes are the standard shape, elongated, and wide body.
A standard paddle has the typical square design you see most often on the pickleball court. This paddle shape is the most popular for a reason – it’s dependable and predictable. Players of all skill levels can use this paddle shape with ease.
An elongated paddle has a slightly longer paddle that’s more narrow. This creates more reach on the court, allowing you to hit a ball you might otherwise miss. Elongated paddles are typically used by intermediate players and above.
Wide body paddles have a paddle face that’s shorter and wider. This design creates a larger sweet spot, making it easier to get good shots. All skill levels can use wide-body paddles, although most pros prefer a standard or elongated shape.
Paddle Weight
Pickleball paddles can be light, medium, or heavy weight. The exact cutoff for each weight class varies depending on the source you’re reading, but you’ll quickly develop your idea of what’s light, medium, and heavy in your hand.
Lightweight paddles are around 7 to 7.6 ounces. Light paddles help prevent tennis elbow and muscle fatigue, but they don’t have a lot of power. Since the paddle is so light, all the power in your shots has to come from your energy.
Midweight paddles are the most popular. These paddles weigh around 7.6 to 8.4 ounces. Midweight paddles have more power than lightweight paddles while not being so heavy it’s hard to control. Midweight players are a good option if you are still learning what paddle weight you prefer.
Heavyweight paddles are generally considered anything over 8.4 ounces. Heavy paddles are harder on your muscles and joints, but they’re very powerful. Once you learn how to control the weight, you can hit kill shots like never before. Heavy paddles are not recommended for beginners.
Material
Pickleball paddles come in a variety of materials. The material used to make the paddle will impact the paddle’s weight, price, and feel. There isn’t one material that’s better than the rest, but players tend to develop preferences over time.
Some of the most popular pickleball paddle materials are fiberglass, graphite, and carbon fiber. Graphite is lightweight and affordable, while carbon fiber is more expensive. Wood pickleball paddles are the heaviest and least popular.
Grip
The paddle grip is easy to overlook while you shop, but you’ll wish you had paid attention later! First, you need to find a paddle grip size that feels comfortable in your hand. Some paddles can be purchased in different sizes, while others only come in one grip size.
The next thing to look at is how the grip will perform. The ideal pickleball paddle grip is cushioned, moisture-wicking, and tacky to the touch. Paddles that cost less may only have texture and a moisture-wicking material with no cushion or grip tack.
Paddle Face Texture
Pickleball paddles can be smooth or textured. Smooth faces are ideal for beginners because they’re predictable and easy to manage.
A textured paddle face can help more advanced players add spin to the ball with enhanced control. If you buy a paddle with a textured face, ensure its texture that’s been approved by the USAPA.
Bottom Line
These are the best pickleball paddles under 100 bucks, but we have many more recommendations. Shop for more pickleball gear with our content! We’ve got all the info on the best pickleball products, including the best pickleball paddles, upcoming tournaments, and tips to improve your pickleball game. There’s always something to learn about this fast-growing racket sport!