Best Budget Pickleball Paddle For Christmas Gift

Niupipo Explorer Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Specs：

• Face Material: Graphite Face
• Core Structure: Polymer Honeycomb Core
• Paddle Length: 15.94″
• Paddle Width: 7.91″
• Paddle Face Thickness: 0.54″
• Paddle Edge Thickness: 0.65″
• Handle Length: 4.96″
• Handle Diameter: 1.35″
• Grip Circumference: 4.45″
• Paddle Weight: ‎8.00-8.20 oz

Price:
$96.99 from niupipo
$79.99 from amazon

PROS:

-Good shot control and boasts a super comfy grip.

CONS:

-These paddles don’t really cut it for players in the intermediate or advanced level. This paddle is a bit tricky to find the sweet spot, making it tough to control, especially when dealing with speedy serves. I’d say it’s better suited for beginners.

-Got enough power but not a power paddle.

BOTTOM LINE:

The Explorer and Explorer Pro Series paddles are made for players who want more spin and power than the MX Series.

The Explorer Pro gives a bit softer feel and more control compared to the Niupipo Explorer. This softer feel matters because the regular fiberglass Explorer was a bit too hard and less forgiving sometimes.

While the graphite surface on the Pro model helps with control, it might not be sufficient for everyone. Beginners usually like tougher paddles as they depend on hitting the ball hard and want the paddle to add some power.

But, if you’ve been around the block, you’re likely to value control and accuracy, waiting for the right moment to amp up the speed. The Explorer Pro’s stiffness makes it a good fit for beginners who dig a powerful paddle.

The handle on this one is a touch shorter than some others, which might not be perfect for those rocking a two-handed backhand, but it should suit most players just fine.

In the end, what makes this paddle a winner is the price. If you’re after a decent paddle for under 80 bucks (on Amazon), this is a solid choice.

However, if the price tag creeps past 80 dollars, or if you’re a seasoned player, you might want to check out some American-brand paddles. For those rocking a 4.0 level and above, splurging a bit on a high-performance paddle often makes sense.

Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle

Specs:

• Weight Average: 7.7 ounces
• Weight Range: 7.6-8.0 ounces
• Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″ (Medium) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″.
• Grip Tack: medium
• Grip Style: cushion, perforated
• Grip Length: 5″
• Paddle Length:15 5/8″
• Paddle Width: 7 3/4″
• Paddle Face: Polycarbonate
• Core Material: Polymer honeycomb
• Edge Guard: 1/8″ overlapping paddle face

Price:$44.99 at pickleballcentral

PROS:

–Great paddles for the price and for beginners

–This paddle is awesome, giving me a nice balance of control and power. What’s even better is that it’s proudly made right here in the USA, which I really appreciate.

CONS:

-The handle is a little short for my taste, and the paddle feels a bit too heavy at the top.

-You can totally see the gap between the big-name brands (think Selkirk, Engage, Onix, Joola, and such) and the cheaper starter paddles. It’s clear as day.

BOTTOM LINE:

It’s a light-medium weight one, giving power with less effort and offering control with its large sweet spot. Even shots near the feet were easier to handle with the oversized head of the Tyro2.

Players were impressed by the power, especially with less effort. The comfortable grip and feel suited medium-sized hands, making it a great starter paddle for newbies. Seasoned players, used to lighter paddles, found they could achieve more power and control effortlessly. The Tyro 2 Pro’s oversized head allowed for successful smashes and beautiful spins with the larger sweet spot.

Having tried it inside, we found improved speed, accuracy, and the ability to execute various shots. I bought this paddle for a friend new to pickleball. It’s a decent quality paddle at a reasonable price, lacking dead spots. While I find the handle a bit short and the paddle a tad head heavy, it should serve my friend well for a while, minimizing the risk of issues like dead spots or edge guard mishits.

Beives BE3 Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Specs：

• Paddle Weight: 7.9 oz
• Paddle Face Material:Graphite
• Paddle Frame Material:Carbon Fiber
• Paddle Core Material: Polypropylene
• Paddle Shape: Wide Body
• Paddle Length: 15.5 in
• Paddle Width: 7.8 in
• Grip Size: Standard – 4.3″
• Handle Length: Standard – 4.9″

Price:$41.99(2pcs) at Paddlesshop

PROS:

-Great paddles, especially considering the price. Getting two paddles, along with balls and a case, makes it an excellent deal, especially for beginners.

CONS:

-Not suitable for intermediate and advanced players

BOTTOM LINE:

Always searching for good paddles, realized big brands aren’t always necessary. This new paddle, not from a big brand, is my favorite. Feels better than my 3x costlier one. I’m a casual player, 3-3.5 skill level, play thrice a week.

Used one paddle from the set today, won 3 out of 5 games. Usually takes time to adjust to a new paddle, but not with this one. Grip suits my larger hand perfectly, maintained control throughout. First day with it, but I see it becoming my top choice.

Wild Monkeys Prima 3k Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Specs:

• Core Material: 15 MM Polypropylene
• Core Thickness:Standard
• Edging:Edge Guard
• Experience Level:Intermediate Professional
• Face Material:3K Carbon Fiber
• Grip Size:Standard (4 1/8″ – 4 3/8″)
• Handle Length:Standard(4 9/10″)
• Paddle Length: 16 1/5″
• Paddle Width: 7 7/20″
• Paddle Shape: Elongated
• Paddle Weight:Middleweight(8.2 oz)
• Player Type:Balanced

Price：$99 from justpaddles

PROS:

-Comfortable grip

-Large sweet spot

-Enhanced accuracy

-Strong hitting ability

-Attractive graphic

CONS:

-Paddle maneuverability may be a bit slower compared to the previous version

 BOTTOM LINE:

The paddle has a mid-weight design allowing smooth shifts between power, short game, and quick net play. Its elongated face offers extended reach and a larger sweet spot.

The long handle suits two-handed backhands and players of various sizes. It offers control, providing a feel similar to balsa wood, enabling precise shots and the ability to slow down hits when needed. If seeking more offensive power, consider the Wild Monkeys Alpha paddle.

Vatic Pro Prism Flash Pickleball Paddle

Specs:

• Surface: Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with heat compressed texturing
• Unibody Foam Inject Walls for an increased sweet spot and added control
• Average Weight: 7.9 – 8.2oz
• Total Length: 16.3 Inches
• Width: 7.7 Inches
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 Inches
• Grip Length: 5.3 Inches (elongated for 2-hand backhands)
• Grip has 2 polyurethane inserts to absorb shock and help with tennis elbow
• Core: Optimized C7 Polymers and high-grade performance honeycomb
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU

Price：$99.99 at Vaticpro

PROS:

-Excellent control and spin.

-Ideal for beginner to intermediate players.

CONS:

-Surface paint might wear off over time.

 BOTTOM LINE:
For superb control, spin, and a soft touch, the Vatic Pro Prism Flash is the perfect choice! Transitioning from the Double Black Diamond 16mm, this paddle is nearly half the cost yet performs phenomenally. The spin and power it offers are impressive, making it an ideal option for players upgrading to an advanced level or seeking a change.