Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100 in 2024

Picking the right pickleball racket is like choosing your go-to slice in a pizza joint—lots of flavors, lots of choices.

Now, you might think the pricier, the pickier you gotta be, but not really. As a 3.5 pickleball player, your pursuit of the perfect paddle doesn’t have to break the bank.  We understand the importance of performance without compromise.

In this guide, we delve into the realm of affordability while maintaining the standards that professionals seek.

Join us as we unveil the best pickleball paddles under $100, ensuring you get an ace on the court without a hefty price tag. Just remember, finding the perfect paddle is a bit like finding the perfect pizza—totally up to you. But hey, with our tips, you’ll be making a slam-dunk choice in no time!

Specs：

Length: 16.5”

Width: 7.5”

Surface: Toray T700 Carbon Fiber

Grip Length: 5.3”

Grip Circumference: 4.25”

Thickness: 16 mm

Average Weight: 8.1oz (ranges from 8.0 to 8.3)

Average Swing Weight: 117

Spin measurement：2023 RPM

Fully USAPA Approved

Warranty ：6-month warranty

Price: $99.99 from Neonic

Rating：

Power：4/5

Spin：4.5/5

Pop：3/5

Control：3.5/5

Pros：

-Grip and control are both top notch.

-The spin and power is amazing.

Cons:

-The Neonic exhibited slightly more challenging control during dinking in comparison to the R1.16.

Bottom line:

I think the new Neonic paddle, a fully thermoformed powerhouse priced under a hundred dollars. Unlike the Vatic Prism series, the Neonic is a Gen 2 thermoformed paddle, akin to a Rhombus R3 Pulsar but at a price point of $99.

It competes well with top-tier paddles, utilizing Torre T700 raw carbon fiber for a unibody design and extra power. With spin numbers at 2023 RPM, it excels in this category. The Neonic feels premium, resembling much pricier paddles.

It offers exceptional value with spin comparable to high-end options, earning a 4 out of 5 for power and 3 for pop. The Sweet Spot is solid, receiving an 3.5 out of 5, and for control, it gets a commendable 3.5 out of 5.

For players seeking a budget-friendly, thermoformed, power-oriented paddle, the Neonic stands out as an impressive option, providing a premium feel without the hefty price tag.

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  16mm – 7.9 – 8.2oz

Average Weight 14mm – 7.7-7.9

Total Length – 16.3 Inches

Width – 7.7 Inches

Grip Circumference – 4.125 Inches

Grip Length – 5.3 Inches (elongated for 2-hand backhands)

Grip has 2 polyurethane inserts to reduce shock and help with tennis elbow

Core – Optimized C7 Polymers and high-grade performance honeycomb

Core Thickness – 16mm

Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU

Average Swing Weight: 110（14mm paddle），115（16mm paddle）

Spin measurement：1800 RPM

Warranty ：90-day warranty

Price: $89.99 from Vatic Pro used code:Paddlesshop

Pros：

-The whole paddle has a sweet spot area, not just the center.

– It seems like the paddles provide good control for drops, dinks, and the soft game. Ultimately, it boils down to what you get used to and personal preference.

Cons:

– For players who don’t like hybrid design, you’ll have better options.

– Spin is not very top.

Bottom line:

I’m thrilled to know that the Vatic Pro Flash Prism 14mm to be a great paddle. It’s impressive that it offers both pop and power, a larger sweet spot, the sweet spot on this Vatic Pro Flash Prism 14mm is bigger than what we had on our old Ronbus R1.16 and Bison Summit paddles.

Plus, the surface is way more responsive and lively compared to Paddletek Wave and Wave Pro3 paddles.

And, the fact that it’s amazing for the price is a huge bonus.

Specs：

Paddle Length: 16.5”

Face Width: 7.5”

Grip Length: 5.5”

Grip Circumference: 4.25” Octagon

Weight: 7.9oz, +/- 0.2oz

Swingweight: 115

Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured

Paddle Shape: Hybrid

Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb

Core Thickness: 16mm

Edge Guard: Yes

Average Swing Weight: 117

Spin measurement：2120 RPM

Fully USAPA Approved

Warranty ：6-month warranty

Price: $100 from Ronbus use code:RCPaddleshop

Rating

Power – 2.5/5

Control/Feel – 4.5/5

Spin – 4/5

Forgiveness – 3/5

Pros：

-Budget-friendly and dependable.

-Excellent control.

Cons:

-Not a power paddle.

Bottom line:

The R1.16 and R3.16 shine as the most control-focused paddles in the Ronbus lineup, holding their own against paddles that cost twice as much. Slowing down the ball is easy, but if you want more power, you’ll need to put in a bit more effort. Spin comes naturally with your strokes, no need for exaggerated movements.

Despite its elongated shape, it handles well. The paddle provides a slightly larger than average sweet spot and a plush, soft feel, delivering a satisfying touch when contacting the ball, ultimately enhancing control.

If you struggle with popping the ball up, this paddle helps keep it down, making it an excellent choice for improving consistency and soft game control.

In terms of gameplay, it’s most like the R3.16, with the main difference lying in the swing weight. The R1.16 has a lower swing weight, making it more maneuverable and slightly less powerful compared to the R3.16.

You can see how they look in this post:The Complete Ronbus Pickleball Paddle Review

Specs：

Face Material: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber

Weight Range: 7.9-8.1oz

Core: Polymer

Grip Length: 5.5″

Thickness: 16mm

Length: 16.5″

Width: 7.4″

Price: $69.99 from Amazon

Rating

Power – 3.5/5

Control/Feel – 3/5

Spin – 3.5/5

Forgiveness – 3.5/5

Pros：

-It’s durable, light, and comfortable.

-The surface delivers a premium feel and top-notch performance, providing the ideal combination of power, spin, and control without any noticeable dead spots. I appreciate the shape and the elongated handle, adding to the overall positive experience.

Cons:

-Some say the quality may be unstable.

Bottom line:

I had the pleasure of testing the XS XSPAK Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle,  it’s a good paddle.

First off, that carbon fiber face is like having the Batmobile of paddles. Sleek and badass, it not only looks great but also spins the ball like crazy. Opponents were left bewildered as the ball danced around them.

But it’s not just about spin. This paddle boasts a thicker Polypropylene XS28 Core for serious ball cushioning. It gives your shots extra bounce, making it tough for opponents to return. Trust me, they won’t know what hit them.

It’s USAPA approved – legit for any tournament or competition. The low-profile edge guard protects the paddle and reduces mishits, a game-changer for me.

The reactive polypropylene honeycomb core is the secret sauce, adding consistency to every shot. No more unpredictable bounces. Just smooth, controlled hits every time.

In conclusion, the XS XSPAK Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is the real deal, blending tech with a sleek design for the ultimate court advantage. The carbon fiber face and XS28 honeycomb core provide optimal ball cushioning and a smoother feel.

Specs：

Surface Material: Premium Japanese Raw T700 Toray Carbon Fiber

Construction: Thermoformed Unibody With Perimeter Edge Foam

Paddle Type: Aero Hybrid Plus Shape

Length: 16.2″

Width: 7.8″

Grip Length: 5.5″

Grip Circumference: 4.125″

Core: Premium Polypropylene

Core Thickness: 16mm

Warranty: 6 Months

Weight Range: Middleweight

Average Weight: 7.9 – 8.1 Oz

Swing Weight: 112

Twist Weight: 6.63

Usa Pickleball Approved

Price: $99.99 from HONOLULU

Rating：

Power: 4.5 /5

Control: 4.5 /5

Spin: 4.5 /5

Pop: 4 /5

Sweet Spot: 4.5 /5

Pros：

– Impressive sweet spot and excellent grip.

– Well-rounded paddle that excels in power, control, and adaptability.

Cons:

-Pre order，there is now no stock until mid-March

Bottom line:

I have to say it’s top-notch in quality, with a great grip and branding. We’re breaking down the J series separately because, believe it or not, they play differently. The J2, with its 7.8-inch width, stands out as one of the most well-balanced in the lineup. It quickly became my favorite. This paddle is a hybrid, sitting right in the middle, offering a fantastic all-around experience. Easy to clean, too.

Now, let’s talk power. From the baseline, it’s a beast, delivering crazy topspin and unexpected pace. A solid 4.5 out of 5 for power. Transitioning to overheads, still strong but not as mind-blowing. I’d rate it slightly lower, around 4 out of 5. Smashes performed well, but no jaw-dropping moments.

Resets are where this paddle shines. An excellent sweet spot and a twist weight of 6.6 make resets a joy. Now, maneuverability at the kitchen was delightful. Dinks went exactly where I wanted, and the weight, ranging from 7.9 to 8.1, with a swing weight of 116, felt perfect. Easy to adapt to, making it my personal favorite in the series.

Surprisingly, the J2, priced at $99(pre order), is my top pick despite being less expensive than the J1 and J5. It goes to show that the dollar sign doesn’t always tell the full story.

The balance and control are exceptional, and even a player testing various paddles couldn’t resist its allure. If you’re looking for a well-rounded paddle that excels in power, control, and adaptability, the J2 is a winner.

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. Pickleball paddles come at various price points, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. Consider your financial constraints while also looking for paddles that offer the best value for your investment.

Playability: Assess your playing style and skill level. Paddles come with different characteristics, such as power, control, and spin.

For beginners, a versatile paddle that provides a balance of control and power is often recommended. Advanced players might prefer specialized paddles tailored to their playing style.

Return Policy: It’s wise to check the return policy of the seller or manufacturer. Despite thorough research, a paddle might not feel right during actual gameplay. Having the flexibility to return or exchange the paddle ensures that you’re satisfied with your purchase.

Warranty Coverage: Explore the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A solid warranty adds an extra layer of assurance. It protects you in case of manufacturing defects or issues that might arise during the warranted period. A longer and more comprehensive warranty often reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.

Brand Reliability: Stick to reputable brands known for producing quality pickleball equipment. Established brands have a track record of delivering durable, well-crafted paddles. Reviews and recommendations from fellow players can provide insights into a brand’s reliability.

Unique Paddle Factors: Beyond the general considerations, pay attention to unique features of each paddle. Grip size, weight distribution, and any proprietary technologies can significantly impact your playing experience.

For instance, some paddles incorporate innovative materials or designs aimed at enhancing specific aspects of gameplay. Choose a paddle that aligns with your preferences and addresses your unique playing needs.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make a well-informed decision and select a pickleball paddle that enhances your overall playing experience.