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I own 45 pickleball paddles under $100, so it’s only fair I round up the ones that are actually worth your money, so it was important that I wrote the best pickleball paddles under $100.
I’m after value. Plain and simple.Here’s the list of my paddles collection.
And to me, value means carbon fiber. Ideally T700 raw carbon fiber. Even better if it’s thermoformed. Below is my shortlist, along with quick reviews for each one.
1. Best Pickleball Paddle Under $100: Warping Point Control
This is wild. In 2025, Warping Point Control Pickleball Paddle dropped the price to under $100.
This thing used to go for $150–175, and even at that price I thought it was solid. It’s one of the best control paddles out there. You get a thermoformed carbon fiber build, 20mm thick face, and a long handle that’s ideal for two-handed backhands.
This paddle is in my top picks across all price ranges. Now that it’s under $100? Unreal.
Even better, it’s finally on Amazon.
Not sure how long that’ll last.
And the packaging? It’s top-tier. Most budget paddles come in plastic wrap. Not this one. It arrives in a slick box with a premium feel. A friend even commented on how pro it looked.
2. Runner Up Pickleball Paddle: Vatic Pro Prism Flash
If you’re an intermediate player or a beginner getting serious, the Vatic Pro Prism Flash is killer. Check my full review as this is one of my favorite paddles.
You can pick between 14mm or 16mm thickness. 14mm gives you pop. 16mm gives you control.
I personally like the 16mm for better spin and precision. It’s helped me land shots I used to miss, especially during intense rallies. I’ve even beat a buddy who used to crush me weekly.
If you want a paddle that can help you level up fast, this is it.
You can check the price on Vatic Pro or Amazon. Thankfully, you also get a free paddle cover which is a decent cover.
3. Best Paddle Below $50: Doctor Pickleball T700 Carbon Fiber Paddle
I’ve tested 50–60 paddles. Very few under $50 impress me.
This one does.
The Doctor Pickleball paddle Surgical Control is legit. It’s got a 20mm thick face that gives me unreal control. But I still get plenty of power and spin.
I haven’t lost a match using it.
It holds up against paddles in the $100–$200 range. And it looks cool too.
Check the price while it’s still under $50. It’s a steal.
Also, this paddle may be the best budget pickleball paddle in 2025.
4. Runner Up Below $50: PBVMURTG Carbon Fiber Paddle
I compared this one directly to the Doctor Pickleball paddle. Played games back-to-back.
The PBVMURTG pickleball paddle surprised me. Good spin. Decent feel. Carbon fiber surface.
It’s not thermoformed and doesn’t have the Doctor’s thick 20mm core, but for under $50, it’s a great starter paddle.
Also comes in a nice case with a cover, balls, and grip tape.
5. Best $75 Paddle: Warping Point Ascent Paddle
The Warping Point Ascent pickleball paddle really gives off a premium vibe. It’s usually priced at $100, but it may be below $75 at the moment.
This paddle hits a sweet spot with balanced control, solid spin, and just the right amount of power. If you’re aiming to level up your game, it’s a serious contender.
What makes this paddle stand out is the carbon fiber surface, and it really helps dial in your shots and adds some nice spin. I’ve taken it out for both singles and doubles, and it noticeably improved my backhand. Design-wise, it’s also pretty slick: the red model brings more heat, while the green version leans into control.
One small gripe: the grip can get a little slippery during long sessions. Luckily, they include grip tape, which solves the issue quickly. And shoutout to the packaging – unboxing this thing felt like opening a luxury item.
6. Best Paddle Set: Costco Selkirk Paddle Set
If you’re looking for a bundle deal, the Selkirk Paddle Set is a steal, originally a Costco exclusive, but now available on Amazon too. For under $75, you get two solid paddles, a few outdoor balls, and a carry bag.
Selkirk’s a big name in the pickleball world, so scoring this setup at that price feels like a win.
The paddles impressed me with their control and spin, thanks to their well-crafted surfaces. They don’t have the raw power of some heavier models, but they’re extremely consistent. Their lightweight build makes them great for beginners, though even experienced players will find them reliable.
The one thing that could be better is the grip and it felt a bit loose compared to others I’ve tested. But honestly, for what you’re paying, the value here is hard to beat.
7. Honorable Mention
I first saw Holbrook paddles during a wedding weekend and the design and branding on the courts caught my eye.
So I tried the Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0 pickleball paddle. I was blown away.
The packaging is thoughtful. You get a card, paddle info, and a little “play better” note.
The paddle itself? Stellar. T700 carbon fiber and a dual-reactive honeycomb core give it insane control. My drops and backhands were noticeably better. Serves had decent power, but the spin and placement are where this paddle shines.
It’s well made, well priced, and a legit upgrade for anyone who wants spin and feel.
Paddles That Didn’t Make the Cut Under $100
These paddles didn’t meet my expectations:
Onix Z5 Graphite Paddle
Summary: Too poppy. Not enough control.
The Z5 gets a lot of love from beginners, but I was a bit let down. For the money, I expected better materials or at least a bit more punch. The graphite face felt average, not much spin, not much power.
Control was hit-or-miss, especially in fast rallies. It’s also on the heavier side, which made quick hand battles harder to win.
It’s popular for the name, but I’d say the Vatic Pro Prism Flash is a stronger option for around the same cost.
Friday Pickleball Paddle
Summary: Great design, didn’t love playability.
At first glance, the Friday paddle looks sharp. Carbon fiber face, sleek branding, and it got me excited to test it out. But in real matches, it just didn’t deliver.
Despite the hype around “spin tech,” I didn’t notice any real improvement over other paddles in this price tier. The balance felt off, and while the grip wasn’t terrible, it wasn’t super comfortable either.
If looks matter more to you than feel or gameplay, you might still enjoy it. But if you’re playing seriously, I’d keep searching.
Head Extreme Elite Paddle
Summary: Good brand, but it’s not carbon fiber and lacks feel.
his paddle comes from a big name in tennis, but it doesn’t really shine on the pickleball court. It feels clunky, and even though it’s pitched as beginner-friendly, it’s not very responsive.
Spin and control were both underwhelming, making precise shots tricky. The weight also felt off, which made quick returns and volleys a struggle.
At this price point, I expected more. Honestly, paddles like the Franklin Pilot or PBVMURTG offer way more bang for your buck.
Conclusion
There are plenty of paddles under $100, but not all are worth it.
If you want control and spin? Go with Warping Point or Holbrook.
If you want value? Doctor Pickleball can’t be beat.
No matter your budget, there’s a high-quality option out there for you.
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