Not That You’re Cheap (Or Are You?): 7 Best Cheap Pickleball Paddles
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Pickleball is a new sport (fad) for you. And there are millions of other people who have caught onto the latest trend.
Not sure you’ll like it? Maybe it’s another passing trend that you’ll lose interest in?!?
You want your own pickleball paddle but you also don’t want to break the bank.
Because, well, who knows if the paddle will join the pile of your other sports equipment that hasn’t seen daylight in years.
Or, maybe you want a paddle for your entire clan?
I’m giving you a great list of the best cheap pickleball paddles that are not wooden paddles (because wooden paddles are cheap and they suck).
Sure, the list includes some really cheap paddles (inexpensive), but they’re decent quality, making them a great option for any new (cheap) player.
Best Cheap Pickleball Paddles At A Glance
Cheapest Pickleball Paddle (worth buying)
Don’t let the sexy, animal print of this paddle turn you off (or maybe it’s your thing).
The Upstreet Pickleball Paddle is available in 12 other patterns. I’m sure there’s at least one pattern that will catch your eye – everything from animal print to cityscape to simple cyan.
Upstreet Pickleball Paddle
The Upstreet pickleball paddle offers excellent value, making it a top choice for budget-conscious players.
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Despite its lower price, the Upstreet pickleball paddle features a comfortable grip, though it may be slightly large for those with smaller hands.
This paddle stands out for its responsiveness and large sweet spot, offering balanced control and power, which is ideal for players of all skill levels.
Key Considerations
Weight is crucial when selecting a pickleball paddle. The Upstreet model is on the heavier side, which might not suit beginners or those sensitive to tennis elbow.
Performance on the Court
Its polymer honeycomb core ensures a firm and crisp response, boosting consistency across various shots. Whether you’re executing dinks, cross-court lobs, or volleys, this paddle maintains predictability and boosts your confidence on the court.
Design and Durability
Suitable for beginners and intermediate players, the Upstreet paddle features a graphite surface that enhances spin and supports powerful groundstrokes. Its robust construction ensures durability, often outlasting pricier alternatives.
Despite previous quality concerns, Upstreet’s solid warranty and customer support continue to back this product effectively.
Best Bang for Your Buck (Why Not?)
Amazin’ Aces has been manufacturing pickleball paddles for donkey years (well, since 2016).
This makes them well respected in the pickleball world – and well known for their entry-level paddles (‘Cuz, they make a bunch of paddles at a great price point).
Amazin’ Aces Signature
The Amazin’ Aces Signature pickleball paddle offers remarkable quality at an affordable price, demonstrating that high-quality paddles need not break the bank.
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Amazin’ Aces Signature pickleball paddle is an excellent choice for beginners, featuring a standard-sized face, a large sweet spot, and a comfortable grip. It is also approved by USAPA for tournament play.
Many players praise this paddle for its exceptional value and performance, confirming its status as one of the best budget-friendly options available.
Hitting Performance
This paddle excels in power play, delivering crisp impacts that enhance power on groundstrokes and volleys. Its solid construction contributes to a more forceful game, making it ideal for aggressive play.
Core & Surface
While the paddle’s face lacks the texture found on more expensive models, which may reduce spin potential, this feature is unlikely to deter newcomers or casual players. More seasoned players might opt for a higher-end model to suit advanced techniques.
Design and Handling
The handle is designed for comfort, featuring a solid grip that supports powerful plays. However, the heavier paddle head may pose challenges in the non-volley zone, known as the kitchen.
This design makes it less suitable for smaller players or those who prefer a lighter touch at the net.
The Runner Up
ProBetter Pickleball Paddle
The ProBetter Pickleball Paddle, heavier than usual, excels in absorbing powerful groundstrokes, though it may lack the pop some players seek.
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The ProBetter Pickleball Paddle, known for its heft, might not be the first choice for those requiring a lighter paddle for enhanced control or dealing with tennis elbow.
It excels in absorbing powerful groundstrokes, though it offers less pop off the face. However, for those in search of exceptional value, the ProBetter stands out as an excellent choice.
Performance Insights
Adapting to its feel can make dinks, cross-court lobs, and baseline shots both fun and precise. This paddle enables players to add a subtle topspin, ensuring the ball stays within the court’s bounds.
Core & Surface
The textured surface of the paddle allows for a decent spin, although it may not compete with some higher-end models.
Constructed with a durable graphite carbon fiber face, this paddle is built to last through frequent play.
Designed for both beginners and intermediate players, this entry-level paddle is user-friendly and offers a level of finesse that makes it a worthwhile investment.
Design and Ergonomics
The standard-sized face with a slightly curved edge might limit reach in singles play, requiring players to move more across the court.
The cushioned grip is tailored for comfort and suits various hand sizes. Thanks to its cushioning and perforations, it ensures excellent control, even in hot and humid conditions.
Best Budget Pickleball Paddle
Niupipo Pickleball Paddle
The Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is an ideal introductory paddle with a small grip tailored for both children and adults, with the option to add extra tape for those with larger hands.
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The Niupipo Pickleball Paddle, priced under $50, is an exceptional value and the best budget option on our list.
However, its shorter handle may pose challenges for players accustomed to a two-handed style, particularly those with a tennis background.
Paddle Surface & Core
The paddle features a fiberglass face that delivers a solid feel, combined with a poly honeycomb core for substantial power in groundstrokes and power shots.
Although primarily designed for power, it surprisingly performs well in control aspects, especially important for net play.
Hitting Performance
Despite its lighter weight, this paddle packs a powerful punch thanks to its polymer core, which also helps in absorbing vibrations for better control near the kitchen.
The main limitation is its spin capability, as the face could benefit from added texture to enhance this feature.
Fit & Look
The paddle is lightweight and manageable, equipped with a comfortable grip that effectively absorbs moisture. The shorter handle might not be ideal for everyone, and its all-black face with a bright design may not appeal to all tastes.
Best Low-Cost Pickleball Paddle
VERSIX Strike 4F
The VERSIX Strike 4F paddle, a lesser-known paddle, has quickly become a favorite among newcomers to pickleball due to its performance and affordability.
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The VERSIX Strike 4F paddle, priced well under $50, offers exceptional value.
It’s lightweight, enhances agility during play, and features a comfortable grip that makes it a pleasure to use. The paddle delivers excellent feedback and power, thanks to its fiberglass face.
Paddle Surface & Core
Built with a durable polypropylene core and a composite fiberglass face, this paddle is designed to provide substantial power, making it particularly suitable for larger players.
The standard fiberglass finish not only offers a good feel but also generates adequate spin.
Hitting Performance
Despite its lightweight construction, the VERSIX Strike 4F features a well-balanced core and face that are strongly bonded, creating a robust hitting surface.
Players appreciate its precision, though the sweet spot might not be as expansive as some other models.
Fit & Look
The paddle’s design is visually appealing, with a black face highlighted by a subtle honeycomb pattern and striking graphic accents in shades of blue and white. The octagonal motif adds a professional touch.
The grip is small yet comfortable, accommodating players of all hand sizes. For those who prefer a thicker grip, additional tape can be added to achieve an ideal fit.
Its slightly longer handle offers enough space for a two-handed grip, adding extra power to backhand shots.
Rally Tyro
The Rally Tyro paddle features a slightly uneven surface texture that does not meet USAPA requirements, making it ideal for recreational play rather than official tournaments.
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Paddle Surface & Core
It’s uncommon for an entry-level paddle to boast a thick core, but the Rally Tyro includes a 0.50″ polymer core that helps players drive the ball deep into the court.
This paddle combines a decent sweet spot with lightweight construction for enhanced ball control and precise placement.
The Rally Tyro is further equipped with a high-strength, performance polypropylene honeycomb core and a durable composite face. Its edge guard grip technology adds to the paddle’s durability and performance.
Hitting Performance
Despite its light build, the Rally Tyro offers a well-balanced core and face that are securely bonded, ensuring a solid and reliable hitting surface.
Players have noted its accuracy, although the sweet spot might not be as large as those found on other paddles.
Fit & Look
The paddle features an absorbent, thin grip that accommodates almost all hand sizes and promotes swift reactions and maneuverability.
A flared end cap enhances grip security and provides a superior paddle feel, enhancing overall control and comfort during play.
Top Pickleball Paddle Set
Selkirk neo (SLK)
The Selkirk Neo set is an excellent entry-level paddle, offering quality features that make it a top choice for beginners. I
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The Selkirk Neo set, priced under $80 and including balls, is a fantastic deal for those looking to start playing immediately.
Its lightweight design and vibration-absorbing construction ensure it is both easy to handle and gentle on your hands.
The moisture-absorbing, comfortable grip is perfectly sized for two-handed backhands, adding power to your strokes.
Paddle Surface & Core
The paddle boasts a textured graphite surface paired with a honeycomb polymer core. This combination creates a large sweet spot, ideal for newcomers to pickleball.
While stronger players might desire more pop from the paddle, its control-enhancing qualities make it a superb introductory model.
Hitting Performance
For those transitioning from other racquet sports, the Selkirk paddle manages to handle vibrations exceptionally well, making it comfortable to use and effective for precise control.
Although it is not specifically designed for spin, the textured face allows for considerable topspin on forehands and effective backspin on backhands.
Fit & Look
The lightweight construction of the paddle makes it particularly suitable for smaller players. Although the handle is not exceptionally long, the wide face provides ample hitting surface.
Some players might notice a slight dead spot when hitting toward the edges, but overall, the paddle allows for accurate shots.
The grip is tailored for players with smaller hands and facilitates a two-handed grip on backhands.
The paddles come in black with a choice of a red or blue motif, offering a sleek and professional appearance.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Best Cheap Pickleball Paddles
Choosing the best cheap pickleball paddles doesn’t mean sacrificing quality for price.
Our carefully curated list ensures that even budget-conscious players can access paddles that offer solid performance, durability, and comfort.
Our top pick for the best value is the Upstreet pickleball paddle. It’s the most affordable yet highly effective option for beginners. With a robust construction and a large sweet spot, it’s ideal for players who need a reliable paddle without a hefty price tag.
For those seeking the best return on investment, the Amazin’ Aces Signature pickleball paddle is our recommendation. A bit pricier than the Upstreet but still affordable, this paddle is USAPA-approved, making it perfect for both casual play and competitive matches. It offers a slightly superior build quality, making it a solid investment for your pickleball future.
Each paddle highlighted offers unique benefits tailored to different playing styles and needs, proving that affordability does not compromise on quality.
Remember, the right paddle can significantly enhance your game, and with these options, you’re sure to find a match that feels like it was made just for you.
FAQs – Best Cheap Pickleball Paddles
Do expensive pickleball paddles make a difference?
Expensive pickleball paddles don’t always make a difference. Focusing on weight and size, which matches a player’s needs, is more important. Expensive materials found in an expensive paddle might make a slight difference for experienced players, but for an average player, choosing a suitable weight is more important.
Is a thicker pickleball paddle better?
A thicker pickleball paddle can be better because the ball comes off the face more consistently and accurately, and they are generally quieter and transfer less vibration to a player’s hand. However, thicker paddles can be heavier and slightly less easy to control, making them better suited to experienced players.
What’s a good beginner pickleball paddle?
A paddle under $50 from a well-known brand such as Selkirk and Amazin’ Aces is a good place to start followed by choosing a paddle with a suitable weight. The ideal paddle shouldn’t be too heavy to handle easily and should have a grip that fits comfortably in your hand.
Is a wood pickleball paddle good?
A wood pickleball paddle is okay but not great. The original pickleball paddles were wood but technology has significantly improved the quality of today’s paddles. You can pay a bit more for a composite paddle and get one that will be easier and better to play with.
What is the best budget pickleball paddle?
The best budget pickleball paddle is the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle. This paddle comes in under $50 and is an excellent choice for the money. Designed as an introductory paddle, the grip is small and suitable for children and adults. Extra tape on the grip will increase the size, making it suitable for players with larger hands too.
