Pickleball paddles can be expensive. For those just trying to dip their toe into the waters of this new and booming sport, it can be intimidating to come into a world of enthusiasts that are buying $200+ paddles and all this cool gear just for Pickleball.
But Pickleball’s ethos is still very much geared towards building an inclusive community with low barriers to entry. And so you don’t need a super expensive paddle to get started. There are tons of budget paddles out there, and today we will highlight the best budget pickleball paddle that is right for you.
Best budget pickleball paddle – At a Glance
| Paddle | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
 Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Polypropylene X5 Core | Best under $100 | Check price here |
 Selkirk SLK Latitude Pickleball Paddle w/ Graphite Face | Best under $75 | Check price here |
 Head Cyber Elite Pickleball Paddle, Fiberglass Surface | Best under $50 | Check price here |
 AutoSan Pickleball Paddle | Best under $25 | Check price here |
 Orca Paddle Co. Pickleball Paddles | Best Wood Budget Paddle | Check price here |
 Brooklyn Pickleball Co. Carbon Fiber Paddle | Best Budget paddle for tennis elbow | Check price here |
 JOOLA Kids Pickleball Paddle | Best Budget paddle for Kids | Check price here |
What price point would be considered a “budget” paddle
This could be a controversial topic if not addressed correctly! “Budget” means something different to everyone. If you’re an investment banker, then dropping 200 bucks on a paddle could mean nothing to your monthly spending. But for most Americans, that is a big purchase. So for the purposes of catering to the average Joe that wants to get into pickleball, we define budget here as anything under $100 dollars. But even a $90 dollar paddle is a lot for some people, so most of the paddles here will be in the $25-$75 range.
Who should get a budget paddle?
If you are new to Pickleball and you want to play a few times over the course of the next month or two to test out the waters, you’ll probably want a budget paddle. However, if you are sold on Pickleball, and want to start playing multiple times per week, we would recommend saving up and investing in a good paddle, especially if you’re improving your skills, and feel like a cheaper paddle might hold you back.
What budget paddles should I avoid?
We would recommend buying from a respected brand. Many of the paddle purchases that new pickleballers regret are from cheap retailers who mass-produce paddles in China without any quality assurance. Brands like Selkirk and Franklin can assure a decent experience even with their lower quality paddles. If you are considering a paddle that is in the ~$25-50 range especially, make sure you do your homework on the brand and if their customers have had a good experience.
Where can I get a budget paddle in person?
A trip to a department store like Dick’s sporting goods will get you a budget paddle or two for under 50 dollars. Target also sells some pretty cheap paddles, including Orcas as well, in case you don’t have a sporting goods store close by.
Best budget paddle under $100 – Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Polypropylene X5 Core
The Vanguard paddle by Selkirk is an excellent choice for beginner pickleball players who don’t have the most stringent budget constraints for their first paddle, and can dole out 100 bucks. Transparently, this is an Amazon factory edition. So while it may have minor markings on the face, these aesthetic alterations do not impact its functionality. Handcrafted in the USA with top-quality materials and cutting-edge technology, Selkirk paddles are renowned for their performance and durability.
This design results in a larger sweet spot and longer resonance time, enhancing the player’s consistency and power. The X5 honeycomb core powers the sweet spot here, built with advanced polypropylene honeycomb technology, absorbs vibration and delivers consistent speed. The thicker core also expands the sweet spot and offers a softer feel.
The S2 model, with its standard shape and larger surface area, so its catered toward a general pickleball audience, but could be a paddle that lasts you years as the quality is suited for hardcore pickleball players as well. By choosing the Vanguard paddle, beginners can access advanced features and enjoy improved performance on the court without breaking their budget.
Best budget paddle under $75 – Selkirk SLK Latitude Pickleball Paddle w/ Graphite Face
Selkirk coming in hot on our budget Pickleball paddle list! And for good reason. The SLK Latitude recreational pickleball paddle by Selkirk is an excellent option for players looking for a high-quality paddle under $75. It offers several features that make it a great choice within this price range. The paddle is surprisingly lightweight for the price and functionality as well, which is usually ideal for most beginners who lack control in their game.
The G4 graphite face of the SLK Latitude provides exceptional control and feel. This allows up-and-coming pickleball players to have better command over their shots, aiding their skill development on the court.
Additionally, the SLK Latitude is a lightweight paddle, weighing only 8.0 to 8.4 ounces. This lightweight design allows players to have quicker hands at the net, enabling faster reactions and improved maneuverability. It also aids in maintaining control during gameplay.
The Ultra Cushion Grip is pretty standard and has a 4.25″ grip circumference and 5.25″ length, it offers optimal comfort and absorbs perspiration, and impacts effectively. One downside we saw was that many customers reported the grip unraveling after 50-60 uses, so look out for this. You might have to regrip it if you like the paddle after your first 6-12 months of play
Overall, the SLK Latitude pickleball paddle combines control, lightweight design, comfortable grip, and relatively good durability, making it a fantastic choice for players seeking a high-performing paddle under $75.
Best budget paddle under $50 – Head Cyber Elite Pickleball Paddle, Fiberglass Surface
For an under $50 buy for budget shoppers, you’ll check pretty much every box with the Head Cyber Elite. Head has a great reputation, and while you won’t get anything outstanding, you’ll get good performance at an affordable price point. The paddle was actually designed for intermediate-level club players and is great for those a later beginner stage but aren’t yet professional players.
The fiberglass finish of the paddle’s hitting surface provides a lightweight feel while delivering ample power. This combination of control and power makes it ideal for competitive players looking to take their game to the next level. Fiberglass is a sign of a quality paddle surface, however, we will say the most common complaint in the reviews was of the surface being a little bit too smooth. This affects the control a beginner will have on a paddle.
In terms of specifications, the paddle features a thickness of 13.0 mm and a weight of 230 grams (8.1 ounces), making it easy to handle and maneuver on the court. With a length of 408 mm (16 inches) and a width of 199 mm (7 7/8 inches), it provides a balanced playing surface. The grip size of 107 mm (4 1/8 inches) offers comfort and control during gameplay.
This paddle features a polymer honeycomb core that ensures consistent and responsive performance. The addition of the new Ergo Grip further enhances touch and minimizes vibration, allowing for precise shots and comfortable gameplay.
Overall, the HEAD Elite Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle delivers exceptional value without breaking the bank.
Best budget paddle under $25 – AutoSan Pickleball Paddle
It might not be pretty, but AutoSan is an extremely affordable paddle that gets the job done. The paddle offers unparalleled quality and value for under 25 dollars.
One standout feature of the Autosan paddle given its price point is its lightweight construction. Weighing in at just 7.2-7.5 ounces, this paddle allows for swift maneuverability, and the ability to react swiftly to unexpected shots. The paddle features a graphite and fiberglass composite surface, offering a perfect blend of touch, feel, and strength along with a polycomb nomex core The result is a paddle that delivers powerful shots while maintaining control and precision.
Additionally, the Autosan paddle features a breathable grip with a medium-sized circumference of 4.25 inches. This grip offers cushioning, a tacky surface, and perforations to prevent sweat interference, ensuring a comfortable and secure hold during extended play sessions. The paddle’s grip size accommodates various hand sizes, making it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. Moreover, the Autosan paddle’s fashion design, with its attractive blended, molten-colored background and UV coating to prevent breakdown and fading, adds to its appeal.
The drawbacks are that you’re getting a cheap paddle that probably won’t last very long. Some reviews mentioned issues with the cover and grip size. But if you only have 25 dollars to spare (or less) this paddle will get the job done.
Best wood pickleball paddle on a budget – Orca Paddle Co. Pickleball Paddles
Orca makes some really dependable wooden pickleball paddles, and is our recommendation for those beginners on a budget looking for pure wooden Pickleball paddles. Most wood paddles come in pairs of sets of 4, mostly because they aren’t expensive to make.
This particular wood paddle is crafted with maple wood, which is a high-quality wood that delivers power, balance, and exceptional durability. The rubber handles provide an ideal grip, ensuring comfort and control during gameplay. With wide faces and an extra-large sweet spot, these paddles enhance accuracy even with off-center strikes. Meeting USAPA standards, they are designed to provide unbeatable gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, this set guarantees an enjoyable experience for all skill levels, making it suitable for recreational and professional play alike.
The downside of a paddle like this (and any wooden paddle) is that the performance is not going to be good compared to more of a thoughtfully engineered pickleball paddle like the others mentioned in this article. However, there is something pure about an all-wood paddle that puts some fun back into the game, especially if everyone else you’re playing with is using the same wood paddles. This is a great purchase if you’re jumping into pickleball with a friend, and you’re both completely green to the game.
Best budget paddle for those with tennis elbow – Brooklyn Pickleball Co. Carbon Fiber Paddle
If you are considering getting really into Pickleball and suffer from elbow pain or tennis elbow, then we wouldn’t necessarily recommend skimping on a paddle. But if you are on a budget and need a paddle that won’t be hard on your joints, this is a fantastic option.
This is a great-looking lightweight carbon fiber paddle that does well with maneuverability at 7.6 oz. It strikes a balance between power and precision, making it suitable for various playing styles. The paddle features a polypropylene honeycomb core, providing a good level of control and durability due to its small honeycombs that distribute impact evenly. Additionally, the ribbed non-slip cushion grip offers a comfortable and controlled hold. Thanks to its lightweight construction and excellent grip, reducing strain on the arm.
The common complaints we’ve seen about this paddle are in the extra smoothness of the surface of the paddle (which could impact control) and the fact that it doesn’t have quite the pop of the more expensive paddles. But for about 45 dollars, this is a steal for the value, especially if you have bad joints.
Best budget paddle for kids – JOOLA Kids Pickleball Paddle
Although this isn’t the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion (sorry kids, you might have to wait for that one), the JOOLA Kids Pickleball paddle is a great first-budget paddle while you wait to grow into the Ben Johns Hyperion.
Designed specifically for youth players aged 4-14, this paddle features a smaller grip, lightweight yet durable construction, and a low-profile design. With a polymer honeycomb core, it offers the power and controls young pickle ballers need to improve their serves and returns. The carbon fiber face ensures durability and performance. Additionally, the smaller grip size and grip tape allow beginners to swing with confidence. This paddle is perfect for getting kids active and involved in pickleball, making it an excellent gift for young players or for families looking to enjoy the sport together.
Joola is an expensive brand typically, so for under 50 dollars, giving your kid a JOOLA paddle is a great treat. And this is a great choice to do so. Just make sure they are a fan of sharks!