While some of the best paddles, like the JOOLA Hyperion and Six Zero Diamond, are renowned for their high-quality overall performance, their high price point can discourage players from investing in them. If you’re among those players, there is no cause to worry. Finding an incredible paddle that does not break your bank is entirely possible. We have brought you a list of the best pickleball paddles under $100 so you can enjoy and excel in the sport without jeopardizing your finances.
It doesn’t take an expert to know that the right paddle can make all the difference in your performance at the pickleball court. From strength and spin to control and durability, the excellence of your paddle significantly impacts your gameplay.
Whether you are looking for more power, greater spin, or precise shot placement, these paddles offer the suitable stability of overall performance and affordability. With functions like raw carbon fiber surfaces, optimized core materials, and ergonomic designs, these paddles are designed to help you dominate the court at affordable costs.
So, without further ado, let’s get into our roundup of the best pickleball paddles under $100!
The Best Affordable Pickleball Paddles
Vatic Pro Prism Flash
The Vatic Pro Prism Flash is one of the best paddles if you prefer control and finesse over power and spin (not that it doesn’t have the latter qualities). And for its price point of $99.99, it is the best affordable pickleball paddle on the market. It is no wonder a favorite amongst pickleball players for its innovative construction, use of high-quality materials, and impressive responsiveness.
The Flash may be the poster child of affordable yet high-performance carbon fiber paddles in the market right now. Crafted painstakingly with precise engineering, this paddle allows players to improve their performance without breaking the bank. Let’s explore its key features and performance aspects.
Surface and Core
The raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber surface of the Flash sets it apart, offering players impressive spin potential and durability. The heat-compressed texturing enhances grip and control, allowing players to execute precise shots efficiently.
Paired with the optimized C7 polymers and high-grade performance honeycomb core, this paddle delivers consistent performance and responsiveness on the court. Whether you’re executing powerful drives or delicate drop shots, the Flash paddle provides the spin and control needed to dominate your opponents. It is easily one of the best pickleball paddles under $100 on this list.
Power
Before 2023, this paddle could have easily ranked as one of the best power paddles. However, Gen 2 paddles have increased their power manifold since, and the Flash’s thermoformed paddles, while objectively great in power and spin, can’t compete with Gen 2 paddles in these two categories. However, its power and spin are still impressive, given the price.
Despite its lightweight design, the Flash paddle offers impressive power and performance. Players can generate significant speed and force behind their shots, thanks to the paddle’s optimized core thickness and construction.
Whether you’re looking to smash winners or rally with precision, this paddle provides the versatility to excel in various playing styles. The anti-abrasion TPU edge guard ensures durability and protection, allowing players to play confidently and aggressively on the court.
Forgiveness
On top of prioritizing control, the Flash also offers stability and a degree of forgiveness on off-center hits. This affordable pickleball paddle performs well even when you don’t strike the sweet spot; this paddle maintains consistency and accuracy, minimizing the impact of mishits.
This forgiveness factor is particularly beneficial for players looking to improve their game without sacrificing control or precision. With the Flash, you can play confidently, knowing that your shots will land where you intend them to, regardless of your skill level.
HUDEF Viva Pro
The HUDEF Viva Pro Gen 1 is a well-rounded elongated paddle second only to the Vatic Pro Prism Flash in terms of performance and what it offers in its affordable range. The Toray T700 carbon fiber surface and thermoform face make it a generation 1.5 paddle, a step up from the carbon fiber surface paddles of Gen 1 but not as robustly thermoformed as the Gen 2 paddles. Unlike the latest Gen 2 paddles, Viva Pro doesn’t have a thermoformed handle.
Nevertheless, it is still one of the best pickleball paddles under $100 for the reasons below.
Surface and Core
The team has found this paddle a pleasant surprise for its price point. Viva Pro boasts a graphite composite surface reinforced with T700 carbon fibers, giving it a rugged surface and generating good power. The paddle has a 14 mm and a 16 mm version. For players who like to pack a little more power, we recommend the 14 mm version. Otherwise, the 16 mm works just as well.
The spin it generates through the roughness of the graphite composite also adds to its merit. The 14 mm and 16 mm generate swing weights of 117 and 120, respectively, ranking high as spin paddles in their price range.
The polypropylene core adds to the paddle’s control. Your dinks are as remarkable as your third shot drops with the Viva Pro.
Power
As a Gen 1.5 paddle (not an official rank), the Viva Pro has good power in its swing. However, it doesn’t compare to Gen 2 legends like Six Zero’s Black Diamond. Keeping up with that range, we’d call it a control paddle with an impressive plow instead of a power paddle. However, a reasonable pop with modest control is more than what can be imagined of an affordable pickleball paddle, and in that way, the Viva Pro delivers.
Forgiveness
The thermoformed perimeters of the paddle face enhance the size of the sweet spot for the paddle. The paddle is also an elongated paddle with a narrow than standard width, which distributes the weight evenly across the face. So, in case of a mishit, you can still hold your own with Viva Pro.
Neonic Force 16mm
Another promising well-rounder in the under $100 category is the Neonic Force, a feat of impressive design in performance and aesthetics. Available in neon green and neon pink branding, the paddle packs power and plow in your play, aided by its midweight build that helps you play a baseline game with finesse.
Surface and Core
The Neonic Force has been constructed with a high-quality T700 fiber, which maximizes its strength and spin potential. The walls are injected with foam that enhances the paddle’s responsiveness, enlarging the sweet spot and increasing the paddle’s precision and finesse. The unibody construction ensures a consistent and long-lasting product, hence its presence on the best pickleball paddles under $100 list.
Power
When it comes to power, the Neonic Force truly shines. Its 16mm thickness and optimized weight distribution create a powerful, explosive playing experience. The paddle’s design allows for effortless pop in volleys, allowing players to generate significant speed and force behind their shots.
Whether smashing overheads or driving groundstrokes, the Neonic Force paddle delivers the power and performance needed to dominate rallies and outmaneuver opponents.
Forgiveness
One of the standout features that makes it the best affordable pickleball paddle here is its forgiveness. Despite its powerful performance capabilities, the paddle remains forgiving on off-center hits, minimizing the impact of mishits and providing players with added confidence in their shot-making abilities.
The foam-injected walls and sizeable sweet spot help absorb shock and vibrations, resulting in a smoother and more controlled feel on contact. This forgiveness factor makes the Neonic Force ideal for players across skill levels, but beginners particularly enjoy consistency that is otherwise absent in their game.
ONIX Graphite Z5
The ONIX Graphite Z5 stands testament to ONIX’s commitment to excellent and comprehensive performance. Z5 was one of the first times I tried a Nomex® core paddle, and I was left impressed by its endurance and stable construction. Let’s assess its features to understand its popularity in the pickleball community.
The Z5 boasts several standout features that make it distinctive. Its Nomex® honeycomb center provides a solid and steady paddle, especially when withstanding an opponent’s aggressive shots. The handle design improves the ergonomics of the paddle, making it comfortable, responsive, and connected to you as you play.
Surface and Core
The Nomex® honeycomb core of the Z5 contributes to its solid and dependable performance on the court. Some players demand rough non-Nomex® paddles to get extra spin and power, but they may want to try the Z5 for its robust structure that gives compelling responses, especially on shots that hit the sweet spot. There is also the satisfaction of the pop that the paddle exhibits upon receiving a shot. Combined, these qualities make Z5 one of the best pickleball paddles under $100.
Power
Power is where the Z5 shines. With its sturdy build and light-to-mid weight, this paddle packs a punch, allowing players to generate incredible velocity and force behind their shots.
The sweet spot is extensive and guarantees that players consistently benefit from the rigid core during intense rallies. Even though it’s relatively lightweight, its ergonomic design helps players with control and maneuverability, resulting in precise and powerful shots.
Forgiveness
The priority of this affordable pickleball paddle is power, but it also offers forgiveness to an extent. The sweet spot is reasonably good, and if you stay within its range, there is much you can do. Outside of it, there is some forgiveness on off-center hits. Call it the Graphite surface or the honeycomb core structure, but the players experience some consistency and forgiveness outside the sweet spot.
Since the Z5 is pretty great with control and power, it is one of those paddles that can execute delicate dinks and powerful smashes equally efficiently. I believe it is a paddle that will instill confidence in you to take risks on the court.
Professor PhD 16mm
The Professor PhD paddle is making waves inside the pickleball community for its exceptional performance and affordability. Crafted with top-quality materials, the paddle is made for precision and finesse on the court.
Officially authorized by USA Pickleball for competitions, this affordable pickleball paddle boasts a raw carbon face made with Toray T700 carbon fiber. Not only does this surface enhance spin, but it also makes the paddle durable and long-lasting.
With a polymer core and a 5.5-inch handle, this paddle gives ultimate control and maneuverability. It’s 16mm thick, striking the perfect balance between strength and precision, making it a flexible preference for players trying to take their game to the next level.
Surface and Core
The raw carbon face of the PhD is a recreation-changer, presenting players with incomparable spin capacity. Whether you’re perfecting a topspin on your shots or want to place precise dinks, this paddle comes to aid.
The surface grip texture complements control, allowing players to maintain accuracy even at critical moments of intense rallies. The 16mm thickness also ensures a solid feel and adequate power, enhancing responsiveness and connectivity and equipping you with the utmost confidence as you step onto the court.
Forgiveness
One of the standout functions of the PhD is its forgiveness of off-center hits. Even when you don’t strike the sweet spot, this paddle exhibits consistency and accuracy in your shots. This forgiveness element benefits beginners and intermediate players who may still be refining their approach.
With the PhD paddle, you may play optimistically, understanding that your shots will land where you propose them, no matter your skill level.
Legacy Velocity
The Legacy Velocity lives up to its name in pickleball, offering players a delightful mixture of spin, control, and affordability. With its design excellence and quality construction, this paddle will quickly become your favorite regardless of your pickleball rating.
With the surface being a 2nd generation Toray T700 raw carbon fiber, the Velocity paddle is designed to supply unparalleled spin and durability with precise shot placements and finite paddle contact time with the ball that helps its rotation. The paddle is 14 mm thick, commanding more power, and 7.8 inches wide, marking a significant area for perfect shots.
With a weight ranging from 7.8 to 8.1 oz., the Velocity strikes a precise balance among maneuverability and balance. The polypropylene honeycomb core balances strength and control flawlessly, and the octagonal handle guarantees a comfortable grip. These features make it one of the best pickleball paddles for spin under $100.
Surface and Core
Velocity’s carbon fiber face provides tennis players with brilliant spin potential. Unlike other spin paddles, however, the Velocity’s spin lasts longer, allowing you to balance power and precision throughout your game.
The polypropylene honeycomb core makes the paddle sturdy and responsive, ensuring consistent performance on the pickleball court. With its unibody construction, the Velocity feels solid in your hands and has superior stability, making it a reliable choice for players looking to dominate the court.
Power
While the Velocity paddle performs exceptional spin, it doesn’t compromise on power for plyers who want to extra pop to their shots. Combining raw carbon fiber surface and polypropylene honeycomb core has resulted in a paddle that generates high velocity in your shots. Whether your go-to move is a smash or groundstroke, the Velocity paddle supplies the energy to help you succeed in an aggressive strategy.
Forgiveness
Despite its impressive power and spin, this affordable pickleball paddle only provides a small degree of forgiveness on off-center hits. The paddle is great if you stay close to the reasonably-sized sweet spot, but your performance will suffer with repeated off-center hits.
Nevertheless, the Velocity is a great paddle for tennis players who switch to pickleball, prefer spin, and need help refining their approach. This can be a solid power paddle for beginners or intermediate players.
The Velocity offers exceptional performance at an unbeatable price point. With its innovative design, high-quality materials, and impressive playability, this paddle will become a favorite among pickleball enthusiasts.
The New Age of Pickleball Paddles
Finding an affordable pickleball paddle that also meets your criteria of needs from your weapon of choice on the court is rarely a case of love at first sight. Instead, you usually find impressive qualities in a paddle and adjust your game because you must compromise on other attributes.
Remember, the best way to find your ideal paddle is to test a few options and see how they feel. Everyone’s preferences and playing styles are unique, so don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the perfect match. This is true whether you prefer aggressive shots, precision, or spin.
We hope this list helps you find a paddle to fit your playing style and needs. If you thrive on competitive play, consider choosing a power paddle to exploit your capabilities. If you like control, you may want to switch to 16 mm thick paddles. And if you come from a tennis past, you may want to invest in a carbon fiber face paddle to generate high spin.
Have you tried any of the paddles from our recommendations? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.
