The Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100 (2023)

Are you looking improve your pickleball game without spending too much? Look no further—we’ve got you covered with this list of the best pickleball paddles under $100!

We understand tight budgets don’t always allow for fancy gear, which is why we’ve done our research and rounded up the best paddles that won’t break the bank. This list includes picks from JOOLA, Recess, Gearbox, and Selkirk.

Yes, it’s possible to find lightweight paddles with high-end features and brilliant designs within a budget even beginner players can afford.

We’ve taken into consideration the various materials, grip types, weight and face designs on the market today.

Ready to improve your court performance without emptying your wallet? Keep reading for our tips on what makes a pickleball paddle great—and affordable!

The best budget pickleball paddle under $100

Soon after I started playing pickleball, I quickly upgraded to the JOOLA Essentials 12MM paddle.

Priced at less than $100, it’s a beginner paddle (some pros use Selkirk paddles, like the Vanguard Power Air EPIC paddle, which can cost more than $250) but the JOOLA shares many of the same features as other high-tech, expensive pickleball paddles.

Read any pickleball forum on Reddit or Facebook, and chances are you’ll see the JOOLA Essentials 12MM recommended as the best pickleball paddle for beginners under $100.

But why?

It’s the ideal pickleball paddle for recreational players who are still honing their skills.

It has a large sweet spot for easy contact with the ball and a wide face (8in) for added stability. But it will also grow with you as you improve as a player—it offers a well-balanced combination of control, power, and spin.

Where are JOOLA pickleball paddles made?

As of January 2023, JOOLA pickleball paddles are made in Siebeldingen, Germany, but the company also has a North American production facility in Maryland.

In 2019, JOOLA was acquired by Sport Squad, a longtime distributer of the brand in North America.

Other great affordable pickleball paddles

I’ve written an in-depth review about how much I enjoy playing with my Recess pickleball paddle.

If you’re looking for firsthand information about the quality, weight, price point, and how the Recess paddle holds up after a year, definitely read that post!

One thing I really love about my Recess pickleball paddle is the padded grip tape – it’s super comfortable and thick. It might honestly be the best grip tape on the market.

How to choose a pickleball paddle for beginners

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle for the first time.

You should look for a paddle that is affordable enough to introduce you to the game, but one that can also be used as you develop your skills and improve as a player. You should not need to replace your pickleball paddle for a few years at least.

Here are a few features to look out for when shopping for a new pickleball paddle:

Grip

Grip is a key factor when selecting pickleball paddles for beginners.

The grip of the paddle should be comfortable and secure in the player’s hand, and should not cause any discomfort or fatigue during prolonged play.

It’s important to choose a paddle with an ergonomically designed grip that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and allows you to have better control over your shots.

Weight

Paddle weight is another important consideration for beginner pickleball players as it affects the power of their shots.

Heavier paddles produce more powerful hits, while lighter paddles are easier to maneuver.

Generally, new players are advised to choose a lightweight paddle that they can easily control, which will enable them to develop their skills without becoming tired or frustrated too quickly.

Beginners should look for a mid-sized paddle head (7-8 inches) that is around 8 ounces in weight.

Balance

The balance of the paddle impacts both power and control, so it is especially important for beginners who may not be used to wielding large pieces of equipment yet.

A balanced paddle should feel natural in your hand, with no extreme weights at either end that could throw off your stroke technique or cause fatigue in your wrists or arms during long games.

Edge Protection

As your pickleball skills progress, you’ll begin playing at faster speeds which increases the likelihood that balls may hit closer to the edge of your paddle instead of squarely on its face as intended.

This is where edge guards become important as they protect your paddle’s edges and allow you to keep playing without worrying about damage or wear and tear over time.

Surface Texture

Finally, surface texture plays an important role when choosing pickleball paddles for beginners.

Smoother surfaces tend to result in slower balls that stay lower and don’t bounce as much when they hit the ground, while rougher surfaces lead to quicker balls that bounce higher off the ground and fly further distances after impact.

Beginners who want more forgiveness on their shots should opt for smoother surfaces, while those looking for more power may prefer roughness on their paddles’ faces.