Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100

Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100

5 Pickleball Paddles Under $100

What is the best pickleball paddle under $100? This is common question since most players start with a beginner set when they first start playing. These paddles sets great but you can quickly outgrow them if you start playing a lot. Here’s our list of the best pickleball paddles under 100. Some paddles are better for power while other are better for feel and control.

If you want to know more about paddle components and how they relate to power, control and touch read our section on Pickleball Paddles.


PADDLETEK BANTAM EX-L

best-paddle-under-100

Technical Specifications:

  • Weight Average: 8.2 ounces
  • Weight Range: 7.7 – 8.4 ounces
  • Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″ (Medium)
  • Grip Tack: medium
  • Grip Style: cushion, perforated
  • Grip Length: 5 1/8″
  • Paddle Length:15 5/8″
  • Paddle Width: 7 7/8″
  • Paddle Face: Vinyl graphic
  • Core Material: Polymer honeycomb
  • Edge Guard: 1/8″ overlapping paddle face

This is probably the best overall paddle on the pickleball paddles under 100 list and is one of the pricier options at just under $100. The Bantam EX-L combines power and maneuverability. That’s one of the reasons this paddle finds its way onto so many championship courts. This medium-weight, full-sized paddle features the advanced Bantam PolyCore interior for responsive returns. Game after game, it delivers the power and performance you need to win at the highest levels of play. Paddletek it know for building solid, quality pickleball paddles.

Features:

  • Top-weighted design which delivers unbeatable power without sacrificing control.
  • Textured polycarbonate surface that give you lasting spin.
  • Power and performance you need to win at the highest levels of play.

ONIX Z5

onix-z5-paddle

Technical Specifications:

  • Weight Average: 7.9 ounces
  • Weight Range: 7.5 – 8.2 ounces
  • Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″ (Medium) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″.
  • Grip Tack: Medium Grip Style: Perforated cushion grip
  • Grip Manufacturer: Onix
  • Grip Length: 5”
  • Paddle Length: 15 1/2”
  • Paddle Width: 8-1/8”
  • Paddle Face: Graphite
  • Core Material: Nomex honeycomb
  • Edge Guard: ¼” overlapping paddle face
  • Manufacturer: Onix Sports (formerly S-Type Sports)

The Z5 Graphite is probably the paddle with the most power on this list. It is a Nomex core paddle, which is a really hard and thin honey comb core material that brings a ton of “pop” to this paddle. This paddle has a little different feel than the other polymer paddles on this list. It is more of a solid hitting surface than a “softer” feeling face. The graphite face does help with some control, but this paddles bread and butter is its overwhelming power.


SELKIRK EPIC PRIME

Selkirk-paddle-under-100

Technical Specifications:

  • Skill Level: Beginner to Pro
  • Avg. Weight: 7.3–7.7 oz
  • Height: 15.75″
  • Width: 8.0″
  • Grip Length: 5.25″
  • Grip Circum: 4.25″
  • Grip: Selkirk ComfortGrip
  • Core: Polypropylene X4 Core
  • Face: FiberFlex Fiberglass
  • Edge: EdgeSentry PRIME

Great paddle for serious players with a good combination of power and maneuverability. This is one of our best pickleball paddles under 100. The PRIME Epic keeps with the traditional paddle shape having a long handle with a large surface area. Our most versatile shape, the PRIME Epic has our X4 Technology along with the added impact of our FiberFlex Composite surface. If you are looking for a paddle that stays true to Selkirk’s high standards, packs a punch, and is perfect for a control game, this paddle is a great fit for beginners and advanced players alike.

Features:

  • USAPA TESTED & APPROVED
  • LARGER SWEET SPOT DESIGN
  • X4 POLYPROPYLENE POLYMER CORE for Power and Control.
  • FIBERFLEX UNIDIRECTIONAL FIBERGLASS FACE for Touch and Feel

GAMMA MIRAGE COMPOSITE

gamma-paddles

Technical Specifications:

  • Weight: ~8.0 ounces
  • Hitting Surface: Textured Graphite
  • Grip Size: 4-1/8″
  • Grip: GAMMA Honeycomb
  • Grip Length: 4 3/4″ 
  • Paddle Length: 15 7/8” 
  • Paddle Width: 8″
  • Paddle Thickness: 1/2″
  • Core Material: Sensa Poly Core 
  • Made in the USASkill Level: Beginner to Pro

The GAMMA Mirage Composite Paddle is a solid mid/heavy weight, power oriented paddle. The feeling of your power shots through this larger than average sweet spot is really nice and although it is not known for its control, it can still play close to the net. This paddle is a little “softer” then the Z5 Nomex core, but still provides a lot of “pop” and can hit kill shots from all around the court. Just keep in mind that this paddle can be on the heavier side, so it benefits its power and control, but people who need a lighter paddle might not want to upgrade to the Mirage.

Features:

  • Honeycomb Grip features an extra tacky and firm surface. This provides high traction for maximum grip feedback and control. The perforated honeycomb surface absorbs moisture to provide a sure firm grip.
  • Poly Core paddles built in line with contemporary pickleball paddle construction trends provide a balance of touch and power. 

HEAD RADICAL ELITE

head-pickle-ball-paddles

Technical Specifications:

  • MATERIALS: PP + GF
  • THICKNESS: 13.0 mm / 1/2 in
  • WEIGHT: 230 g / 8.1 oz
  • LENGTH: 408 mm / 16 in
  • WIDTH: 199 mm / 7 7/8 in
  • GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
  • HITTING SURFACE: Fiberglass
  • CORE: OTC Honeycomb

Good all around paddle with a focus on power. This is a great value buy paddle coming in under $60 and is the least expensive on our list of best pickleball paddles under 100. So, you’re not a graphite pro yet, but you’re also not a beginner. The Elite series is ideal for the mid-level club pickleball player. The Radical Elite features the same Dynamic Power Shape for a larger sweet spot and a thicker OTC honeycomb core for great playability. With a new Radical color and a smooth fiberglass surface, the Radical Elite will give you the power and playability you are looking for


Final Thoughts on Best Pickleball Paddles Under 100

Our list of the best paddles under 100 may differ from others. We tried to focus on good around pickleball paddles that ranged from $50 to $100 while providing some that will help with power and other that may add more touch and feel. We could have made the list longer but these 5 are good collection of solidly build quality paddles from brands. Any one of the these paddles will be a good upgrade from a beginner set, some of them like the Paddletek or Selkirk will hold up for advanced players as well. Once your paddle choose is made start working on your strategy. For more pickleball strategy click here >> STRATEGY <<