I have around 30-40 pickleball paddles under $100 that I believed it fitting to write an article covering the best options for your buck.
I am looking for high quality at a value price.
The paddle’s material is extremely important, so I want a carbon fiber paddle, ideally thermoformed with T700 raw carbon fiber surface. That said, you can find some variability below.
Let’s dive into the top pickleball paddles under $100.
1. Best Pickleball Paddle Under $100: Vatic Pro Prism Flash
The Vatic Pro Prism Flash is perfect for intermediate players or beginners looking to level up. Priced at $89.99 after using the bepickleballer discount code, it’s worth every penny, especially as it comes with a nice paddle cover for free.
This paddle has two thickness options: 14mm for more power and 16mm for better control. I’ve used both versions, and they each have their strengths. Personally, I prefer the 16mm for its ability to enhance spin and accuracy during matches. Here’s my review covering the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 14mm vs 16mm.
Switching to this paddle improved my game significantly. I beat a friend who always had the upper hand, and I felt more in control during fast-paced exchanges.
If you’re serious about improving your game, the Vatic Pro is one of my favorite investments.
10% Discount Code: bepickleballer
2. Best Runner Up: Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0
In July, I visited the Hyatt Regency Monterey for a wedding and noticed the Holbrook logo on the pickleball courts, sparking my interest in their paddles.
After seeing the clean, professional design, I decided to review their Mav Pro 2.0 paddle as it’s a top paddle under $100 after the 10% discount code.
The unbagging experience matched the brand’s reputation for quality. The paddle arrived with detailed information about its features, and the thoughtful “play better” note from Holbrook added a personal touch, making the experience feel premium.
When it came to playability, the Mav Pro 2.0 exceeded my expectations. Its T700 unidirectional carbon fiber surface paired with a dual-reactive honeycomb core offered outstanding control, allowing me to execute precise drop shots I had previously struggled with.
The paddle’s ability to generate spin was a standout feature, enhancing my backhand shots and returns during singles matches. Its power was decent, particularly on serves, but the control and spin capabilities made it a winner for me.
Overall, the Mav Pro 2.0 impressed me with its thoughtful design, innovative materials, and exceptional performance. It’s not just a paddle—it’s a tool that can elevate your game. I’m thrilled to keep using it and would highly recommend it to players looking for a paddle that delivers on control and spin.
10% Discount Code: bepickleballer
3. Best Discounted $100 Paddle: Warping Point Ascent Paddle
The Warping Point Ascent Paddle feels premium. It typically costs $100, but with the discount code bepickleballer, you can get it for $75. This paddle offers a balanced mix of control, spin, and power, making it perfect for players looking to elevate their game.
If you’re interested, I’d say to check out my Warping Point Ascent review where I get into the weeds.
What sets this paddle apart is its carbon fiber face, which helps with precision and spin. I’ve used it in singles and doubles matches, and it made a noticeable difference in my backhand shots. The paddle’s design is also worth mentioning: the red version is great for power, while the green is optimized for control.
I did notice the grip gets a bit slippery during long games, but the included grip tape makes it easy to fix. On top of that, the unboxing experience was impressive—it felt like I was opening a high-end product.
If you’re looking for a paddle that combines performance and affordability, this is it.
25% Discount code: bepickleballer
4. Best Sub $50: PBVMURTG Carbon Fiber Paddle
The PBVMURTG Carbon Fiber Paddle is my favorite budget paddle under $50. Despite its lower price, it performs exceptionally well. It’s lightweight, has excellent spin potential, and comes with extras like grip tape, a paddle cover, and even a carbon fiber cleaning bar.
What really surprised me was its performance against higher-priced paddles. I played a match against a 4.0+ DUPR player using a $200 paddle. After losing three games, I switched to this paddle and won the next match 11-3. The carbon fiber face made a huge difference in control and power.
As such, I wrote a review article covering the unboxing experience and just how well this paddle plays.
This paddle is a no-brainer for anyone on a tight budget. I don’t know how the brand is making money selling it for under $50, but I’m not complaining.
5. Best Paddle Set: Costco Selkirk Paddle Set
The Costco Selkirk Paddle Set is a fantastic deal. For under $75, you get two high-quality paddles, outdoor balls, and a bag.
Selkirk is one of the top pickleball brands, so getting their paddles at this price is a win.
I liked this paddle set so much that I wrote an entire review on how well this set plays.
I found these paddles to be great for spin and control, thanks to their well-designed faces. While they aren’t as powerful as some heavier paddles, they’re perfect for consistent play. The lightweight design makes them beginner-friendly, but even intermediate players will appreciate their performance.
One drawback is the grip—it felt a bit loose compared to other paddles I’ve tried. However, for the price, this set offers incredible value. If you’re a Costco member, you can often find it $10 cheaper in-store than online. Not a member?
If you don’t have a Costco membership:
If you do have a Costco membership:
Paddles That Didn’t Make the Cut Under $100
While there are plenty of great paddles in the under-$75 range, not all deliver the performance you’d expect. Here are three popular paddles I tested that didn’t quite meet my standards.
Head Extreme Elite Paddle
The Head Extreme Elite is a well-known paddle from a big brand in tennis, but it falls short in pickleball. The paddle feels bulky, and despite being marketed as beginner-friendly, it lacks the responsiveness you’d expect.
The control and spin capabilities are minimal, making it hard to execute precise shots. The paddle’s weight distribution also feels uneven, which affected my ability to return fast serves and volleys effectively.
Considering the price, I would have liked to see more advanced features. There are paddles like the Franklin Pilot or even the PBVMURTG that outshine this one for less money.
Onix Z5 Graphite Paddle
The Onix Z5 Graphite Paddle is a popular choice among beginners, but I found it underwhelming. For the price, I expected better materials or performance. The graphite face felt average, offering minimal spin or power.
Control was another issue. The paddle seemed inconsistent, especially during fast-paced games. It’s also slightly heavier than other paddles in this range, which made maneuvering more difficult during quick volleys.
Many beginners gravitate toward this paddle because of its brand recognition, but I’d argue that the Vatic Pro Prism Flash is a much better option for a similar price point.
Friday Paddle
The Friday Pickleball Paddle has a sleek design and a carbon fiber face, which initially made me excited to try it. However, after using it in several games, I noticed it lacked the balance between power and control I needed.
One of the biggest disappointments was the misleading marketing. The paddle was promoted as having advanced spin technology, but I didn’t feel much improvement in my shots compared to similarly priced paddles. While the grip was decent, it wasn’t comfortable for extended play.
If design is your priority, this paddle might appeal to you, but for gameplay, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Conclusion
I know I have a pickleball racquet problem, purchasing too many paddles. That said, I hope that my purchases help you understand your options when purchasing a paddle in the $100 range that can provide ample power, spin and control.
I know that these paddles have done that for me.