I own around 30 pickleball paddles under $75, so I understand the best attributes of what to look for. Here are the best paddles in this price range.
When I look for the best paddle under $75, I’m aiming for something that feels like a $200 paddle (thinking of my Bread and Butter Fat Boy or Volair Mach 2 Forza) but costs under $75. Also, I prefer carbon fiber as it’s the best material as compared to graphite or fiberglass or wood.
- Best Overall Paddle (After 25% discount) : Warping Point Ascent Paddle
- Best Slightly Higher Paddle ($89.99 after discount code): Vatic Pro Prism Flash
- Runner Up Paddle: PBVMURTG Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
- Best Racquet Set: Costco SLK Paddle Set
- Second Runner Up Racquet: Franklin Pilot Pickleball Paddle
Let’s dive into the list.
1. Best Overall Paddle Under $75 (after discount code) : Warping Point Ascent Paddle
The Warping Point Ascent paddles provide a premium paddle that provides the exact amount of control, power and spin I look for in a paddle. Now, you will notice that this is actually a ~$100 paddle, but I begged the manufactorer for a discount code, and they provided me a 25% discount code, so you can get this premium paddle for ~$75.
In addition to being an amazing paddle, the Warping Point Ascend paddles come with an amazing unboxing experience that I took pictures of in my full review.
Here’s what I love about these paddles.
The paddle itself looks great, with a red design for power and a green one for control. I used it in two sessions and was impressed. I beat a regular opponent in singles, then made an 8-3 comeback to win 11-9 in another match.
The paddle’s control is excellent, thanks to its carbon fiber face. I noticed a big improvement in spin, especially on my backhand shots. While it’s made for control, it still packs a good punch when you need power.
The only downside? My hands slipped on the grip more than usual. Luckily, Warping Point includes grip tape for an easy fix.
Finally, I love the Warping Point Ascent paddles that I own both the control and power paddle in addition to their new premium Grasp paddle. Let me discuss what I love about this paddle.
25% Discount code: bepickleballer
3. Best Slightly Higher Paddle ($89.99 after discount code)
The Vatic Pro is perfect for intermediate players. I actually started using it as a beginner, but I quickly realized it’s really more suited for intermediate play.
I just love this paddle. It gives me way more control, power, and spin compared to my other beginner paddles, like the Head Radical Elite or the Niupipo.
If you go with the Vatic Pro, you’ll need to pick between the 14mm and 16mm versions. I even wrote an article about the differences between the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 14mm and 16mm. If you like control, you may opt for 16mm. If you like power, you may opt for the 14mm.
Here’s a picture of both options.
With this paddle, I noticed my game improving fast. I was finally able to beat a friend I’d never beaten before.
Another thing I love is that Vatic Pro includes a free cover with the paddle. Plus, there’s a $10 discount code (bepickleballer) you can use to get it for under $90.
3. Runner Up: PBVMURTG Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
It took a while, but I finally found my top budget paddle. The brand is a bit of a mouthful—PBVMURTG—but it’s an unbelievable deal.
You probably won’t believe this, but I played with a $200+ paddle recently against a friend who’s in the 4.0-4.5 DUPR range. He beat me three games in a row. Then I switched to this PBVMURTG paddle for the fourth game—and won 11-3. I was honestly shocked.
The PBVMURTG paddle is under $50 on Amazon right now. What’s even better is that it’s made of carbon fiber and comes with a cover, grip tape, and a carbon fiber cleaning bar. I don’t know how long this deal will last. My previous favorite, the Anything Sports Carbon Fiber paddle, got discontinued, which was a bummer. I compared them side by side, and I actually liked this paddle more.
For example, I liked it so much, I ended up writing an entire review about my experience.
I really don’t know how this brand is making any money, selling it for under $50
Just so you know, the link below helps support my website, and I get around $1.31 if you buy through it. But there’s no pressure to use it!
Here’s a look at the unboxing and what the paddle looks like:
3. Best Paddle Set Under $75: Costco Selkirk Paddle Set
I love Costco, so I was elated to find the Costco Selkirk paddle set. Selkirk may the #1 pickleball brand in the world right now, so a set of these under $75 is awesome. Here’s my full review.
It also comes with a couple of balls and a decent bag.
I felt great control with this paddle, thanks to the quality of the paddle’s face, and I’d definitely use it again. Although I haven’t played as much as I’d like, the face seems built for spin and could add some nice curve to my shots.
The price is also a big plus, offering two quality paddles, outdoor balls, and a bag, which makes it a solid deal.
However, the grip wasn’t perfect and felt a bit loose compared to my other paddles. While the paddle’s lightweight design is nice, it did seem to lack the power I get from my heavier paddles.
If you have a Costco membership, here’s the link. Please note that the price is often $10 cheaper in warehouse than online.
If you do not, here’s a similar set on Amazon.
3. Second Runner Up: Franklin Pilot Pickleball Paddle
This paddle is 10mm thick, so it’s a bit thinner than what I’d recommend for a beginner. But the grip is 5 inches, and it’s made of polypropylene, which feels a lot like carbon fiber and helps with ball control.
The Franklin paddle weighs 8 ounces, which I think is just fine for beginners.
If you like a paddle with a design, this one even has an image showing the sweet spot, which could help you aim better.
I actually prefer this Franklin paddle over some more expensive options like the Head Extreme Elite, Onyx Z5, or Hello Friday paddles that are in the $75 range.
Paddles I Wasn’t A Fan Of Under $75
Here were three very popular paddles that I was not a fan of in the $75 range. I wrote full reviews on these paddles as well, so you can review these for yourself.
1. Friday Pickleball Paddle
Of the paddles I don’t love under $75, the Hello Friday was my favorite if that’s any consolation.
I love the design and the carbon fiber paddle was fine.
That said, I really disliked that marketing of this paddle, which I went through in my full review.
2. Onix z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle
At this price point, I would expect that the Onix z5 Graphite paddle would have a decent carbon fiber face or a high quality graphite material. I thought the graphite material was fine, but I didn’t feel like I got control, spin or power from this paddle.
I see a lot of beginners playing with this paddle, and it always confuses me as you can get the Vatic Pro Prism flash for around the same price point.
3. Head Radical Elite
I do not understand how the Head Radical Elite pickleball paddle. I undertand that the Head brand is huge in tennis, but I do not see that for this pickleball paddle.
Honestly, I was disappointed in the level of play that this paddle provided in terms of power and control.
Conclusion
Pickleball paddles don’t have to cost a fortune, and there are numerous paddles in the $75 range that I love.
You just need to find one that fits your style, whether you’re after power, control, or spin. I hope one of these paddles work great for you, and feel free to email me if you have any feedback whatsoever.