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I purchased a used Vatic Pro Prism Flash 14mm recently, and had an amazing experience. The paddle had very light wear and tear, and I got around 50% off of the brand new price.
I am a pickleball paddle fanatic (aka addict) and have acquired in the range of 50 pickleball paddles this year, so I wanted to comprise a list of the best used pickleball paddles for you. I will try to provide my reviews of the paddles as well.
I also use links to JustPaddles. JustPaddles is by far my favorite pickleball retailer provides an awesome 10% discount code (bepickleballer) on many top brands, and has an amazing customer service policy. If you are interested to learn more about JustPaddles, I wrote a comprehensive JustPaddles review.
Also, if the paddles below are no longer available, Just Paddles has a comprehensive used paddle section that I will discuss later as well. Incredibly, JustPaddles also has a blemished paddles section where you can use the discount code for many of the paddles as well.
In this article, I will also provide alternative places to purchase used paddles and help you answer the question, “Should I buy a used pickleball paddle?”
Let’s get started.
1. Volair MACH 2 Forza 16mm Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The Volair Mach 2 Forza 16mm is my favorite pickleball paddle right now. I loved it so much that I wrote a full review.
The paddle’s playability was unreal, and I felt that I was hitting drop shots well above my pay grade.
Discount Code: BePickleballer (10% off of used paddle price)
When I checked this paddle on JustPaddles, it was $144.95 in “very good” condition. I added the discount code, and here was the total in the cart.
2. Vatic Pro Prism V7 SH Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
I own 2 Vatic Pro Prism Flash pickleball paddles, including the 14mm and 16mm Vatic pro paddles. It’s a top beginner paddle, and has a more affordable price point for a top paddle.
Vatic Pro does provide a $10 discount code (ex: bepickleballer) on new paddles, which puts the price at $89.99. That said,
Discount code: BePickleballer (10% off of used paddle price)
When I used the discount code, I found that the paddle reduced to under $75 for a paddle in very good condition.
3. Engage Pursuit EX Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The Engage pickleball paddle brand is a premium brand that commands the #8 slot in the most expensive pickleball paddles in the world.
It is also a premium brand with exceptional paddle quality. That is why I was elated to see that JustPaddles offers a $219.99 Engage Pursuit Paddle used in very good condition for $119.95.
With the discount code, the paddle comes to $107.95 before tax, which is over 50% off the the new paddle price. Fantastic.
Discount code: BePickleballer (10% off of used paddle price)
4. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Swift Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The Joola Ben John Hyperion CFS 16mm is one of the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players. It’s also one of my favorite pickleball paddles out of the nearly 50 paddles that I have.
The reason that the Joola is 4th on this list is that you cannot use a 10% off discount code on JustPaddles, so the used price of $153.95 is the price you get.
5. ProXR Connor Garnett Signature Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
ProXR is currently ranked #6 in my best pickleball paddle brands list , so getting a premium paddle at a used price discount makes me excited. For those who are not familiar, Connor Garnett is a top professional pickleball player, currently ranked #3 in the world for singles. I added more information about this paddle and Connor in my article covering: “What Pickleball Paddles The Top 10 Pros Use (2024)“.
The ProXR is on my agenda for a paddle to test, but the paddle currently has a 5 star rating on JustPaddles with this review.
Regardless, I’ll plan to update this article with a full review once I have a chance to review.
Discount code: BePickleballer (10% off of used paddle price)
6. ProKennex Black Ace Ovation Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The Ace paddle is another top pickleball paddle brand, currently ranking 13th in my top pickleball paddle brands list.
This is another paddle brand that I have not had the pleasure of trying. That said, I noted that Gabriel Joseph (currently ranked 15 in the world) uses the Ace brand.
Alternative Websites To Find Used Pickleball Paddles
Here are some retailers where you can purchase used pickleball paddles.
JustPaddles
Yes, I have geeked out a lot about JustPaddles in this article, but if you are not interested in the above used paddles, check out JustPaddles comprehensive used paddle list.
Also, you can use the pickleball paddle discount code: bepickleballer to get another 10% off. Please note that the code does not work Babolat, Gearbox, HEAD, JOOLA, Selkirk, and Warstic used paddles unfortunately.
Facebook Marketplace and Groups
Facebook marketplace and groups seem to be getting more popular. You can find used pickleball paddles on two of the larger Facebook groups where people are selling used pickleball paddles.
Craigslist
Craigslist is such an old exchange, but hey, it still works even for pickleball paddles. Check out this used Volair Mach 1 16mm pickleball paddle that sells for $70, but is around $140 new before tax. The challenge with this is having to obviously drive to the location.
Pickleball Central
I just checked recently and found that Pickleball central has a used pickleball paddle section. I liked some of the prices that I saw with some paddles appearing around 40% off.
That said, I did not like that most of the paddles appeared to have “final sale” and “no returns”, This essentially means that you have to trust the retailer’s description.
Should You Purchase a Used Pickleball Paddle?
I would say, “it depends”.
Let me break down some things to consider if you are purchasing a used pickleball paddle online or in person.
When buying online
When buying a used pickleball paddle online, like from a site such as Just Paddles, there are a few things I’d consider. First, I’d check the return policy. Sites like Just Paddles often have a solid return or exchange policy, but I’d want to make sure I can send it back if the paddle isn’t what I expected.
I’d also look closely at the description and any pictures they provide. If they don’t show detailed photos of the paddle’s condition, I’d be cautious. I’d make sure they describe any wear, scratches, or damage so I know what I’m getting.
Next, I’d see if they offer any sort of warranty or guarantee on used paddles. Even though it’s used, some sites still offer limited protection in case the paddle breaks or isn’t as described.
Lastly, I’d compare the price to new paddles. If the savings are significant, it might be worth it. But if it’s only a small discount, I’d consider buying new, especially with the option to return it if needed.
Buying used online can be convenient, but I’d pay close attention to the details and the policies before making a decision.
When buying in person
When deciding whether to buy a used pickleball paddle, there are a few things I would consider. First, check the condition of the paddle. Look for cracks or dents, especially on the edges and face. Even small damage can affect performance.
Next, I’d pay attention to the grip. Is it worn out or torn? Replacing a grip is easy, but it’s something to think about when calculating the total cost.
Also, check if the core is still solid. Over time, paddles lose their pop and power. If it feels too soft or dead, it might not be a great deal.
Lastly, I’d ask about the brand and model. Some paddles hold up better than others. A high-quality brand might be worth it, even if it’s used.
Buying used can save money, but I’d weigh the paddle’s condition and how much life is left in it.
Conclusion
Personally, I would buy a used pickleball paddle if the discount is good enough and the paddle is in great condition.
That said, if you are unable to see the paddle or if you are unsure what a paddle in good condition would look like, you may decide to purchase new.
Regardless, I hope this article was helpful to help you determine whether you should purchase a used pickleball paddle.