I own over 50 pickleball paddles, but I had to check out the MTEN pickleball paddle. It has over 4000 Amazon reviews with a strong 4.8-star average.
That said, I have purchased so many pickleball paddles from Amazon, so I started noticing a trend that many paddles seemed similar.
So, I purchased 2 pickleball paddle sets that appeared the same, and check out these boxes. One pickleball paddle set was $9.99 and the MTEN pickleball paddle set was $29.99.
Do you notice similarities?
Firstly, the bottom right section of the front of the box is exactly the same. As the information on the box is different, the weight and size of the box felt similarly.
Here’s how the paddles look.
And here’s the side view of hte MTEN and another paddle.
If you look at the prices, the VoicePTT paddle sometimes drops below $9.99. Meanwhile, the MTEN paddle set is $29.99 after coupon codes.
When practicing with these paddles, I did notice slight differences. For example, I believe the MTEN paddle has a lighter handle.
That said, I had a huge question.
Why the Price Differences?
If these paddles are almost identical, why are the prices so different?
To help you make the best choice, I created a table showing multiple brands and its estimated prices. If they’re the same paddle, why not buy the cheapest one? That said, I haven’t loved the playability of my Fiberglass paddles, so you may want to check out the best budget pickleball paddles that you can purchase on Amazon.
In addition, if you want to compare options on the table below, I wrote an entire Niupipo paddle review, and I plan to write one for the VoicePTT as well.
| Pickleball Paddle Brand | Estimated Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| VoicePTT | $10-$13 | Check Price on Amazon |
| Panel Sound | $15-$20 | Check Price on Amazon |
| Vinsguir | $20-$25 | Check Price on Amazon |
| VUFOXT | $20-$25 | Check Price on Amazon |
| Niupipo | $20-$40 | Check Price on Amazon |
| MTEN | $30-$40 | Check Price on Amazon |
Here’s a picture of 5 of these similar paddles that I own.
Now that we’ve covered that, let’s dive into my review of the MTEN paddle including what I liked, what I didn’t, specifications, my unboxing experience, and whether I think it’s worth it.
What I Liked
I appreciated the unboxing experience of the MTEN pickleball paddles set. I liked how the paddle came with a nice bag, and 4 outdoor balls. The other set just came with 2 outdoor and 2 indoor balls.
That said, you can see that the MTEN paddle set unboxing experience is felt exactly the same.
I liked the size of the paddle. The grip felt higher quality than I expected, and I could maneuver the ball well. The grip worked for my larger hands.
Design
In addition, of the many fiberglass Amazon paddles I own, I liked the MTEN’s design the best. While I prefer better playabaility and price, I did like the MTEN’s paddle design the best.
Dinking
When I dinked with the MTEN paddle, I did appreciate the lighter handle that may have allowed for more concise dinks.
That said, I may have done slightly better with the VoicePTT pickleball paddle set above.
What I Didn’t Like
Overall Playability
After more testing, I still don’t love how this paddle plays. The size makes it seem like a beginner paddle, but the fiberglass face and paddle’s thickness may have prevent better playability.
I also didn’t feel much grip on the ball. There’s no grit on these paddles that allow for control or spin.
Specifications
Here are the specs for the MTEN paddle I bought.
- Model: MTEN-01
- Size: 16.97 x 9.21 x 3.35 inches
- Weight: 7.78-8.11 ounces
- Material: Fiberglass
- Grip size: 4.57 inches
Many MTEN paddles, including the MTEN-01, are USA Pickleball approved. I double checked MTEN approval information on the USAP website, and can confirm that information.
Is the MTEN Pickleball Paddle Set Worth It?
At this paddle seems so similar to a range of paddles, I am not sure whether it’s worth the money unless it’s the lowest cost option.
That said, I believe these paddles did have the best design of the other paddles, so if you want a visually appealing paddle, this could work for you.
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