Best Cheap Pickleball Paddles – Make a total Bargain

The 2023’s higher inflation rate in the USA honestly made everything go out of the budget! When a tomato comes at the price of gold, it seriously becomes impossible to get the paddle under a reasonable price tag with the required features. However, we’re still at your service–providing you with the best cheap pickleball paddles falling under everyone’s pocket.  

Well, it’s been 2 years, and Selkirk SLK Neo still ranks the best pickleball paddle coming with the high-techs at an affordable price. The paddle, aside from the locals, has also lived up to gain popularity among the professionals. Similar to Selkirk SLK Neo, there are 8 more paddles, with several weight sizes; weight, surface, and core opinions to suit budget-minded players with unique styles, respectively. 

As per the price, we’re targeting the paddles coming under $30 and $50. While we also have taken a few affordable paddles incorporated with the latest technologies in under $100.

RATING PRODUCT IMAGE

RATING 9.8

Selkirk SLK Neo Composite

Features:
SX3 honeycomb core
Ultra cushion grip
slim edge guard
Benefits:
Highly responsive and reactive
Allows max control
Comfortable grippings

Selkirk SLK Neo Composite

RATING 9.6

Gamma Sports 2.0 Voltage

Features:
textured graphite
aramid honeycomb core
honeycomb cushion grip
Benefits:
Excellent blend of power and control
Elongated handle and surface
Sweat-resistant

Gamma Sports 2.0 Voltage

RATING 9.5

Head Fiberglass Radical Pro

Features:
textured fiberglass
ergo grip style
13 mm honeycomb core
Benefits:
Incredibly Comfortable grip
High-end built
Larger sweet spot

Head Fiberglass Radical Pro

1. Selkirk SLK Neo Composite – With The Most Quality Features

9.8/10 – Our Score

Selkirk SLK Neo Composite
01

Technical Specifications

  • Weight:
    7.5 ounce
  • Grip size:
    4.25 inches
  • Handle length:
    5.25 inches
  • Grip style:
    Ultra cushion grip
  • material type:
    graphite
  • core:
    SX3 honeycomb core
  • Paddle length:
    16”
  • Paddle width:
    7.875”
  • Edging:
    slim edge guard
  • USAPA approved

For everyone to access technology, Selkirk manufactured the SLK series in China, combining its unique technologies at a bargain. The “Chinese” made us a little sketchy, but the purchase made 10/10 when we put it to test. In fact, we didn’t experience much difference between the performance of these paddles to the high-end Selkirk lineup.

Selkirk SLK Neo Composite paddles
Selkirk SLK Neo Composite paddle

The paddles feature top-quality Chinese Graphite and inside is the SX3 honeycomb core that goes beyond providing smoother gameplay to allowing quick transitions between various speeds. We love how it reacts the same as Selkirk Amped for the power transitions.

Its elongated shape stays one of its specialities though, similar to the tennis rackets–providing wonderful maneuverability and reach to the nets. Plus, its shape further aids beginners to upgrade their techniques for pro-level as quickly as a flash. Tessa and Kol, the youngest among us, love these pickleball weapons.

The core backs with an excellent blend of power and control in the ratio of 30:70 (control is more here). Through its textured surface, it allows speed and accuracy as well as control over spin shots, so you can avoid mis-hits as much as possible.

While it comes with all these features, it carries only 7.5 oz and complements the tennis and pickleball elbow very well. 2/3rd of us felt reduced tennis elbow. Told ya, it’s unarguably the best cheap pickleball paddle you can buy in 2023!

  • Highly responsive and reactive
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable grippings
  • gameplay for lengthen sessions
  • Control-oriented
  • Not suitable for pro-level player

Targeting the beginners and aged players, Selkirk SLK Meo is like a PAINIT–rare and relieving and at a dramatic price. For a fact check, you’re simply not going to get a better one, having a high-end quiet core, excellent surface, and an ideal shape other than SLK neo. 

2. Gamma Sports 2.0 Voltage Best Paddle Core

9.6/10 – Our Score

Gamma Sports 2.0 Voltage
02

Technical specifications

  • Weight:
    8.0 oz
  • Grip size:
    4”
  • Handle length:
    5.25 inches
  • material type:
    textured graphite
  • core:
    aramid honeycomb core
  • Paddle length:
    15.5 inches
  • Grip style:
    honeycomb cushion grip
  • Paddle width:
    8.25 inches
  • Edge guard:
    flush edge guard
  • USAPA:
    Approved

Voltage 2.0 is an upgraded version of voltage with a textured graphite surface (voltage 1.0 had a smooth one) at an extremely attractive price.

The textured graphite surface provides a decent spin with slicker edges helping to slice the ball. On the inside is the aramid honeycomb core backing up with immense power paired with control. It was because of these; we had little to no mis-hits through its accurate shot placement. What’s more is the soundless and vibrationless hitting–making it approved to play in green communities.

Gamma Sports 2.0 Voltage
 Gamma Sports 2.0 Voltage features

On the top, we found the shape and dimensions being really “extra” which means elongated handles, broader surface with a small grip that provides us room for added grips, giving out optimum flexibility and a plenty of surface area to play and ace each shot we hit.

  • Textured surface
  • Excellent blend of power and control
  • Elongated handle and surface
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Highly maneuverable
  • A smaller sweet spot

Voltage 2.0 is the best-price paddle from the 2.0 series of gamma with a lot of power, accuracy control, as well as a longer durability period, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. These are the best choice for any level player for any level game.

3. Head Fiberglass Radical Pro – Highly Affordable For Expert Players

9.5/10 – Our Score

Head Fiberglass Radical Pro
03

Technical specifications

  • Weight:
    8.1 oz
  • Grip size:
    4.25 inches
  • material type:
    graphite
  • Surface:
    textured fiberglass
  • Grip style:
    ergo grip
  • core:
    13 mm honeycomb core
  • Paddle Length:
    16 inches
  • Paddle width:
    7 ⅞ inches
  • Edge guard:
    ⅛” overlapping face

Under 100 dollars, Head radical remains the rarest pickleball paddle to match up the game level of pro players. By far, it’s the only paddle that we saw boosting our skills with ultimate control, finesse, power, and forgiveness. 

Head Fiberglass Radical Pro
playing with Head Fiberglass Radical Pro

High-tech textured fiberglass surface makes them clearly stand out and produces a lot of “power” besides the spin. The shots were kinda very speedy, so we were a bit skeptical if this was USAPA approved or not. However, we experimented its 13 mm thick OTC honeycomb, which make this power paddle approved by the USAPA, providing a good pop and adding finesse for back-to-back power hitting.  

The surface’ holding ability gave us enough space to manage up the accuracy of where our ball would land. Through its controlled pace, it helps speed up dink rallies and cross-courts. For the variation, we’ve also received a great response by adding top-spin which helps us make the game unpredictable. 

Head used some PU material for the grips (It’s super technical, we’re not going deep into that), reducing the price and making it environmentally friendly. Besides keeping the grip strong, it takes care of not letting any injury happened.

  • Excellent power and spin
  • Comfy grip
  • High-end built
  • Larger sweet spot
  • Too hard to control for beginners

Considering all the pros and cons, if you’re a professional player, it easily comes into consideration for any pro player looking for spin, power, and pace at a budget. So take up the opportunity and elevate your game up with this affordable powerhouse!

4. Wilson Profile Team – Broader Hitting Surface

9.7/10 – Our Score

Wilson Profile Team
04

Technical specifications

  • Weight:
    9.8 ounce
  • Grip size:
    4 ¼ inches
  • material type:
    graphite composite
  • core:
    polymer power comb technology
  • >
  • paddle length:
    15.5 inches
  • Paddle width:
    8.25 inches
  • Edge guard:
    shock stop dampening bumper edge guard
  • USAPA:
    approved

Wilson is originally a tennis manufacturing company founded in 1914. After completing its century, it started manufacturing pickleball paddles in 2013, at a relatively lower-price point. While constructing the Profile Team, it had both tennis and pickleball paddle in the mind that they shaped the paddle, giving it 8.25” wider surface and 5” elongated handles.  

playing with  Wilson Profile Team
Wilson Profile Team

With the surface, there’s polymer power comb technology that contributes to the accuracy and finesse. Although it sometimes gets noisy (when we play in the closed courts), the touch still remains delicate. On the top is the graphite surface that gives off a unique blend of spin, swing, pace that we use throughout dink rallies and back-to-back volleys. 

Besides the graphite surface, the largest sweet spot is the total bargain! 450+ pickleball players have reported to get a leverage out of this paddle for block shots and play defensively. 

The grips are extremely comfortable on the hand, featuring ultra cushion grips that feel softer on the hand, plus we have got no marks or strain, even if we extend the rallies for over 70 minutes.  

Finally, the paddles have a shock stop dampening bumper edge guard that protects the life of the paddle for a healthy period, besides enhancing the playing style.

  • Larger spot
  • Abrasion-resistant
  • Reduces arm fatigue and strain
  • Extreme accuracy
  • Durable
  • Playability for a variety of shot
  • A bit weighty

In order to improve your gaming style without sacrificing the quality while having a smoother play with premium and accuracy and control, you can’t go wrong with the Wilson Profile Team. Besides price, the paddles are highly durable that won’t ditch you at any court.

5. Franklin Activator – Best Wood Pickleball Paddle under 50

9.4/10 – Our Score

Franklin Sports - Activator
05

Technical specifications

  • Weight:
    9.5 – 10.5 oz
  • Grip size:
    4.25 inches
  • material type:
    wood composite
  • Grip style:
    comfort cushion grip
  • core:
    wood core + 7 ply construction
  • paddle length:
    15.75”
  • Paddle width:
    8”
  • Edge guard:
    durable edge guard
  • USAPA:
    approved

Franklin Sports shaken the industry by launching the Activator at the lowest price point. Even in 2023, we didn’t see a price change, despite og high inflation. Its price remains the same at which they launched it in 2019.

Franklin Activator
playing with Franklin Activator

The paddles have an upper hand over other wood paddles due to its 7 ply construction for the core that allows for ultimate swing and control plus cuts off the weight. While the average wood paddles weigh above 12 oz, it significantly reduces the weight to 3.5 oz. If the surface was spinning, we bet there’s hardly any difference between teh performance of this 9.5 ounces Padle to any high-end composite paddle.

Franklin did absolutely nice work on the handle, providing a top-level comfortable cushion grip with a normal length of 4.75 inches handle that absorbs the sweat and moisture and keeps our grips tight and tackier. We must admire how they live up to the advertisement.

On the dimensions, the paddle has a standard 8” width with a slightly elongated surface that provides a good reach to the nets, plus the wider surface kept all the shots on nicely. Overall, the shots are smoother with pinpoint accuracy, as the ball will go as we directed it and throw. Such things are heaven to find when you’re not spending much.

Most importantly, they’re USAPA approved so you can take them to the courts for tournaments, as 90% wooden paddles are not. However, we don’t recommend taking them to the courts, their noise is often disturbing.

  • Non-slip grip handle
  • Extremely powerful
  • Solid and sturdy
  • Excellent built
  • Looks so stylish
  • Not so durable

Having a Franklin Activator will bring you so many benefits under some 20 dollars. Total bargain, right? Plus point, they’re resilient, you’ll love the hard-hitting and longer sessions with them for sure.

6.Rally Meister – Tackiest Grips under 50

9.3/10 – Our Score

Rally Meister
06

Technical specifications

  • Weight:
    9.0 – 10.6 oz
  • Grip size:
    4 ¼ inches
  • Handle length:
    5 ¼ inches
  • material type:
    wood
  • Grip style:
    tacky and soft
  • core:
    wood
  • Paddle Length:
    15 ½ inches
  • Paddle width:
    7”

Rally Meister revolutionized Franklin Sports Activator with half ounce reduction in the weight. Its polyurethane grip is the sole reason for easily competing with top-notch graphite and fiber paddles. 

Comfortability was our major concern at the tome we got these paddles and that’s where the core focus of Rally Meister is. The entire price goes for the polyurethane grip, making this paddle work wonders in quick power hitting rallies. 

Rally Meister
playing with Rally Meister

Just like Franklin Activator, the core implies 7-ply maple construction that creates a bounce effect that keep us practicing and mastering in the swing and pacy shots. It further helps in tennis elbow, rare though, as we missed this in Franklin Activator. It kept building up the youth through its comfortable long hours of practice to get some edge in the game. 

On the downside, the surface is a bit narrow, having a width of 7 inches, yet the length compensates us that goes up to 15.5 inches, which enables a desirable reach towards the nets, while we witnessed extreme responsiveness out of this.

  • Responsive sweet spot
  • Excellent build
  • Durable
  • Tacky and comfortable grip
  • Not suitable for pro-level players

Rally meister is best suited for beginners to intermediate players who want more precision in their game in an extremely lightweight. Besides the trusted name, the popularity and reputation also serves as its goodwill to consider for your next practice session.

7. Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle – Best Cheap Graphite-Carbon Paddle

9.2/10 – Our Score

Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle
07

Technical specifications

  • Weight:
    7.8 inches
  • Grip size:
    4.25 inches
  • Handle length:
    4.92 inches
  • material type:
    graphite carbon fiber face
  • core:
    honeycomb composite core
  • Paddle Length:
    15.55 inches
  • Paddle width:
    8.07″
  • USAPA:
    Approved

Inspired by Warren Faidley, Vinsguir brings the nature’s and pickleball extremism into a paddle, making it the best pickleball paddle under $75 for multi-purpose gameplay.

We couldn’t resist ourselves against the attractive doodle design, plus Its 8.07 wider surface makes them visible on the courts, besides providing a perfect mix of touch and feel. We further drawn to its extra 0.55″ elongated surface than the standard paddle, and that comes in handy when covering the distance is critical to return a slower ball.

Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle
playing with Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle

The composite honeycomb core keeps the weight at 7.8 through its broad cells, and at the same time, we could feel the pop and power. Alongside having USAPA approval, they further made their entry into the paddles approved by green communities, providing no sound, shock, and vibration.

  • Attractive design
  • High-quality core and surface
  • Wider surface
  • Lightweight
  • The sweet spot could be larger

Being an aggressive player, you simply cannot get any paddle other than Vinsguir with the top quality “graphite” material, so it’s, therefore, a must-to-consider paddle for its power, pace, and ultimate domination

8. Uteeque Pickleball Paddle – Sturdiest Core With Graphite Surface

9.1/10 – Our Score

Uteeqe Pickleball Paddle
08

Technical specifications

  • Weight:
    7.8 ounce
  • Grip size:
    4.25 inches
  • Handle length:
    5”
  • material type:
    graphite
  • Surface:
    rough textured graphite surface
  • core:
    polypropylene honeycomb core
  • Paddle Length:
    15 ⅞ inches
  • Paddle width:
    7 ⅞ inches
  • Edge Guard:
    low-profile edge guard
  • Grip Style:
    perforated contour shape

Uteeque pickleball paddle is basically known as a player’s improvement weapon working without of bounds and kitchen faults. We currently don’t own this paddle, but few of our fellow players had this one, so we played against them and here’s what we notice.

Composed of a slicker polypropylene honeycomb core, it provides amazing control in the nets covered with a rough and textured graphite surface that provides excellent maneuverability. Half into the game, we were so frustrated for how our opposite add variations with it.

Uteeque Pickleball Paddle
playing with Uteeque Pickleball Paddle

The paddle features a perforated contour shape grip that wicks away sweat as well as reduces strain and fatigue on your hand, as we spoke to them Also, being a beginner, you would be concerned about injuries, and this paddles cover it well too.

On the top, the paddles have a larger sweet spot that maintains balance throughout, as we could see how they handle our overhands and high volleys. Apart from the top features, the paddles are extremely durable and could last for at least 2 years, with no serious defects as the low-profile edge guard protects the surface well.

  • Larger sweet spot
  • Durable edge guard
  • Excellent control
  • Comfortable contour grips
  • Durable
  • Grip size might be smaller for taller people

As a beginner who wants to learn as quickly and exceptionally as an intermediate and perhaps an expert, Uteeqe is everything you need. It’s highly reliable and durable paving top-notch features that are totally worth a closer consideration. 

9. Gonex Pickleball Paddles – Impressive Paddle Design and Performance under 50

9.0/10 – Our Score

Gonex Pickleball Paddles
09

Technical specifications

  • Weight:
    7.8
  • Grip size:
    4.3 inches
  • Handle length:
    4.9 inches
  • material type:
    fiberglass
  • core:
    composite polymer core
  • Paddle Length:
    15.3 inches
  • Paddle width:
    7.8 inches
  • Edge Guard:
    specialized propriety edge guard
  • Grip Style:
    ultra cushion grip

Gonex pickleball is a popular paddle among regional pickleball communities. It comes packed with fiberglass surfaces and a honeycomb composite polymer core in a visible aesthetic surface design.

Gonex Pickleball Paddles

It basically is a control-oriented paddle for soft dinking games with a weight of 7.8 oz. However, the fiberglass surface often comes in handy for powerful volleys, but be mindful of your own skills, because it requires. The vibration dampening core additionally makes them considerate for tranquil long-hours play. 

Ultra cushion grip comes as another worthy feature to witnessed in these. They absorb the sweat and moisture providing a soft feel on the hand. The paddles have a durable edge guard that protects the surface, as well as the core, by keeping the quality anew, so here it reduces the chances of dead spots up to 98%.

  • Large sweet spot
  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • Durable
  • Comfortable grips
  • Yellow shades might make it harder to recognize the ball

 Gonex is your best bet for having the paddle with the finest gripping and sweet spot plus an excellent grip. No matter at what level you’re at, or what age group you are in, the paddle has both power and control. You can’t go wrong with these paddles for sure.

Pre-Purchase Consideration for Affordable Pickleball Paddle:

Everything regarding sports equipment needs a few things to be considered, and so is the case with pickleball paddles, even if you’re buying a budget one. Hence, these are a few factors and characteristics that help you achieve the most out of your few dollars.

Weight:

Weight of paddle

Weight is an important factor when buying cheap pickleball paddles. Many people will tell you the range of 6 – 14 is the best. Yet to be practical, graphite or composite paddles offer paddles somewhere 6.5 oz to 8 oz and are considered the most lightweight. Even so, wood paddles (good quality ones) range from 9.0 oz to hardly 10.5 to 11 oz. That’s it. Paddles above 11 oz are extremely heavy and are not suggested in any case.

Dimensions:

Dimensions are one of the crucial parts of the pickleball paddle that affects your overall gameplay. They’re critical in a way that it’s not universal for all like there is one specific measurement that fits with everyone, no.

Grips:

The grip, however, depends on your hand size and height. The shorter you’re, the shorter the size while the taller you’re, the longer will be the grip size you need.

Handle length:

That depends on your playing style. If you wanna involve both of your hands for added power, the longer paddles are the choice. Longer paddles are also recommended if you have a tennis background. Shorter handles are ideal for producing the best power and pace with fewer efforts. However, short paddles require a lot of control and are hence recommended to pro players.

Paddle Length and Width:

The elongated the paddles, the more you’ll have the reach toward the nets. As with the standard length (15”), the paddles are pretty fine, but slightly longer paddles will allow you a better position in the courts, by reducing the risks of mis-hits. Whereas, the width depends on your defense system, as to how you respond to the shots coming from the opposite side. However, up to 8” is the broadest width you can have in the paddle for high responsiveness.

Materials:

Core:

The core comes as the most sensitive part of the paddle. If the core is not effective, the paddle is absolutely obsolete. However, the core to be highly functional requires a honeycomb structure covered with various materials. 

Among different materials with honeycomb, such as Nomex, aluminum, polymer, etc go for the polymer. However, the polymer might not get easily in the cheap paddles, yet we managed to add 70% paddles that feature polymer) but there is an inclusion of other cores such as aramid and composite.

Paddle-Material

Face:

As said before, we’re not going for the wood ones for the cheap paddles, and therefore the material becomes a matter of concern. What material is the most resilient, and what is the most lightweight? Smooth better or textured? In terms of lightweight, graphite tops the list, being the most lightweight material available for pickleball. Carbon fiber comes next in this list with an added control effect. Wood paddles, on the other hand, are extremely heavy but sturdy. 

If you want a paddle for improvement and extended practice with longer durability, go for the wood one. They’re the best pickleball paddle under $50. Wood paddles are power-effective too. The only drawback is the control factor, so self-accuracy is a must. 

Whilst, for playing a wonderful variety of shots, go for graphite or carbon fiber. They provide excellent control plus a magnificent power effect. Also, if you to be more accurate plus reduce the risk of injuries and wrist pain, then graphite or composite one. While for a spin, rough or textured surfaces are preferred, but for safety purposes, start with a smooth surface, get some accuracy and power and then go for the spin, otherwise you’ll lose the tempo.

Brand or Manufacturer:

Brand or the manufacturers must be considered carefully, as we already mentioned above, “cheap” doesn’t mean low quality or less worthy. However, when it comes to trust, only a few brands are here that meet the expectation well, otherwise, any local brand would heavily disappoint you. Yet here is the misconception that paddles from high-profile brands are only obtainable at a heavy price, which is not 100% true. 

However, the pricier paddles have combined features or they’re the ones that professional players use. Though, a high-profile brand such as Selkirk, Gamma, and Head has cheap paddles in their lineup that we listed above. Also, there are other underrated brands too such as Rally, Uteeqe, Wilson, and Franklin that manufacture quality pickleball paddles at extremely low prices, so you must have them under consideration.

Durability:

Durability becomes the most sensitive factor when looking for the best cheap pickleball paddle. Chances are you would have sacrificed this one for the price because pickleball paddles normally don’t last longer than a couple of years, or maybe you’re naturally an aggressive player.

Nevertheless, based on our personal experience and research, a cheap paddle could have the best durability if the built-in is based on solid materials. Whilst here to mention, in the list above all paddles, have a sound period, so you don’t need to neglect the reliability of the paddle.

Conclusion:

To be precise, the best cheap pickleball paddle is the one with a larger sweet spot, decent built, and a solid surface so there won’t be any probability of dull and dead spot, damage, or arm fatigue. 

Considering that and the paddles reviewed above, you can choose any of them regarding the respective features. As for overall, the best ones are that of graphite and though we have actually chosen the best graphite ones on the top and so should you. Here to conclude with my top 3 picks along with valid reasons.

  • Selkirk SLK Neo Composite; For its lightweight, control, and comfortable gripping. 
  • Gamma Sports 2.0 Voltage; For its textured surface, maneuverability, and premium merge of power and control. 
  • Head Fiberglass Radical Pro; For excellent power and spin, Comfy grip, and a larger sweet spot.
HARRY ANDERSON
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