Best Inexpensive Pickleball Paddles for 2025

Looking for a budget-friendly pickleball paddle that delivers great performance? In this article, we’ll reveal the best inexpensive pickleball paddles for 2025. From paddles under $50 to those just shy of $100, you’ll find top picks that balance cost and quality, perfect for any skill level.

Top Affordable Pickleball Paddles for Every Player

When it comes to pickleball paddles, finding the right one can be a game-changer. Here are our top picks for the best pickleball paddles in 2025:

• Best Overall Control Paddle: Vatic Pro PRISM Flash The Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control Paddle is noted as the best option for budget pickleball paddles. It offers quality at an affordable price.

• Best Value Paddle Under $50: PBVMURTG Pickleball Paddle

• Best Power Paddle: Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF

• Best Control Paddle Under $100: 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean

• Best Advanced Paddle: CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4

• Best Balanced Paddle: Bread & Butter Filth

Best Overall Control Paddle: Vatic Pro PRISM Flash

Price: $99.99 (use code PBEFFECT for $10 off)

Specifications:

• Weight Avg: 8.1 oz

• Swingweight: 114 (low swing weight)

• Twistweight: 6.4 (moderately high)

• Length x Width: 16.2″ x 7.7″

• Handle Length: 5.4″

• Handle Circumference: 4.25″

• Thickness: 16 mm

Pros:

• Exceptional performance for the price

• Great for enhancing soft game

• Good spin due to raw carbon fiber face

• High-quality control paddle

• Pleasant soft feel

Cons:

• Not suitable for players seeking more power

• May not appeal to those who prefer a firmer paddle feel

The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash has quickly become a favorite among players who prioritize precision and touch. Priced at just $100, this paddle offers:

• A blend of exceptional control and spin capabilities, making it an excellent choice for strategic gameplay

• Use of raw Toray T700 carbon fiber, which enhances durability and provides excellent spin

• Unibody construction that reduces the likelihood of breakage

The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash excels in strategic shot placement, allowing players to shape touch shots and catch opponents off guard. Its balanced weight of 7.7 to 8.2 ounces and medium sweet spot make it perfect for players who find traditional paddles too overpowering. However, if you’re someone who prefers a paddle that generates substantial power, this might not be the best fit for you. Overall, it’s a fantastic control paddle that offers great value for its price.

Rating:

• Price: 9/10

• Design: 8.5/10

• Performance: 9/10

• Durability: 8/10

Best Budget Control Paddle: Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control Paddle

Price: $49.99

Specifications:

• Core Thickness: 20mm

• Weight: 8.5 ounces

• Paddle Length: 16.5 inches

• Paddle Width: 7.4 inches

• Surface Material: Carbon Fiber

• Grip Type: Ergonomic, moisture-wicking, non-slip

Pros:

• Excellent control and precision

• Good spin and power for a control paddle

• Comfortable ergonomic grip

• Durable construction with reinforced edge shield

• Great value for budget players

Cons:

• Slightly larger handle may not be suitable for players with smaller hands

The doctor pickleball paddle is a standout option for those seeking a budget-friendly paddle under $50. Its 20mm thick core enhances control and provides a larger sweet spot, making precise shots easier to execute. The carbon fiber surface offers adequate spin and power, ensuring you don’t sacrifice performance for affordability. The pure control paddle is an excellent choice for players looking to improve their game.

From my perspective, this paddle offers an excellent balance of control and spin, making it ideal for both beginners and intermediate players. Its ergonomic grip ensures comfort during extended play, and the moisture-wicking, non-slip design keeps it secure in your hand. However, players with smaller hands might find the handle slightly large. Overall, it’s a fantastic budget paddle that doesn’t compromise on quality and is a great starter paddle.

Rating:

• Price: 9.5/10

• Design: 8/10

• Performance: 8.5/10

• Durability: 8/10

Best Value Paddle Under $50: PBVMURTG Pickleball Paddle

Price: $32.99

Specifications:

• Material: Carbon Fiber

• Thickness: 16mm

Pros:

• Great value for under $50

• Includes accessories like a cover and grip tape

• Solid control, spin, and power

• Impressive unboxing experience

Cons:

• Small sweet spot compared to higher-end paddles

• Feels a bit stiff during play

The PBVMURTG Pickleball Paddle has garnered attention as one of the best budget paddles available, especially for those looking to spend under $50. Despite its affordable price, it offers a good balance of control, spin, and power, thanks to its carbon fiber face. The paddle is designed to compete favorably against those priced over $100, making it a top choice for budget-conscious players.

The PBVMURTG premium paddle delivered solid performance during playtests, even outperforming some more expensive options. Its 16mm thickness provides a sturdy feel, though it can be a bit stiff and has a smaller sweet spot compared to higher-end paddles. Nevertheless, the value it offers, including accessories like a cover and grip tape, makes it an excellent choice for new players or those on a tight budget.

Rating:

• Price: 10/10

• Design: 7.5/10

• Performance: 8/10

• Durability: 7.5/10

Best Power Paddle: Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF

Price: $175.50

Specifications:

• Power: 9/10

• Control: 8.5/10

• Spin: 10/10

• Forgiveness: 10/10

• Weighting: 8/10

• Grip: 9/10

• Durability: 10/10

• Aerodynamics: 9/10

Pros:

• Explosive pop for aggressive playstyle

• Broad sweet spot for forgiveness

• Excellent spin generation

• Durable foam core construction

• User-friendly design

• Massive sweet spot for enhanced performance

Cons:

• Fiberglass feel may not appeal to carbon purists

• Stiff feel compared to raw carbon paddles

The Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF is a powerhouse hybrid shaped paddle designed for players seeking explosive performance. It features a unique Aero Hybrid Plus shape that merges power from an elongated design with control from a standard shape. The multi-density foam core enhances power and spin while ensuring better control.

The J2NF excels in delivering powerful, aggressive shots while maintaining a forgiving feel due to its broad sweet spot. The fiberglass face provides a lively bounce, perfect for drives and counters, although it may not appeal to purists who prefer the feel of raw carbon paddles. Overall, it’s an excellent option for intermediate to advanced players who want a paddle that balances power with playability.

Rating:

• Price: 7.5/10

• Design: 8.5/10

• Performance: 9/10

• Durability: 9/10

Best Control Paddle Under $100: 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean

Price: $100

Specifications:

• Paddle Weight: 8-8.3 oz

• Paddle Length: 15.82”

• Paddle Width: 8.04”

• Handle Length: 5.75”

• Grip Circumference: 4.125”

• Paddle Face Material: CFC Surface (2 layers Toray T700 raw carbon fiber, 1 layer fiberglass)

• Core Material: Honeycomb polymer

• Core Thickness: 16 mm (0.63”)

• Sweet Spot: Large

Pros:

• The heavier feel enhances topspin and power.

• The carbon fiber and fiberglass layers make it highly versatile, offering a soft touch for resets and dinks, and enough pop to handle drives and counters.

• Very forgiving—mishits feel less punishing, allowing you to keep the ball in play during awkward defensive stretches.

Cons:

• It can feel a little slow at the kitchen due to the head-heavy weighting.

• Lacks putaway power—overheads and smashes require more effort, and baseline drives aren’t that explosive.

• The shorter paddle face can feel compact when moving between defense and offense.

The 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean is a control-focused paddle that has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional value. Priced at just $100, this paddle is ideal for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their game. Its unique construction, combining high-quality carbon fiber and fiberglass layers, provides a perfect balance of spin, precision, and forgiveness.

The Jelly Bean excels in control and forgiveness, making it easy to execute third-shot drops, resets, and dinks. However, it’s not designed for power players, and those who rely on explosive power may find it lacking. Overall, it stands out as one of the best control paddles available for under $100.

Rating:

• Price: 8.5/10

• Design: 8/10

• Performance: 8.5/10

• Durability: 8/10

Best Advanced Paddle: CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4

Price: $280

Specifications:

• Shape: Hybrid

• Core Thickness: 14mm

• Grip size: 4.125”

• Warranty: 1 year

• Handle Length: 5.5” (feels closer to 5.3”)

• Handle: Hard pallets

• Swing Weight: 111 (some units as low as 107)

• Twist Weight: 6.28

• RPM: 2157

Pros:

• Faster and more maneuverable than previous models

• Lighter and less dense feel

• Improved handle design

• Great spin and feel on shots

Cons:

• Developed a small rattle after a few hours of play

• Higher price compared to competitors

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4 is a standout all-court paddle for advanced players. Key features include:

• Priced at around $280, representing a premium option in the market

• Hybrid shape that enhances maneuverability and speed, addressing previous concerns about weight

• Lower swing weight than previous models, enhancing speed during play

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4 offers excellent spin and feel when hitting the sweet spot, making it ideal for intermediate and advanced players seeking speed and maneuverability. However, it is more expensive compared to other paddles, and some users have reported a small rattle developing after a few hours of play. Overall, it is a solid upgrade that balances speed and comfort.

Rating:

• Price: 7/10

• Design: 8.5/10

• Performance: 9/10

• Durability: 8.5/10

Best Balanced Paddle: Bread & Butter Filth

Price: $230 Specifications:

• TBD

Pros:

• TBD

Cons:

• TBD

The Bread & Butter Filth paddle is known for:

• Its combination of power and control, making it a balanced option for advanced players.

• An elongated shape that enhances maneuverability and power.

• A relatively small sweet spot for precise shots.

The paddle is particularly well-suited for an aggressive play style that relies on full strokes and spin to control the game, using the same paddle effectively, including power paddles.

The Filth exhibits a powerful response due to its quick dwell time, enhancing the ball’s exit speed, making it effective for powerful gameplay. However, its elongated shape and small sweet spot may require a higher skill level to use effectively. Overall, it’s a great option for players looking for a balanced paddle that delivers both enough power and raw power control.

Rating:

• Price: 7.5/10

• Design: 8.5/10

• Performance: 9/10

• Durability: 8.5/10

How to Choose the Best Inexpensive Pickleball Paddle

Choosing the best inexpensive pickleball paddle involves considering several key factors:

• Think about your play style and experience level.

• Beginners might prefer a wider paddle with a larger sweet spot, which can help reduce errors and make the game more enjoyable.

• Intermediate and advanced players might look for paddles that offer a good balance of control, power, and spin.

The weight of the paddle is another crucial factor. Lighter paddles are often preferred by beginners for better maneuverability, while a heavier paddle can provide more power. Additionally, the grip size is important for comfort and control during play. Make sure to choose a grip size that feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to maintain control during fast-paced rallies.

The material of the paddle’s surface and core also plays a significant role in performance. Paddles with composite or fiberglass surfaces provide a good mix of durability and performance, while carbon fiber paddles offer excellent spin and control. The core material impacts the paddle’s response and feel, with polymer cores offering a more forgiving feel and aluminum cores providing a stiffer, more controlled response.

In summary, to find the perfect paddle, you need to consider your play style, experience level, and personal preferences. Considering these factors will help you confidently select the best paddles that enhance your game without breaking the bank. Investing in high quality paddles can also be a great option.

Summary

Summarizing our exploration of the best inexpensive pickleball paddles for 2025, it’s clear that affordability and performance can coexist. From the versatile Vatic Pro PRISM Flash to the power-packed Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF, each paddle offers unique features tailored to different play styles and skill levels.

Choosing the right paddle boils down to understanding your playing needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner seeking control, an intermediate player looking for a balance of power and spin, or an advanced player needing speed and maneuverability, there’s a budget-friendly paddle for you. Don’t let price constraints hold you back from excelling in your game.

So, gear up with confidence, knowing that high-quality, affordable options are within reach. The court is calling—it’s time to elevate your pickleball game with the perfect paddle!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pickleball paddle for beginners?

The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is a fantastic choice for beginners, providing great control and spin without breaking the bank. If you're looking for an affordable yet effective paddle, this one’s definitely worth considering!

Which paddle offers the best value under $50?

The PBVMURTG Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for the best value under $50, as it delivers solid performance along with useful accessories like a cover and grip tape.

What should I consider when choosing a pickleball paddle?

When choosing a pickleball paddle, think about your play style, the weight of the paddle, grip size, and the materials used. These factors will really influence your game, so pick wisely!

Which paddle is best for power players?

For power players, the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF is the best paddle, thanks to its Aero Hybrid Plus shape and multi-density foam core that deliver explosive performance. If you're looking to amp up your game, this is definitely the paddle to consider!

Are there any advanced paddles worth considering?

Absolutely, the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4 stands out as a top choice for advanced paddlers, delivering speed, maneuverability, and a high-quality build—all for $280. It's definitely worth considering!