Choosing the best pickleball paddle can be daunting with the plethora of options available. As an avid pickleball player, I’ve waded through countless paddles to bring you a list of the top five budget-friendly choices, each under a hundred dollars.
My selections range from models that are perfect for beginners, like the Adidas Drive, to those offering impressive spin and control, such as the 6-0 Sapphire and Rhombus R1.16.
I’ll cover various attributes, potential tweaks, and alternative options to help you find the perfect paddle for your game.
Key Takeaways
- Top five pickleball paddles under $100
- Recommendations for both beginners and experienced players
- Evaluations of paddle performance and unique features
Top Five Budget-Friendly Picks
1. Adidas Drive
The Adidas Drive offers impressive spin with its applied face texture. It’s quick in the hand and provides reasonable power. At $70, this paddle is ideal for beginners.
A bit of lead tape on the sides or throat can enhance stability and power. If you prefer a lighter paddle, the Adidas Match 2 Light is a good alternative, weighing 7.5 to 7.8 ounces compared to the Drive’s 7.8 to 8.2 ounces.
2. 6-0 Sapphire
Known for its low swing weight (108), the 6-0 Sapphire is easy to handle, making it perfect for players prioritizing hand speed.
It features an applied grit face for decent spin and leans slightly towards control. The exposed polymer in its handle may feel cheap but offers solid overall performance for a control-oriented player.
3. SLK Evo 2.0
The SLK Evo 2.0 series includes three models: Control, Hybrid, and Power. The Power model is my top pick.
Available in XL and Max shapes, the XL is suited for two-handed backhand players, while the Max offers a more forgiving sweet spot. Despite its exposed polymer handle, this paddle line is a great choice for beginners.
4. Rhombus R1.16
After applying a discount code, the Rhombus R1.16 comes down to $100.
This control-oriented raw carbon fiber paddle excels in spin, producing 2120 RPM, a standout feature.
The R1.16 is complemented by the R2.16 and R3.16 variants, catering to different handle preferences.
5. Vatic Pro Prism
At $90 with the discount, the Vatic Pro Prism stands out as the best value.
Its construction is similar to the Yola Hyperion, featuring foam-injected walls.
Between the Flash and V7 models, I prefer the Flash due to its lower swing weight, which reduces elbow strain and improves maneuverability.
While both models lean towards control, the foam-injected walls enhance the sweet spot. The Flash is my go-to recommendation for an affordable, high-quality paddle.
Adidas Paddle Choices
Insights on the Adidas Drive
The Adidas Drive delivers an impressive spin due to its textured face. It feels quick in the hand and offers reasonable pop.
Although the performance isn’t extraordinary, it’s priced at $70, making it a solid option for beginners.
Adding lead tape can enhance stability and power. For those just starting out, this paddle is practical and delivers good performance for its price.
Comparing Drive to Match 2 Light
Adidas Match 2 Light is essentially the same paddle but in a lighter weight.
The Match 2 Light ranges from 7.5 to 7.8 ounces, while the Drive is slightly heavier at 7.8 to 8.2 ounces.
If you prefer a lighter paddle, Match 2 Light is the better choice. Both options provide similar performance characteristics, with the deciding factor being your preferred paddle weight.
6-0 Sapphire Review
Spin and Swing Weight Discussion
The 6-0 Sapphire features an applied grit to its face, which I don’t find as effective as raw carbon fiber but it still delivers decent spin.
A standout feature is its exceptionally low swing weight of 108, making it highly maneuverable compared to other elongated paddles, which usually range from 118 to 124.
This low swing weight is perfect for those who prioritize fast hand speed.
Design and Material Considerations
Despite being marketed with Toray carbon fiber, the 6-0 Sapphire is not a raw carbon fiber paddle. Its 13-millimeter thickness leans towards control rather than power.
One drawback is the exposed polymer in the handle, making it feel less premium. While I personally dislike this, others might not find it an issue.
Selkirk SLK Evo Insights
Evo 2.0 Paddle Variants
The Selkirk SLK Evo 2.0 line includes three distinct models: Control, Hybrid, and Power. Each model caters to different playing styles. I recommend the Power model for its performance, as it offered the most enjoyable experience.
If you’re looking to match these paddles to your style, choosing the right variant is key.
Model and Shape Options Explanation
The SLK Evo 2.0 comes in two shapes: XL and Max.
The XL shape is better suited for players who use a two-handed backhand, as it provides a longer handle. On the other hand, the Max shape is ideal for beginners due to its forgiving sweet spot.
For new players, I suggest going with the Max shape unless you specifically need the longer handle of the XL.
Rhombus R1.16 Overview
Spin and Control Features
The Rhombus R1.16 stands out due to its exceptional spin capabilities. At one point, it achieved a remarkable spin rate of 2120 RPM, which is impressive, especially considering its $100 price point.
This feature makes it a top choice for those who prioritize spin in their gameplay. Additionally, the paddle excels in control, making it ideal for dinks, blocks, and resets.
The raw carbon fiber construction contributes significantly to its performance, giving players a precise and consistent feel during play.
Alternative Rhombus Models
Rhombus offers alternative models to the R1.16, catering to various play styles and preferences.
The R2.16 has a rounded head, making it suitable for players with a table tennis background. For those who favor a two-handed backhand, the R3.16 features a longer handle.
These variations provide flexibility for players to choose the model that best fits their needs while maintaining the high-quality performance associated with Rhombus paddles.
Honorable Mentions
A few paddles deserve notable recognition. In the last eight months, new brands have been consistently lowering the prices of raw carbon fiber paddles. You can find them from companies like Spartis, Bison, Baller, Hudef, and X-Back on Amazon.
| Brand | Notable Feature |
|---|---|
| Spartis | Affordable raw carbon fiber |
| Bison | Various shapes and thicknesses available |
| Baller | Competitive pricing in the market |
| Hudef | Variety of handle lengths |
| X-Back | Different shapes and models on Amazon |
These paddles come in different shapes and thicknesses, which might be appealing if Rhombus paddles don’t have the specific features you need. Although I consider the Rhombus R1.16 the best in this category, many raw carbon fiber paddles in this price range perform similarly well. So, if they have a shape or thickness you prefer, you might want to consider these other options.
Vatic Pro Prism I Analysis
Comparing to Yola Hyperion
The Vatic Pro Prism I is often held side-by-side with the Yola Hyperion due to their similar constructions.
The Vatic features foam-injected walls which is a characteristic trait of the Hyperion. Nonetheless, a significant distinction lies in their swing weights.
The V7 model of the Vatic Pro Prism I shares a similar swing weight to the original Hyperion, making it head-heavy. Consequently, this can present a challenge for some players who may experience elbow strain or reduced hand speed.
Players looking for a more maneuverable paddle should compare this closely when considering the lower swing weight offered by the Flash model.
The Flash is more manageable, reducing the likelihood of elbow strain and improving overall hand speed.
Flash vs. V7 Shape Examination
The Vatic Pro Prism I offers two distinctive shapes: Flash and V7. Each caters to different preferences and play styles.
The Flash model is my recommended choice due to its reduced swing weight. This lower weight makes it easier to handle while maintaining excellent control and maneuverability, which is crucial for precise shots and quick exchanges.
In contrast, the V7 shape, although built similarly with foam-injected edges, carries a higher swing weight equivalent to that of the original Hyperion.
This can lead to a more head-heavy feel, which may not suit all players. The higher swing weight of the V7 might also lead to increased elbow strain and hinder quick hand movements, making it less suitable for those who prioritize agility on the court.
For players who value ease of use and reduced physical strain, the Flash model stands out as the clear choice. It combines all the benefits of the injected foam technology while ensuring that the paddle remains light and responsive, contributing to a more enjoyable and effective playing experience.
Final Recommendations
For those just entering the world of pickleball, the Adidas Drive might be the ideal starting point. Priced at $70, it provides solid spin and a reasonable level of performance.
Applying some lead tape to the sides or throat can enhance stability and power.
Next, the 6-0 Sapphire stands out with its very low swing weight, making it great for hand speed. It offers good spin and control, although it might feel a little cheap due to the exposed polymer in the handle.
The SLK Evo 2.0 line offers versatility with three models—control, hybrid, and power. I recommend the power model.
Consider the XL shape if you use a two-handed backhand, or the Max shape for a more forgiving sweet spot, ideal for beginners.
The Rhombus R1.16 is exceptional for those who prioritize control and spin. With a discount code, it lands at the $100 mark.
This raw carbon fiber paddle is excellent for dinking, blocks, and resets.
Lastly, the Vatic Pro Prism offers the best value for performance. At $90 with a discount, it competes with paddles twice its price.
I suggest the Prism Flash for its lower swing weight, making it easier to maneuver and less straining on the elbow.