Best pickleball paddles under $100 in 2024 - top 5 picks

Buy if:

• You want an all-court paddle:

  the PRISM Flash is a top control paddle, with plenty of spin and decent power too.

• Control is your priority:

  I scored this 10/10 for control as it excels on dinks, drops, and resets.

• You don't need a fancy brand name:

  if you don't care about big names like JOOLA or Selkirk, this plays just as good.

Pass if:

• You want a really powerful paddle:

  this is more of a control paddle, so check out the Six Zero Sapphire instead for more power.

• You're new to the game:

  you'll prefer a true beginner-friendly paddle like the Paddletek Bantam TS-5.

• You prefer thermoformed paddles:

  this paddle has a great thermoformed version, the Vatic Pro Flash.

Buy if:

• You're tired of poor-quality beginner paddles:

  the Bantam is made from quality materials for better durability and performance.

• You want a forgiving paddle:

  this has a large sweet spot, so mishits are rare.

• You want a lightweight control paddle:

  super maneuverable at 7-7.5 oz, with excellent control for your touch game.

Pass if:

• You've graduated to the intermediate level:

  this is an excellent beginner paddle, but intermediates might prefer a more advanced paddle like the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash.

• You're a power player:

  you'll find this paddle lacking, so I'd recommend the Six Zero Sapphire instead.

• You want a lot of spin:

  try my favorite budget spin paddle, the Bison Summit.

Buy if:

• You want a powerful paddle:

  this thermoformed paddle packs a serious punch for a bargain paddle.

• You want a power paddle that's also light:

  this is really fast and maneuverable compared to many power paddles.

• You like an elongated paddle:

  you'll get extra reach with this 16 ½" paddle.

Pass if:

• You need more spin in your game:

  this has good spin, but the Bison Summit has more for the same price.

• You're a complete beginner:

  this is probably too powerful for you, so try the beginner-friendly Paddletek Bantam TS-5 instead.

• You play at an advanced level:

  I'd recommend the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash for high-level players who want a budget paddle.

Buy if:

• You want a top-quality control paddle:

  this has really good control for such a cheap paddle.

• You like to play with spin:

  I'm surprised by the amount of spin I can generate with this.

• You want a paddle that will last:

  with a unibody design and anti-abrasion edge guard, this is going to last a lot longer than most budget paddles.

Pass if:

• You want something really aerodynamic:

  you might prefer the Vatic Pro Flash, which has a lighter swing weight.

• You need more power in your game:

  try the Six Zero Sapphire, the best for power under $100.

• You want a big sweet spot:

  the square-shaped Paddletek Bantam TS-5 might be better for you.

Buy if:

• You're coming from tennis:

  quick and good on spin, this paddle suits former tennis players.

• You're an intermediate:

  the Bison Summit is lightweight and loaded up with spin to help intermediates win more games.

• You want a long-lasting paddle:

  this is built to last with Toray T700 raw carbon fiber.

Pass if:

• You don't want an elongated paddle:

  if you want a shorter paddle with great spin, try the hybrid Vatic Pro PRISM Flash.

• You're a hard hitter:

  if you want a pure power paddle, check out the Six Zero Sapphire.

• You want a control paddle:

  the Vatic Pro PRISM V7 is my top control paddle under $100.