Buying Pickleball Paddles: How to Find the Right One Without Overpaying

The rise of pickleball has seen a surge in demand for equipment, particularly pickleball paddles. With prices skyrocketing, knowing how to find the right paddle without overpaying for it is essential. Here are a few tips on avoiding overpaying for your next pickleball paddle.

The Pickleball Boom and Your Wallet

Pickleball’s low entry barrier has led to its exponential growth. As the game expands, so does the demand for top-tier equipment, including paddles. Manufacturers strive to meet the diverse needs of an ever-growing player base, often pitching high value at higher prices.

Don’t let the price tags intimidate you.

If you’re new to racquet or paddle sports, starter paddles under fifty dollars are your best bet. Many pickleball paddle brands offer paddle sets and bundles that are perfect for beginners. As you get a feel for the game and enjoy it, you can consider investing in more advanced paddles. Joola and Selkirk offer paddle bundles that include balls.

Paddle Brand	Product	Rating	Price
Good Value	SLK NEO 2.0 by Selkirk Includes 2 paddles, a carry bag, and four balls.	4.6	Check Price
	JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddles Set Includes 2 Paddles, 2 Balls, Carry Bag.	4.6	Check Price

Disclosure: Racquet Social participates in Amazon’s affiliate advertising program and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

The Price vs. Performance Paradox

Agreeing on the reasonable cost of a quality paddle can be tricky. Your skill level and lifestyle would determine whether you should spend top dollar on a paddle. Every major pickleball paddle manufacturer has launched products that top the two-hundred-dollar mark. While some high-end paddles reach the $300 price range, a higher price doesn’t guarantee superior performance. A reasonably-priced paddle in the hands of a good player can perform just as well. If higher-priced paddles were a sure way to improve your game, you would have been the club champion by now!

You may want to consider a more advanced paddle if you’re an intermediate or advanced player playing with a starter paddle. However, remember that the player, not the paddle, is the primary factor in winning or losing a game. The product is only as good as the user’s ability to maximize its potential. Spending thousands of dollars on a high-end camera may not make sense if your needs can be met with a phone camera.

Paddles such as the Onix Graphite Z5, Head Radical Pro, and Selkirk Amped S2 suit intermediate players progressing to advanced levels.

The $50-$100 Range: The Sweet Spot

Several direct and indirect factors contribute to the soaring prices of pickleball paddles. These include heightened demand, the use of premium materials, innovative design approaches, the country of manufacture, and the impact of marketing strategies. For instance, a pickleball paddle designed and manufactured in the United States may cost you more than one made in Asia.

Paddles priced in the $50-$100 range balance affordability and quality. Most club players use paddles within this price range, as the marginal benefits often don’t justify the extra expense of a high-end paddle. Here’s a link to bestselling pickleball paddles that fall within this range.

However, the price is only for the budget-conscious. If money is no object, go ahead and splurge on a Luxx Control Air Invikta.

Your Paddle, Your Style

Your skill level, preferences, budget, and playing style should dictate the price you pay for a pickleball paddle. An affordable paddle that feels comfortable and complements your unique approach to the game is the right paddle for you. Paddles have different characteristics, such as power, spin, control, etc. A tennis player transitioning to the game may wish to pay a little more for a heavier paddle with a more extended handle that allows two-handed backhand play. A lower-priced paddle may often be the better choice based on the playing style. Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CAS may work well if you want a pickleball paddle with a tennis racquet feel.

Durability and Sustainability: The Hidden Costs

Durability is a concern, even for high-end paddles. The surface texture and grit may wear off over time, making your spin shots less effective than when the paddle was new. Pickleball paddles do not have the longevity that tennis and squash racquets have. With some low-end paddles wearing out in under a year with frequent play, it’s essential to consider the sustainability of spending large sums on equipment that might require periodic replacement. Unlike tennis, squash, and badminton racquets that can be restrung, pickleball paddles cannot be refurbished or resurfaced.

In conclusion, the cost of a pickleball paddle is subjective and depends on individual preferences, budget, and playing style. While higher-priced paddles may offer small advantages in performance, the player’s skill remains the most critical factor in the game. Ultimately, the right paddle isn’t just about the brand or the price tag—it’s about the feel in your hand and the confidence it instills in your game.

For more information on pickleball paddle brands, check out our popular post: 25 Pickleball Paddle Brands You Need to Know.