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Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100
Quick picks
- Our top pick: Vatic Pro Prism Flash (14mm or 16mm) · Check price on Amazon
- Runner-up: SLK Geo by Selkirk · Check price on Amazon
- Also great: Franklin Ben Johns Signature (MaxGrit) · Check price on Amazon
You no longer need to spend premium money to get a textured face and a modern core. Every paddle below was listed at or under about $100 on its maker's own site when we last checked (October 2026). Amazon and store prices move often, so check the current price before buying.
1. Vatic Pro Prism Flash (14mm or 16mm)
Pros- Raw T700 carbon face with heat-compressed texture for spin
- Foam-injected walls; choose 14mm for more pop or 16mm for more control
- Standard or long handle versions
- Mostly sold direct and on Amazon; fewer local stores to try one
- Not a thermoformed power paddle, so big hitters may want more pop
2. SLK Geo by Selkirk
Pros- Raw T700 carbon face from a major paddle maker
- Widebody or elongated shape
- Perimeter weighting (MOI Tuning) aimed at a forgiving sweet spot
- Sits right at the top of this budget
- Newer 2026 model, so there are fewer long-term durability reports
3. Franklin Ben Johns Signature (MaxGrit)
Pros- Textured fiberglass face (MaxGrit) for a lively, spin-friendly feel
- 13mm or 16mm core, USA Pickleball approved
- Widely sold in sporting goods stores and online
- Fiberglass feels springier and less crisp than raw carbon
- The 16mm version has a thicker 4.5 in handle, which may be too big for smaller hands
4. SLK Valkyrie by Selkirk
Pros- Widebody shape with a 16mm core for a forgiving, comfortable feel
- Lowest-priced paddle in Selkirk's 2026 SLK line
- Aimed at new and developing players; advancing players may outgrow it
- Fiberglass face, so less bite than raw carbon models
5. Onix Graphite Z5
Pros- Long-running, widely available classic
- Wide face is forgiving
- Graphite face produces less spin than raw carbon models
Buying tips
- Paddle weight matters: heavier (8.0 oz+) adds power and stability, lighter is faster at the kitchen.
- Check that the paddle is on the USA Pickleball approved list if you plan to play tournaments.
- A 16mm core usually feels softer and more controlled than a 13–14mm core.
- Older reviews often recommend the Selkirk SLK Halo or SLK Evo. Selkirk retired those lines, and the SLK Geo and SLK Dauntless replaced them.