Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100
You do not need a $250 paddle to enjoy better open-play. Under $100, prioritize a reputable brand, a sensible thickness (often 16mm), and clear published specs over marketing claims.
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Quick picks
Jump to a recommendation, then read the full write-up below.
| Category | Recommendation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall under $100 | Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Best lightweight under $100 | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 | Check Price on Amazon |
What to expect under $100
Expect fiberglass or entry-level carbon faces, solid polymer cores, and less exotic thermoformed construction. That is enough for most recreational players and a smart place to learn preferences before a premium upgrade.
Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
Best for: Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Franklin Sports |
| Exact model | Signature Series Pro 16mm |
| Shape | elongated |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Surface material | Fiberglass with MaxGrit |
| Core construction | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Length | 16.5" |
| Width | 7.5" |
| Grip length | 5.6" |
| Grip circumference | 4.5" |
| Certification | USAP Approved (per manufacturer listing) |
| Typical price range | $70–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source. Research-based listing — not a hands-on lab scorecard.
Advantages
- +Approachable price for a USAP-approved paddle
- +16mm core favors control and a softer feel for newer players
- +MaxGrit surface helps generate spin without a steep learning curve
Tradeoffs
- −Not as powerful as premium carbon paddles
- −Larger 4.5" grip may feel thick for smaller hands
- −Build quality is solid for the price, not flagship-tier
Who should buy it
Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle Players shopping around or under $100 Recreational players who want a forgiving fiberglass face
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a carbon face for max spin Competitive players seeking premium thermoformed construction
Alternatives
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →
Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
Best for: Players who want a truly lightweight paddle
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Paddletek |
| Exact model | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 |
| Shape | standard |
| Thickness | 12.7mm |
| Weight | 7.0–7.5 oz |
| Surface material | Textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid |
| Core construction | Bantam PolyCore polymer honeycomb |
| Length | 15.625" |
| Width | 7.75" |
| Grip length | 5.0" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
| Typical price range | $80–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source. Research-based listing — not a hands-on lab scorecard.
Advantages
- +Light static weight (7.0–7.5 oz) for hand speed
- +Standard shape is approachable for most recreational players
- +Strong value from a established paddle brand
Tradeoffs
- −12.7mm core is thinner than typical “control” 16mm recommendations
- −Fiberglass hybrid face, not carbon
- −Less brand hype than JOOLA/Selkirk for some shoppers
Who should buy it
Players who want a truly lightweight paddle Recreational players seeking faster hands at the kitchen Shoppers who want a reputable sub-$100 all-court option
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a thick 16mm+ control core Players chasing elongated reach or premium raw carbon
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →
FAQ
Troxgo Editors
Research & editorial
We research manufacturer specs, compare paddles against consistent criteria, and explain who each product actually makes sense for—without fabricated “we tested it” claims.
Published 2026-03-20 · Updated 2026-03-20
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How Much Should You Spend on a Pickleball Paddle?
A practical spending guide for recreational pickleball players from starter upgrades to premium paddles.
Franklin Signature Pro vs Paddletek Bantam TS-5: Which Should You Buy?
16mm fiberglass forgiveness versus a lightweight 12.7mm fiberglass-hybrid: which recreational upgrade fits your stage.
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