Are all Budget pickleball paddles bad, and only expensive ones are good?
Of course not!
So in this roundup, I’m going to share 7 of the best quality pickleball paddles under 50$ in [2024 Reviews]
When you are looking for an affordable paddle, you need to be aware of their quality, performance, longevity, and durability too. Cause most often cheap paddles are bad at these.
So how to find paddles that are high quality but Affordable also? ( later in this post )
I’m a Sports enthusiast & playing pickleball for years. Not a pro yet though.
To make things easier for you…
I have spent months researching and testing dozens of pickleball paddles and choose 7 of the best ones for you.
Let’s get started…
[If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing]
Our Top Picks
Here are my best paddle recommendations under 50$ for 2024
1. Best Overall: Selkirk’s Neo Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- Great control, good weight distribution
- Large sweet spot
- Lightweight, Sweatproof
Cons
- Bag quality is not that good
Key Specs:
Surface Materials: Blend of Graphite & Fiberglass
Core Materials: Honeycomb core
Weight: 7.5 ounces
Shape: Standard face
Power: 7/10
Spin: 7/10
Sweetspot: Large sweetspot(9/10)
Who It’s For
Best for Beginners to Intermediate players who want a quality paddle with an affordable price.
Why We Love It
Undoubtedly Selkirk is the best brand in pickleball paddles. So there would be no question about quality.
We also love the sweatproof Grip, large sweet spot, and many aspects of the SLK Neo 2.0 paddle.
Here are the things we love,
- Ultra Cushion Grip, also sweatproof
- Very large sweet spot
- Decent Spin and power
- Big Handle (5.2 inch), good for big hands.
- Well distribution of weight.
- Lightweight, good control paddle
- Quiet paddle. Less sound
Potential Flaws
- Some players are saying, the quality of the bag and balls are not so good.
- It is not made in the USA
The Bottom Line:
Slk neo 2.0 is one of the best Beginners Paddle on the market in this price range. Also
2k+ people bought this paddle last month, so it’s a popular choice too. It stands out with its grip quality, large sweet spot, and well control paddle. So I would highly recommend it.
- Pricing: $$ [ Around $$$ ]
- Skill Level: For Beginners
- My Favourite Feature: Appearance, power
Highly recommended…
What the Players say
2. Best Performance: HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- USA Pickleball approved
- Large sweet spot
- One year warranty
Cons
- No cover included
- smooth surface may impact spin
Key Specs:
Surface Materials: Fiberglass
Core Materials: Honeycomb core
Weight: 8.1 ounces
Shape: Standard face
Power: 8/10
Spin: 7/10
Sweet spot: Large (9/10)
Who It’s For
Perfect for an Intermediate player who is looking for improve his game. Also good for Beginners too.
Why We Love It
HEAD Radical Elite is a high-quality, performance paddle at a great price. My absolute favorite thing about this paddle is that it is a single-piece construction. So it is more stable overall.
Pro players also use this paddle. Some of them are Sarah Ansboury and Erik Lange.
What we love about paddles performance,
- Solid, comfortable Grip.
- Large sweet spot so a mistake would still land on.
- More of a control paddle.
- Nice Pop
- Ergonomic Grip
- Middleweight paddle, so you can generate decent power
Head is a renowned brand in the pickleball space. It is also featured in Forbes, Money, and Men’s Health like big websites. [ See detailed review of head radical elite. ]
In summary, it has all the making of a top paddle but at a budget-friendly price.
- Pricing: $$ [ Over 50$ ]
- Skill Level: Beginners to Intermediate
- My Favourite Feature: Sweetspot
Highly recommended…
Sample Buyer Review:
3. Best All Court-Paddle: JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddles
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- affordable paddle, from an elite brand
- Great control
Cons
- Handle is small and thin
- No cover added
Key Specs:
Surface Materials: Multi layered Fiberglass
Core Materials: Honeycomb core
Weight: 8.2 ounces
Shape: Standard face
Power: 6/10
Spin: 7/10
Sweet spot: Large (8/10)
Who It’s For
Joola Essential is a beginner-level paddle. If you want to upgrade your cheap Amazon paddle with a more premium one, Joola is the perfect one.
Why We Love It
Joola is well-known as an Elite brand in the pickleball community. Pros like Ben Johns & Anna Bright uses Joola pickleball paddle. So no doubt about the quality of the paddle. In Joola Essential paddle same technology is used as the high-end Joola paddle which pros are using.
What we love about paddles performance,
- A comfortable Grip
- Perfect balance of spin, power, and control
- Middle-weight paddle with a nice pop
- USA pickleball approved
- Feels great in hand
- This one is affordable, cause Joola only makes high-priced paddle
Joola is also featured on many big media websites. So it is a well-deserved 3rd placeholder in our list.
- Pricing: $$ [ under 50$ ]
- Skill Level: Beginners to intermediate
- My Favourite Feature: Control
Highly recommended…
Sample Buyer Review:
4. Best Elongated Paddle: HUDEF HB2.0 Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Big Surface Area
- Great Control
Cons
- less pop
- Not a Power paddle
Key Specs:
Surface Materials: Composite Carbon Fiber
Core Materials: Honeycomb core
Weight: 7.9 ounces
Shape: Elongated
Power: 6/10
Spin: 7/10
Sweet spot: Large (8/10)
Who It’s For
Best for Beginners to intermediate who want to try out an elongated shape paddle.
Why We Love It
This paddle has a unique elongated shape. It gives a big surface area to hit, and you will get an extra reach on the field.
What we love about paddles performance,
- Lightweight paddle, so easy to handle
- Well balanced paddle, means more stability
- Great control paddle
- Sweat absorbent, cushioned grip
- Comes with a cover & a soft cleaning cloth
- Great longevity and Durability
HUDEF is an ‘A’ tier brand in terms of performance & quality. So if you have never tried a long elongated paddle I will recommend you to try this one.
- Pricing: $$ [ under 50$ ]
- Skill Level: Beginners to intermediate
- My Favourite Feature: Control & Big surface area
Highly recommended…
Sample Buyer Review:
5. Most Affordable: Niupipo Martins Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Large sweet spot
- Affordable
Cons
- Core thickness is less than specs
- bag quality is not good
Key Specs:
Surface Materials: Fiberglass
Core Materials: Honeycomb core
Weight: 7.5-7.8 ounces
Shape: Standard
Power: 7/10
Spin: 6/10
Sweetspot: Large (8/10)
Who It’s For
Niupipo is a Beginner-level paddle. It could be a perfect entry-level paddle for someone who is new to pickleball.
Why We Love It
Niupipo is the most affordable paddle on my list. It is a great-looking paddle with so many artistic design options to choose from.
What we love about paddles performance,
- Lightweight so easily maneuverable.
- Comfortable grip
- Large sweet spot
- Customer service is good
- 30-day money back guarantee
Niupipo has also been featured in Times, Forbes, etc.
- Pricing: $$ [ under 50$ ]
- Skill Level: For Beginners
- My Favourite Feature: Looks, power
Highly recommended…
Sample Buyer Review:
6. Best Durable Paddle: Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass Paddle
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Diamond control shape
- Lightweight
Cons
- Decent spin
- less texture on the surface
Key Specs:
Surface Materials: Fiberglass
Core Materials: Honeycomb core
Weight: 7.8 ounces
Shape: Standard
Power: 8/10
Spin: 7/10
Sweet spot: Decent (7/10)
Who It’s For
Best for Beginners, who want a quality paddle with middle of the road specification but don’t want to break the bank.
Why We Love It
Head Extreme Elite is a great entry-level paddle. It has a unique Diamond control shape. And because of the shape, there will be less damage on the corners, where most often damage occurs.
What we love about paddles performance,
- Lightweight, good maneuverability
- Single-piece construction, gives stability
- More of a control paddle, good for beginners
- Sweatproof, ergonomic grip
- Solid construction & durability
- Balanced paddle with definite sweet spot
Head is a well-known pickleball paddle brand. Many pros use head paddles for competition too. Head is also featured in big media websites like Forbes. On Amazon last month (200+) people bought this paddle.
So if you want a reliable paddle, this could be it.
- Pricing: $$ [ Around 50$ ]
- Skill Level: Beginners to Intermediate
- My Favourite Feature: Control, Power
Highly recommended…
Sample Buyer Review:
7. Best for Value: Brooklyn Pickleball Co Paddle
Pros
- Carbon fiber surface
- Controlled swing with power
- Non-slip Grip
Cons
- USA pickleball not approved
- Not for competition
Key Specs:
Surface Materials: Carbon Fiber
Core Materials: Honeycomb core
Weight: 7.4 ounces
Shape: Standard
Power: 8/10
Spin: 7/10
Sweet spot: Decent (7/10)
Who It’s For
Best for beginners, who play pickleball for fun. This paddle is not for playing in competition cause the paddle is not USA pickleball approved.
Why We Love It
Out of all the paddles on our list, Brooklyn has the most aesthetic design. It has a carbon fiber face like some high-end paddles but at an affordable price.
What we love about paddles performance,
- Lots of design and color options
- Great Pop, decent sweet spot
- Carbon fiber face
- Lightweight, easy to play with for beginners
- Customer service is great
- Non-slip grip
Brooklyn is a great value for money paddle. Also, you will surely receive compliments on the court for the aesthetics of the paddle. So if you are someone, who cares about the looks of your paddle, this one is for you.
- Pricing: $$ [ Around 50$ ]
- Skill Level: Beginners only
- My Favourite Feature: Power & Looks
Highly recommended…
Sample Buyer Review:
Wrapping Up [ Best Paddles Under 50$ ]
In my list of ” 7 pickleball paddles under 50$ ” all the paddles will be good for you if you are a beginner. They all are quality paddles with different aspects of performance, so that you can choose the one that suits you the most.
In my opinion, SLK Neo 2.0 would be the best one for you overall.