So, you’ve fallen in love with pickleball paddles and are ready to invest in a better paddle for yourself or a loved one? Having a paddle you truly enjoy can significantly enhance your game.
You might have heard that pickleball paddles can be quite pricey, and that’s true—some of the most popular paddles can exceed $200. For instance, Selkirk Project paddles are priced at $330, which is quite steep.
However, you don’t need to spend that much to find a high-quality paddle. There are new paddle companies emerging that offer well-crafted paddles comparable to those from the major brands but at more competitive prices.
Avoid just grabbing the first $99 paddle you see on Amazon. While the $100 price range has excellent options, there are still many paddles in this range that aren’t worth your money.
In the $100 price range, you now have several great options that weren’t available just a few months ago. Although you can find cheaper paddles, those listed here are all significant upgrades from the ones on my best paddles for $50 list.
Table of Contents
How I compiled this list
I’m a devoted pickleball player and paddle tester, dedicating every day to evaluating paddles and staying informed about the latest developments in the online pickleball paddle community.
I have play-tested every paddle on this list, along with many that didn’t make the cut. My constant search for the best paddles ensures that I regularly update my articles with new offerings. You can rest assured that this article is current and features the paddles you’re looking for.
Without further ado, let’s dive into my top intermediate paddle recommendations.
Best Pickleball Paddles under $100
Ronbus R1/R2/R3.16
- Price: $120 BUY
- Paddle type: All-court
- Where it excels: Excellent overall all-court carbon fiber paddle performance.
- What it lacks: Thermoform power and perimeter edge-foam injection.
- Read the full Ronbus R1.16 Review
The Ronbus R series paddles provide an affordable, sleek option that performs very similarly to the highly popular Joola Hyperion CFS paddle. The R1 Ronbus features a hybrid shape, while the R3 has a traditional elongated shape. Surprisingly, I prefer my R1 Ronbus over my Joola Hyperion CFS, which is remarkable given that the Joola costs $220 and is less durable than the Ronbus.
With the Ronbus, you get a reliable, balanced feel, excellent control, top-tier spin, and plenty of power. I firmly stand by this paddle and its position at the top of this list. I’ve been playing with and recommending this paddle,, along with its thermoformed counterpart, the Ronbus Pulsar, for months.
Vatic Pro Prism V7
- Price: $99.99 BUY
- Paddle type: All-court/Elongated
- Where it excels: Top-tier spin, control, and build quality, length for reach
- What it lacks: Thermoformed power
- Read the full Vatic Pro Prism V7 Review
Vatic Pro made a significant impact on the pickleball scene this year with their impressive unibody thermoformed paddles: the Vatic Pro V7, Vatic Pro Flash, and Vatic Pro Alchemy. While these paddles are excellent, they all cost over $100.
However, Vatic has now introduced the Prism, a unibody, edge foam-injected paddle priced under $90. With these features at this price point, it has quickly become one of the best options in this bracket.
Much like the Ronbus R series, the Prism feels similar to the expensive Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle. In my opinion, the Prism is even better than the Hyperion. It’s slightly stiffer and offers more pop, which I prefer over the softer, plush feel of the Hyperion. Additionally, the Prism is more durable (the Hyperion has known durability issues) and provides higher levels of spin.
Vatic Pro Prism Flash
- Price: $99.99 BUY
- Paddle type: All-court/Hybrid-shaped
- Where it excels: Top-tier spin, control, and build quality. Low swing weight for fast hands at the net
- What it lacks: Thermoformed power
As previously mentioned, the newly released Prisms, with their unibody construction and edge-foam injection, have quickly become one of the top paddle options in the $100 price range.
The Prism Flash stands out from the V7 by being a hybrid-shaped paddle, whereas the V7 has a traditional elongated shape. The more aerodynamic Flash, the lighter and faster it feels to swing, which is particularly advantageous when playing fast at the net. In contrast, the V7 provides slightly more power and reach.
Thanks to its shape, the Prism Flash plays very similarly to Joola’s premium Hyperion carbon fiber paddle. Although I am a big fan of the Hyperion CFS, I now prefer the Prism over it.
Hudef Viva Pro
- Price: $99 BUY
- Paddle type: Power/All-court/Elongated
- Where it excels: Thermoformed power, spin, touch, long handle
- What it lacks: A comfortable grip (in my opinion)
Hudef has been a player in the paddle manufacturing industry for years. While I haven’t always been a fan of their paddles, they’ve recently made significant strides by releasing some much-improved and innovative models.
The Viva Pro is a second-generation raw carbon fiber paddle, featuring hot-molded unibody construction, edge-foam injection, and a T700 raw carbon fiber face.
Paddles with these features typically cost $140 or more, so the $89 after-discount price is a fantastic deal. The Viva Pro performs on par with the best second-generation thermoformed paddles, offering a great balance of power, spin, and control.
The only area where the Viva Pro falls short is in raw power. Although it is more powerful than first-generation paddles, it doesn’t hit as hard as most second-generation thermoformed paddles. To access the most powerful thermoformed paddles, you’ll need to look in the $150 and under price range.
Six Zero Sapphire
- Price: $99 BUY
- Paddle type: Power/All-court/Elongated
- Where it excels: Thermoformed Power, high-tier spin, low swing-weight for quick hands.
- What it lacks: The control of a thicker paddle.
- Read the full Six Zero Sapphire review
Six Zero is a newer paddle company based in Australia that has recently made a significant impact on the scene with their premium thermoformed paddles, the Black Diamond Power and the Double Black Diamond Control.
While not as well-known as the pricier Diamond series, the Sapphire is an outstanding unibody thermoformed paddle and an incredible value at under $100. It offers an excellent combination of spin, power, and hand speed.
Featuring a thinner 13mm core, the Sapphire is the top choice on this list for power players who prioritize raw power and quick hands over stability and plush control.
Bison Summit (CRBN 1 clone)
- Price: $99
- Paddle type: All-court
- Where it excels: Spin, control, pop
- What it lacks: Not as powerful as newer power paddles
The original CRBN 1 paddle, known for its stellar performance and elongated design, was one of the most popular premium paddles in 2022. The Bison Summit is essentially a replica of the CRBN 1 but offered at a much more affordable price.
The Bison Summit excels in spin and control while providing ample power and pop to compete with any player. Its elongated design is perfect for attacking and offers extra reach. You can likely find a player in your area who has used the original CRBN 1 or is still using it.
XSPAK has also replicated the CRBN 1 and achieved considerable success, with many satisfied customers. However, their customer service and warranty are lacking. In contrast, Bison offers much better customer service and a 6-month warranty, which is notably long in the pickleball paddle market.
Bison Rampage (CRBN 2 clone)
- Price: $99
- Paddle type: All-court
- Where it excels: control
- What it lacks: raw power, elongated handle/reach
Similar to how the Bison Summit replicates the CRBN 1, the Bison Rampage is an exact clone of the CRBN 2 16mm paddle. This paddle excels in control and offers impressive spin capabilities, making it ideal for players who prioritize placement and precision.
If your game focuses on drops, blocks, and resets, the Bison Rampage will serve you well. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t generate a lot of power, which might be a drawback in higher-level play.
In conclusion
In a sea of mediocre paddles, the ones on this list truly stand out. You’ll likely be satisfied with any of these paddles.
If you’re an intermediate player, I recommend checking out my list of the best paddles for intermediate players.
FAQs About the Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100
Pickleball Paddles paddles under $100 good for beginners?
Yes, many paddles under $100 offer excellent quality and performance, making them ideal for beginners. These paddles provide a great balance of control, power, and spin, helping new players develop their skills.
Can I find high-quality materials in Pickleball paddles under $100?
Absolutely. Many Pickleball paddles in this price range are made from durable materials like graphite, fiberglass, and composite, which offer good performance and longevity.
Pickleball paddles under $100 suitable for competitive play?
Many Pickleball paddles under $100 are suitable for competitive play, especially at the amateur and intermediate levels. They can offer the performance needed for most competitive scenarios.
How does the weight of the Pickleball paddles affect my game?
Lighter paddles are easier to maneuver and offer more control, making them suitable for quick reactions and finesse shots. Heavier paddles provide more power and stability, which can be beneficial for aggressive play and powerful shots.
Can I get a good paddle for both singles and doubles play under $100?
Yes, many paddles in this price range are versatile and can be used effectively for both singles and doubles play. Look for paddles that offer a good balance of control and power to suit both styles of play.