10 Cheap Pickleball Paddles | Top Quality Picks Under $50

Finding a quality paddle for less than $50 is a challenge. When shopping for a cheap pickleball paddle, you still want a paddle that performs well and holds up to repeated use. Some of the cheaper paddles fall apart easily, develop dead spots, or simply feel uncomfortable to play with.

Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners

Instead of spending money on a paddle that only lasts for a single match, check out the following ten best pickleball paddles under $50. These are also the best options for beginners who are just starting out with the sport but don’t want to spend a lot.

Champion Spark Pickleball Paddle Review

Some players do not like playing with paddles that feature edge guards, as they add a small lip around the edge of the paddle surface. This lip may deflect the ball when striking near the outside of the paddle.

Luckily, the edge guard on this paddle does not stick out too far. It simply protects the paddle from normal wear.

The paddle is also equipped with a thick core, giving the paddle more bounce, which translates to more power.

One potential drawback is the four-inch grip size. The small grip is mostly suited for small hands, such as children’s hands. However, adults can add an overwrap to create a thicker grip. If you search for cushion grips, you should find a few cheap options to help make the grip thicker.

Keep in mind that the smaller grip also makes the paddle more agile, letting you use more wrist action for greater accuracy.

The speed and agility that you get with the smaller paddle help counter the extra power that you get from the thick core and fiberglass surface.

The Spark Paddle and the Ranger Paddle are the two lightest options in this price range. The weight, dimensions, and grip size are comparable. However, the Spark features a fiberglass surface instead of a vinyl surface and has a slightly thicker core.

The fiberglass surface and thicker core translate to more power. In the end, the Ranger is more versatile while the Spark Paddle delivers more pop.

Another benefit is the included cover. It is a neoprene cover with a zipper, which reduces the risk of damaging your paddle when storing it or transporting it to your next match.

Final Thoughts About Champion Spark

Overall, the Pickleball Champion Spark Paddle is another great choice for children and young adults. The four-inch grip size and lightweight design are great for smaller players. It also gives you more power compared to the Ranger Paddle.

Adults may also enjoy these cheap pickleball paddles as well. At seven ounces and with a smaller grip, players get more control over the paddle, resulting in more agility and superior ball control.

Rally Tyro 2 Composite Paddle Review

Like most of the cheap pickleball paddles, the Tyro 2 offers a combination of pros and cons. On the positive side, it is a versatile paddle for beginner to intermediate players. It offers a good balance between power and control.

It is also a USAPA-approved paddle, for those that want to play in the official matches. However, this is not a requirement if you simply intend to play recreationally.

The polypropylene core and polycarbonate facing are materials that boost the power of the paddle. The poly-core gives the paddle more bounce, sending the ball flying.

To help balance the paddle, it features vibration dampening technology. When the ball hits the paddle, the dampening technology absorbs some of the force. The absorption limits the impact on your wrist, helping you maintain control.

Besides better balance, the vibration dampening technology also helps give the paddle better feedback. You can feel the ball strike, adding to the overall agility and accuracy that you get.

The grip is on the small side, at 4.25 inches. This is typically considered a small grip, but not as small as the grip on the Ranger Paddle or Spark Paddle. If you play one-handed, you should appreciate the smaller grip, as it gives you more agility and reflectivity.

One potential issue with the paddle is the decals. Some customers have noted that the decals on the surface of the paddle start to bubble over time, which can impact the performance of the paddle.

Some players also commented on the quality of the handle, claiming that it feels a little cheap, but this is a cheap paddle. There is a bit of a trade-off when you shop for paddles that cost less than $50. Besides this option, we also have a complete detailed comparison guide among all Rally Pickleball Paddles.

Final Thoughts About Rally Tyro 2

Who should consider using this paddle? It is best suited for beginner or intermediate players that want a well-balanced paddle. While it may not be the most durable option, it offers decent performance for its price range.

Amazin’ Aces Graphite Pickleball Paddle Review

To help protect the surface of the paddle, the Amazin’ Aces Classic Graphite Paddle has a low-profile edge guard. Some players dislike the edge guards, as the lip creates a surface that can redirect the ball when striking near the edge. With the lower profile, the lip is smaller, making this less of an issue.

Unfortunately, the edge guard may not last long. With repeated use, it may start to come loss around the edges, eliminating any protection that it provides.

The paddle is not USAPA-approved, for those that are interested in tournament play. However, if you are a beginner, this should not be a problem. Unless you plan to compete professionally, the USAPA approval is not important.

The paddle weighs about 9.2 ounces, which is heavier than most paddles, other than the cheap wood paddles. The extra weight adds more power to the paddle but may provide too much power for some players.

The polypropylene core also adds to the power of the paddle. While some people think that the softer core gives more control, it is intended to give the paddle more bounce, generating more power.

The graphite surface helps to counteract the power by giving you a rougher texture with less flexibility. The texture gives the paddle greater control.

This graphite paddle is also available in sets of two or four. You can get cheap good quality bundles for the whole family. To learn about all paddle options which Amazin’ aces have to offer please review this buying guide.

Final Thoughts About Amazin’ Aces Graphite Paddle

Graphite is rarely used for cheap pickleball paddles. Luckily, Amazin’ Aces has kept the price down on this option.

While it is on the heavy side, it is surprisingly balanced, but may still offer too much force for some players. The graphite surface helps add to the balance while also providing a little extra spin control.

In the end, if you are searching for low-cost graphite pickleball paddles for sale, this option from Amazin’ Aces is a top recommendation. You get a cheap price but not cheap quality.

Rally Meister Beginner Pickleball Paddle Review

The Rally Meister Beginner Paddle is a wood paddle, which provides several advantages and disadvantages. Wooden pickleball paddles are often the cheapest options. They are also heavier, giving you more power but less accuracy.

While these paddles are not as versatile compared to paddles made with other materials, they are still well-suited for beginners, mostly due to their low price.

The paddles are a little narrow as compared to most wood paddles. Instead of 7.5 inches or 8 inches, the paddles are 7 inches wide. While a half-inch or inch is not a big difference, it gives you less surface for hitting the ball.

Other than a couple of drawbacks, this paddle stands out compared to other wood options thanks to the grip. It comes with a wrist strap, which reduces the risk of the paddle flying out of your hand. When you are first learning to play, this extra protection is helpful.

The paddle also has a comfortable grip. It includes a moisture-wicking material and cushioning, which also help reduce the risk of the paddle slipping. The polypropylene grip compresses a little bit when you squeeze it.

Durability is another reason to consider getting a wood paddle. The 7-ply wood construction holds up to rough use, making it a great choice for schools and community centers, as it is less likely to break.

You also get a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. While this warranty will not cover a broken paddle, it will cover any defects in the manufacturing of the paddle, such as issues with the grip. The Rally meister paddle was also compared in this comparison guide among all paddle options which company is offering.

Final Thoughts About Rally Meister Beginner Paddle

What is the cheapest wood paddle? The answer is likely this option from PickleballCentral. The Rally Meister is incredibly affordable.

Just remember that wood paddles are not the most agile option. With their heavier weight, you may get tired more quickly during long matches and find yourself missing shots. However, you are still getting a great value.

PickleballCentral makes some of the best pickleball racquets. While this is not one of their top products, it is one of the most amazing deals that you can get. Most people also find that the grips are comfortable.

Upstreet Wood Pickleball Paddle Review

As mentioned, wood paddles tend to give you more power and less accuracy. They are mostly chosen for their price. When shopping for paddles that cost less than $50, many of your options are going to be wood paddles.

Most wood paddles are hard to tell apart. They tend to feature comparable dimensions and weight. To create a different wood option, Upstreet focused on improving the quality of the grip. With this set, the paddles include cushioned grips, more like the grips found on quality composite paddles.

Durability is another benefit of choosing this set. The 7-ply construction is made with high-quality maple wood. The paddle can take a beating.

Unfortunately, the grip may not hold up very well. Several customers have complained about the grip starting to come apart after a few games. That is the price that you sometimes have to pay when you want a cheap paddle.

With repeated use, the wood material may start to show signs of damage, including minor dents or dings on the surface or sides. The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover this damage, but it does cover any defects during the first year of use. If you want to learn more about upstreet paddles please check out this detailed review and comparison guide.

The edges of the paddle are rough, which means you should be careful when rubbing your hand along the sides of the paddle. This does not affect the performance of the paddle, but it does require a little caution, especially if children will be playing with them.

In fact, it may help to sand down the edges if you find that the paddles are too rough. A little sandpaper around the edges should solve the problem.

While the paddles have a few drawbacks, you get a great value. You get four paddles and a convenient storage bag. With four paddles, the entire family can start learning to play pickleball.

Final Thoughts About Upstreet Wood Paddle

Why buy a wooden paddle? These pickleball paddles are cheap, durable, and powerful. The limited accuracy that you get from a wood paddle does not make a major difference until you start competing against experienced players using high -end paddles.

This is also one of the best values. There are high-end paddles that cost 20 times as much as these wood paddles.

Flybold Pickleball Paddle Graphite Review

This paddle is slightly on the heavy end, which typically gives the paddle more power, not that this paddle needs any help in that department.

The polypropylene honeycomb core is a common choice for pickleball paddles. It is softer compared to Nomex or aluminum, giving the paddle more power and sacrificing some of the control.

The core is covered with a graphite surface. The graphite material adds texture, which helps grip the ball just enough to improve your accuracy. The combination of a polypropylene core and a graphite surface is a common choice for pickleball paddle manufacturers that want to create balanced paddles.

The two materials complement each other, giving you the right combination of power and control.

Like the Amazin’ Aces Paddle, the flybold Pickleball Paddles has a low-profile edge guard. A thicker edge guard may offer a little more protection but may also get in the way. The low-profile design helps keep the ball from being deflected at a different angle when you strike near the edge.

If you are picky about the look of the paddle, you may enjoy the sleek design of this paddle. It is simple yet stylish. It also comes with a matching neoprene case.

Like all the paddles in this list, the flybold paddle has the standard paddle shape. However, it is a little longer and narrower. It also features a 5.25-inch handle, which is longer compared to the other options. With the longer head and handle, you get more reach.

The long, slim handle allows you to grip the paddle with both hands, which is great if you are coming to pickleball from tennis.

What about the drawbacks? Some people may not like the longer handle or the extra weight. If you prefer a lighter paddle, you may find that this is a little head-heavy, which means that the weight is distributed more toward the end of the paddle instead of the middle.

The paddle is also not very durable. While most of the paddles in this list are not as durable compared to expensive paddles, this one may not last if you like to play rough. Eventually, the graphite face may start to chip away.

Final Thoughts About Flybold Pickleball Paddle

As you may expect from a cheap paddle, this graphite paddle has a few advantages and disadvantages. It is a versatile paddle with good balance, for those that enjoy playing two-handed. It also has superior reach compared to the other options. However, some people may not feel comfortable playing with a tennis-racket-like paddle.

Paddletek Ranger Pickleball Paddle Review

The lightweight design and extra-large playing surface may not work well for adults. However, this paddle was designed for children. For juniors, it is one of the best options.

Children under the age of 12 may find typical options to be too heavy, making it difficult for them to work on their ball control. The Ranger school paddle is a different story.

The construction is durable, ensuring that you do not need to rush out and buy a replacement after a few games. The polypropylene core maintains power while the vinyl surface adds accuracy.

It also has the right dimensions for smaller players. The eight-inch-wide surface gives players a wider sweet spot.

Another useful feature is the contoured grip with extra cushioning. It measures four inches thick, the perfect size for small hands. To maintain control of the paddle, a comfortable grip is needed.

Just keep in mind that the paddle is not USAPA approved. While your child cannot use it for official tournaments, it is a great paddle for learning to play and for recreational pickleball games. The affordable price and design details also make it a top choice for schools. Check out this post for the complete in-depth comparison and review of all Paddletek paddles.

Final Thoughts About Paddletek Ranger

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports, for both adults and children. Unfortunately, most paddles are too heavy or uncomfortable for children.

If you want to find a school paddle for sale, the Paddletek Ranger is the best-rated option. It is made for children and has the features that they need.

It is lightweight, has a small grip, and provides a wide striking surface. The only drawback of these cheap rackets is that they are not USAPA approved and may be too light for the typical adult.

Diller Pickleball Paddle (Paddle & Sets) Review

Again, the wood construction is mostly suited for beginners, as the heavier weight gives more power and limited accuracy compared to other materials. However, if you are just starting out, you will hardly notice the difference.

The 7-ply construction also helps increase the durability of the paddle. As there is less bounce, the surface takes more pressure from each strike. You also get a loud pop, which may become an issue if you plan on playing pickleball in a neighborhood that has noise restrictions.

These wood paddles include cushioned grips and wrist straps. If you do not want your paddle to slip out of your hand, these features are helpful. The cushioned grip also adds more comfort, giving you a little more control.

Most wood paddles are not USAPA approved, which is not a major issue as wood paddles rarely offer the versatility needed for tournaments. The Diller paddles are an exception. They are USAPA approved.

The Diller wood paddles are also long. With a length of 15.5 inches and a 5.5-inch grip, these paddles are longer, giving you more reach. When playing a singles match, you can cover more of the court.

While you can buy a single wood paddle, Diller also offers a couple of cheap pickleball sets featuring the same paddle. For less than $30, you can get a set containing two paddles and four pickleball balls. The green balls are intended for indoor or outdoor use.

If you want the best value, consider getting the four-paddle set. It comes with six balls and still costs just under $50.

Final Thoughts About Driller Pickleball Paddle

The main reason to buy wooden paddles is the cost. The Diller pickleball paddles are incredibly affordable, which is why they are a popular choice for schools and community centers. They may also be the right choice for you and your family.

You do not get the same quality that you get with a high-end poly-core paddle featuring a graphite or composite surface. However, you are getting durable paddles that deliver power and feature comfortable grips.

Westop Sports Pickleball Paddle Set Review

While these are wood pickleball paddles, they are just slightly lighter compared to the other wood options. You still get more power and less accuracy, but these issues are a little less noticeable, resulting in a slightly more balanced wood paddle.

The paddle also has a large body. Measuring 16 inches by 8 inches, the paddle gives you more surface for catching the ball. Younger players and beginners will enjoy the larger design. You should have fewer missed swings, helping you work on your accuracy, form, and strategy.

Another benefit is the quality paddle grip. The paddle features a premium grip, helping you maintain a firm hold on the paddle.

If you have never played pickleball before, keeping a good grip on the paddle is important for accuracy. If the paddle slips around in your hand, you cannot control the direction of the ball as easily. Thanks to the grip on this paddle, slippage should not be a problem.

The drawbacks are related to the durability of the paddle and the storage bag. The wood material may eventually splinter, crack, or split. Several customers have also mentioned that some of the wood layers start to come apart.

The storage is partially constructed from plastic, which can also split, crack, or fall apart. If you regularly use the bag to transport the paddles, it may not take long for the bag to become unusable. However, these are not major drawbacks.

You are still getting a great value, especially if you purchase the double set. For less than $50, you can get four paddles, eight balls, and two storage bags.

Final Thoughts About Westop Sports Pickleball Paddle

Cheap quality bundles are often hard to find. This option from Westop Sports is one of the few options that stands out for offering reliable performance. When you get a set like this, you are receiving a great discount on pickleball paddles. Even if one paddle breaks, you have a spare.

Due to the low price, these are also great wooden school paddles.

Pickle Pro Composite Paddle Review

The Pickle Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle combines an aluminum core with a fiberglass surface.

Pickle Pro paddles are known for their durability. However, this is not one of their most durable options, due to the aluminum core. With repeated use, you are more likely to dent the core or wear out the sweet spot on the Pickle Pro Classic.

The aluminum material is also one of the noisiest materials. With each strike, you will hear a significant pop. If playing in a neighborhood with noise restrictions, you may need a different paddle.

The fiberglass material does not offer much protection for the core, as fiberglass is a relatively flexible material compared to graphite or carbon fiber.

To protect the core and surface, the paddle has a thick edge guard. Unfortunately, the thick edge guard can be a problem. If the ball catches near the edge of the paddle, it may not go in the direction that you hope, which can be inconvenient.

While this paddle has a few drawbacks, Pickle Pro has tried to balance them out with a few advantages. Adding a fiberglass surface to the aluminum core helps compensate for the lack of power. The result is a versatile paddle that offers a good combination of power and ball control.

Final Thoughts About Pickle Pro Composite Paddle

Overall, the Pickle Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle is well-suited for those who want a balanced paddle. You get power and accuracy with the Pickle Pro Classic Paddle. Unfortunately, you do not get a lot of agility, due to the heavier weight of the paddle.

Last Thoughts on Choosing the Best Pickleball Paddles Under $50

After comparing the best pickleball racquet reviews, you have ten great discount pickleball paddles to choose from, but which one is right for you?

If you are new to pickleball, any of these paddles should meet your needs. If you plan to play with a friend or family member, buy pickleball paddles in sets, such as the Westop Sports Paddle Set.

Keep in mind that the wood paddles offer a few pros and cons. They are not the best paddles for ball control, but the heavier weight can deliver more power.

Wood paddles also tend to be more durable, making them great for use in schools, neighborhood courts, or your backyard. Of course, the wood paddles are also one of the cheapest types of pickleball paddles, with a couple of options that cost less than $20.

If you want a paddle built for accuracy, the Pickle Pro Composite Paddle is recommended. It features an aluminum core that limits power and improves ball control. The remaining polypropylene paddles are suited for players of all skill levels. They offer power yet are still versatile enough for beginners.

You do not need $100 to buy a pickleball paddle. While these paddles are cheap, they are comprised of quality construction and materials.