roundup Aug 2026

Best Pickleball Paddle Under $150

Excellent pickleball paddles under $150. Real performance without the premium price tag.

By Eli Carter, 3.5 DUPR | Updated August 27, 2026
Disclosure: Paddlory is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations. See our full disclosure for details.
Value pickleball paddle under 150 dollars

You do not need to spend $250 to get a paddle that performs. Several manufacturers build excellent paddles under $150 that compete with premium options on the court. Here are the best values available.

Core thickness, in one card
The single spec that decides how a paddle plays
16 mm core
control, softer hands, bigger sweet spot
14 mm core
power, faster ball off the face, less forgiving
13 mm and under
specialist power, punishing to mishit
Elongated shape
reach and spin, smaller sweet spot
Wide body shape
forgiveness, less reach
Standard shape
the middle, and where most players belong
Static weight
7.3 to 8.5 oz covers almost everything
Swing weight
what your elbow actually feels
USAPA approval
required for sanctioned play

Thickness and shape between them account for most of how a paddle feels. Everything printed on the face after that is surface treatment, and surface treatment wears off.

Paddlory earns a commission on qualifying purchases through the Amazon links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Picks are chosen on performance and suitability, not on commission.

Chart comparing the price of eight pickleball paddles
Most of the money buys the jump from entry level to mid, not the jump from mid to flagship.

Paddletek Bantam EX-L

The Bantam EX-L is the standout in this price range. At 7.9 oz with a 13mm fiberglass core, it is light, forgiving, and generates enough power for baseline play. Paddletek’s quality control is reliable, and the paddle holds up well over time.

Budget pickleball paddle under 150 dollars
You do not need to spend $250 to get a paddle that performs.
A 99 dollar paddle and a 175 dollar paddle put through the same test (source: STS PICKLEBALL)
Paddle Price band Core Why it makes the cut
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Top of the band Raw carbon face The most paddle you can buy while staying under the line
Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro Middle 16 mm foam core Foam core at half the flagship price, and the value pick here
Franklin FS Tour Middle Composite Solid all-court paddle from a brand with real distribution
Onix Graphite MOD Z5 Low Graphite, wide body Under fifty dollars and genuinely playable, which is rare
HEAD Radical XL Low Composite, elongated Reach at an entry price
Check current price

Prices move, and stock does too. Each of these opens the product page on Amazon in a new tab.

Spec finder

The paddle spec that fits how you play
Grip size from height, core and weight from play style. Start here, then demo inside the range.

in

Grip circumference from height is the standard fitting shortcut, and it is a starting point, not a measurement. Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger and trust that number over the chart if the two disagree. A grip that is slightly small can be built up with an overgrip. One that is too large cannot be fixed.

Gearbox CX14E

Gearbox uses a unique solid-core construction that eliminates the honeycomb core entirely. The result is a durable, consistent paddle with good feel. The CX14E is elongated for extra reach and sits right at the $150 mark.

Spending under 150 well
Five steps
1Set the budget before you read reviews
Reviews are written to move you up a tier.
2Buy shape and thickness, not marketing
Under 150 the face material differences are small.
3Check USAPA approval
It matters the first time you enter anything.
4Spend the last ten dollars on a grip
Better return than the next twenty dollars of paddle.
$8-10
5Keep the receipt window in mind
Thirty days is long enough to know. Use it.
30 days
Every 2026 release sorted, which is the fastest way to see the field (source: All Drive No Drop Pickleball)

What You Sacrifice Under $150

Budget paddles typically use simpler construction methods and less exotic face materials. You may get slightly less spin than a $250 carbon fiber face, and the sweet spot may be smaller. For recreational play, these differences are minor. For tournament play, you may eventually want to upgrade.

Keep reading: best pickleball paddles, how to choose a pickleball paddle, and complete pickleball paddles guide.

Spec Comparison

Real manufacturer specs. Ratings marked "pending" will be filled after on-court testing.

Paddle Weight Core Face Shape MSRP Control Power Spin Verdict
Perseus 3S 16mm
JOOLA
Top Pick 		8.0 oz 16mm Carbon Fiber Elongated $279.99 pending pending pending Pending on-court test
Vanguard Power Air
Selkirk
 7.9 oz 14mm Fiberglass/Carbon Standard $249.99 pending pending pending Pending on-court test
CRBN 1X
CRBN
 8.1 oz 16mm Raw Carbon Fiber Elongated $229.99 pending pending pending Pending on-court test
Bantam EX-L
Paddletek
 7.9 oz 13mm Fiberglass Standard $179.99 pending pending pending Pending on-court test
Pursuit MX 6.0
Engage
 8.2 oz 16mm Raw Carbon Fiber Elongated $259.99 pending pending pending Pending on-court test

Frequently Asked Questions

Paddles under $150 from reputable brands like Paddletek and Gearbox perform well for recreational and intermediate play. The main differences from premium paddles are in spin generation and sweet spot size, which casual players may not notice.

The Paddletek Bantam EX-L offers the best combination of performance, durability, and price for most players under $150.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Ratings marked "pending" indicate on-court testing has not yet been completed.

Related Guides

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

The complete guide for every skill level

Pickleball Paddles: The Honest Buyer's Guide

Materials, shapes, and what changed in 2026