There’s a jungle out there when it comes to finding a new pickleball paddle. When this game was invented back in the 60’s, paddles were usually made of laminated wood. Nowadays, with the massive popularity of pickleball, new materials and racket types are coming out every week. Some of them, much loved in reviews all over the internet, are very sophisticated but also quite expensive.
Let’s now look at five alternatives for, I wouldn’t call them budget paddles, but paddles with great quality and value when looking at the price tag. All of these paddles works great for most beginner and intermediate players and the price is between 90-130 USD.
Top 5 Best Value Pickleball Paddles
Six Zero Quartz
According to most, this is one of the best of the latest performance budget paddles, together with some of the options below. The Six Zero Quartz has a uni-body design and offers a low swingweight, making it feel light to play with and very easy to maneuver. The rather unusual 15mm polypropylene core gives good power, and a tighter sweet spot compared to other standard shaped paddles. However, the 16 inch overall paddle length, 5 inch handle and a the 4.25 inch grip diameter makes sure the maneuverability is top notch.
The T300 Raw Carbon Fiber has been chosen for the face material, for improved spin when needed.
Overall, the Six Zero Quartz is a great all court paddle for most levels, being very control oriented and has a soft, comfortable feel. If you’re looking for a lot of power, it might not be for you, but it’s enough for most players.
Specs
| Weight: 7.9 oz average |
| Core: 15 mm Honeycomb Polypropylene Core |
| Hitting Surface: T300 Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Grip Size: 4.25 inch |
| Handle Length: 5.0 inch |
| Paddle Length: 16.0 inch |
| Paddle Width: 7.9 inch |
| Grip: Six Zero Factory Grip |
Get the Six Zero Quartz from Pickleball Warehouse for $89.99.
Neonic Force
Used by many, and still one of the best options for all-court category paddles under $100.
The Neonic Force has some unique features, but is an overall great paddle for power, pop and control. This paddle is elongated with a 16mm thickness and also a lighter swing weight of 116, usually we see this more on hybrid shaped paddles.
One of the reasons that this is a popular paddle is that it gives a good amount of power and pop, it’s fun to smash the ball with it and it still provides good control and overall feel in other areas. The only area where it lacks slightly would be the spin control.
The Neonic Force is a well balanced, quality feel paddle that is just great value for just under $100.
Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz avg |
| Swingweight | 116 |
| Twistweight | 6.35 |
| Length x Width | 16.5″ x 7.5″ |
| Handle Length | 5.3″ |
| Thickness | 16mm |
11SIX24 Monarch Jelly Bean
For anyone looking at the Neonic Force but wants more quality for spin, the 11SIX24 Jelly Bean paddle from Monarch is surely an option to consider.
This paddle has an interesting carbon fiber-fiberglass-carbon fiber set up for great spin and a crisp feel but is not thermoformed like the other All Court versions from Monarch. This gives it a softer feel but of course, not as much power and pop.
Available in either 14 or 16mm, with a compact design and with the 5.75 inch handle length it works great for single or double hand grips.
The Jelly Bean is a good option for anyone looking for a durable, price-worthy paddle with great control and spin features. Overall it’s an easy to play with paddle with a big sweet spot.
Specs
| Weight: 7.9-8.2 oz |
| Core: Honeycomb Polypropylene Core |
| Hitting Surface: Two layers of T700 Raw Carbon Fiber with 1 layer of Fiberglass between |
| Grip Size: 4.125 inch |
| Handle Length: 5.75 inch |
| Paddle Length: 15.82 inch |
| Paddle Width: 8.04 inch |
| Grip: 11SIX24 Factory Grip |
Find the Monarch Jelly Bean at Pickleball Warehouse for only $99.99!
Neonic Flow
Another one from Neonic makes the list of the best value Pickleball Paddles. Their second release since the Force paddle offers great control and spin!
The Neonic Flow has a great performance level for its price ($129.99) and gives that plush feel that many wants.
The “Flow” features a hybrid shape design, average size sweet spot with a good pop and plush feel overall. The elongated handle makes it comfortable to hold and gives great power on serves and overheads. It’s also great for 2-handed backhands.
Compared to other hybrid shaped paddles, the Neonic Flow is a bit lighter and has more spin and pop. A good alternative for control players who want both power and spin.
Specs
The Neonic Flow is a custom shaped thermoformed, foam injected perimeter paddle.
Length: 16.25″
Width: 7.4″ flare up to 7.625″
Surface: Toray T700 Carbon Fiber
Grip Length: 5.5″ (6.0″ usable with overgrip)
Grip Circumference: 4.125”
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight Range: 8.0-8.2oz
Swing Weight: 115
Twist Weight: 6.6
Gearbox G2 Quad
Last on the list for the best value pickleball paddles of this year, will be the Gearbox G2 Quad. This is a compact shape paddle with great value at just under $100.
It features Thermo-Formed construction for more stability, power and also durability. Overall length is just under 16 inches and has an extra large and forgiving sweet spot which is great if you’re still developing basic skills in the sport. We would say it’s a very decent option both when it comes to control (near the kitchen) or power near the baseline.
This paddle weighs only 8 ounces, is easy on the arm and smooth to maneuver.
Overall, a great budget paddle with surprisingly good spin feel and more than enough power for most beginner to intermediate level players.
Specs
| Average Weight: 8.0 oz |
| Core: Polypropylene Core |
| Hitting Surface: Carbon Fiber Composite w/ Epoxy Thermoset Resins |
| Grip Size: 4 inch |
| Grip Length: 4.75 inch |
| Paddle Length: 15.85 inch |
| Paddle Width: 8 inch |
| Paddle Thickness: 11 mm. (0.55 in.) |
| Grip: Gearbox Smooth Wrap |
Buy the Gearbox G2 Quad over at Pickleball Warehouse!
