Have you recently joined in the pickleball journey? Many beginners often ask: how much should I spend on a pickleball paddle? Price is a significant factor when choosing a paddle.
It is okay to play with an inexpensive paddle if you are only a seasonal player who wants some entertainment. But competitive playing requires dedicated quality paddles.
According to several pickleball experts, you should spend $50 to $150 to buy a pickleball paddle. It needs to be comfortable and gives you a solid feeling to play various shots.
Choosing the right paddle is crucial to support your gameplay when it comes to competitive playing. Let’s learn about different types of paddles and their price range.
Do Expensive Pickleball Paddles Make A Difference?
The average price of a pickleball paddle can be anywhere from $10 to $200. Is there a better chance to play better with expensive paddles? A high price tag doesn’t always mean they are the best option in the market.
No doubt, your pickleball skills play a crucial role in your performance. But for choosing a reliable pickleball paddle, you want to consider various aspects of a pickleball paddle, including its weight, materials, grip, handle size, edge guard, and comfortability.
However, better paddles have a higher price tag than cheaper options. After all, manufacturers use better quality materials and a more practical manufacturing process to make them. This increases the overall cost of the paddle.
What Is The Difference Between A Cheap And Expensive Pickleball Paddle?
There is a considerable difference exist between a cheap and expensive pickleball paddle. You can’t expect them to provide the same level of satisfaction. Also, you will notice a vast difference in roughness, sweet spot, texture, and spinning ability.
Ball Reaction
The most significant difference between a cheap and high-quality pickleball racquet is how the ball will behave off the face. Simply put, the particular way the ball will react when the ball touches the paddle surface. But some technical things can only be captured by experts.
Textures Vs. Smooth
Cheap quality paddles, like wooden paddles, have a smooth surface. In contrast, a decent quality paddle comes with a textured face. The ball can spin precisely on texture surfaces, ensuring a more normalized and consistent performance.
Sweet Spot
A generous sweet spot delivers a better and more accurate response from the pickleball paddle. You can take it as a bullseye of a target. Unfortunately, cheap paddles don’t have a large sweet spot. Its response won’t be up to the mark like a good-quality pickleball racquet.
Grip
The way you hold the paddle using your fingers and palm plays a big impact on your gameplay. Choosing a compatible, perfect-sized, and comfortable grip will help you to focus more on your gameplay. Compared to low-priced paddles, expensive paddles have a better grip.
Durability
Paddles don’t last a lifetime. Solid construction and high-quality materials make the pickle racquet more long-lasting. Decent-quality paddles are more durable than cheap paddles. However, inexpensive paddles like wooden paddles have long-lasting durability.
Different Types Of Paddles Based On Price
Paddles come in various types. Often, the material used for pickleball paddles greatly impacts its price apart from other aspects.
| Paddle Type | Price Range |
| Wooden Paddles | $10 to $30 |
| Mid-range Paddles | $50 to $150 |
| High-end Paddles | $150 to $200 |
Wooden Paddles
Wooden paddles are the most affordable pickleball racquet. Their price ranges from $10 to $40. In addition, they are heavyweight and make annoying “pop” sounds.
These paddles are not play-friendly. Your shots will end up being different than what your body language would have told. This economy paddle is ideal for basic play.
For example, you want to buy a bulk quantity of paddles for playing in the education institute, office, or any other place. All you care about is playing for several hours.
Mid-range Paddles
Both composite and graphite paddles are available in the mid-range. Their price ranges from $50 to $150. These paddles have a lightweight construction and offer excellent maneuverability.
They can improve your playing experience gradually. The way balls will stick to the face appears pretty interesting. A significant difference exists regarding consistency for any average shots.
You will get a solid feel while striking the ball. These paddles come with fiberglass or carbon fiber face. Plus, they generally have a polymer or aluminum core.
High-end Paddles
High-end paddles have a premium price. Their price ranges from $150 to $200 or more. Most of them are made from graphite material. These paddles are lightweight and highly functional.
Regardless of your skill level, this all-around paddle is a great choice. It is simple to use. Additionally, their superior construction makes them a top choice for professional playing.
However, the high price tag doesn’t make it ideal for everyone, especially if you are looking for a budget-friendly option.
How Much To Spend To Buy A Pickleball Paddle?
Not all pickleball paddles have similar construction. Though wooden paddles are the most affordable option, experts don’t recommend them since they are not user-friendly to play.
So, what is the minimum money to spend on a pickleball paddle? You should at least spend $50 to $150 to buy a pickleball paddle. However, it will depend on your playing preference.
A better quality paddle is needed because your playing frequency will increase over time. Playing with a too cheap paddle will not give the necessary support you will need for it.
Quality Matters!
However, excessively priced paddles don’t always mean they are the best in the market. You need to consider some crucial aspects to get the best bet.
But high-quality paddles have a slightly higher price tag than average quality ones. If you want to uplift your pickleball skills, invest in a decent quality paddle.
It can improve your play quality. More importantly, you will feel more comfortable and conveniently playing with such a paddle.
As a long-term investment, a good-quality paddle can last for a decent period if you take care of it properly. Hence, invest wisely to get the best value from your investment.
Are Expensive Paddles More Durable Than Cheaper Paddles?
The direct answer is “No.” Wooden pickleball paddles are the most affordable option, but they are the most durable paddle. However, they are not a suitable option for user-friendly gameplay. That’s why most professional players don’t prefer them to use.
High-quality pickleball paddles can last around one year, even after playing professional tournaments regularly. The more you play with the racquet, the more damage it will have. Playing less frequently means the paddle will have minimal damage and last longer.
Hence, the average lifespan of a pickleball paddle depends on your playing frequency. But you need to be more careful while playing with the paddle. Avoid dropping the paddle on the paddle frequently. Otherwise, its edge guard will be damaged and cause wear and tear faster.
Conclusion
Are you still wondering about this question: How much should I spend on a pickleball paddle? Choosing the right pickleball racquet is crucial if you want to go for competitive playing. Otherwise, it won’t support your gameplay. You will fail to implement your expected shots.
Compared to cheaper paddles, high-grade pickleball racquets have a higher price tag. But it is worth the money you spend. Nevertheless, consider all the important aspects mentioned above when selecting a pickleball paddle. Don’t just blindly choose a pickleball racquet.
Read more: Difference Between Heavy, Mid Weight And Light Weight Pickleball Paddles
