Are you looking for the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players under $100? If so, you’re in the right place!
Pickleball is an exciting and challenging sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun with friends and family. In order to maximize your performance and get the most out of pickleball, it’s important to have the right paddle.
However, paddles can be expensive, and finding the best ones under $100 can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this list of eight of the best pickleball paddles under $100 for intermediate players. We’ll cover everything from design features to price points so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to finding the perfect paddle for you.
What to Look for in a best pickleball paddles for intermediate players
If you’re an intermediate pickleball player looking for a quality paddle, then you should consider the following factors when deciding on a paddle:
Weight
Paddles can range from 6 to 8 ounces in weight. If you’re an intermediate player, your paddle should have medium weight and good balance so that you can gain control over the ball better and develop your skills.
Grip/Handle
The grip is probably the most important feature of a pickleball paddle. Intermediates should look for smaller grips with narrower diameters than beginners since their hand size might have grown. The handle should also feel comfortable so that your grip won’t slip or cause fatigue when playing.
Head Size and Shape
Intermediate players need larger head sizes that are slightly smaller than those of advanced players who use them for maximum power. A larger head size allows for more control, whereas a smaller head size gives more power and spin to the ball. The shape of the head will also impact how much spin or power you can get on the ball–choose one with a teardrop shape for better control, or one with a longer body for more pop and spin.
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Best Composite best pickleball paddles for intermediate players under $100
Composite paddles are a great option for intermediate pickleball players on a budget. You can find some high-quality models that offer plenty of power and control for less than $100. Here are 8 of the best composite pickleball paddles under $100:
Head iPong Rebel Pro Carbon
With a graphite face and nylon core, this paddle offers plenty of power and control. It features an ergonomic handle designed for comfort and comes with a lifetime warranty for maximum protection.
Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle
This sturdy paddle has a graphite face and fiberglass core, providing excellent power and spin without sacrificing control. It’s also very lightweight, making it perfect for longer games and tournaments.
GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle
This paddle is designed with senior players in mind, featuring an extra-large sweet spot that makes it easier to hit the ball accurately at any angle. The handle is also slightly larger than average, giving you extra comfort during long games or matches.
PickleballCentral Fusion Pro Pickleball Paddle
With a unique hybrid construction made up of graphite, fiberglass, and wood, this paddle offers exceptional power coupled with impressive touch and feel around the net.
Selkirk Amped Prime PowerSpin Graphite Paddle
Featuring superlight construction with advanced materials including carbon fiber strips and an aramid core, this paddle provides maximum spin while still offering excellent control over the ball placement on each shot or serve.
Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle
For the ultimate in power and spin, the Onix Z5 is a great budget pickleball paddle. It’s designed with strong core material, allowing players to transfer maximum energy to the ball. The large hitting area also makes it easier to place shots.
Pickleball Now Graphite Two Pro
Featuring a wide-hitting surface and ultra-strong core material, this paddle offers powerful shots and excellent spin for maximum control. It also comes with a comfortable rubber handle that makes playing longer games a breeze.
Pro-Lite Sports Ultra Classic Graphite Pickleball Paddle
This sturdy paddle has a graphite face and fiberglass core, making it perfect for intermediate players who want a strong, yet lightweight paddle. The extra-large sweet spot allows for more accuracy when hitting shots, while the ergonomic handle provides added comfort.
Intermediate pickleball players can find a great paddle for under $100 if they know what to look for. The right head size and shape, the right materials, and the right weight are all key components in finding the perfect paddle. A composite paddle offers great benefits in terms of power, control, spin, accuracy, and comfort all while staying under the price point. With any of the 8 picks above, intermediate players can take their game to the next level without breaking the bank.
Best Graphite pickleball paddles for intermediate players under $100
For intermediate players looking for a competitive edge, graphite pickleball paddles are the perfect tool. Graphite paddles offer great control, accuracy, and power thanks to their lightweight yet strong material. Here are the top three graphite pickleball paddles for intermediates under $100:
Onix Evoke Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Evoke is a great intermediate paddle, offering excellent pop and control. Its 7-inch wide face makes it ideal for those looking to hit powerful angled shots while its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver and control.
Selkirk Amped Omni Pickleball Paddle
With its forgiving enlarged sweet spot, the Selkirk Amped Omni Pickleball Paddle is the perfect paddle for intermediates who are still developing their skillset. It offers great power without sacrificing accuracy or control.
Harrow Scream Pickleball Paddle The Harrow Scream is a great all-around pickleball paddle that delivers excellent performance at a mid-level price point. It features a 7-inch wide face and extra balance that makes it light and easy to swing yet hard-hitting when you need it to be.
Wooden best pickleball paddles for intermediate players$100
Wooden paddles are the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players, as they provide excellent control and power. Plus, they’re usually a bit more affordable than composite paddles, making them ideal for those on a budget. Below are some of the best wooden pickleball paddles you can find if you’re looking to stay under $100.
HANISNA Pickleball Paddle
The HANISNA Pickleball Paddle offers the perfect combination of power and control, making it great for intermediate players who need finesse in their game. The paddle has an incredibly lightweight core that helps reduce wrist fatigue and provides extra control that allows you to make precise shots with ease. It also has a slightly oversized face to give you increased power on your swings.
Gamma 2.0 Pro Pickleball Paddle
The Gamma 2.0 Pro Pickleball Paddle is one of the most versatile paddles on the market today, providing excellent control and power in every shot you make. The paddle is made with a high-quality composite core that helps reduce vibration and provides an extra level of control so that you can hit shots with precision and accuracy. It also features an oversized head which allows for extra power on your swings.
Hybrid best pickleball paddles for intermediate players Under $100
If you’re looking for a combination of power and control, look no further than the best hybrid pickleball paddles for intermediates under $100. Hybrid paddles offer the perfect balance between speed and spin, allowing you to customize your game to fit whatever playing style you choose.
Here are two of the best hybrid pickleball paddles available for intermediates under $100:
SLK Evo Hybrid & Soft Pickleball Paddles
The Selkirk Amped Aces is a great option for those looking for an all-around paddle that offers both power and control. It features a composite face that helps to maximize spin potential and a core made of Nomex honeycomb material that reduces vibration while providing increased durability and stability.
Onix Z5 Graphite Composite:
The Onix Z5 Graphite Composite paddle is another great choice for intermediates who want to improve their game without breaking the bank. It has an oversized design that provides plenty of power, while its graphite face helps promote spin control. Plus, its lightweight construction ensures you can move quickly on the court without sacrificing accuracy.
Polymer Core best pickleball paddle for intermediate players under $100
If you’re an intermediate player looking for the best pickleball paddles under $100, consider a polymer core paddle. Polymer core paddles are lighter and stronger than other paddle materials, making them great for those who prefer quickness and agility over power.
The Polymer core material is also perfect for intermediates who want to optimize their control and spin potential. Here are some of the best pickleball paddles with a Polymer core that offers value and performance without breaking the bank:
Gamma RZR Jolt Pickleball Paddle:
This lightweight paddle features a polymer core and graphite face, as well as an ergonomic grip that ensures maximum comfort. It’s also extremely durable and comes with at least a one-year warranty.
Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle:
This is another lightweight paddle made of a polymer core and graphite face, making it perfect for those seeking both control and power on the court. It offers excellent spin potential too, thanks to its textured surface.
Selkirk AMPED Pro Pickleball Paddle
The AMPED Pro is made with a textured fiberglass face and a polymer honeycomb core, making it ideal for those looking to maximize their spin potential while still maintaining great control over their shots. It also has an ergonomic handle design for better comfort when playing long games.
Best Large Face Pickleball Paddles for Intermediates Under $100
If you’re an intermediate pickleball player looking for a large face paddle under $100, you have several great options. Large face paddles are popular among intermediate players because they offer greater power and spin than smaller face paddles. Here are the top 8 best large-face pickleball paddles under $100 for intermediates:
HEAD Extreme Pro Lite Pickleball Paddle
The HEAD Extreme Pro Lite Pickleball Paddle is an excellent option for intermediate players looking for a light yet powerful paddle. It weighs 7-7.6 ounces and has an XL-size head perfect for power and spin. The paddle also features a composite polymer core to reduce the vibration on impact, and it comes in several stylish designs to suit your tastes.
Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle is a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight paddle with plenty of power and control. It weighs 6.9-7.2 ounces and its oversized head offers plenty of power while its textured polycarbonate surface gives you exceptional control over the ball. Plus, it features an extra-long handle that is perfect for two-handers or players who prefer an extended reach.
Engage Encore Pro Elite Pickleball Paddle
The Engage Encore Pro Elite Pickleball Paddle is ideal if you’re looking for maximum control with just enough power. It weighs 7-7.3 ounces and has an enlarged hitting surface for greater accuracy, plus it offers excellent ball feedback thanks to its unique composite core technology that reduces vibration on impact. Plus, it comes
Pros and Cons of the Different Types of Pickleball Paddle Materials
When looking for the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players under $100, it’s important to consider the materials used to build them. Each material brings its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand what those are in order to make the right choice. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of each type:
Graphite
Pros: Graphite paddles are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for beginners who need a little extra help mastering their swing. They also provide a consistent, controlled feel on each shot.
Cons: Graphite paddles may not be as durable or long-lasting as other types of paddles, so they may need to be replaced more often than other paddles.
Polymer Core
Pros: Polymer core paddles provide excellent power and ball control for intermediate players. They are also durable and long-lasting with little maintenance needed.
Cons: Polymer core paddles tend to be heavier than graphite paddles, making them difficult to maneuver quickly when playing a game at a fast pace.
Aluminum
Pros: Aluminum paddles are lightweight and have excellent power and control, making them great for intermediate players looking to step up their game. They also usually come at an affordable price point.
Cons: Though aluminum is light, it can be less durable than some other paddle materials if it’s not taken care of properly. It can also become warped after extended use or regular contact with moisture.
Proper Care & Maintenance of Your Pickleball Paddle
Taking proper care of your pickleball paddle is key to prolonging its life and ensuring you get the best performance from it. Here are some tips for taking care of your pickleball paddle:
Storage
Ensure to store your pickleball paddle in a dry place and not in direct sunlight to avoid any premature fading. Placing a towel or piece of fabric between the paddle and other objects will stop them from rubbing together and potentially damaging each other.
Cleaning
Clean any dust, dirt, and sweat off the paddle after every use with a damp cloth. Do not soak the paddle as water can cause damage, but if necessary you can use mild soap with lukewarm water to remove any heavy stains that may be present.
Protecting Your Investment
Investing in a protective cover or case helps protect your paddle when transporting it and also extends its life by keeping it dust-free when stored in cupboards or drawers. Also make sure to reposition the grip every once in a while as prolonged consistent contact with one side may damage it over time.
Conclusion
All in all, finding the best pickleball paddle for an intermediate player need not break the bank. Intermediate players are sure to find the perfect pickleball paddle that fits their needs, style of play, and budget. Whether you are looking for a graphite paddle, a wooden paddle, a mid-size paddle, or a wide-body paddle, our list of the top 8 best pickleball paddles under 100 dollars promises to have something that is right for you.
Pickleball Lover & Enthusiast. Sharing my love for the game on my website. Come join me for all the pickleball fun & get your paddle on!
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