Best Pickleball Paddles Under $150
The under-$150 band is where many recreational players find the best balance of construction quality and cost. In our current catalog, that still often means strong fiberglass options—stretch to premium carbon when you know you need control or power traits.
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Quick picks
Jump to a recommendation, then read the full write-up below.
| Category | Recommendation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm | Check price |
| Best lightweight value | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 | Check price |
Why this budget works
Below $100 you are mostly buying capability. Between $100 and $150 you can often buy clearer play-style intent. Premium carbon usually starts higher, so do not force a brand tax before your preferences are clear.
Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
Best for: Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Length | 16.5" |
| Width | 7.5" |
| Grip length | 5.6" |
| Grip circumference | 4.5" |
| Surface | Fiberglass with MaxGrit |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Shape | elongated |
| Price range | $70–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Approachable price for a USAP-approved paddle
- +16mm core favors control and a softer feel for newer players
- +MaxGrit surface helps generate spin without a steep learning curve
Tradeoffs
- −Not as powerful as premium carbon paddles
- −Larger 4.5" grip may feel thick for smaller hands
- −Build quality is solid for the price, not flagship-tier
Who should buy it
Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle Players shopping around or under $100 Recreational players who want a forgiving fiberglass face
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a carbon face for max spin Competitive players seeking premium thermoformed construction
Alternatives
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →
Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
Best for: Players who want a truly lightweight paddle
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Paddletek |
| Weight | 7.0–7.5 oz |
| Thickness | 12.7mm |
| Length | 15.625" |
| Width | 7.75" |
| Grip length | 5.0" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
| Surface | Textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid |
| Core | Bantam PolyCore polymer honeycomb |
| Shape | standard |
| Price range | $80–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Light static weight (7.0–7.5 oz) for hand speed
- +Standard shape is approachable for most recreational players
- +Strong value from a established paddle brand
Tradeoffs
- −12.7mm core is thinner than typical “control” 16mm recommendations
- −Fiberglass hybrid face, not carbon
- −Less brand hype than JOOLA/Selkirk for some shoppers
Who should buy it
Players who want a truly lightweight paddle Recreational players seeking faster hands at the kitchen Shoppers who want a reputable sub-$100 all-court option
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a thick 16mm+ control core Players chasing elongated reach or premium raw carbon
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →
Troxgo Editors
Research & editorial
We research manufacturer specs, compare paddles against consistent criteria, and explain who each product actually makes sense for—without fabricated “we tested it” claims.
Published 2026-03-20 · Updated 2026-03-20