Not every pickleball player wants to spend £200+ on a paddle.
Equally, not everyone wants the cheapest option available.
For many players, £100 represents the sweet spot.
It’s enough budget to access significantly better construction, materials and consistency than many entry-level paddles, while remaining a sensible investment for players who are still developing their game.
The challenge is knowing which features genuinely matter.
Because once you move beyond the beginner market, marketing claims begin appearing everywhere.
Raw carbon fibre.
Foam walls.
Thermoformed construction.
Enhanced spin.
Premium feel.
Some of those features are useful.
Some are merely expensive.
For a complete breakdown of paddle construction, materials and player suitability, see:
→ How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle: The Complete Beginner to Advanced Buying Guide
This guide focuses specifically on finding the best value beneath the £100 mark.
Why £100 Is Such an Interesting Price Point
Below £50, most paddles focus on accessibility.
Above £150, many paddles focus on optimisation.
Between £50 and £100, manufacturers often prioritise:
- Overall performance
- Build quality
- Consistency
- Long-term durability
For many club players, this is where the value curve peaks.
You gain meaningful performance improvements without entering premium pricing territory.
What Should You Expect Under £100?
At this price point, players should generally expect:
✅ Consistent construction
✅ Comfortable grip quality
✅ Reasonable durability
✅ Strong all-round performance
✅ Confidence-inspiring feel
Rather than focusing on individual technologies, focus on how well the paddle performs across every aspect of the game.
The Biggest Mistake Players Make
Many players entering this budget range start chasing specifications.
They ask:
What paddle generates the most spin?
What paddle has the most power?
What paddle has the newest technology?
The better question is:
What paddle best suits the way I play?
For more:
→ How Playing Style Should Influence Paddle Choice
A Good Paddle Doesn’t Need Every Technology
The pickleball market moves quickly.
Every year introduces new materials and construction methods.
However, many players improve more through:
- Better positioning
- Better footwork
- Better decision-making
than through buying the newest release.
The best value paddles tend to focus on fundamentals rather than gimmicks.
Control, Power or Balance?
Before buying, decide which characteristic matters most.
Control Players
Often prefer:
- Stable feel
- Larger sweet spots
- Consistency
Further reading:
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Control
Power Players
Often prefer:
- Faster response
- More pop
- Easier pace generation
Further reading:
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Power
Soft Game Players
Often prioritise:
- Touch
- Resets
- Dinking
- Kitchen confidence
Further reading:
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Soft Game Players
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Dinking
Carbon Fibre vs Fibreglass Under £100
Many paddles in this bracket use one of two common surface materials.
Carbon Fibre
Often associated with:
- Control
- Consistency
- Predictability
Fibreglass
Often associated with:
- Pop
- Pace
- Lively feel
Neither is universally better.
The right choice depends on your priorities.
For a deeper explanation:
→ Raw Carbon Fibre vs Fibreglass Pickleball Paddles
The Volleyer T700 (And Yes, We’d Obviously Suggest Our Own Paddle)
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
If you’re reading this on Volleyer, it would be slightly strange if we didn’t mention the paddle we designed ourselves.
And yes, we would obviously recommend our paddle.
However, the reason we created the Volleyer T700 wasn’t because we wanted to join the race towards increasingly expensive equipment.
It was because we felt many UK players wanted something different.
A paddle that prioritised:
✅ Consistency
✅ Control
✅ Comfort
✅ Confidence
✅ Genuine value
over flashy marketing claims.
The goal was simple:
Build a paddle that helps players improve without requiring a three-figure investment.
Whether that happens to be our paddle or somebody else’s, we believe that’s the approach most players should take when buying equipment.
Who Benefits Most From the £100 Category?
Beginners Who Plan To Play Regularly
Players already committed to the sport may benefit from skipping the cheapest options.
Intermediate Players
This price point often represents exceptional value for developing players.
Further reading:
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
Club Players
Many club-level competitors will find everything they need under £100.
Tournament Players Seeking Value
Even competitive players can find excellent performance without entering premium pricing territory.
Further reading:
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Tournament Players
Common Buying Mistakes
Spending More Than Necessary
Price and performance do not increase equally.
Buying Technology Before Understanding Your Game
Playing style remains more important than specifications.
Choosing Purely for Power
Most players benefit more from consistency.
Ignoring Comfort
Grip shape, feel and confidence matter enormously.
What Should You Read Next?
Buying Guides
→ How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle: The Complete Beginner to Advanced Buying Guide
→ Best Pickleball Paddles in the UK
Playing Style Guides
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Control
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Power
→ Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin
Equipment Guides
→ Raw Carbon Fibre vs Fibreglass Pickleball Paddles
→ Foam Pickleball Paddles: Are They Worth the Hype?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pickleball paddle under £100 good enough?
For most players, absolutely. Many club and league players never feel limited by a quality paddle in this price range.
Should I buy a £50 paddle or £100 paddle?
If you’re planning to play regularly, spending closer to £100 can often improve durability, feel and consistency.
Is the Volleyer T700 suitable for intermediate players?
Yes. The T700 was designed to offer balanced performance, consistency and value for players developing their game.
Do I need a £200 paddle to compete?
No. Good technique, positioning and decision-making remain more important than premium equipment.
Final Thoughts
For many players, £100 represents the sweet spot in pickleball equipment.
It’s enough budget to access quality construction, reliable performance and long-term usability without drifting into diminishing returns.
The key is focusing on what genuinely matters:
- Consistency
- Confidence
- Comfort
- Suitability
Because the best paddle under £100 isn’t necessarily the cheapest.
And it certainly isn’t necessarily the most expensive.
It’s the paddle that helps you play better pickleball.

