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Best and Worst Budget Pickleball Paddles for 2024

July 25, 2024

Discover the Best Budget Pickleball Paddles for 2024

From fishnet dresses to boyfriend blush, the top summer trends are reviving our wardrobes and vanities this season. So why would we neglect our pickleball gear? Like the standout runway fashion that is now touching down on the streets, the 2024 budget pickleball paddle trends will imbue your game with a fresh reset.

From New York to Paris, pickleball paddles have played a key role in themes of countless recent collections. Case in point: In February in Manhattan, the Honolulu Pickleball Company’s Sword and Shield J2 paddle was a “nod to the concept of making the everyday sublime—even a trip to the pickleball court,” the show notes said. The momentum of statement paddles remained strong through Paris Fashion Week. With their Fall/Winter 2024 collections, both young designer brands such as CRBN and heritage houses like Franklin gave us archetypes of players who embraced paddles with abandon, asking: Why not? Why not wield a paddle with a large sweet spot and high stability, à la Honolulu? Or opt for a paddle that offers a unique challenge, as displayed by Franklin?

The teeming supply of paddles has magnified the transformative power of pickleball gear in a game and made the case for enjoying it every day. From lightweight paddles primed for precision to high-end options that embrace a competitive spirit, here are the seven top budget pickleball paddles to enjoy this season.

1. Honolulu Pickleball Company Sword and Shield J2

Honolulu Pickleball Company Sword and Shield J2

The Honolulu Pickleball Company Sword and Shield J2 is a standout in the budget category, offering a large sweet spot and high stability. This paddle is designed for players who prioritize control and precision in their gameplay. The lightweight feel of the Sword and Shield J2 makes it easy to maneuver, allowing for faster hand speed and better control over shots. The paddle features a premium Japanese raw T700 Toray carbon fiber surface and a thermoformed unibody with perimeter edge foam construction, ensuring durability and performance.

The Aero Hybrid Plus shape of the paddle, combined with its 16mm thick premium polypropylene core, provides a plush paddle face that enhances control and spin. The Connected Reflex Technology™ further boosts hand speed, power, and spin, making it a versatile choice for players of all skill levels. The Sword and Shield J2 is USA Pickleball approved and comes with a 6-month warranty, adding to its appeal as a reliable and high-performing paddle.

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2. CRBN 3x Power Series

CRBN 3x Power Series

The CRBN 3x Power Series is a high-end paddle designed for serious players. Priced at $230, this paddle features a thermoformed unibody design and a T700 raw carbon fiber surface for maximum spin and durability. The lightweight design, at 8 ounces, and the reinforced handle to dampen vibrations make it a top choice for players looking to improve their game with a paddle that offers excellent spin, power, and control.

The CRBN 3x Power Series is ideal for players who want to dominate the court with precision and power. The large sweet spot and excellent spin capabilities make it a versatile paddle for various playing styles. While it is expensive, the CRBN 3x Power Series provides a significant performance boost for those who can take advantage of its advanced features.

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3. 2024 SLK Helix Pro

2024 SLK Helix Pro

The 2024 SLK Helix Pro is designed for players seeking a balance of power and finesse. This paddle features a hybrid face made of carbon fiber and fiberglass, providing a perfect blend of power and control. The thermoformed carbon fiber core ensures unmatched control, making it an excellent choice for players who want to dominate the court with precision.

The SLK Helix Pro is priced competitively, making it an affordable option for pickleball enthusiasts. The paddle's hybrid face and thermoformed core enhance its durability and overall playing experience, making it a valuable addition for both beginners and experienced players. The SLK Helix Pro is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon and Walmart, with various options for shipping and delivery.

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4. Carbon Pickle Pro Series 3K

Carbon Pickle Pro Series 3K

The Carbon Pickle Pro Series 3K is a high-performance paddle designed for professional-grade play. This paddle features a 3K carbon fiber surface for ultimate strength and durability, and a 19mm honeycomb core that offers a balance between power and control. The tennis-style grip ensures comfort and familiarity for tennis players, making it a versatile choice for various playing styles.

The Carbon Pickle Pro Series 3K is approved for tournament play by the USA Pickleball Association and comes with a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing quality and longevity. The paddle's robust construction ensures it can withstand vigorous gameplay, making it a reliable choice for serious players. The Carbon Pickle Pro Series 3K is available for $99, making it a competitive option in the market.

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5. 2024 SLK by Selkirk

2024 SLK by Selkirk

The 2024 SLK by Selkirk is a versatile paddle suitable for players looking for enhanced traction, stability, and a balance of power and touch. This paddle features a multi-layer face of fiberglass and graphite combined with an SX3 Honeycomb Core. The multi-layer design offers enhanced traction and stability, ensuring that every shot you make is precise and controlled.

The SLK by Selkirk pickleball paddles are designed to cater to various playing styles and skill levels. The SLK EVO 2.0 Series, for example, is designed for players seeking extensive sweet spots and a deluxe playing feel, while the SLK OMEGA Series offers added power and control with its long handle and face. The SLK Halo Series utilizes a T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Face with Raw Spin Technology, providing unmatched control and spin.

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6. Joola Ben John's Hyperion CAS

Joola Ben John's Hyperion CAS

The Joola Ben John's Hyperion CAS is designed for spin enthusiasts, offering a high grit carbon abrasion surface and excellent control with a comfortable grip. This paddle features a carbon abrasion surface with high grit and spin capabilities, making it a favorite among players who enjoy adding spin to their shots. The SH grip elongated handle offers a comfortable grip while the polypropylene Honeycomb Core provides excellent control and stability.

The Joola Ben John's Hyperion CAS series includes two pickleball paddles: the CAS 16MM and the CAS 13.5MM. Both paddles feature a more aggressive shape that offers an ideal amount of control and versatility on different types of shots. The CAS technology utilizes a multi-step, abrasion sand-blasted process, creating a unique, textured surface for increased spin. The paddles provide reduced vibration and a generous sweet spot with amazing feedback, feel, and control necessary for dinks, blocks, and drives.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2024 budget pickleball paddle trends offer a variety of options for players of all skill levels. From the lightweight and high-performing Honolulu Pickleball Company Sword and Shield J2 to the affordable and challenging Franklin Activator, there is a paddle for everyone. The CRBN 3x Power Series and the 2024 SLK Helix Pro provide advanced features for serious players, while the Carbon Pickle Pro Series 3K and the 2024 SLK by Selkirk offer versatility and durability. Finally, the Joola Ben John's Hyperion CAS is perfect for spin enthusiasts looking to enhance their game. With these top budget pickleball paddles, you can elevate your game and enjoy the sport to the fullest.

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