Short answer: For most beginners in Australia, a fibreglass or carbon composite paddle between about $65 and $100 is plenty. Look for a midweight paddle (about 218 to 232g), a grip that fits your hand and a forgiving face. Don't worry about advanced specs yet. If you might play a sanctioned tournament within a year, choose a paddle on the USA Pickleball or UPA-A approved list. Below are four paddles under $100 from brands with Australian websites, including our X1 Control.
Last checked: 20 October 2026. Prices change often.
Written by Peter and Amanda, founders of Ace Sporting Goods. One of the four paddles below is ours, the Ace X1 Control. Details for other brands come from each brand's Australian website on 20 October 2026. Our price shows the regular price, then our Black Friday sale price, which runs until 6 December 2026.
What should a beginner look for in a paddle?
- Comfort first. Pickleball Australia says beginners should put comfort ahead of materials, and that no marketing claim replaces how a paddle feels in your hand.
- Midweight. Pickleball Australia calls midweight (7.7 to 8.2 oz, about 218 to 232g) ideal for most players. See our weight guide.
- A forgiving face. Pickleball Australia says a standard widebody shape gives the largest sweet spot. Most sources say thicker cores are more forgiving. See 14mm vs 16mm.
- The right grip size. If you're unsure, go smaller. You can build a grip up with an overgrip, but you can't make it smaller. Our buying guide shows how to measure.
- A fair returns policy. It's hard to know what suits you until you've played with it.
Which paddles under $100 are worth a look?
| Paddle | Price shown (AUD) | Face | Thickness | Weight | Approval claimed | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace X1 Control | $98, sale $64 | Fibreglass composite | 11mm | 220g | Listing in progress | 1 year |
| Nuplay nüLITE | $99, sale $75 | Carbon composite | Not stated | 215g | "USAPA Approved" | None found on site |
| PikPok Magpie Swoop | $79 | Fibreglass, granular finish | 16mm | 230g | None stated | Limited 12 month structural |
| HEAD Kickstarter | $79.99 | Fibreglass composite | 15mm | 220g | None stated | 1 year |
Sources: each brand's Australian product and warranty pages, 20 October 2026.
Ace X1 Control: a lively first paddle with a 30 day trial
The X1 Control is our entry level paddle, built as the step up from a cheap set. It has a fibreglass face and an 11mm polymer honeycomb core for a lively, easy feel, and it weighs a light 220g. At 40.2 x 20 cm it sits in Pickleball Australia's standard widebody size range, the shape with the largest sweet spot. The grip is 12.5 cm long with a 10.8 cm circumference. It comes with a 30 day play trial (see our refund policy) and a 1 year warranty. When you're ready to step up, our X1 All Court adds a raw carbon face and a 16mm core.
Nuplay nüLITE: the lightest here
At 215g it's the lightest of the four, and Nuplay states it's USAPA approved. It has a carbon composite face. Nuplay doesn't state its thickness, and we couldn't find a warranty page on its site.
PikPok Magpie Swoop: the thickest core
A 16mm polymer honeycomb core with a fibreglass face, at 230g. It offers a limited 12 month structural warranty. Its page doesn't state approval.
HEAD Kickstarter: under $80, with a 1 year warranty
A fibreglass composite face, 15mm thick and 220g. HEAD offers a 1 year warranty in Australia. Its page doesn't state approval.
Are cheap pickleball paddles OK?
For a first hit, yes. A cheap set is a fine way to find out if you like the game. That's the player we designed the X1 range for: someone who has outgrown a cheap set but doesn't want to pay top prices for a paddle.
When should you spend more than $100?
- You're playing two or more times a week.
- You want more control and spin, which usually means a raw carbon face. See fibreglass vs carbon fibre.
- You plan to play sanctioned events and need a listed paddle.
Our full comparison of 14 paddles covers the next price bands.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best pickleball paddle for a beginner in Australia?
There isn't one best paddle. A comfortable, midweight paddle under $100 with a fair returns policy is a good start. If tournaments are in your plans, make sure it's on an approved list.
Should a beginner buy a 16mm paddle?
Often, yes. Paddletek says new players should generally use a medium or thick core. Most sources describe thicker cores as more forgiving.
Fibreglass or carbon for a beginner?
Either works. Fibreglass is usually cheaper with more pop. Carbon gives more control. Pickleball Australia says comfort matters more than material for beginners.
Do I need an approved paddle to start?
No. Approval matters for sanctioned events, not social play.
Should I buy a paddle set for two?
If you'll play with a partner, a pair makes sense. Our X1 Control page offers multi-buy pricing.
Related guides
- Best pickleball paddles in Australia: 14 compared
- How to choose a pickleball paddle
- What weight pickleball paddle should you get?
- When to replace your pickleball grip tape
Sources
- Pickleball Australia, Choosing the right paddle. Checked 20 October 2026.
- Paddletek, Paddle buyer's guide. Checked 20 October 2026.
- Product and warranty pages: Nuplay nüLITE, PikPok Magpie Swoop, PikPok warranty, HEAD Kickstarter, HEAD warranty. All checked 20 October 2026.
- Ace Sporting Goods, refund and warranty policy.