Why are Pickleball paddles so expensive? Mystery solved
The buzz of Pickleball can be heard from anywhere in the USA. In fact, It is the fastest-growing sport in the USA.
But not just its popularity that is growing, the price of Pickleball paddles is also growing. Why are Pickleball paddles so expensive?
Pickleball paddles are too much expensive, although the paddles have simplistic shapes and sizes, right?
Pickleball paddles are smaller when compared to tennis racquets and badminton racquets.
Even after being small in size, it can cost over 200 dollars.
One of the thing that can make Pickleball paddle expensive is its high quality material, but what are the other reason behind it?
You might think Pickleball paddles are overpriced but let me prove you wrong.
Why are Pickleball paddles so expensive?
The followings are the reasons why you pay a higher price for Pickleball paddles.
High-Quality, Expensive Material:

High-quality material costs more dollars.
This is what makes Pickleball paddles expensive. You can easily get a cheap wooden Pickleball paddle for around 25 dollars which will not be very durable.
But getting a carbon fiber-made Pickleball paddle can last for years without any issue.
Using high-quality carbon fiber significantly increases the cost of Pickleball paddles.
It usually costs more than 90 dollars to buy a graphite-made paddle, and in the case of a fibreglass paddle, you might just need to pay 60+ dollars.
New Technology:

The game is relatively new in the sporting arena, and the types of equipment used in Pickleball are rapidly evolving too.
Companies that manufacture Pickleball balls and paddles experiment with different materials and invent new technology.
They try to come up with new designs to check the performance and durability of the paddles and balls.
And this is a reason that increases the Pickleball paddle price in the market.
Brand:

It is a very common practice in every industry that a brand with high brand value increases the product price because of high demand.
And this is also true in the case of the Pickleball equipment manufacturing brand.
For example, Selkirk Sport is a very popular brand, and this brand charges a high price for its Pickleball paddles because of its good reputation and brand value in the market.
Weight:

The weight of the Pickleball paddle plays a vital role in how smoothly you can manoeuvre the paddle in the air.
So it is important to find the right weight paddle for your hand. But if you want a durable paddle that will last longer, you need to get heavier Pickleball paddles.
The use of resin makes Pickleball paddle heavier. The use of resin helps the paddle survive for a long time in repetitive stress, such as hitting a Pickleball and also helps to stay in shape.
This is what increases the cost of the paddle.
High-Quality Grip:

How comfortably you hold your paddle largely depends on the grips. Some grips are made of cheap foam cover that loses their shape over time.
But high-quality rubber grip with leather coating and leather grip makes the paddle looks better and last for longer without losing shape.
And the use of leather and high-quality rubber in the grip makes the paddle expensive.
Design:

Manufacturing companies spend a lot of time and money in making the shape and design (outlook) of the Pickleball paddle better.
There are different shapes of paddles, such as (elongated shape paddles & regular shape paddles) available in the market, and each shaped Pickleball paddle offers a specific ability.
And designing and finding these shapes incurred huge costs for the manufacturer. This is what also makes the Pickleball paddle expensive.
Do Expensive Pickleball Paddles Matter?
Yes, it does matter, but only if you are playing competitive matches and want your Pickleball paddle to last for a long time.
If you want your Pickleball to last for years, then see the Pickleball paddle as an investment.
As mentioned in the upper section, expensive Pickleball paddles provide you with a lot of exclusive things, such as more power shots, smooth gripping, lasting for a longer period, and better design and shape.
All these things increase your competitiveness in the matches and make the paddle last longer. So if you care about these extra advantages, then expensive Pickleball paddles do matter.
Are expensive Pickleball paddles worth it?
Oh, absolutely! Spending hundreds of dollars on a Pickleball paddle is definitely worth it.
Who needs to pay rent or buy groceries when you can impress your fellow Pickleball players with your expensive equipment?
I mean, sure, you could just use a cheaper paddle and still have a great time playing, but why settle for that when you can have the best of the best?
Expensive Pickleball paddles can offer some advantages over cheaper ones, but whether they’re worth it depends on your skill level and how often you play.
And let’s not forget how much more confident you’ll feel on the court with your flashy, high-priced paddle.
Your game will thank you, and your wallet might not, but who cares about financial stability anyway?
Do You Necessarily Need Expensive Pickleball Paddles?
The answer is no. If you are playing a Pickleball paddle for recreation or if you are just learning how to play Pickleball, you don’t need to buy an expensive paddle.
Expensive paddles are for those who are professional players who play competitive matches and who want longevity of the paddle.
How Much Should You Spend on a Pickleball Paddle?
Well, it depends on your purpose and your budget. If you are playing for recreation and because of your hobby, then it is better to spend no more than 60/70 dollars for Pickleball paddles.
But if you are playing competitive matches for a long time, then it is better to go for an expensive one.
You should have at least 150 dollars in your budget to get a good paddle. The built quality and shape of the paddle greatly affect the games and longevity of the paddle.
So it is better to have at least 150 bucks if you are a master player.
Is Pickleball Expensive?
If you heard it as an expensive sport, then it is nothing but a rumour from noobs. Pickleball is one of the affordable sports.
For playing this game, you will not have to spend more than 200 dollars in total. With this amount, you can buy all the necessary things required for this game.
Let’s see a cost breakdown to get the idea better. To play this game, you will need a decent paddle which will cost around 50 dollars; you will also need a pair of shoes which may cost you 60 dollars.
And a packet of Pickleball will cost around 12 dollars. The final cost is playing court cost. If you make your own court in your garden, it will cost not more than 20 dollars.
And renting a court may cost you around 10/15 dollars per hour. As you can see, the total cost stays within 150 dollars, and this low cost makes playing.
Pickleball is a convenient and non-expensive sport.
FAQ on Why are Pickleball paddles so expensive?
Are elongated Pickleball paddles expensive?
Not all but most of the available elongated Pickleball paddles are expensive and can cost you from 100 to 250 dollars.
What is the most expensive Pickleball paddle?
One of the most expensive Pickleball paddles is the Joola Ben Jhons Hyperion Pickleball paddle. It may cost you around quarter thousand bucks.
Can I find used Pickleball paddles at a lower price?
Yes, it is possible to find used Pickleball paddles at a discounted price. It’s important to thoroughly check the condition of the paddle before purchasing, as used paddles may have wear and tear that could affect their performance.
Is it worth it to invest in a more expensive Pickleball paddle?
It ultimately depends on your budget and your level of play. If you are just starting out with Pickleball, it may not be necessary to invest in a top-of-the-line paddle. However, if you are a more advanced player and are looking to improve your game, a higher-quality paddle may be worth the extra cost.
Conclusion:
I was curious too and was always disturbed by the face that Pickleball paddles are expensive.
I did a research, asked my friends and other payers and tried my best to explain why are Pickleball paddles so expensive.
I guess now when you will buy a Pickleball paddle next time and see that high price range, you will surely know Why are Pickleball paddles so expensive?
I tried to share my experience, you can have different experience than mine.
Let me know about your thoughts. Feel free to Contact us or comment below.
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