Why Are Pickleball Paddles So Expensive?

Have you ever wondered why are pickleball paddles so expensive? When I first started shopping for pickleball paddles, I was shocked to see prices ranging from $25 to over $300. After spending years in the paddle business and testing hundreds of models, I can tell you there are very specific reasons behind these costs.

The short answer is that expensive paddles use premium materials like carbon fiber, advanced manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge technology. However, the complete story involves everything from global supply chains to brand marketing strategies.

When people ask me why are some pickleball paddles so expensive, I always start by explaining the three main price categories. Each tier serves different player needs and budgets.

Most pickleball paddles under $30 are made from materials like graphite, fiberglass, or even wood. Once you go above $30, you’ll start seeing paddles made with carbon fiber. You can easily check this on platforms like TEMU or AliExpress. In the $40–$50 price range, you can even find OEM versions of high-end paddles like the Perseus IV PRO or ones made with Kevlar carbon fiber. USAPA-approved paddles are also available for around $69 on AliExpress or Paddlesshop.

At Paddlesshop, we believe everyone should have access to quality gear, which is why we offer reliable and affordable paddles in this price range.

These mid-range pickleball paddles stand out in a few key areas. They often offer great power or excellent control, making them a solid choice for many players. They offer excellent performance for recreational players who play regularly. These paddles provide the best value for most players because they balance cost with performance effectively.

High-end paddles feature best carbon fiber construction, advanced core technology, and professional-grade features. These are designed for serious competitors who need every advantage possible on the court.

The biggest factor in why are pickleball paddle so expensive comes down to materials. Let me break down how different materials affect both performance and pricing.

Carbon fiber paddles represent the pinnacle of paddle technology. This aerospace-grade material offers incredible strength while remaining lightweight. According to Selkirk’s said, carbon fiber provides superior spin generation and durability compared to other materials.

• Strength-to-weight ratio: Unmatched durability without added weight
• Spin performance: Textured surface grips the ball better
• Consistency: More predictable ball response
• Cost impact: Can add $50-100 to paddle price

Carbon fiber comes in different types, such as T300, T700, T800, 3K, 12K, 18K, as well as 100% DuPont Kevlar, Kevlar-blended carbon fiber, and titanium carbon fiber. Each type has its own features and price point, so the cost of a paddle can vary depending on the material used.

The paddle core significantly impacts performance and cost.
Here are the main types:

Right now, the most common core material used in pickleball paddles is the traditional PP (polypropylene) honeycomb. Most paddles on the market still use this type of core.

However, as the sport continues to evolve, paddle technology has also taken big steps forward. In 2024, JOOLA introduced its MOD-TA 15 and 3S series, which featured EVA foam around the edges while keeping the PP honeycomb in the center. This hybrid design pushed the industry into a new wave of innovation.

Some brands have already upgraded their paddles based on JOOLA’s Gen3 core to what’s now called a Gen3.5 core. For example, our Paddlesshop Planker Paddle uses the Gen3.5 core for improved feel and performance.

By 2025, CRBN introduced its own Trufoam core, and JOOLA launched the Gen4 core. Now, newer paddles with Gen4.5 cores—built on both of these technologies—are hitting the market.

Naturally, these advanced core materials cost more than the traditional PP honeycomb, but they also offer better performance for serious players.

Aramid fiber, also known as Nomex, is not a commonly used core material for major brands.. It’s lightweight, very durable, and resistant to heat and impact. This material is part of the same family as Kevlar, and it’s known for its toughness.

In pickleball paddles, Nomex is used to make a honeycomb core that feels firm and responsive. It gives players a crisp, loud pop when the ball hits the paddle.

Nomex cores are generally more rigid than polypropylene (PP) cores, which makes them great for power and control, but they may not absorb vibration as well as softer core materials. That means they might not be the best choice for players with elbow or wrist issues.

In terms of cost, Nomex is a bit more expensive than PP, but not as costly as some of the newest foam or hybrid core technologies.

While not as widely used today as PP honeycomb, Nomex is still found in paddles from several respected brands.

Aluminum is another material sometimes used in the core of pickleball paddles. It’s shaped into a honeycomb structure, similar to polypropylene (PP) or Nomex, and then sandwiched between paddle faces.

Aluminum cores are lightweight and offer a unique blend of control and touch. The feel is more solid and “quiet” compared to Nomex, but not as soft as PP. Players who like precision and finesse shots may enjoy the feedback from an aluminum core.

However, there are a few reasons why aluminum isn’t widely used today. First, it doesn’t offer the same power or vibration dampening as newer materials. It also tends to dent more easily under impact, which can affect durability.

From a cost perspective, aluminum is not particularly expensive, but it doesn’t perform as well as PP or advanced foam cores when it comes to modern gameplay needs.

Because of these drawbacks, most major brands no longer use aluminum in their paddles. It’s mostly found in older models or in niche designs for players who prefer a more traditional feel. Overall, it’s a less common choice in today’s paddle market.

In 2025, CRBN broke new ground by introducing the first-ever 100% TruFoam core pickleball paddle, calling it a true Gen‑4 innovation. Instead of the familiar PP honeycomb structure, CRBN designed a proprietary, high-density foam core inspired by surfboard material—no honeycomb, no hybrid, just solid foam engineered with precise internal voids for optimal weight, flex, and energy return. This fully foam design solves several long-standing issues: no more core crush, no random “dead spots,” and no break-in period—performance stays consistent from day one.

Compared to traditional PP honeycomb, TruFoam offers a softer, more cushioned feel with longer ball dwell time, creating a more controlled touch—especially useful for dinks, drops, and finesse plays—while still delivering solid pop and spin . The foam core also absorbs vibration better, meaning less shock to your arm and a quieter sound on contact .

Would you like to explore how it stacks up against other Gen-4 cores like JOOLA’s or get help finding one that fits your play style? Why not try both?

Basically, the thermoforming Pickleball Paddles require 30 manufacturing processes, while the cold pressing process requires only 5 manufacturing processes.

Premium paddles require sophisticated manufacturing processes that drive up costs significantly. Unlike mass-produced budget paddles, high-end models often involve hand assembly and rigorous quality control.

Mold costs are an important part of making pickleball paddles. For standard paddle thicknesses like 11mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, and 19/20mm, the mold cost is usually spread evenly across all the paddles made with that mold.

But if you want a paddle with a custom thickness or unique shape, you’ll need to create a new mold. In that case, the cost of the mold is either fully covered by you or split 50/50 with the factory. This gives you an exclusive paddle design that no one else has.

It’s a good option for brands or players who want something truly custom and are ready to invest in their own unique mold. According to industry sources, manufacturing costs can account for 30-40% of a paddle’s retail price.

When it comes to the manufacturing process of pickleball paddles, not all methods are created equal. Generally, the quality and durability improve as you move from cold-pressed to hot-formed, and finally to thermoformed unibody paddles.

Cold-pressed paddles are made using a simpler process where the paddle face and core are pressed together at room temperature. This method is more affordable but can lead to weaker bonding and less durability over time.

Thermoformed paddles use heat during the pressing process, which helps bond the materials more securely. These paddles offer better consistency and are more durable than cold-pressed ones.

At the top of the chain is the thermoformed unibody paddle. This advanced process molds the paddle as one solid piece using high heat and pressure. The result is a stronger frame, better edge durability, and a more responsive feel. Thermoformed paddles are known for their solid construction and longer lifespan, which is why they’re preferred by many players.

In short, if you’re looking for top-tier performance and build quality, thermoformed unibody paddles are the way to go.

When you ask why are pickleball paddles so expensive, R&D represents a huge but often hidden cost factor. Leading brands invest millions annually in developing new technologies and materials.

Technology Development Areas

Companies focus their R&D budgets on several key areas:

Surface texture optimization: Creating patterns that maximize spin without violating regulations

Sweet spot enhancement: Engineering cores and faces for larger effective hitting areas

Noise reduction technology: Developing quieter paddles to address community concerns

New Paddle Design：For instance, the Paddle with adjustable swingweight launched by our Paddlesshop

Vibration dampening systems: Reducing arm fatigue and improving comfort

Paddle Core: Do you want to make your core different from others? Upgrading or making changes based on the latest core materials also requires costs and Paddle Demo testing

Player Partnerships

Paddle Design: Thinking about working with creative designers to develop unique paddle patterns? Or maybe teaming up with influencers or well-known players for signed or limited edition paddles? These are exciting ideas—but keep in mind, they also come with extra costs. It’s something to plan for when building your brand or product line.

To promote your own Pickleball Paddle, you need to leverage external promotional forces, such as sponsoring professional players and sending Paddles to KOL’s and influencers on social media, like Chris from Pickleball Studio. If an KOL/influencer promotes Paddle and a player uses the KOL/influencer’s exclusive discount code to place an order, you still need to pay a referral fee to the influencer.

Some brands place online advertisements on Google or social media networks, which is also a marketing expense.

In order for paddling to be legally used in tournaments, USAP approval or UPA-A approval is also required.

UPA-A approval fee:
$20,000 per year (for each brand)
$2,000 per paddle (valid for 24 months)

USAP approval fee:
Manufacturer Registration Fee Price: $1,750.00
$4,500 per new paddle

Brand reputation plays a massive role in paddle pricing. Consumers willingly pay premiums for trusted names, even when similar performance might be available for less money.

The Psychology of Premium Pricing

Several psychological factors influence paddle buying decisions:

–Performance placebo effect: Players often perform better with equipment they believe is superior

–Social signaling: Premium paddles communicate serious commitment to the sport

–Risk aversion: Established brands feel safer than unknown alternatives

The packaging and extra accessories also add to the total cost of a paddle. Some brands just use bubble bags, while others design custom boxes and include small gifts like extra paddle accessories.

International trade factors significantly impact paddle pricing, especially for US consumers. These hidden costs often surprise newcomers to the sport.

From May 2 to May 21, 2025, the import or export tariff for American players was 145% on shipments between China and the U.S. Now, it has dropped to around 30%–45%.  It is still uncertain whether there will be changes in the future.

This is the question I get asked most: why are pickleball paddles so expensive and are they actually worth the cost? The answer depends entirely on your playing style, frequency, and goals.

Value Analysis by Player Type

Casual Players (1-2 times per month)

For occasional players, premium paddles often provide diminishing returns. A quality mid-range paddle in the $69-$100 range typically offers the best value proposition.

Regular Recreational Players (1-3 times per week)

These players benefit most from the $120-180 range. At this level, improved comfort and consistency features justify the investment without reaching into truly premium territory.

Competitive Tournament Players

For serious competitors, premium paddles can provide measurable advantages. The investment makes sense when small performance gains can determine match outcomes.

⚖️ Paddlesshop’s Value Formula

I recommend spending roughly $10-15 per month you plan to play. Monthly players should target $120-180 paddles, while weekly players can justify $200+ investments.

So why are pickleball paddles so expensive? The answer involves a complex mix of premium materials, advanced manufacturing, R&D investments, brand positioning, and market dynamics. While high prices can seem shocking initially, understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions.

The key is matching your paddle investment to your playing level and commitment. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first quality paddle or a competitive player seeking every advantage, there’s a paddle that offers the right balance of performance and value for your needs.