2024 Hot List Gold Award

When it comes to value, or the best bang for your buck, the Friday Original paddle wins. I wanted to find a good paddle under $80 to include in my best budget paddle list and this is the best one I found. Plus, you can get two for $100 which is a very good deal. This paddle set blows out any other entry level paddle set I’ve tried from Walmart, Amazon, and other major paddle manufacturers that offer paddle sets around $100.

Its medium weight and all-court style play makes it suitable for a wide range of players by giving you a little bit of everything. It has a solid, medium stiff feel that is lively off the face and responds well. I never felt lacking for power or wished the sweet spot was bigger which are both things that are usually missing at this price range. It is a little on the heavier side and though the sweet spot is good, it isn’t oversized which is something to be aware of.

The spin out of the box is actually quite good though the spin wears out quicker than premium, raw carbon paddles since it uses a paint style grit.

Compared to similar, more expensive performance level paddles this feels a little stiffer and the grit wears out quicker, but other than that I think it holds its own well with higher priced paddles and is perfect for casual players who want a good paddle but don’t want to break the bank.

They also have a ton of fun paddle face designs which is cool if your into that, but they don’t have any designs that aren’t at least a little in your face which is a bummer if you just want a simple design that isn’t flashy. 

The bottom line: If you’re looking for a paddle set to get started and don’t want the paddle to hold you back as you learn and improve, then this is a very good option.