PBPRO Paddle Guides · Smart choices under $100
By Simona Moore, former professional tennis player and founder of PBPRO.
A good pickleball paddle should fit your game—and your budget. You do not have to spend $200 to find a paddle with a carbon fiber face, a comfortable grip, and specifications that suit the way you play.
This guide compares three PBPRO paddles priced below $100: PB Signature ($42.99), Signature Plus ($54.99), and Infinity Falcon Lite ($89). These are PBPRO recommendations within our own lineup, with a different choice for recreational value, improving players, and lightweight elongated performance.
Compare the Best PBPRO Pickleball Paddles Under $100
The main differences are core thickness, surface, shape, weight, and handle length. Compare those together rather than choosing by price alone.
| Feature | PB Signature | Signature Plus | Falcon Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $42.99 | $54.99 | $89 |
| Recommended for | Beginner and recreational play | Improving and intermediate players | Intermediate–advanced players seeking lighter handling |
| Face | Carbon fiber | T700 raw carbon fiber | T700 raw carbon fiber |
| Core thickness | 13mm | 16mm | 16mm |
| Construction | Cold-pressed | Cold-pressed | Thermoformed |
| Shape / dimensions | Standard · 16 × 8 in | Standard · 16 × 8 in | Elongated · 16.5 × 7.5 in |
| Listed weight | 8.0 oz | 8.0 oz | 7.8 oz |
| Handle length | 5 in | 5 in | 5.5 in |
| Grip circumference | 4.25 in | 4.25 in | 4.25 in |
Prices and listed specifications checked October 14, 2026. Prices and availability may change; check the product page before ordering.
1. Best Recreational Value: PB Signature — $42.99
If you are buying your first personal paddle, playing casually with friends, or moving beyond borrowed equipment, PB Signature is the simplest starting point in this comparison.
Its standard 16-by-8-inch shape provides a wider hitting area than the elongated Falcon Lite. The 13mm polypropylene core and carbon fiber face offer a responsive feel in a cold-pressed design, without requiring the highest budget in the group.
- Lowest price here: $42.99.
- Standard shape: A practical choice for players who prefer more face width.
- Recreational focus: Designed for beginner and recreational play.
- Color choice: Explore the current Signature collection for available colors.
2. Best Value Upgrade: Signature Plus — $54.99
Signature Plus is our value recommendation for players who are developing their soft game and want a stable, control-focused paddle without spending close to $100.
It keeps the standard 16-by-8-inch shape and 5-inch handle, while pairing a 16mm polypropylene core with a T700 raw carbon fiber face. The key construction detail is clear: Signature Plus is cold-pressed, not thermoformed.
Compared with Signature, it costs $12 more. That step brings a thicker core and a different surface specification; the better choice still depends on which response you prefer.
- 16mm core: Suits players prioritizing touch and a composed response.
- T700 raw carbon face: A textured surface for spin-oriented play.
- Standard width: For players who prefer a wider face over extra length.
- Listed 8.0 oz weight: A familiar specification for many all-court players.
3. Best for Lightweight Reach: Infinity Falcon Lite — $89
Falcon Lite is the choice for players who want an elongated paddle, a longer handle, and a slightly lower listed weight. At $89, it remains below $100 while offering a 16mm core, T700 raw carbon face, and thermoformed construction.
The 16.5-inch length adds reach, while the 5.5-inch handle provides more room for a second hand than the 5-inch handles on Signature and Signature Plus. Former tennis players who use a two-handed backhand may particularly appreciate that difference.
The tradeoff is face width: Falcon Lite measures 7.5 inches wide, compared with 8 inches for the other two models. More reach is useful, but it is worth considering whether you prefer the feel of a longer paddle or a wider hitting area.
- Listed 7.8 oz weight: The lightest of these three options.
- 5.5-inch handle: Extra room for a two-handed backhand.
- Elongated dimensions: 16.5 × 7.5 inches.
- Thermoformed construction: A different build from the cold-pressed Signature models.
What to Look for in a Pickleball Paddle Under $100
1. A shape that feels comfortable
A wider face and an elongated shape solve different preferences. Look at the complete dimensions and try a similar shape if you can. Extra reach is not automatically better for every player.
2. Weight and balance together
Listed weight is only part of swing feel. Two paddles with similar weights can feel different because of balance and shape. Choose a paddle you can maneuver comfortably throughout a session.
3. Core thickness and construction
13mm and 16mm describe thickness, not the entire playing experience. Surface, core material, shape, and construction all contribute. Do not assume every 16mm paddle is thermoformed.
4. Enough handle space
If you use two hands on the backhand, compare handle length carefully. Falcon Lite provides 5.5 inches; Signature and Signature Plus provide 5 inches.
Which Paddle Fits Your Game?
- “I am new and mostly play for fun.” Start with PB Signature.
- “I want a value upgrade for my soft game.” Consider Signature Plus.
- “I came from tennis and use a two-handed backhand.” Compare Falcon Lite’s longer handle and elongated shape.
- “I prefer more face width.” Compare Signature and Signature Plus.
- “I want the lightest option in this group.” Falcon Lite has the lowest listed weight.
Compare the full PBPRO lineup →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a good pickleball paddle for under $100?
Yes. PBPRO offers carbon fiber paddles below $100 in standard and elongated shapes, with both 13mm and 16mm cores. The right choice depends on your preferences and playing level.
Which PBPRO paddle under $100 is best for beginners?
PB Signature is our recreational value recommendation at $42.99. Signature Plus is worth comparing if you prefer a cold-pressed 16mm paddle and can spend $54.99.
What is the difference between Signature Plus and Falcon Lite?
Signature Plus is a $54.99 cold-pressed, standard-shaped paddle with a 5-inch handle and an 8.0 oz listed weight. Falcon Lite is an $89 thermoformed, elongated paddle with a 5.5-inch handle and a 7.8 oz listed weight. Both have 16mm cores and T700 raw carbon faces.
Is Signature Plus thermoformed?
No. Signature Plus uses cold-pressed construction.
Is PB Signature officially USA Pickleball approved?
PB Signature is designed for recreational play and built to USA Pickleball specifications, but it has not been submitted for official USA Pickleball testing. If you need a paddle for sanctioned competition, verify the exact model’s current approval status before buying.
Are Gen-X4 or Gen-X5 included in this under-$100 guide?
No. The remaining black/pink Gen-X4 inventory is $129, reduced from $199. Gen-X5 will be $199, with a full foam core and improved carbon frame; it is USA Pickleball approved, currently in production, and coming November 2026.
Find your best fit under $100
$42.99 Signature: Recreational value.
$54.99 Signature Plus: Cold-pressed 16mm control.
$89 Falcon Lite: Lightweight reach and a longer handle.
