Over the past six years we have seen the retail price of pickleball paddles go from an average of around $40 to over $200.00 per paddle.
Does that make sense? not really.
These price increases reflect the poor choice of pickleball racket manufacturers. We choose to manufacture small batches of paddles locally rather than making them in bulk at the factory. The result is not a better paddle, but a more expensive paddle.
Paying $200 for a pickleball paddle will not make you a better pickleball player. It only makes them poorer. The truth is, good players are just as good on $20.00 wooden paddles as they are on $200.00 graphite paddles.
Marketing has driven up the price of pickleball paddles over the past few years. A handful of overpriced lifestyle brands have convinced very gullible people that with a few cosmetic changes, their paddles are worth far more than they charged just a year ago.
These manufacturers are now making paddles at ever lower prices, while charging distributors more for each paddle. To support this unsustainable business model, these "lifestyle brands" have persuaded large groups of retirees to peddle paddles for little or no return. They use cheap volunteer labor to put more money in their pockets.
Of course, capitalism is great. we are big fans of it. However, there are times when things can get completely out of control, and this is one of them.
Pickleball paddles range in price from under $20 to over $200. Therefore, the price can be the deciding factor when choosing a pickleball racket. Low cost pickleball paddles are under $50 and high cost pickleball paddles are $150 and up. This puts mid-priced pickleball paddles in the $50 to $150 range.
The price range may vary depending on the quantity of pickleballs expected. So if you plan on playing pickleball once or twice (*we recommend playing only once or twice. Pickleball is like Pringles. Once you start, the fun is over. No!), you may be looking for a pickleball. Paddle between $20 and $50 and don't want to invest a lot. However, if you plan to play pickleball more often (eg, once or twice a week), consider investing in a pickleball racket. Play on the pickleball court.
Sangzi
