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I found them to be decent and since you said your friend needs one as well I think its an excellent deal since youre getting 2
Easy answer. The XSPAK "tournament edition" for $90 on Amazon. It's currently out of stock most likely due to a ton of Xmas purchases but it is every bit as good as any other "raw" carbon fiber faced paddles on the market. If you watch pro PB you'll notice that most everyone is now playing one "raw" CF faced paddle or another. Read the Amazon reviews and search this subreddit and you'll find plenty saying exactly what I'm saying. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5D8DRXR?ref=nb\_sb\_ss\_w\_as-reorder-t1\_ypp\_rep\_k0\_1\_7&amp=&crid=915MS00NGE4Z&amp=&sprefix=xspack+
It is now my #1 paddle having unseated the $220 Joola Hyperion CFS. The Joola is a softer feeling paddle, which I loved at first but eventually concluded was overly damped resulting in lost feedback. Technically the Joola is a "better" paddle in that it uses a pair of more advanced techs in its build; the hyperfoam edge wall and forged (vacuum molded) carbon fiber handle. Of course, that handle has caused Joola a nightmare as there have been plenty that come loose. I've also had to return 2 (under warrantY) for a rattle that developed int he core and the other for an edgeguard that came fully loose. My XSPAK is holding up great with about 10 hours of play per week since August. All the other "raw" CF paddles (CRBN, Electrum, Diadem, Gruvn, Joola CGS, etc) are the same basic PP HC laminate construction of the XSPAK at almost double the cost.
Until paddle tech exceeds the current "raw" CF based trend, I'll continue to use/buy the XSPAK and use the money saved on shoes which I go through much faster :-).
If you're on a budget, this is by far the best paddle: https://www.amazon.com/XS-XSPAK-Carbon-Pickleball-Paddle/dp/B0B5D8DRXR/
A lot of people are liking this paddle right now: https://www.amazon.com/XS-XSPAK-Carbon-Pickleball-Paddle/dp/B0B5D8DRXR/
It's only $90 but plays identical to the CRBN1, which is a popular paddle that costs twice as much. Has a raw carbon fiber face that should produce lots of spin that you favor.
SLK Neo Paddle x2 and 4 balls set for $55. Is this a good deal for a beginner starter set? We definitely know we want to play pickleball but want something that last long enough to play recreationally for the first 1-2 years
You cannot beat this black friday deal right now:
A lot of players like this because it's basically a cheaper CRBN1: https://www.amazon.com/XS-XSPAK-Carbon-Pickleball-Paddle/dp/B0B5D8DRXR/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=UETzr&content-id=amzn1.sym.e4bd6ac6-9035-4a04-92a6-fc4ad60e09ad&pf_rd_p=e4bd6ac6-9035-4a04-92a6-fc4ad60e09ad&pf_rd_r=S41XJVSWE0NJ901R3DVV&pd_rd_wg=2wnVV&pd_rd_r=dad87035-dd52-40be-a39c-75a8006b560c&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m
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I would say get that and some balls that competitive players actually use, which would be Franklin X-40 or DuraFast 40. Then you'll be good to go!
XSPAK Tournament Edition paddle on Amazon. It's a "raw" CF faced paddle like CRBN, Joola, Electrum etc but for under $100. I'm gaming one over my Joola Hyperion CFS. It's fully USAP approved.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5D8DRXR/ref=ox\_sc\_act\_title\_1?smid=A3OSK1HQUM78LZ&psc=1
I'm curious as to where you saw these pictures because a quick Google Image search of Xspak paddles brings up none of these images, except this Reddit post.
The Amazon page does have a similar image, with Jack Sock and Ramos-Vinolas's really bad photoshops but none of these players... I'm sus.
xspak that is a good example of a paddle being half the price of the crbn. Mark ups are insane. Also this one is the same specs as the Franklin.
I also found this one mentioned in a previous post regarding the surface grit test. It is usapa approved.
Check out this CRBN 1 knock-off at about half the price. They look so identical I wouldn't be surprised if it came out the same factory:
Plenty of four-paddle sets on Amazon for cheap. If you want to splurge, you can get two of these: https://www.amazon.com/Selkirk-Composite-Pickleball-Paddle-Paddles/dp/B01F7VC6MQ/ref=sr_1_26?keywords=pickleball+paddles&qid=1657238161&sprefix=%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-26&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
But honestly, if the paddles are for newbies/guests, any kind of non-wooden paddle will be fine. They won't care or know the difference.
Two Selkirk paddles, a bag and four balls on sale right now for $64. One of those paddles alone is $54.
SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles | Featuring a Multilayer Fiberglass and Graphite Pickleball Paddle Face | SX3 Honeycomb Core | Pickleball Rackets Designed in The USA for Traction and Stability https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F7VC6MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PX8WHWES9RQPTKVZAF8N
This is what many around here have started with, the paddles could later be re-used as loaners when you want your own good paddle, they are decent: https://www.amazon.com/Selkirk-Composite-Pickleball-Paddle-Paddles/dp/B01F7VC6MQ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=SLK+pickleball+paddle+set&qid=1638912383&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-2
I cant speak for the one posted but if you want something that's totally workable and decent I recommend the link below. Its not much more expensive and is more than enough quality-wise for someone just entering the sport.
I have this one. Paid about $60 for it over the summer. Set up and take down takes no more than 3-5 minutes once you know what you’re doing. No complaints on durability thus far.
Here is more detail (back at my desk) - this is the starter set that I picked up for my wife and I. I literally bought these from my phone while walking off the court after playing with friends for the first time.. I have been totally hooked on PB ever since :)
These are great paddles for starters.. once you get comfortable with the rules and the game and you become an addict like me.. then I encourage you to try and get your hands on a more expensive paddle with a bigger sweet spot and see what you think. You will be blown away by the choices.. longer paddles, wider paddles, longer handles, shorter handles thicker inner walls, better grips, some for spin, some for power.. etc..
My current paddle is THIS ONE - mine is over a year old now, but still going strong. I am only now starting to get the itch for a new one.. and I have some friends that are playing at the 4+ level who have paddles for different situations.. it's crazy to me but you will get there if you turn into an addict :)
Good luck
See if you can get together with a handful of the players at your courts and buy Franklin X-40s in 100s. At $1.80 a ball, it takes the sting out of cracking them more often.
I went this route when I first started and have friends that have stuck with the Nuipipo's as their main paddle for over a year. Definitely the best beginner set out there IMO.
Just save yourself some time.....there are a lot of options on amazon...but for cheap do it all paddles for beginners just stop looking and buy this: https://www.amazon.com/HUDEF-Pickleball-Composite-Honeycomb-Lightweight/dp/B0788KR9L4/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=hudef%2Bpickleball%2Bpaddles&qid=1632338727&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFKSEROVkRHTlhXS1kmZW5jc...
I have lots of paddles that are more expensive....but NONE are twice as good as this paddle....lots are 3-5x more expensive. Buy this paddle and start out, in 5 months you can decide what style of more expensive paddle to buy. I have the basic Niupipo and the Hudef is better for my money.
Keep in mind that if you become addicted like all of us.....you'll upgrade your paddles at some point...but bang for buck for adults (knowing you'll upgrade) the paddle to buy is the hudef from amazon. https://www.amazon.com/HUDEF-Pickleball-Composite-Honeycomb-Lightweight/dp/B0788KR9L4/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=hudef+paddles&qid=1618691022&sr=8-7 For the kids then I'm getting something more expensive cause they can use them for years. I am breaking the bank at $45 each:
https://www.pickleballcentral.com/OneShot_Pickleball_JuniorShot_Series_Paddle_p/ospjs.htm
My husband and I started with these niupipo paddles. They worked great. I have since moved on, but I keep this one in my bag just in case I ruin my current paddle.
Buy 2 or 4 of these (You'll never find a better paddle for the $ and when and if your Dad wants something better he'll buy what he likes: https://www.amazon.com/HUDEF-Pickleball-Composite-Honeycomb-Lightweight/dp/B0788KRBY3/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?crid=27Y91D211MJT1&dchild=1&keywords=hudef+pickleball+paddle&qid=1607789679&sprefix=hudef+%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1... and this:
I've been very happy with these. Please note the balls that come with it are indoor balls.
Forget all the other posts. Just buy the Hudef for $30. Is it a good paddle? Yep. Will it perform as well as a lot of other paddles that are $70? Yep. The point is that the first paddle you buy will rarely be the perfect one for you for long. Just buy the cheap one and then get playing. Then you can get more advice from people you are playing with and see what they say and then buy your Selkirk or Paddletek or whatever. Either way you'll buy more than one paddle in your first year. I have the hudef (and a bunch of other paddles that are more expensive) and to start you won't find a paddle that you'll like better at that price.
Any experience with this brand Niupipo which seems to get very high reviews on Amazon but is $10 more? https://www.amazon.com/Pickleball-Polypropylene-Honeycomb-Lightweight-Beginners/dp/B0779Q3FZZ/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=niupipo&qid=1599940343&sr=8-17