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 :-).
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 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:
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Xspak carbon on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5D8DRXR/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_RBXNE6QX7D4069MGJ03G_0
Best under $100 paddle they can grow into.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5D8DRXR/?coliid=I111DXL6I7UM6A&colid=GTCBAPHDBC72&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_ii The product details section clearly states it's a fibreglass surface.
If you're on a budget, this is by far the best paddle: https://www.amazon.com/XS-XSPAK-Carbon-Pickleball-Paddle/dp/B0B5D8DRXR/
The Selkirk that is more similar to the Diadem Warrior Edge is the SLK Halo Control XL (16mm elongated) as it uses a similar "raw" CF face. It's also only $140 making it well priced for a name brand paddle.
https://www.selkirk.com/collections/paddles/products/slk-halo?variant=39964829253734
Another similar option would be the new Franklin Carbon STK. It can be purchased directly from Franklin for $120 if you use code FORUM20. This is the paddle JW Johnson has been using.
https://franklinsports.com/franklin-carbon-stk-pickleball-paddle#size=6445
And let you give you one more suggestion. The XSPAK "tournament edition" paddle off of Amazon. It too has a "raw" CF face, 16mm core, and has an elongated shape. While not a brand you probably know, it is a fully USAP approved paddle and most likely being made in the same overseas factory as many name brand paddles. It's pretty much an identical paddle to the CRBN 1. It also only costs $90. It's my number 1 paddle having unseated a Joola Hyperion CFS.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5D8DRXR/ref=ox\_sc\_act\_title\_1?smid=A3OSK1HQUM78LZ&psc=1
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.
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!
Inshallah, back in stock soon https://www.amazon.com/XS-XSPAK-Carbon-Pickleball-Paddle/dp/B0B5D8DRXR
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.