The Friday Original is one of the best paddles for anyone wanting to start their pickleball journey the right way. We've worked with the Friday team to bring you an exclusive deal—two Friday paddles for just $98. Considering the Friday retails for $99 per paddle, this is incredible value and one of the best deals in all of pickleball.
If you're after one of the best beginner pickleball paddles I've ever tested, you'll get a lot out of the Friday Original. Keep reading for my honest opinion after putting this paddle through rigorous tests on the courts.
Grab the deal if:
You're a beginner or early intermediate:
start your pickleball experience with a strong paddle that will win you more games thanks to its power and spin.
You're playing with a partner or friend:
with this deal, you get a pair of paddles so you can hit the courts together.
You want a budget carbon paddle:
at just under $50 per paddle, this is the best value you'll find on a proper carbon fiber paddle.
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Review summary
Here's a breakdown of how the Friday Original paddles fared in my testing:
Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Paddle Weight
8.3 oz
Paddle Width
7.5"
Handle Length
5.5"
Paddle Face Material
Carbon fiber
Core Thickness
16 mm (0.63")
Sweet Spot
Small
If you're new to pickleball, the Friday Original will give your game a big boost compared to other paddles at the $50 mark. It's made from textured carbon fiber for great spin, has a nice heavy weight for a power boost, and is elongated for more reach.
The Friday's comfy grip reminds me of a tennis grip—these are usually better quality. It also has a curved top to reduce drag on your swing and has many of the same features as paddles that cost $100 more, like the JOOLA Hyperion.
When you get two paddles for the price of one, you can hit the courts with a friend or partner and start learning the right way. Our deal gets you two paddles for $98 (or $49 per paddle).
That makes this one of the best pickleball paddles ever offered for under $50. It's a paddle that can stay with you as you move to the intermediate level, saving you money on a step-up paddle too.
Is the Friday Original worth it?
This is the best-quality paddle ever offered for $50. It's made with carbon fiber and punches above its weight on power and spin. I even played a high-level (4.5) game with the Friday Original and won against advanced players. This is the only paddle I've ever tested under $50 that can keep up at this level.
It won't suit everyone, though. It has a small sweet spot that makes it somewhat unforgiving, so it takes a while to get used to. If you're brand new to pickleball, check out the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C or Vatic Pro Flash instead for more forgiving alternatives with larger sweet spots.
Otherwise, if you're a newcomer looking for your first carbon fiber paddle to kickstart your pickleball journey, you won't find a better deal than this. The Friday will last you right up until you're ready for a rising-intermediate paddle like the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S.
You're making a big saving with this deal. Why not spend that extra bit on some pickleball accessories or even a pickleball gift for the player in your life?
To learn more, check out my Friday Original paddle review.
Get the Pickleheads deal
Use code PICKLEHEADS to save $40 when you get two Friday paddles
