I've been testing out the Friday Pickleball Paddle, and I'm here to share my thoughts on this budget-friendly option that's been making waves in the pickleball community.
TL;DR: The Friday Paddle offers impressive value at $50, with features typically found in more expensive paddles. It's great for beginners and early intermediates, but has some limitations.
Here's the full scoop:
1. Price and Value:
- MSRP of $69, often on sale for $50 or 2 for $99
- Incredible value for the features offered
2. Construction:
- Carbon fiber face
- Thermoformed, foam-injected walls
- Similar construction to pricier paddles like the JOOLA Hyperion C2
3. Performance:
- Good spin potential, especially for its price range
- Solid power, thanks to its 8.3 oz weight
- Decent all-court performance
4. Design:
- Fun, funky patterns that stand out
- Comfortable "tennis style" grip
5. Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Good spin and power for the price
- Comfortable grip
- Suitable for early intermediates
6. Cons:
- Inconsistent sweet spot
- Expect some mishits, especially early on
- Not as refined as high-end paddles
7. Who it's for:
- Beginners looking to upgrade from basic paddles
- Recreational players on a budget
- Early intermediates seeking good performance without breaking the bank
Pro tip: Give yourself some time to adjust to this paddle. The sweet spot can be tricky at first, but many players adapt with practice.
Fun fact: The Friday Paddle is challenging more expensive options like the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash for the title of best value in pickleball.
Remember, while this paddle offers great bang for your buck, it won't perform quite at the level of $200+ paddles. But for $50, it's an impressive piece of equipment that can definitely up your game.