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Hey friends, it’s Lizzie! Let’s talk pickleball paddles, because if you’ve spent any time on a court with me you know I have opinions. So when I found Friday Pickleball, a paddle company built around the idea that you shouldn’t have to pay $250+ for a paddle that actually performs, I had to dig in. Here’s my honest breakdown of the lineup, who each paddle is actually for, and my code to save when you’re ready to buy.
⚡ In a hurry? Use code ELIZABETH24253 at checkout. Shop Friday Pickleball →
What Is Friday Pickleball?
Friday Pickleball is a paddle-and-accessories brand built around one core pitch: premium paddles at accessible prices. Pickleball paddle prices have crept up fast as the sport has exploded, with a lot of the “pro-level” options landing well north of $200. Friday’s whole lane is proving you don’t need to spend that much to get a paddle that actually plays well — their lineup tops out under $170 and starts at $69.
The Paddle Lineup, Broken Down
They currently run two paddle generations side by side, so there’s a real range depending on your budget and how seriously you’re playing:
Aura Pro ($149–169) — their top-tier Gen 4 foam-core paddle, built for power. If you already hit hard and want a paddle described as “loud, poppy, explosive,” this is the one.
Aura ($99–129) — the all-court Gen 4 option, tuned more for feel and control with sneaky power underneath. This is the one I’d point most intermediate players toward.
Fever 102 ($69–102) — a Gen 3 paddle with extra perimeter weighting for a bigger sweet spot, a good pick if you’re still working on consistency.
Fever 101 ($99) — a lighter Gen 3 paddle built for baseline play, if quick hands matter more to your game than raw power.
Friday Original ($69) — their entry-level carbon fiber paddle, and genuinely a smart place to start if you’re brand new and don’t want to overspend before you know you’re sticking with the sport.
Challenger ($69+) — a budget-friendly Gen 2 raw carbon fiber paddle, another solid low-cost entry point.
The Accessories Worth Adding
Beyond paddles, they carry equipment bags and backpacks ($85–119), paddle covers ($9.99–14.99), pickleballs, lead tape and weighted speed caps for anyone who likes to tune their paddle’s feel, paddle cleaner, and even shoes and hats. If you’re building out a full kit rather than just replacing a paddle, it’s genuinely a one-stop option.
Which One Should You Actually Get
If you’re brand new to pickleball, start with the Friday Original or the Challenger — there’s no reason to spend $150+ before you know how much you’ll actually play. If you’ve been playing a few months and are past the “just trying not to whiff” stage, the Fever 102 gives you a forgiving sweet spot while you build consistency. And if you’re already a confident, competitive player who knows your style, that’s when the Aura or Aura Pro actually earn their price tag — Aura if you want control with pop, Aura Pro if you’re all about power.
How the Pricing Actually Compares
For context on why the pricing here matters: a lot of the well-known “pro” paddle brands sit in the $200–280 range once you get into their top-tier foam-core models, and even their mid-tier options usually start around $150. Friday’s entire lineup, top to bottom, is priced under what a lot of competitors charge for their cheapest paddle. That’s the actual value proposition — not “budget and mediocre,” but genuinely competitive specs at a lower number.
The Verdict
What I like about Friday Pickleball is that the pricing structure actually makes sense with how people progress in this sport — you’re not stuck choosing between “cheap and bad” or “$250 and hope you stick with it.” There’s a real, sensible paddle at every stage. Use code ELIZABETH24253 when you’re ready to check out.
Your Questions, Answered
What paddle should a beginner buy? Start with the Friday Original or the Challenger — both are entry-level carbon fiber paddles under $70, so you’re not overspending before you know if you’ll stick with pickleball.
What’s the difference between the Aura and Aura Pro? The Aura is tuned for feel and control with sneaky power, better for all-court play. The Aura Pro is built for raw power and is the better pick if you already play aggressively.
Does the code work on accessories too, or just paddles? Apply ELIZABETH24253 at checkout and the site will confirm what it covers on your specific order — I’d never guarantee terms a brand could change without telling me.
🎾 My Friday Pickleball code: ELIZABETH24253 — premium paddles at accessible prices, my honest pick for anyone leveling up their pickleball game. Shop Friday Pickleball →
Now tell me, friends: what paddle are you currently playing with? Drop it in the comments. Come find me on Instagram @sealillly. Love you, mean it. ✨
