The Friday Original is one of my best new paddle picks if you’re moving up to intermediate level but don’t want to spend some cash on a new paddle. At a great price, this is a solid thermoformed carbon fiber paddle. See how the Friday Original paddle performs on the court by reading my full and open review.
Buy or Pass?
Buy if:
- You want a great value carbon fiber paddle: This is the best paddle ever offered at this price point ($50 per paddle).
- You’re stepping up to intermediate level: This is an ideal step-up paddle for early intermediates with a beginner price tag.
- You want a solid combo of spin and power: Grit on the paddle face gets you decent spin, while the slightly heavier weight helps generate more power.
Pass if:
- Your budget is over $200: A premium paddle like the CRBN-3X will give you more consistency and performance.
- You want a large sweet spot: The small-medium-sized sweet spot can lead to mishits.
- You’re a new beginner: This paddle is best suited for intermediates and up. Beginners should check out alternatives.
Paddle Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Weight | 8.3 oz |
| Length | 16.5″ |
| Width | 7.5″ |
| Handle Length | 5.5″ |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25″ |
| Paddle Face Material | Carbon fiber |
| Core Material | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Core Thickness | 16 mm (0.63″) |
| Sweet Spot | Small-medium |
Friday Pickleball Paddle Review
At Amazone
Without any doubt, the best $50 paddle I’ve ever used is the Friday Pickleball Paddle. It has multiple features in common with the $250 JOOLA Hyperion C2, including foam-injected walls, thermoformed walls, and carbon fiber. At the price of a beginner paddle, it’s a great step-up paddle for early intermediates, even though it doesn’t play nearly at that level.
The Friday Paddles ability to boost my spin game was the first thing I noticed. I was able to hit forceful, dipping forehand drives that frequently landed just on the line because of the paddle face’s good roughness. It provides more spin than the majority of paddles in its price range, but it’s not nearly as spin-friendly compared to expensive paddles like the Bread & Butter Filth.
Best Pickleball Paddles Under $75
Because the Friday weighs 8.3 ounces, which is heavier than the standard 8.0 ounce thermoformed paddles, it also produces a respectable amount of power. When the chance presents itself, hitting hard drives and putting the ball away is simple. Its tiny and variable sweet spot, nevertheless, can result in mishits, especially on serves and volleys. It takes some getting used to this.
Unlike normal black paddles, the Friday Paddle’s quirky pattern makes it stand out in terms of design. The “tennis-style” grip feels more luxurious than expected and is comfy. All things considered, it’s a good paddle that is reasonably priced.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the best-value paddles ever | Expect mishits, especially early on |
| Solid all-court paddle, especially for early intermediates | Takes time to adjust to the small sweet spot |
| Comfortable and premium grip for the price | Too advanced for beginners |
Features
At Amazone
Thermoformed Design
Nowadays, thermoformed performance paddles are almost universal, but it’s rare to find this technology at such a low cost. The Friday has a stiff yet powerful feel, much like other thermoformed paddles.
Carbon Fiber Surface
Fiberglass or less expensive materials are used to make the majority of $50 paddles. Although it’s not the high-end T700 raw carbon found in elite paddles, the Friday Paddle’s carbon fiber surface offers good spin, power, and control performance when compared to more expensive carbon paddles.
Top Specs
Aerodynamics are added by the curved top and elongated design. For this pricing range, the core’s 8.3 oz static weight and 16 mm thickness are superb.
Performance Ratings
| Category | Rating |
| Power | 8/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
| Spin | 8.5/10 |
| Forgiveness | 7/10 |
| Weighting | 8/10 |
| Grip | 8/10 |
| Durability | 7.5/10 |
| Aerodynamics | 8/10 |
Power
Compared to high-end paddles like the Bread & Butter Filth, it is less reliable, but it’s almost heavier weight provides it good power. By modifying swing speed to make up for its irregularity, power potential can be decreased.
Spin
Impressive spin is provided for the price by the rough surface. Like more expensive paddles like the CRBN-3X, hard topspin drives usually fall at the last second.
Forgiveness
The paddle’s weakest quality is this. Mishits are caused by the little and unpredictable sweet spot, particularly in the area of the neck and margins. However, you can lessen these problems with practice.
Weighting
The weight distribution strikes a good balance between power and quickness. The aerodynamic shape helps offset the slightly heavier static weight.
Grip
For a paddle costing $50, the tennis-style grip is more comfortable and high-end than expected. Adding an overgrip can further improve comfort and durability.
Durability
While the raw carbon build should last, the paddle is prone to scratches and dings, reflecting its budget price.
Pricing and Value
This paddle solo costs around $69 and $99 at retail. It competes with more costly paddles like the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash and is still a good deal at $70-80.
At Amazone
Bottom Line
For intermediate paddlers who want the features and performance of a mid-range paddle ($140–180) at a lower cost, the Friday Paddle is perfect. It’s a good all-court choice with good power and spin, but it won’t perform as well as premium paddles. This is the best offer if you’re looking to buy paddles.
