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Buy the JOOLA Essentials for brand pedigree, otherwise the Kuikma PPR 100 is the cheapest in-store option in the UK.
These are the two cheapest credible pickleball paddles available in the UK, and the choice is mostly about retail access. The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials trades on the Ben Johns name and JOOLA's pedigree, even at this entry tier, which gives buyers some confidence the build won't disintegrate within a season.
The Decathlon Kuikma PPR 100 is the absolute floor of UK pickleball pricing. At 210-225g with polymer honeycomb core, 12mm thickness, fibreglass face and a slim 4" grip, it's a basic frame for casual play. Decathlon are honest that construction is very basic and spin potential is limited, and the smaller 4" grip won't suit larger hands. The big advantage is you can walk into any Decathlon and have it the same day.
Buy the JOOLA Essentials if you want a paddle from a known pickleball brand and you're happy ordering online. Buy the Kuikma PPR 100 if you want to try the sport this weekend without ordering anything, or you need a knockabout paddle for a holiday let. Neither is a forever paddle.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Weight | — | 210-225g |
| Shape | Standard | Standard |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Polymer honeycomb |
| Surface | Composite | Fibreglass |
| Grip Size | — | 4" |
| Core Thickness | — | 12mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Surface: JOOLA Ben has Composite vs Fibreglass. Price: £40 vs £20-30. Overall, the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle is best for beginners while the Decathlon Kuikma PPR 100 Pickleball Paddle suits beginners.
Both the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle and Decathlon Kuikma PPR 100 Pickleball Paddle are suitable for beginners. The Decathlon Kuikma PPR 100 Pickleball Paddle offers the better value entry point at £20-30.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle (£40) costs more than the Decathlon Kuikma PPR 100 Pickleball Paddle (£20-30). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are beginners, the extra investment in the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle can pay off.