Challenger
52/100PaddleDB score#54 of 58 paddles
Performance
Discount available with code: PADDLEDB
Paddle Specs
- Generation
- N/A
- Core Material
- Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
- Face Material
- TWO layers of Carbon Fiber
- RPM
- 1,966
- Shape
- Elongated
- Paddle Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 122
- Twist Weight
- 6.09
- Handle Length
- 5.5 in
- Grip Size
- 4.25
Description
This is what makes the Friday Challenger paddle so unique. It is a thermoformed, raw carbon fiber paddle that blends power and control beautifully.
How the Challenger compares
The Friday Pickleball Challenger is a 16mm elongated pickleball paddle designed for all-court play, with a list price of $89. In PaddleDB's ratings it scores Power 55, Pop 43, Spin 59, Agility 45 and Control 47 out of 100. Its strongest rating is Agility, higher than 55% of the 85 paddles rated for agility. Its all-round score of 52 ranks #54 of 58 paddles rated in all four core categories. It weighs 8 oz, has a swing weight of 122 and a twist weight of 6.09.
Strengths and trade-offs, by the numbers
Stands out for
- List price of $89 is lower than 98% of paddles in PaddleDB.
Trade-offs
- Control rating of 47/100 ranks 70 of 76 — in the bottom quarter for control.
- Twist weight of 6.09 is among the lowest in PaddleDB, so it will be less forgiving on mishits.
- Spin rating of 59/100 ranks 87 of 99 — in the bottom quarter for spin.
- Pop rating of 43/100 ranks 72 of 82 — in the bottom quarter for pop.
Where the Challenger ranks
- #5 Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100 of 20
Friday Pickleball Challenger specs
| Brand | Friday Pickleball |
|---|---|
| Designed for | All-Court |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Thickness | 16 mm |
| Length | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.5 in |
| Face length | 11 in |
| Handle length | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.25 in |
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Swing weight | 122 |
| Twist weight | 6.09 |
| Balance point | 23.8 cm |
| Spin RPM | 1,966 |
| Core | Polypropylene Honeycomb Core |
| Face | TWO layers of Carbon Fiber |
| Approval | USAP |
| Warranty | 99 Days |
| List price | $89 |
Paddles with similar ratings
Closest matches on Power, Control, Spin and Agility, favouring the same thickness and shape.
| Paddle | Power | Control | Spin | Agility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday Pickleball Challenger (this paddle) | 55 | 47 | 59 | 45 | $89 |
| Honolulu Pickleball Co. J5 | N/A | 50 | 62 | N/A | $165 |
| Friday Pickleball Original | 52 | 45 | 59 | 54 | $50 |
| Honolulu Pickleball Co. Sword & Shield J1H | N/A | 60 | 58 | N/A | $165 |
| 11six24 Hurache-X Control+ | 63 | 54 | 64 | 29 | $139.99 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Friday Pickleball Challenger good for power?
Not especially. Its Power rating is 55/100, ranking 61 of 82 paddles PaddleDB has rated for power — higher than 24% of them.
Is the Friday Pickleball Challenger good for control?
Its Control rating is 47/100, ranking 70 of 76 paddles rated for control — higher than 7% of them.
What is the swing weight of the Friday Pickleball Challenger?
122. That is heavier than 87% of the 106 paddles in PaddleDB with a measured swing weight (median 115.5).
How much does the Friday Pickleball Challenger weigh?
8 oz. The median paddle in PaddleDB weighs 8.09 oz.
Is the Friday Pickleball Challenger USAP approved?
Yes — PaddleDB lists it as approved by USAP. Approval lists change, so confirm on the official list before a sanctioned event.
How much does the Friday Pickleball Challenger cost?
The Friday Pickleball Challenger has a list price of $89. Code PADDLEDB gives a discount at Friday Pickleball.
Ratings are relative to the 112 paddles in PaddleDB: 100 is the highest value in the database, 1 the lowest. How we rate paddles.