Custom Paddles Under $100: T700 Carbon vs. Fiberglass Guide

Introduction

When buying a custom pickleball paddle under $100, the choice often comes down to material. Should you go with fiberglass, the traditional budget-friendly option, or invest slightly more into T300 or even T700 carbon fiber, both known for advanced performance?

At Lumo Pickleball, we give you complete design freedom—you can upload any graphics, fonts, or logos, and we’ll bring it to life on the material of your choice. Whether you choose fiberglass, T300 carbon, or T700 carbon, our goal is to make high-quality custom paddles affordable for everyone.

This article will break down the differences between fiberglass and carbon fiber, review real-world examples under $100, and explain how to choose the right material for your custom design needs.

👉 Ready to start right away? Visit our Custom Pickleball Paddle page.

Section 1: Why Material Choice Matters

Fiberglass paddles are known for their lively “pop” and extra power. They’re often slightly heavier but deliver excellent performance for casual and intermediate players. Fiberglass surfaces also accept bold printed graphics very well—making them ideal for vivid custom designs.
T300 Carbon Fiber provides an entry-level introduction to carbon fiber without exceeding the $100 budget. It offers more control, durability, and consistency, making it a smart choice for frequent players or club members who want their paddles to last.
T700 Carbon Fiber is considered premium by many brands, yet Lumo keeps it accessible under $100. T700 provides superior spin potential, precision, and resilience, with a larger sweet spot and excellent long-term durability.

In short, material affects not only how the paddle feels in your hand but also how your custom graphics perform and last.

Section 2: Fiberglass vs Carbon Fiber Compared

Material	Strengths	Limitations	Best Fit
Fiberglass	Strong power/pop, vivid colors for custom prints, budget-friendly	Less control, slightly heavier, less durable long-term	Beginners, casual players, gift buyers
T300 Carbon Fiber	Consistency, control, affordable step into carbon, reliable durability	Less raw power compared to fiberglass	Frequent players, club/team orders
T700 Carbon Fiber	Precision, spin, durability, premium feel, keeps designs sharp over time	Slightly higher cost (still <$100 at Lumo)	Advanced or competitive players

External References:

Pickleball Studio explains that carbon fiber faces generally “offer better feel, more forgiveness, and a softer touch compared to fiberglass.” (Pickleball Studio)
JustPaddles notes that hybrid designs combine fiberglass and carbon fiber to balance control and power. (JustPaddles)

Section 3: Real-World Budget Examples

Several reliable sources show that quality paddles under $100 now include carbon fiber models, breaking the old assumption that carbon was always premium-priced.

11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean (~$99): Features a Toray T700 carbon fiber face blended with fiberglass. Reviewers highlight its excellent sweet spot and balanced control + spin. (Pickleheads)
Vatic Pro Prism Flash: Featured on Pickleball Studio’s “Best Paddles for $100 or Less,” this raw carbon paddle delivers strong control and surprising spin for its price. (Pickleball Studio)
Engage Trident Composite: Recommended by HudefSport for its balance of power and control, and praised as one of the best composite paddles under $100. (HudefSport)

These examples prove that budget-conscious buyers can now enjoy advanced materials without sacrificing customization or quality.

Section 4: Customization on a Budget

At Lumo, budget does not mean limited creativity. Unlike other brands, we don’t restrict your design choices or charge extra for complexity.

Any Graphics, Fonts, or Artwork: Upload a photo, a logo, or even hand-drawn sketches—we’ll integrate it seamlessly.
Material Flexibility: Choose fiberglass, T300, or T700 carbon fiber and see your design come to life on professional-grade surfaces.
No Hidden Fees: Our prices stay under $100, even for T700 carbon fiber.
Bulk Savings: Clubs and teams benefit from discounts, making it easy to unify designs at scale.

👉 Explore what’s possible on our Custom Paddle product page.

Section 5: Factors Beyond Materials

While materials are crucial, budget buyers should also consider:

Printing Method & Resolution: Fine lines and text may show differently on carbon fiber weaves—our production ensures high-resolution accuracy.
Edge Guards & Grip Comfort: Cheap paddles often cut costs here. At Lumo, even budget models use durable edge guards and comfortable grips.
Durability Testing: All our paddles, regardless of material, are tested for long-term play.
Shipping & Extra Costs: Watch out for brands that charge hidden design or handling fees. At Lumo, pricing is transparent.

Conclusion

Choosing between fiberglass, T300, and T700 carbon fiber under $100 is less about “what’s cheapest” and more about what matches your play style, durability needs, and design vision.

Want bold colors and extra power? Go fiberglass.
Want balanced control and reliability? Try T300 carbon.
Want advanced spin and precision while staying on budget? Choose T700 carbon.

At Lumo Pickleball, every paddle is a blank canvas, and every design request is possible. Start building yours today on our Custom Pickleball Paddle page.