Challenger
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 51, Pop 42, Spin 72, Agility 55 and Control 60 out of 100. Its strongest rating is Control, higher than 68% of the 57 paddles rated for control. Its all-round score of 60 ranks #26 of 37 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
- Twist weight of 6.09 is among the lowest in PaddleDB, so it will be less forgiving on mishits.
- Swing weight of 122 is heavier than 86% of paddles — more plow-through, but slower to react at the net.
- Pop rating of 42/100 ranks 56 of 66 — in the bottom quarter for pop.
- Spin rating of 72/100 ranks 50 of 63 — in the bottom quarter for spin.
Where the Challenger ranks
- #3 Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100 of 20
- #4 Best Pickleball Paddles Under $150 of 37
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) | 51 | 60 | 72 | 55 | $89 |
| Honolulu Pickleball Co. J5 | N/A | 53 | 78 | N/A | $165 |
| Friday Pickleball Original | 49 | 54 | 76 | 65 | $50 |
| Bread & Butter Filth (Hybrid) | 54 | 53 | 68 | 54 | $165 |
| 11six24 Hurache-X Alpha 1 | N/A | 59 | 88 | 51 | $149.99 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Friday Pickleball Challenger good for power?
Not especially. Its Power rating is 51/100, ranking 45 of 65 paddles PaddleDB has rated for power — higher than 31% of them.
Is the Friday Pickleball Challenger good for control?
Its Control rating is 60/100, ranking 15 of 57 paddles rated for control — higher than 68% of them.
What is the swing weight of the Friday Pickleball Challenger?
122. That is heavier than 86% of the 92 paddles in PaddleDB with a measured swing weight (median 115.7).
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 101 paddles in PaddleDB: 100 is the highest value in the database, 1 the lowest. How we rate paddles.