Equipment guide

Pickleball Equipment

Starting pickleball requires minimal equipment, just a paddle and balls. But understanding what to look for at each level prevents expensive mistakes and helps you upgrade at the right time.

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What you need, by level

Five equipment categories with recommendations at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Paddle

$30–250+Essential

Beginner: Graphite or composite face, polymer core, mid-weight (7.5-8.2 oz), standard grip length. Look for: Selkirk Amped, Paddletek Bantam, or any USAPA-approved paddle under $80.

Intermediate: Elongated shape for more reach, carbon fiber face for more spin, edgeless design. Budget $80-150 for a significant upgrade.

Advanced: Carbon fiber face, raw/textured surface for maximum spin, thermoformed construction. Top brands: Joola, Selkirk, Paddletek. $150-250+.

Balls

$2–5 eachEssential

Beginner: Use whatever the court provides. If buying your own: Franklin X-40 (outdoor) or Onix Pure 2 (indoor) are standards.

Intermediate: Keep 4-6 balls for practice sessions. Balls wear out, replace when they crack or go noticeably soft.

Advanced: Match the ball to your competition format. USAPA sanctioned events specify approved ball brands.

Shoes

$60–150Essential

Beginner: Any court or tennis shoes with lateral support. Non-marking soles for indoor courts. Avoid running shoes, they lack the side stability needed for pickleball's quick lateral movements.

Intermediate: Dedicated pickleball shoes (ASICS, K-Swiss, New Balance pickleball lines) provide optimized lateral support and durability.

Advanced: Shoes matter more at 4.0+ where footwork demands increase. Invest in proper court shoes if you're playing 3+ times per week.

Bag

$20–100

Beginner: Any backpack or athletic bag works. Just needs to hold your paddle and a few balls.

Intermediate: Dedicated pickleball bags with paddle sleeves prevent grip damage and organize your gear. Brands: Selkirk, GAMMA, Prokennex.

Advanced: Multi-paddle bags for players who rotate between paddles. Thermal insulation for outdoor summer conditions.

Gloves & grip tape

$5–25

Beginner: Not needed. Grip tape replacement ($5-10) when the original wears out.

Intermediate: Overgrip tape reduces sweat slip. Pickleball gloves help players with arthritis or grip strength concerns.

Advanced: Overgrip is almost universal at 4.0+. Replace overgrip every 2-4 sessions for consistent feel.

Paddle core types

Polymer coreMost common, quiet, soft feel, good control. Best for recreational play and kitchen game emphasis.

Nomex coreHard and loud, faster response, more power, less control. Common in early pickleball, less popular now.

Aluminum coreLight and responsive. Better touch than Nomex but not as common as polymer in modern paddles.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do you need to play pickleball?

The only equipment required to play pickleball is a paddle and balls. Most courts and open play sessions provide balls. You'll also want court shoes (any tennis or court shoes work) and comfortable athletic clothing. Optional but recommended: a pickleball bag to carry gear, extra balls, and gloves or grip tape for paddle maintenance.

How much does pickleball equipment cost to start?

Beginner pickleball equipment costs $30-100 to get started. An entry-level paddle costs $30-80. Balls are typically $2-5 each (or $15-20 for a pack of 6). Court shoes you likely already have (tennis or athletic shoes work). For a complete beginner kit with a quality paddle, balls, and a bag, budget $80-150. You don't need to spend more than this to play and enjoy recreational pickleball.

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?

Indoor pickleballs have 26 holes, are softer, lighter, and bounce lower, designed for smooth gym floors. Outdoor pickleballs have 40 holes, are harder, heavier, and bounce higher, designed for rougher asphalt and concrete surfaces. Using the wrong ball for the surface results in inconsistent play. Most open play sessions provide the correct ball for their court type.

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Best Beginner Gear

Complete starter kit: paddle, balls, bag, and shoes, all ranked.