From your first paddle to a complete tournament setup — every piece of pickleball equipment explained, reviewed, and ranked.
1 Paddle + 2 Balls
~$60
+ Court Shoes + Bag
~$130
+ Net + Accessories
~$300
Most community courts and parks have nets available for free. You may only need a paddle and balls to start.
The most important piece of equipment — choose based on your skill level and play style.
Paddles range from $30 to $250+. Beginners do great with $50-$100 paddles, intermediates benefit from $100-$180, and advanced players typically spend $170-$250 on cutting-edge technology. We've written detailed guides for every category:
Our comprehensive top 15 rankings
Read GuideForgiving paddles under $100
Read GuideLevel up at 3.0-4.0
Read GuideTournament-ready at 4.0+
Read GuideMaximum rotation and texture
Read GuideGreat picks under $75
Read GuideGrip, weight & comfort
Read GuideArm-friendly options
Read GuideIndoor and outdoor balls play differently — here's what you need to know.
The official ball of USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments. Slightly harder, more durable, consistent bounce. The standard for outdoor play.
Second most popular outdoor ball. Slightly softer than the X-40, which some players prefer for the feel. Excellent visibility in bright yellow.
The go-to indoor ball. Larger holes, lighter weight, and softer material designed for gym floors. Quieter play and gentler on paddles.
Don't play in running shoes — you need lateral support for pickleball.
Running shoes are designed for forward motion only. Pickleball involves constant lateral movement — side shuffles, quick pivots, and sudden stops. Court shoes have reinforced sides, stiffer soles, and non-marking rubber designed for exactly these movements. Playing in running shoes dramatically increases your risk of ankle injuries.
Purpose-built for pickleball with lateral stability, gel cushioning, and non-marking soles. The most popular dedicated pickleball shoe on the market.
A premium court shoe with outstanding cushioning and support. Originally a tennis shoe, perfect for pickleball's similar court movements.
Budget-friendly court shoe with decent lateral support and a non-marking sole. A solid entry-level option for players who want proper court shoes without spending $100+.
Portable nets let you play anywhere — driveway, park, or backyard.
Most public courts have permanent nets, so you may not need one to start. Portable nets are great for backyard play, driveway practice, or setting up at parks without dedicated courts. Regulation net height is 36\" at the sidelines and 34\" at the center.
Regulation size (22' x 36"), steel frame, sets up in under 5 minutes. The most popular portable net for serious recreational and tournament practice play.
Lightweight aluminum frame, easy setup, and JOOLA quality. Slightly less stable than the Franklin in wind but lighter and easier to transport.
Best budget net option. Regulation height, decent stability, and a carrying case included. Won't match premium nets in durability, but great value for casual backyard play.
Carry your gear organized and protected.
Fits 1 paddle, 3-4 balls, a water bottle, and your phone. Simple, affordable, purpose-built. The best starter bag.
Fits 2-3 paddles with dedicated compartments, shoe pocket, and insulated drink holder. The step-up bag for regular players.
Premium backpack with dedicated paddle compartment (fits 3+), ventilated shoe pocket, accessory pockets, and padded straps. For the player who has a lot of gear.
Customize and maintain your setup.
Absorbs sweat and adds grip. Essential for hot days. Replace every 2-4 sessions for best performance.
Add weight to customize your paddle's balance. Place at the top for more power, on the sides for a larger sweet spot, at the handle for more control.
Protects your paddle edge from ground scrapes and chipped paint. Extends paddle lifespan, especially for players who brush the court on low shots.
The most popular ball machine for solo practice. Adjustable speed, spin, and trajectory. An investment, but transforms your practice sessions.
At minimum: one paddle ($40-$100), a couple of pickleballs ($2-$3 each), and athletic shoes with non-marking soles. If your local courts have nets, that's all you need. Total starting cost: $50-$120. Nice-to-haves include a bag, overgrips, and a water bottle.
You can start for under $60 with a budget paddle ($40-$50) and a pack of balls ($10-$20). A more complete beginner setup with a quality paddle, balls, and a bag runs about $130. Going premium with top gear costs $250-$400. Most community courts and parks are free to play on.
You don't need pickleball-specific shoes, but you do need court shoes with lateral support and non-marking soles. Running shoes are NOT suitable — they're designed for forward motion and lack the lateral stability needed for pickleball's side-to-side movements. Tennis shoes, volleyball shoes, or dedicated pickleball shoes all work well.
Outdoor balls have 40 smaller holes, are harder and heavier (0.9 oz), and are more durable in wind. Indoor balls have 26 larger holes, are softer and lighter (0.8 oz), and play slower on gym floors. You should use the appropriate ball for your surface — using outdoor balls indoors damages gym floors.
Not necessarily. Most public parks, community centers, and YMCA facilities have permanent nets. A portable net ($70-$130) is worthwhile if you want to set up in your driveway or backyard, or if your local courts are always full. You can also practice wall drills without a net at all.