How Much Does Pickleball Equipment Cost?

A pickleball game is best enjoyed with the best sports equipment. Hence, investing in pickleball equipment and accessories is definitely worth considering.

To play a pickleball match, players would need a paddle, ball, and court with a net. These are the basic pickleball equipment that you should have on your checklist. More so, there are other accessories you can look at, such as bags, paddle covers, apparel, etc.

In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about pickleball equipment and how much it will cost your wallet.

Let’s get going!

What Do You Need For Pickleball?

As mentioned above, the basic equipment for a pickleball game is a paddle, a ball, and a court. Some courts don’t have a net on them, so you might need to bring a net alongside you to play.

Aside from all the mentioned equipment, you might also want to consider other accessories. These include paddle covers, pickleball ball hoppers, hats, sunglasses, shirts, shoes, socks, shorts, and tape in case your court is not an official pickleball court.

How Much Do Pickleball Sets Cost?

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro-pickleball player, finding the best sports equipment is an important part of mastering the game.

Let’s take a look at how much these equipment cost.

Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball paddles resemble the looks of a standard tennis racket. To determine the quality of the paddles, you can consider the following categories: the brand, type, and level of grip it has.

Different paddle brands construct their paddles in different ways, making a variety of paddle costs in the market today. A standard pickleball paddle should have a dimension of 20 x 40 inches, with a weight ranging from 7 to 9 inches.

Looking at the market prices, a pickleball paddle could cost from as low as $30 up to $100 based on different factors.

Pickleball Ball

When it comes to pickleball balls, there are generally two types: outdoor and indoor. These two types are constructed differently, so interchanging them might not be a good choice.

Indoor pickleball balls have larger holes compared to outdoor pickleball balls. This is because there is less wind when you’re playing indoors. When you purchase them, they would normally come in packages.

A package of 9 pickleball balls would normally cost you around $30.

Pickleball Net and Posts

Sometimes, you would find a pickleball court with no net already installed. In this case, you need to have a net you would put by yourself.

A pickleball net has to be 34 – 36 inches in height. This includes posts with a height of 36 inches on the side and a net of 34 inches in the center. The required minimum net length is 21 feet and 9 inches.

Typically, the cost of a pickleball net and posts would be between $100 and $200.

Pickleball Paddle Cover

A paddle cover protects your paddle, especially when you need to travel a long way to play. Most of these paddles will only cover the head, leaving its handle exposed. Having a paddle cover can make it easier for you to keep and put them out before and after playing.

Good quality pickleball paddle covers have prices ranging from $5 to $15.

Pickleball Apparels

To be more comfortable playing, you must have good-quality sports shirts, shorts, and shoes. Keep in mind that the things you wear should give you comfort and mobility. Good mobility makes your gameplay smoother and more efficient.

For the shirt, there is actually no required clothing in official pickleball tournaments. However, most players prefer short-sleeved shirts for better swing motions. The prices for pickleball shirts would vary depending on their brand and type of fabric, but you would already get a good one for a price ranging from $10 to $30.

For the shorts, there is also no required type in official pickleball tournaments. The best ones that you could get are those that allow good mobility while playing. The costs of good quality shorts range between $15 and $45.

Lastly, a good pair of pickleball shoes should be something that can provide you with great stability and motion while playing. The type of shoes that you pick can also vary based on whether you want to play indoors or outdoors.

If you want to play indoors, shoes that are similar to volleyball shoes are a great choice. For outdoor shoes, choose those with great cushions and can absorb surface impacts better.

The price range of good quality shoes is between $30 to $120.

Hats And Sunglasses

Players use hats and sunglasses to protect themselves from the high heat of the sun. 

Sunglasses do not only serve this purpose but are also a good way to prevent eye injuries while playing. Balls are in rapid motion while playing, and these glasses prevent your eyes from getting hit by them. Typical prices for sunglasses of high-quality range from $15 to $30.

Moreover, hats serve multiple purposes in playing pickleball. Aside from blocking the sun, it also helps the players to keep their hair away from their faces. Thus, wearing hats can give you better vision while playing.

Hats would normally cost you around $15 to $25.

Cost Summary

Here is a table that summarizes the costs of the pickleball equipment you will need to play pickleball. Additional pickleball accessories are also included in the table for your reference:

What Is A Good Starter Set For Pickleball?

Pickleball equipment can be costly if you buy them one at a time. Luckily, starter sets already have the necessary pickleball equipment for you. 

Let’s look at the 3 best pickleball starter sets you can consider.

Champion

The Champion pickleball set is among the ideal starter sets for beginners. The set comes with a high-quality pickleball paddle and four indoor pickleball balls.

Their paddle is made with a fiber base and a polycarbonate material as an overlay. This is a perfect paddle for beginners who are just practicing their control over different shots. Pro-players can also enjoy the polycarbonate material as it’s good for wider-range shots.

Meanwhile, the balls inside the package are lightweight and easy to use. It has large holes perfect for indoor pickleball games. This also ensures the ball has a smooth, better bounce while in play.

Diller Two Player Pack

The Diller pickleball set comes with two wooden pickleball paddles and four bright green pickleball balls. Despite being made with seven-ply wood, the paddles are still lightweight and beginner-friendly.

Interestingly, the paddles have wrist straps on them to ensure they wouldn’t fly away, especially when you’re just starting to learn the sport. For those who are already pros in the game, you can remove the straps anytime you want to.

The balls are also perfect for indoor pickleball playing. They come in a bright green color, giving you a better vision of it while in play.

JP WinLook

JP WinLook pickleball set comes with a graphite-made paddle that has a polymer honeycomb core, three pickleball balls, and a storage box for the items.

The USAPA standards already approve the paddles. The paddles have a wider body, providing better ball impact while playing. They are also lightweight and easy to control.

The balls are also guaranteed to have a high bounce. Their bright yellow color also assures better ball vision while in play. The set is perfect for those who want to begin playing and those who are already experts in the sport.

Do Expensive Pickleball Paddles Make A Difference?

Price does not always equate to quality. At the end of the day, you still want a paddle that gives you comfort and ease in playing. The cheaper ones are made with wood, while the expensive ones are made with graphite.

In choosing your paddle, personal preference always matters. Lighter paddles will give you more control of the ball but less drive, while heavier paddles will give you less control but more drive.

Final Thoughts

The proper pickleball equipment will make your playing experience more fun and exciting. Aside from this, it also ensures that you play with comfort and ease. Investing in pickleball equipment is a good choice to learn more about the game.

Depending on different factors, some equipment brands will cost more than others. But remember that a higher price tag does not always mean higher quality.

Instead, always prioritize your comfort and safety. You will see how this can improve your game as you master the sport.