You can’t play a game without some equipment.

If you’re playing basketball, you’ll need — at a minimum — a basketball and some nice shoes. Similarly, you’d look pretty silly showing up empty-handed to a game of golf. Everyone would be asking you, “Hey! Did you forget your ball and all your clubs?”

Pickleball is no different.

While its community is famous for its friendly and giving nature, you can’t assume that someone will always have extra supplies on hand. Eventually, you’ll need to snag some gear of your own.

Today, we’re digging into the world of pickleball equipment. What does the perfect gearbox look like?

And — perhaps more importantly — where do you get that stuff?

Where to Buy Pickleball Equipment

Let’s start with the second question.

There are many, many places to snag some pickleball stuff. From shoes and paddles to balls and nets, a quick online search nets you thousands of results. These “quick view” hits may not be the best performance-wise, but most will help you scratch that pickleball itch until you feel the need to upgrade your gear.

(Be aware that this list applies to American readers!)

To Shop In-Person or Online?

Before we start the list, let’s dispel a myth: You can absolutely find high-quality gear online. You can also find great stuff at brick-and-mortar stores. It’s all a matter of personal preference, though some things are better in-store buys.

In-person shopping is great for things like clothes, paddles, and shoes. You’re able to directly interact with the product and feel its make and heft. For items requiring precise measurements — such as your shoes — you’ll probably want to drop by a store. This gives you the opportunity to test the products before you buy, ensuring you’re getting the best performance for your money.

The primary drawback of in-person shopping is availability. You might see the perfect pickleball paddle on the Sam’s Club website, yet they’re out of stock at your local store. Fortunately, most retailers have the ability to order products for you, so you have a chance to see the item for yourself.

Conversely, online shopping is great for generalized items, such as balls and water bottles. These items don’t require as much finesse, and many share similar manufacturing methods. You don’t really need to inspect every detail of a pickleball ball. Similarly, a 32-ounce Yeti water bottle is the same size everywhere. In a way, these items are more “flexible,” as their overall design and function are universal.

General Retailers

The easiest place to find some equipment is your local general store. Unfortunately, most of us can’t ride a horse downtown and mosey into the one-stop shop like a Wild West cowboy. (If you can, and they sell pickleball stuff, that’s awesome, and we love that for you.) We’ll have to settle with the “big three:” Amazon, Target, or Walmart. You’ll also find some basic pickleball goods at many warehouse clubs — like Costco or Sam’s Club.

A generalized retailer will not usually carry pickleball-specific specialty goods. You probably won’t find grip tape or purpose-built bags at Walmart. However, you’re bound to find some simple paddles and a few balls to get started.

Sporting Goods Stores

If you want a large selection of pickleball products, you’ll probably want to find a sporting goods store. While the most famous may be Dick’s, you’ll still see pickleball stuff on the shelves of your local Bass Pro, Cabela’s, and Nike. Many of these stores carry additional goods, such as nets and line markers.

Specialty Stores

Didn’t find exactly what you wanted?

Don’t fret! You can always try a pickleball specialty store. These vendors specialize in pickleball merchandise, and much of what they carry will be high-end models. Right now, most of these stores are online-only.

The most famous specialty store is Pickleball Central. However, you’ll also find high-quality goods at places like ONIX Pickleball, Pickleball Depot, and Total Pickleball.

Local Clubs

You may also find supplies at your local pickleball club. While these groups are more famous for loaning equipment, many also offer special deals to their members.

This is a great way to get involved in your community and meet your fellow pickleball fanatics. Moreover, some clubs have deals with vendors to obtain supplies for a lower price.

Secondhand Markets

Finally, if you’re looking for the absolute lowest price, there’s always the secondhand market. Online, you can snag gently used pickleball merch from eBay and Facebook Marketplace. For local shopping, check online buy-and-sell groups, thrift stores, and vintage vendors. You may even find something nice at your weekend flea market!

Of course, you should always be careful when buying secondhand sporting equipment. Wash any clothing you buy before you wear it, and take appropriate precautions if you happen upon a nice pair of used shoes. Be particularly careful with paddles! Those extra seconds spent inspecting its surface can save you a lot of heartache in the heat of a pickleball game.

The Handy Pickleball Must-Have List

So, what should you buy from these stores?

I’ve broken this list into three parts: clothing, equipment, and extras.

If you already play tennis, you already have some of the basics! You can also repurpose many items for pickleball, although some players prefer to buy new items to mark their entry into the sport.

Clothing

Now, you don’t need pickleball clothing. You can use any shirt, pants, and sock combo your heart desires. As long as you’re comfortable, you’re ready! However, some players swear by sports apparel. Whether or not it truly enhances your performance is irrelevant. If it makes you feel good, wear it!

Know, too, that you probably won’t bring all these items to the court every time you play.

Now, without further ado, it’s time for the beginner-friendly all-in-one pickleball apparel must-haves:

• Hats keep the sun out of your eyes. Most people wear baseball caps, but it’s up to you to pick your style!
• Pants come in many styles. Most pickleball players wear jeans, loose-fitting shorts, or sweatpants.
• Shoes are another matter entirely. I’ll talk more about them in a bit.
• Shirts are also a matter of preference. Anything loose and comfortable will work.
• Socks should always be worn on the court. They keep your feet from blistering and add a tiny bit of cushioning to your step.
• Sunglasses are an alternative to hats. Look for UV protection!
• Sweatbands may not be essential, but some players swear by them.

Pickleball Stuff

Next, let’s look at the essential equipment.

I’ll discuss some of these items in depth below, but here’s your basic gearbox checklist:

• Nets aren’t exactly a necessity. You’re probably playing on purpose-built courts. However, traveling pickleball players often bring portable net systems on their journeys.
• Marking tools — such as measuring tape, marking tape, chalk, or vinyl strips — aren’t usually necessary. However, anyone planning to play on-the-go pickleball games should bring some to make their own court!
• Pickleball bags keep your stuff safe. Tennis bags also work well.
• Pickleball balls can be a later addition to your personal stash. Most players are more than happy to share, although it’s always polite to have your own.
• Pickleball paddles are used to hit the ball. You’ll look rather silly showing up to games without them!
• Water bottles are a must! Don’t go out without a handy way to stay hydrated.

Everything Else

Finally, let’s look at that “nice-to-haves.” These items aren’t essentials, but they’re great additions to any pickleball kit:

• A first-aid kit is always nice to have. Be sure to pack bandages, painkillers, gauze, and sterile gloves!
• Grip tape is used to keep your pickleball paddle in your hand. You’ll probably find this at a sporting goods store. Tennis grip tape works, too!
• Paddle covers prevent your pickleball paddle from getting damaged. Most pickleball bags have built-in paddle covers.
• Pickleball bags are purpose-made to hold your pickleball paddles, balls, and shoes.

Handy Guides to Finding the Right Stuff

Okay. Let’s finish out the blog post with a few tips and tricks for finding the perfect equipment.

We obviously can’t give an in-depth look at everything on this list. That would take too long! Instead, we’ve chosen the three most important items — the balls, paddles, and shoes — and condensed the search into a pocket-sized guide.

Finding the Perfect Pickleball Balls

Let’s start with those pickleball balls. By design, these hollow plastic spheres are covered in holes. They’re less bouncy than tennis balls, but they’re perfect for a game of pickleball!

There are two types of pickleballs:

• Indoor pickleballs tend to be slightly smaller. They generally have smaller holes. As the name implies, they’re made for indoor play. Some may work for an outdoor game, but they’re best reserved for your local sports complex.
• Outdoor pickleballs are generally larger and have larger holes. This design gives the ball more control against windy conditions. Taking an outdoor pickleball to an indoor game is less of a faux pas, but you still won’t get the best performance.

Note that many balls are manufactured as two halves, which are eventually welded together. Another style of manufacturing uses a rotating mold, which forms the ball as a single, solid surface.

The classic two-part method is not wrong. In fact, it’s been the standard for years! However, these balls may crack under high stress. Particularly cheap models may split in half in the midst of an intense game. Yikes!

The rotating mold, however, removes the seam. This makes the balls more durable, though the end result is more expensive.

Picking Out the Perfect Pickleball Paddle

By design — and per pickleball rules — a paddle cannot exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm) long; this length includes both the handle and the hitting surface of the paddle. However, this is where the official rules end. Your paddle can be as lightweight or as heavy as you’d like! Moreover, there are a variety of shapes to choose from.

The classic pick is a square paddle. These offer more control over the ball and are more likely to fit in a standard paddle pocket. Manufacturers also offer “elongated” paddles, which are shaped a bit like a long cutting board with a handle. These paddles have a large sweet spot but tend to weigh more. So-called “widebody” paddles are another popular pick — particularly among beginner players — and feature a longer handle.

When looking for the best pickleball paddles, always test your choices! The ideal weight for one player may put too much strain on your wrist. Similarly, some players prefer the large sweet spot of elongated paddles, while others prefer the lighter feel of a classic paddle. Your “perfect” paddle depends on your unique performance, and finding the best match for your style requires experimentation.

Generally, players break their paddle needs into 6 categories:

• Power: How much force can you return your shots with? Heavier paddles tend to offer more power with less physical exertion. Lightweight paddles are better for more active involvement.
• Price: Obviously, most people aren’t ready to go broke for a pickleball paddle. While many of the “best” paddles — particularly those sporting the “official paddle of the x tournaments” label — are rather pricey, you’ll find many affordable options, too!
• Shape: As mentioned before, a paddle’s shape influences its overall performance. There are three widely available options: classic (square), elongated, and widebody.
• Spin: Can the paddle impart a decent amount of torque on the ball? This allows players to return shots with a powerful whirling force, making it harder for the opposition to know where the ball will land.
• Sweet Spot: The “sweet spot” generally lands near the middle of a paddle’s head. Any shots returned within this area of a paddle have more power, greater control, and (in some cases) increased spin.
• Weight: Heavy paddles place strain on your wrists and shoulders.

A Quick Note About Spin

As of 2022, all adherents to the USA Pickleball rulebook have banned excessive initial spin, effectively ending the “chainsaw serve.” While this has ended the practice of imparting spin upon returning shots, it has influenced some players’ paddle choices.

Consider this as you seek out a good pickleball paddle. The head of one pick may offer additional power to each shot, but its ability to spin a serve should not factor into your decision.

Fitting Yourself for the Perfect Pickleball Shoes

Finally, you want to take a close look at your pickleball shoes. Like paddles, a pair of sturdy pickleball shoes can really amplify your performance. They’re also one of the first lines of defense between you and the pickleball court!

You’ll want a stable foundation with plenty of shock absorbency. Otherwise, you’re likely to overstress your joints. Again, you want to test before you buy. The best shoes bear your weight, take a hit, and absorb the vibration of each step. You’ll also want to consider the grip of each pick.

Consider shopping in person for high-quality pickleball shoes. Those online “quick view” pages won’t tell you if a shoe is perfect for your foot. Moreover, you can’t gauge the grip of a shoe without wearing it. While that site may be handy for reference, it’s usually best to find a few strong contenders and seek them out for a test run at your nearest shoe store.

If you’re ever in doubt, ask your opponents about their choices! Pickleball players are known for their friendly demeanor, and plenty are proud enough to brag about their stylish shoes.

And — on the topic of shoes — remember to always wear appropriate footwear. As comfy as they may be, flip-flops, sandals, and slip-ons are not the right shoes for a pickleball court. You want something sturdy. Otherwise, you’re likely to slip and fall, causing injuries that may take you off the court for weeks!

Learn Even More

Got everything on the list?

You’re ready to dominate the courts!

Remember to share the space and model good sportsmanship with every match. Soon, you’ll be part of your local pickleball community. And if you need more tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out the rest of the Pickle Goddesses blog.