Get the Most Out of Your Next Match With the 9 Best Pickleball Sets in the Game

What to Look for When Shopping for Pickleball Sets

• Skill Level: The set you choose should ultimately be determined by your current skill level, says pickleball instructor Akash Agarwal. If you’re new to pickleball and learning the game, you’ll want a light, comfortable, and sturdy paddle. Intermediate and advanced players can benefit from a strong, heavier one designed for more power and speed. As your skills advance, you can then upgrade to better equipment.
• Included Items: At a minimum, your set should include paddles and balls. Some sets come with added accessories, such as a net, cooling towels, court markers, or a carrying case. Before purchasing a pickleball set, consider how many people you’ll be playing with and which equipment and accessories are important to your game. 
• Paddle Material and Weight: The material of your paddle will determine how easy it is to use and how well you’ll perform. The most common materials are fiberglass, carbon fiber, and wood. Pickleball coach Laurie S. Coyne recommends fiberglass and carbon fiber paddles because they’re lighter, more durable, and offer a lot more control than wood ones. A lighter paddle (7 to 7.5 ounces) is great for control and quick maneuverability at the net, while heavier paddles (8 or more ounces) give you more power due to the ability to “plow through” the ball, according to pickleball coach Gene DeVito.
• Pickleball Balls: Make sure that the balls in the set suit the surface you're planning to play on. Generally, pickleball balls come in two types: indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are softer, lighter, and usually have 24 to 26 large holes. They’re better for indoor courts and multipurpose facilities and are preferred by those who like a slower-paced game, according to DeVito. Outdoor balls have smaller holes in larger quantities (typically 38 to 40), so they don’t get tossed around as much by outdoor conditions. These balls tend to bounce higher, as they are heavier and harder, but they’re also more prone to cracking than indoor balls.

How We Selected the Pickleball Sets

We started our search for the best pickleball sets by consulting with three seasoned pickleball coaches: Agarwal, Coyne, and DeVito. They helped us better understand what to look for in a pickleball set. We used their advice as the basis of our selection criteria. 

We then spent a few days researching dozens of best-selling sets, assessing each on factors like paddle quality, ball durability, and additional accessories included. We know that not everyone is set on being a pickleball pro, so we made sure to include sets that cater to different kinds of players—from casual beginners to weekday warriors. 

We also used insights from our pickleball paddles test to recommend our Most Durable pick, Vinsguir’s Pickleball Paddle Set. Our testing consisted of several weeks of recreational and competitive play, assessing the set based on its comfort, durability, overall value, and more. 

Our Experts

We consulted seasoned pickleball coaches to get a better understanding of what to look for in a pickleball set, depending on your budget, experience level, and other factors. We also asked each expert for advice on selecting individual paddles, balls, and pickleball accessories.

• Laurie S. Coyne, pickleball coach at Aqua Lane Pickleball in Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Akash Agarwal, private pickleball instructor in Mountain View, California
• Gene DeVito, pickleball coach at Diadem Pickleball Complex in Coconut Creek, Florida 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in a pickleball set?

At the very least, you want two paddles and four balls for a well-rounded set. But if you don’t have access to a court, a set with an included net will be necessary to play the game.

How much do pickleball sets cost?

Pickleball sets range from $50 to $200, depending on the accessories included and the quality of materials used. A basic set usually includes paddles, balls, and a carrying case and costs around $50. Larger sets that come with a net, court markers, and more can cost around $120.

How long should pickleball sets last?

According to Coyne, paddles can last up to a year if you play often (for three hours, five days a week or more). The less often you play, the longer they’ll last. Balls, on the other hand, will wear out much sooner and will likely need to be replaced, says Coyne.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and Verywell Fit writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and equipment. Her decades of training athletes have helped her understand the value of using the best products for optimal performance, comfort, and durability.

Additional reporting by Shannon Ullman

Shannon Ullman is a seasoned Verywell Fit writer with years of experience covering health and fitness content. In her personal life, she plays pickleball with friends on the outdoor courts in her city. Thanks to her work and personal experience, Shannon knows how to recommend high-quality products (especially pickleball sets).