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Whether you’re a newly retired athlete or a stay home dad looking to stay active, pickleball is one sport that you can learn to play quickly. The exhilarating fast-paced action of pickleball is played not just as a hobby but as a competitive sport as well. The best part about this sport is that people of all ages and skill-sets can play. All you need is proper pickleball equipment and you can start your pickleball journey right away.
If you’re well-versed with pickleball rules, this equipment blog will be a fun read for you. Sure, it’s not related to rules in general but it’s slightly technical than the topic we’re covering today i.e. Pickleball Equipment – A Complete Buyer’s Guide. In this blog, you’ll learn not just about the equipment but also the best ones available in the market. Thus, not only will you be driving home with some valuable information but also with a filled cart.
Pickleball Paddles
The most important equipment in pickleball is a pickleball paddle. It’s a racquet used in the sport to hit balls from one end to the other. Pickleball paddles are fairly smaller than tennis racquets and are built from numerous materials. Every pickleball paddle, if it’s to be used in a pro tournament, needs to comply with USAPA’s paddle guidelines.
As for paddle types, you can choose between Graphite, Composite, Elongated, and Fiberglass pickleball paddles. If you noticed, these points are different parameters on how you can segregate a particular paddle from the rest of the bunch. Apart from those parameters, a lot relies on the cost of a paddle as well. There are cheap pickleball paddles as well as premium ones that have their own audiences.
Best Graphite paddles
1. Onix Graphite z5
The most well-rounded graphite paddle with amazing grip. The Graphite z5 is amongst the most beloved paddle thanks to its fascinating design and impressive maneuverability.
2. PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pro
If you’re serious about making a career in pickleball, this is the paddle that can help you achieve your dreams. With excellent control and touch, the Tempest Wave Pro is my favorite graphite paddle.
If you wish to learn more about graphite paddles, check out our detailed guide on graphite paddles.
Best Composite paddles
1. Selkirk Sport Neo
This pickleball paddle is powerful, durable and consistent thanks to its polymer core. If you love a larger sweet sport and smooth connection, this paddle is meant for you.
2. Gamma Mirage
One of the cleanest paddle designs with Sensa Polycore technology. With Gamma Mirage you can expect a great balance between power and speed along with an amazing grip.
If you wish to learn more about composite paddles, check out our detailed guide on paddles for beginners.
Best Elongated paddles
1. Gamma Needle
This paddle is designed for supreme handling and swift movements. If you’re seeking consistent control and comfortable grip, Gamma Needle is a paddle you can’t miss out on.
2. Onix Summit
Touch, power, pop, and spin – Achieve everything with Onix’s Summit. It carries the most distinguished design in the pickleball world.
Best Fiberglass paddles
1. Selkirk Epic Prime
By far, Selkirk’s Epic prime is my favorite pickleball paddle when it comes to sweet sport. The polypropylene core and FiberFlex fiberglass face is everything you look for in this category.
2. Head Extreme Pro
With excellent attention to detail and a unique design, Head’s Extreme Pro ticks all the right boxes. With a proper balance of power, spin, and balance, the Extreme Pro is amongst the finest fiberglass paddles.
Pickleball Balls
After the paddle, the balls are the most important equipment you need to play pickleball. Before purchasing them, you must know whether you’d be playing indoor or outdoor. Indoor balls tend to be lighter than outdoor pickleball balls. Also, the outdoor pickleball balls are designed to keep external factors such as wind or harder court surfaces in mind. While we’re providing you with certain options, don’t forget to check out our guide on pickleball balls to learn more.
Our top picks for the best pickleball ball sets are as follows:
1. Dura 40
2. Franklin X-40
3. Onix Pure 2
Pickleball Nets
Whether you’re looking to build your own pickleball court or setting up a local tournament, you must know that for competitive purposes, Pickleball Nets need to follow USAPA guidelines. The standard dimension of a pickleball net should be 22ft wide, 36” height with 34” height at the center strap. Before purchasing any net, make sure that the dimension on the listing matches with the numbers given above. Having said that, here’s my recommendation for the best pickleball nets online.
1. A11N Portable Net
2. Pro Focus Pickleball Net
3. Gamma Portable Net
Just make sure to choose the pickleball net based upon the setup. If you’ve to transport the net frequently from one location to the other, go for a portable option. If you’re setting up a permanent court, weather-resistant and sturdy nets are a better option than portable ones.
Pickleball Clothing, Bags & Shoes
If you have the paddle, ball, and net, you’re good to go. This section doesn’t entail any necessary information but if you read, you’ll be able to play better. For instance, accessories such as caps, sunglasses/visors can help you play without distractions under the sun. Accessories such as bags and grips will enhance the game further. As for pickleball bags, you can carry up to six paddles at a time and extra grips as needed.
Here’s a comprehensive list of products for each category.
Conclusion
While there are numerous physical and online stores where you can find pickleball equipment, make sure to check our complete guide to learn more about the sport. I hope this guide helped you drive home with some crucial information about essential pickleball equipment.
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