Almost 5 million people in the United States play pickleball. That number continues to rise as the entertaining sport gains more popularity. Aside from being fast-paced, exciting, family-friendly, and excellent fun, pickleball is incredibly easy to play.
Easy to pick up, and affordable, all you need to play is a paddle, a ball, and a net. To make things even easier, most sets come with all of the equipment you need.
As a minimum, pickleball sets typically come with two paddles and a selection of pickleball balls.
Some sets also come with a net and extra paddles. This is all you need to get started. The only problem you might have is finding the best set. The market can be overwhelming with hundreds upon thousands of sets to choose from.
Don’t worry though, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ve listed 5 of the best sets we could find. Today, we’ll show you each one.
Let’s begin!
We’ll start with a complete set that comes with everything you need to play pickleball with your friends or family. The GSE portable pickleball set is a comprehensive, USAPA-approved set that includes 4 paddles, 6 balls, and a net.
Despite being a portable set, GSE ensures that all the equipment in the set is the official size. This comes in handy for those that want to take the sport a little more seriously. The equipment is also versatile enough to suit any level of player.
In terms of quality, each piece of equipment is made to a great standard.
The paddles are made from durable hardwood, the balls feature exceptional seam welding, and the net has heavy-duty black powder-coated steel legs. Even the carry bag included with the set is made from durable nylon material.
It’s also worth noting that the net comes with flat steel legs. This is important because it helps increase the stability of the net. We found the net very easy to assemble too which is a good touch.
The beauty of the set coming with 4 paddles is that you can play mixed doubles, whilst the outdoor balls make it easier to play anywhere.
Pros
- Sturdy net – The flat steel legs give the net more stability.
- Complete set – This set comes with everything you need to play pickleball.
- Portable – Easily take this set with you.
Cons
- No indoor balls – Indoor balls aren’t included.
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The next set on our list is the Helium Versus pickleball set of 4. This is one of the best sets you can buy if you have 3 or 4 pickleball lovers. The set may not come with a net, but as far as reliable, high-quality paddles go, it’s an extremely hard set to beat.
Each stylish paddle, complete with an abstract design, features a very high-quality graphite fiber surface and a high polymer honeycomb core. This is super impressive for a relatively affordable set of paddles.
What’s also nice is that the paddles come in two separate colors. Two paddles are blue and two are red. This provides a nice balance when playing doubles. Most other sets offer just one color.
This Helium Versus set also comes with 4 pickleball balls. Unlike the GSE set above, this set comes with indoor and outdoor balls.
In your carry bag, you’ll find two indoor and two outdoor balls. This is something we really loved about this set because it makes it a lot more versatile.
On the topic of carry bags, the convenient drawstring bag the set comes with is much easier to carry around than other bags.
Pros
- High-quality paddles – The paddles included in this set are impressive.
- Indoor and outdoor balls included – This set comes with two indoor and two outdoor balls.
- Stylish – The Helium Versus paddles look great.
Cons
- No net included – This set doesn’t come with a net.
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If you’re a beginner looking for a simple, budget-friendly option, you should take a closer look at the Franklin Sports half-court set.
This set gives you the perfect chance to get involved in pickleball without having to get too serious. It’s also a great space-saving set.
This Franklin Sports set comes with two wooden paddles, two USAPA-approved balls, and a pickleball net. The net included in the set is only half-court size (10 feet).
This makes it a solid option for anyone with limited space or those looking to practice. The smaller court will help you train for the full-size court.
Admittedly, the set might not be as impressive as other sets, but it definitely serves its purpose.
The net is sturdy and strong, whilst the paddles and balls are clearly very well made. In fact, despite the low price tag, this set offers us everything we can normally expect from Franklin Sports.
That is a reliable, high-quality, and durable product. If you need more equipment, this set can also be purchased with four paddles and four balls.
Pros
- Beginner friendly – This set is perfect for beginners.
- Affordable – This set is very well priced.
- Space-saving – The half-court net takes up half the amount of space.
Cons
- Not suited to experienced players – Experienced players should look at another set.
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Next up, we have the Pickleball Diller tournament net set. This is one of the best sets on the market that comes with a net. When we took a close look at the set, we found that the net is made to a very high standard.
In fact, the net might actually be the best thing about this set. This particular set features the 3.0 portable pickleball net.
It’s super lightweight, only weighing 24 lbs, meets USAPA specifications, and can be assembled or disassembled in a matter of minutes.
The poles that keep the net upright are made from durable metal. These poles feature a flat leg design that gives the net more stability.
When it comes to what else the set comes with, you can expect to find 4 maple 7-ply paddles in the carry bag. You’ll also find four indoor pickleball balls.
The paddles are pretty solid, whilst the balls offer great control and power.
The only downside with the balls is that they aren’t designed to be played outdoors. Pickleball Inc claims they are but we wouldn’t expect too much quality.
Pros
- High-quality net – The net included in this set is made to a great standard.
- Rules sheet included – This set comes with a handy rules sheet for beginners.
- Easy to assemble – You’ll be able to put this net up in minutes.
Cons
- Pricey – The Diller tournament set is very expensive.
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The final pickleball set on our list is the JP WinLook pickleball paddle set. JP WinLook is well-known for producing high-quality pickleball products so we expected great things from this set. It’s fair to say we weren’t left disappointed.
Perfect for anyone that doesn’t need a net, this set comes with two stunning pickleball paddles and three pickleball balls.
This premium set is very well made. JP WinLook uses cutting-edge technology to make paddles with a super lightweight honeycomb core and solid graphite face.
As a result of this solid design, we can expect a paddle that offers well-balanced control and powerful striking.
When we tested these paddles, we also loved the cushioned anti-slip grip that guarantees ultimate control and performance. The graphite face helped us easily control the spin of the ball too.
The balls that come with this set are great too. Suitable for indoor and outdoor gameplay, they are easily visible thanks to their vibrant color. The precisely drilled holes also ensure a consistent bounce and flight path.
Finally, this set comes with a handy travel bag to help you transport your equipment.
Pros
- Well-made – The paddles in this set are made to an incredible standard.
- Easily visible – The balls this set comes with are vibrant.
- Great value for money – The JP WinLook paddle set represents great value for money.
Cons
- No net included – This is another set that doesn’t come with a net.
Buyer’s Guide
Now you have our list of best pickleball sets at your fingertips, it’s time to start thinking about what you need. When picking out the best set, you need to take your time to make sure you choose the right one. You can’t just pick any of the sets from our list.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to help you even more by putting together a small buyer’s guide. In this buyer’s guide, you’ll find all the things you need to remember when buying a set.
If you remember the things we discuss, you should be able to make a much better decision and one you don’t later come to regret.
What Do You Need From A Pickleball Set?
Before you do anything else, you need to work out what exactly it is you need or want from a pickleball set. Without doing this, you can’t possibly pick out the best set for your needs and requirements.
On top of that, you might end up wasting money on equipment you don’t need.
For example, if you already own a reliable pickleball net, you can steer clear of any sets that include a net. Instead, you can purchase a set that comes with balls and paddles. More often than not, sets that don’t include a net are cheaper.
On the other hand, if you need a net but choose a set that doesn’t come with one, you’ve wasted money on a set that doesn’t fulfill your needs.
Carefully think about what you need first!
What Does The Set Include?
Once you know what you need, you need to make sure you pick a set that comes with everything you need. Therefore, make sure you check what each set comes with before making a purchase.
Pickleball sets come with an array of different things. Some sets come with a net, paddles, and balls. Some come with just paddles and balls, whilst others come with things like rule sheets as well as basic equipment.
To ensure you find a set that comes with everything you need, you should always read product descriptions and reviews. This is the best way of finding out exactly what a set comes with.
Type Of Ball
In terms of individual pieces of equipment, the type of balls a set includes is super important.
Why you may ask? Well, not all pickleball balls are the same. Some balls are designed for indoor use, whilst others are made for outdoor use. This may not seem like too much of an issue but where you plan on playing can play a huge part.
If you plan on playing outside, you have to use outdoor balls. Outdoor balls are designed to better handle environmental conditions.
For example, if you used an indoor ball outdoors, the ball won’t be as easy to control in windy conditions.
Paddle Construction
Paddle construction is also very important. The set you buy must come with high-quality, durable paddles.
If the paddles aren’t made to a good standard, you’ll find that they quickly break. On top of that, they’ll offer less control and power over the ball.
Bearing this in mind, you should only look for a set with well-made paddles. The best way to identify well-made paddles is by looking at how they are made.
Generally speaking, the best paddles feature polymer honeycomb cores and graphite faces. They will also come with a cushioned grip.
Again, read product descriptions and reviews to get a sense of how good a paddle is.
Net Construction
How well made the net is should be something you think about too. If you need a net, you should pick one that is easy to assemble, sturdy, and durable. Finding a net that offers all of those things is pretty simple.
The best nets are made from durable metals such as steel or solid plastics.
When it comes to the stability of the net, we recommend looking for a net with a flat leg design. You’ll find that this type of net stands up a lot easier.
Portability
Finally, you need to choose a set that can be carried or transported easily. If the set you choose isn’t portable, you’ll find it much harder to get the set from A to B.
A portable set is one that comes with a compact carry bag or drawstring bag. A set that comes with either of these bags is much easier to carry.
Not only are they more lightweight, but they are also comfortable to carry for prolonged periods of time. They can also be easily stored in the trunk of a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pickleball Sets Worth It?
If you plan on playing pickleball regularly, a pickleball set is definitely worth it. Pickleball sets give you a convenient way to carry everything you need to play the game.
More often than not, they also come with more than one paddle too, making it a great choice for anyone that plays with family or friends.
Do I Need A Pickleball Set If I Play At A Court Already?
If you already have a court you regularly play pickleball on, you might decide against buying a full pickleball set. After all, you might not have any need for another net.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t choose a set that doesn’t come with a net.
On top of that, some pickleball sets offer smaller nets perfect for training. As a result, it may not be a need, but it could definitely be something you want.
Can Pickleball Be Played On A Regular Tennis Court?
Yes, you can play pickleball on a regular tennis court. However, you won’t need the full court.
On a regular-sized tennis court, you can fit four standard-sized pickleball courts. Each pickleball court will consist of a 20’ x 44’ playing area.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best pickleball set isn’t always easy. There are a lot of important things to take into consideration and an overwhelming amount of options to look through. However, we hope that we’ve made things a lot easier for you.
In this article, we’ve done most of the work for you.
We’ve found five of the best pickleball sets on the market, reviewed each one, provided you with a buyer’s guide to help you decide, and even answered some frequently asked questions.
With all of that information, you should find it a lot easier to choose the best pickleball set.
Whether you’re looking for a complete set that comes with everything you need, a basic set that comes with the best paddles, or simply a smaller set that comes with a smaller net, we have something for you on our list.
All you need to do now is narrow our list down and choose the best pickleball set for you. You can’t go wrong with any of the options on our list.
