Key takeaways: a 2-paddle set with balls and a bag is the best value to start with a partner; a 4-paddle set covers a doubles game; a set with a portable net lets you play anywhere. Check the paddle face (fibreglass or carbon rather than wood), the weight (7.8–8.2 oz), and whether the balls are for indoor or outdoor use.
Buying a set is the quickest and cheapest way to start pickleball: one box, everything you need to play. Quality varies a lot, though. Here is how to tell a set that will last a season from one that will end up in the garage.
The main types of pickleball set
| Type | Usually includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2-paddle set | 2 paddles, 2–4 balls, carry bag | Couples, friends starting together |
| 4-paddle set | 4 paddles, 4–6 balls, bag | Families, doubles games |
| Set with net | Paddles, balls, portable net with frame | Driveways, gardens, tennis courts without lines |
| Club or school pack | 6+ paddles, many balls, sometimes a net | Clubs, schools, associations |
What to check before you buy
The paddles
- Face material: fibreglass or carbon. Avoid wooden paddles unless it is for occasional garden play; they are heavy and lifeless.
- Weight: 7.8 to 8.2 oz is the comfortable middle for beginners.
- Core: polymer honeycomb, ideally around 13–16 mm.
- Grip: cushioned, around 4.25 in circumference suits most adults.
More detail in how to choose a pickleball paddle.
The balls
Check whether they are indoor or outdoor balls and use them accordingly. Balls in cheap sets are often average; plan on buying a pack of better balls once you play regularly. See indoor vs outdoor pickleball balls.
The net (if included)
- Regulation width of 22 ft and adjustable to 36 in at the posts and 34 in at the centre.
- A stable metal frame with feet that do not tip over in wind.
- A carry bag and quick assembly; some nets set up in a few minutes.
Pair it with the court dimensions to mark your own court with tape or chalk.
The bag
A padded bag protects paddle faces from scratches, which preserves spin on carbon paddles. Thin drawstring bags do little.
When to upgrade from a set
Starter sets are made for learning. Once you play every week, the limits show: less spin, less control on soft shots, more vibration. That is the time to buy a single, better paddle chosen for your game and keep the set for guests.
Where to buy
Sports retailers such as Decathlon stock their own budget sets and paddles you can handle in store. Online marketplaces such as Amazon carry the widest choice of brands, from entry-level sets to premium bundles. Read reviews that mention durability after several weeks of play, not just first impressions.
FAQ
What comes in a pickleball set?
Most sets include two or four paddles, a few balls and a carry bag. Some add a portable net, overgrips or paddle covers.
Is a cheap pickleball set worth it?
For trying the sport, yes. Choose one with fibreglass or carbon paddles rather than wood. Regular players will want to upgrade their paddle within a few months.
Do I need a net to play pickleball?
Not at a club, where nets are provided. To play at home or on a tennis court without pickleball lines, a portable regulation net is the easiest option.
How many paddles do I need?
Two for singles or practising with a partner, four for doubles. Many players keep a spare in case a guest joins.