Pickleball Equipment Buying Guide: Everything You Need To Play

Table of Contents

What You Need To Play Pickleball
Pickleball Paddles
Pickleballs
Pickleball Shoes
Pickleball Clothes
Pickleball Accessories

What You Need To Play Pickleball 

As we already mentioned, you can play pickleball without having to shell out a lot of money on an insane amount of gear (just another reason why it’s so beginner-friendly!). That being said, there are some pickleball essentials we recommend showing up to the court with. 

• Paddles: Any of the many pickleball paddles available will technically do, but there are some specifications to be aware of. Is a control paddle more suited to your skill level? Or is a power paddle more your speed?
  
  
• Pickleballs: You can’t play pickleball with a signature plastic, holed ball. Though they resemble wiffle balls in appearance, they are not interchangeable in terms of playing.
  
  
• Shoes: Pickleball requires quick movements and shuffling across the court, so your shoes need to provide lateral support.
  
  
• Clothes: From shirts to shorts to even dresses, there’s a wide range of attire you can wear while playing pickleball. The most important part is that the clothes support athletic activity.
  
  
• Accessories: Additional accessories like bags, paddle covers, and overgrips will have you looking and feeling like a professional (even if you aren’t one).
  

Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball paddles typically fall into one of two categories: control paddles or power paddles. Control paddles are better suited for beginners, as they have a larger and more consistent sweet spot and make it easier to place the ball. Power pickleball paddles are great for intermediate and advanced players, or those with a tennis background. These paddles provide more leverage, power, and spin potential. 

• Shape: Control paddles follow a more standard short and wide shape. Power paddles are more elongated.
  
  
• Thickness: What’s considered a thicker paddle is typically 16 millimeters or more, while a thin paddle is around 14 millimeters or under. Thick paddles allow for more control, and thin paddles lend to more pop and power.
  
  
• Material: Fiberglass is most popular for control paddles because it’s harder, though this also means it has less spin potential. Power paddles are often made of carbon, which absorbs more energy and is rougher in texture.

Pickleballs 

Using an actual pickleball is essential when stepping onto the court. These balls resemble a wiffle ball in that they’re made of hard plastic, are hollow, and have holes, but they are fundamentally different. If you’re playing pickleball outdoors or indoors also makes a difference in your ball selection, and it’s an important part of your overall pickleball equipment setup. 

• Holes: The holes allow for speed and spin. More holes mean the ball can move faster; fewer holes (or larger holes) give more control.
  
  
• Outdoor pickleballs: These have 40 holes and are made of harder plastic than indoor balls. They’re heavier, more durable, and able to better withstand wind.
  
  
• Indoor pickleballs: Made with 26 larger holes, these balls are slightly softer to allow for more control.

Pickleball Shoes

Since there’s a lot of quick movement and shuffling involved in pickleball, a supportive shoe is incredibly important. The right shoe not only allows you to reach your full playing potential, but it also helps prevent injury. Court shoes, or tennis shoes, are preferred over running shoes and are a key part of your pickleball gear. 

• Lateral support: A secure fit that’s designed with lateral support allows for safe and quick directional changes and side-to-side movement.
  
  
• Grip: With all that movement, your shoe should have a grippy outsole so you don’t slip.
  
  
• Cushioning: Responsive cushioning delivers both comfort and energy return, and protects you during those high-impact movements. The cushioning should be lightweight and not bulky.

Pickleball Clothes

The clothes you wear when playing pickleball should support your movement and be comfortable, similar to what you’d wear for tennis. Breathability, support, and coverage (like skirts with built-in shorts), and moisture-wicking fabric are just some things to look out for when shopping for pickleball clothes. Avoid anything super loose or baggy, as it’ll actually inhibit your quick movement.

• Breathability: Lightweight fabric that promotes airflow will be especially appreciated when playing outside on a hot day.
  
  
• Support and coverage: It’s common to see built-in shorts or lined shorts in pickleball-approved clothes. With this added support and coverage, you don’t have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions when playing.
  
  
• Moisture-wicking: Polyester and spandex blends are usually moisture-wicking, which keeps you from getting soaked or weighed down by sweat.
  
  
• Stretch: Since you’re performing lateral movements in pickleball, your clothes should have good stretch. Anything too tight and not stretchy, or too baggy, will restrict your movements.

Pickleball Accessories

Now that you’re well-versed in the pickleball gear basics, let’s take a look at accessories. Though not essential to play, certain items bring added convenience and functionality, or can help level up your game and complete your pickleball equipment setup.

• Bags: Sure, you can use any bag to transport your gear to and from the court, but a pickleball bag equipped with specific pockets and padding will keep you organized and your gear protected.
  
  
• Paddle covers: Protect your paddle when you’re not using it, be it from scratches or water damage.
  
  
• Overgrip: This is a material you wrap around your paddle’s handle when you need to improve your grip. Most are moisture-absorbing, helping to combat sweaty hands. Overgrip can also make using your paddle more comfortable.

The best thing about pickleball is that you don’t need to already be a star athlete to start playing. It’s a sport anyone can get into, and the minimal gear required reinforces that. A good pickleball paddle, a pack of pickleballs, and supportive clothes and shoes are all you need to be ready to hit the court (and accessories are just an added bonus!), all of which you can shop online at Sun & Ski Sports or at one of our many store locations.

About the Author, Sydney Fogel

Hi, I’m Sydney! I’m a writer and editor living in San Francisco. After attending college and kicking off my career in Boston, I made my way back to the Bay Area, where I grew up. When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying everything my beautiful area has to offer, from spending time at the beach (I live just a few blocks away!) to climbing those San Francisco hills to check out the latest restaurant. I’m also super into working out and have been dancing my entire life. Feel free to reach out at sfogel11@gmail.com