Looking for the best pickleball set to get you started in 2024? Pickleball sets give you everything you need to play pickleball and are a great way to kickstart your journey in the sport. They also make ideal gifts if you're shopping for a fellow beginner.
I've compiled a list of the best pickleball sets across a range of categories. My goal is to do the research for you, personally testing each of these sets. I scored them across power, control, spin, forgiveness, value, and more to help you separate the junk from the quality sets.
Take a look at my list of the top pickleball sets in 2024 below:
Best pickleball sets in 2024 at a glance
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. SLK NEO 2.0
Best cheap
Our Rating:
2. GoSports GS1
Best with net
Our Rating:
3. VENUX Portable Pickleball Net Set
Best for families
Our Rating:
4. Helium Element Family 4-Pack Set
Best for kids
Our Rating:
5. Litakon Premium Youth Set
Best looking
Our Rating:
6. Recess Vista Set
The best pickleball sets in 2024
Why you can trust Pickleheads: I spend hours testing every product and service I review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Learn more about how I test.
Want a deeper dive into my top picks? Read on to see why I rate each of these sets so highly.
1. SLK NEO 2.0
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You want high-performing beginner paddles:
these lightweight paddles offer great forgiveness, good control, and decent spin.
You want the best-made set:
you'll get two paddles from Selkirk, built with more advanced technology than most sets.
Your budget is under $100:
you won't find a better set under $100, and this one is under $80.
Pass if:
Your budget is in the $50 range:
check out my favorite cheap set on this list, the GoSports GS1.
You're looking for a family or kids set:
you'll like my set for families, the Helium Element, and my pick for kids, the Litakon Premium.
You need a set with a net:
number 3 on this list, the VENUX set, is my recommendation for you.
Paddle Weight
7.5 oz
Paddle Length
15.67"
Paddle Width
7.8"
Handle Length
5.25"
Grip Circumference
4.25"
Paddle Face Material
Graphite carbon fiber
Core Material
SX4 Polymer honeycomb powercore
Core Thickness
13 mm
Sweet Spot
Large
Carry Bag
Durable SLK carry bag
Pickleball Balls
Four indoor/outdoor balls
Who it suits
Try the SLK NEO 2.0 and read some of their 1400 5* reviews
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
2. GoSports GS1
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You want a cheap set that performs:
I named the GoSports GS1 my top cheap paddle for beginners.
You don't want to spend over $50:
for just $50, you and a partner will be ready to hit the courts.
You want a light, forgiving paddle:
the GS1 weighs just 7 oz, and has a wide paddle face that offers forgiveness for beginners.
Pass if:
7 oz is too light for you:
you'll prefer the SLK NEO 2.0, which comes in at 7.5 oz.
You want a youth set:
check out the Litakon set on this list, designed specifically for younger players.
You're all about aesthetics:
this black paddle set isn't as stylish as the Recess Vista set below.
Paddle Weight
7 oz
Paddle Length
15.75"
Paddle Width
8"
Handle Length
4.25"
Grip Circumference
4.25"
Paddle Face Material
Textured fiberglass
Core Material
Polypropylene honeycomb
Core Thickness
13 mm (0.51")
Sweet Spot
Large
Carry Bag
None
Balls
Two GS 40 outdoor pickleballs
Who it suits
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
3. VENUX Portable Pickleball Net Set
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You want everything you need to play:
the VENUX saves you shopping around, giving you everything you need to get started—even a net.
There are four players in your group:
this set has four paddles, so you can start a doubles game straight away.
You want easy game setup:
the sturdy, weatherproof net is easy to assemble, making it ideal for parks, yards, and driveways.
Pass if:
You don't need a portable net:
check out any of the other sets on this list and see which suits you best.
You're ready to step up to a higher-performance paddle:
the SLK Neo 2.0 at the top of this list offers the most advanced paddles.
You want kid-sized paddles:
check out the Helium Element set (for families) and the Litakon Premium (for kids).
Paddle Weight
7.8 oz
Paddle Length
15.8"
Paddle Width
7.8"
Handle Length
5"
Grip Circumference
4.12"
Paddle Face Material
Fiberglass and graphite
Core Material
Polymer honeycomb
Sweet Spot
Medium
Carry Bag
Two Oxford bags (one for paddles, one for net)
Balls
Ten pickleballs
Net
Regulation size (22' wide, 36" high at posts, 34" high at center)
Extras
Four extra overgrips
Who it suits
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
4. Helium Element Family 4-Pack Set
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You want to play pickleball with your kids:
get a doubles game going with two adults (or teenagers) and two kids.
You're shopping for a school or youth club:
this set is popular with schools, rec centers, scouts groups, and more.
You don't want to spend a lot:
at just $70 for four paddles, this is a crazy good value.
Pass if:
You don't need kid-size paddles:
check out the SLK NEO 2.0 or the GoSports GS1 sets for adult beginner sets.
You want only youth paddles:
the Litakon on this list is my favorite set option for kids.
You want a complete set with a net:
check out the VENUX on this list—a great set that comes with a net.
Paddle Weight
7.7 oz (adult paddles) and 6 oz (kids paddles)
Paddle Length
16.06" (adult paddles) and 13.88" (kids paddles)
Paddle Width
7.87" (adult paddles) and 7" (kids paddles)
Grip Circumference
4.5"
Paddle Face Material
Fiberglass
Core Material
Polypropylene honeycomb
Core Thickness
12 mm (0.47")
Sweet Spot
Medium
Carry Bag
Drawstring bag
Balls
Four yellow outdoor 40-hole pickleballs
Who it suits
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
5. Litakon Premium Youth Set
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You're shopping for kids under 12:
these paddles were thoughtfully designed with younger kids in mind.
You want a whole set just for kids:
I love the designs on the paddle faces. The backpack, hand towels, and stickers are a great bonus too.
You want well-made budget paddles:
for just $43, you get two fiberglass paddles that will outlast many cheap options on Amazon.
Pass if:
You're shopping for teenagers:
teens can upgrade to an adult-sized paddle like the GoSports GS1.
You need paddles for the whole family:
the Helium Element set on this list is my top pickleball set for families.
You want a net too:
you'll like the VENUX set above, which includes a portable net.
Paddle Weight
6 oz
Paddle Length
14.3"
Paddle Width
7.4"
Handle Length
3.87"
Grip Circumference
3.8"
Paddle Face Material
Fiberglass
Core Material
Polymer honeycomb
Sweet Spot
Large
Carry Bag
Kids backpack
Balls
Two indoor & two outdoor pickleballs
Extras
Two small sweat towels
Who it suits
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
6. Recess Vista Set
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You want a stylish paddle set:
from the tan handles to the artful prints, the Recess Vista stands out on the courts.
You're buying a pickleball gift:
this set is a great pickleball gift for a stylish beginner.
You want a comfy grip:
the grip not only looks good—it's also sweat-resistant and feels similar to a tennis grip.
Pass if:
You want the best performance from a set:
the SLK NEO 2.0 is the best performing paddle set.
You're on a budget:
this isn't cheap ($148), so check out the GoSports GS1 that currently lists for $50.
You're looking for a kids set:
you'll prefer the Litakon Premium Youth Set on this list.
Paddle Weight
7.5-8oz
Paddle Length
15.67"
Paddle Width
7.8"
Handle Length
5"
Grip Circumference
4.25"
Paddle Face Material
Fiberglass
Core Material
Polymer honeycomb
Core Thickness
13mm
Edge Guard
Thick protective edge guard
Sweet Spot
Medium
Carry Bag
Two embroidered canvas paddle cases
Pickleball Balls
Three pickleballs
Who it suits
Try the Recess Vista with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deals
How we chose the best pickleball sets
Choosing a pickleball paddle can be a big decision and the same goes for sets. It's one of the most important ones you'll make when starting out in pickleball. It's an important choice, so I considered the following criteria to rank my list:
- Quality: I looked for reputable brands that prioritize quality above all else in their design and manufacturing. I know from experience that quality gear makes all the difference on the court.
- Performance: the paddles in a set should do more than just get you on the court. They should offer a good mix of power, control, and spin to help you play competitively.
- Completeness: what does the set have to offer? Does it come with balls and a carry case?
- Durability: the gear included in the set should stand up over months of repeated play.
- Price: is the set worth the price? Do the paddles offer good performance? Do the extra accessories provide great value?
I also read through hundreds of reviews across top sets available on Amazon, Pickleball Central, and manufacturer websites to figure out what sets people love the most. Most importantly, the Pickleheads team and I personally play with and test every paddle set on this list.
Find the perfect paddle
I’ve personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
How to pick the best pickleball set
When looking for a complete pickleball set, there are a few factors to take into consideration:
Quality
The overall build quality of pickleball paddles can vary greatly, even among paddles that appear similar. Low-quality paddles will degrade more quickly and might suffer from defects like dead spots or improperly secured components.
You can avoid getting stuck with low-quality gear by buying from reputable manufacturers.
Materials
The materials used in pickleball sets greatly affect how they'll feel when you're playing. This is particularly true of paddles.
Most modern paddles have a polymer honeycomb core, and their faces (the striking surface) are made from a variety of different materials, like graphite and carbon. Carbon fiber pickleball paddles are growing in popularity and are often of higher quality.
Graphite is often considered to have more "pop", while fiberglass is more lightweight and maneuverable. Older or cheaper paddles may be made from wood, which tends to be heavier and less effective.
What’s included
Bang for your buck matters and accessories add up. Aside from paddles and/or a net, pickleball sets usually include a few pickleball balls. The more included, the better the value.
Bundles may also include paddle covers or a carrying bag, which adds more value and convenience. Some have further add-ons, like replacement grip tape or line chalk.
Paddle weight
Pickleball paddles can weigh anywhere from 6-14 oz, and the weight greatly affects your playing experience.
Heavier paddles will make it easier to hit the ball powerfully, but they’re also less agile. Of course, they’ll also cause fatigue more quickly, and they may worsen joint problems.
Lighter paddles are better for finesse, control, and pinpoint accuracy. Most of the paddles in this list weigh from 7.5-8 oz, which most players will prefer. They're light, but not too light.
USA Pickleball compliant
Pickleball paddles that are USA Pickleball-compliant fall within a set of standard guidelines. For example, their length cannot exceed 17". Also, the paddle’s total surface area cannot exceed 24²", including the butt cap and edge guard.
USA Pickleball-certified paddles also undergo testing for design features that might create an unfair advantage, like a non-flat striking surface or using a non-rigid surface material.
Using compliant paddles means everyone is playing fairly. It’s also usually a requirement for playing in tournaments.
Portability
Since most pickleball players bring their gear from home, having everything in a neatly portable package makes a difference.
This is particularly true for pickleball nets, with the best of them being lightweight, easy to set up, and easy to pack. The best portable pickleball net sets will come with a sturdy bag for easy transportation.
Pickleball paddle sets sometimes come with a bag as well, which is great for convenience. This allows you to stow away a few paddles, some balls, and other personal accessories in one bag that you can carry to the court.
Suitable for indoors or outdoors
Most pickleball gear is fine to use both indoors and outdoors, but it’s always good to find equipment that can withstand the elements. This is especially true in the case of nets.
Some people prefer to leave their nets up and outside for long periods of time. For many pickleball nets, that won’t be a problem at all.
However, others might not stand up to harsh sunlight or rain and may degrade or mildew. Pickleballs also come in indoor and outdoor varieties. For casual play, you can use either interchangeably, but it’s nice to have access to both.
Price
Quality pickleball gear is generally fairly priced and accessible. That’s a big reason why the sport is such a hit.
Passionate players can splurge on professional-level gear, but there's nothing wrong with using quality affordable equipment.
People who buy pickleball sets are often newer players who want to try the sport with friends or family, or are outfitting a local club or school group. In these cases, getting good value for money is even more important.
What do you need to play pickleball?
Common items featured in a pickleball set include:
- Paddles (usually 2 or 4)
- Balls (usually 2 to 4)
- A carrying bag or paddle cover
- A net (sometimes)
- Other gear: less commonly, they may include line chalk, a portable rules booklet, a headband or sweatband, or replacement paddle grips
Complete pickleball sets vs pickleball paddle sets
Complete pickleball sets offer everything you need to play a game of pickleball: paddles, balls, and sometimes a net. Complete sets also commonly offer useful accessories, like a carrying case.
A pickleball paddle set is any set with more than one pickleball paddle, but no balls, nets, or accessories. These are usually sets with two pickleball paddles, offering the most important gear without all the extras.
Bottom line
That's my list of the top six pickleball sets in 2024. For me, the SLK NEO 2.0 stands out above the rest for its combination of excellent on-court performance and affordable price tag.
To recap, here are my top six again:
- SLK NEO 2.0 - Best overall
- GoSports GS1 Set - Best cheap
- VENUX Portable Pickleball Net Set - Best with net
- Helium Element Family 4-Pack Set - Best for families
- Litakon Premium Youth Set - Best for kids
- Recess Vista Set - Best looking
Recent updates
April 2024
My new picks are in and my new favorite overall pickleball set is the SLK NEO 2.0, replacing the PCKL Starter Bundle. As time goes on, it continues to impress me. While it might not have the same tech as a Selkirk LUXX, you can tell it comes from the same designers.
I've introduced a few new sets, including the GoSports GS1 (one of my favorite cheap pickleball paddles), the VENUX set, the Helium Element, and the Litakon set. I've kept the Recess set because they're still some of the best-looking paddles on the market.
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