Looking for the best pickleball set to get you started? 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 below:
Best pickleball sets at a glance
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. SLK NEO 2.0
The SLK NEO 2.0 is my top pick because it has paddles that play like others twice the price. Made by leading brand Selkirk, this set will give you confidence from your very first game.
The Helium 2-Pack for Kids is thoughtfully designed for ages 4-11. It comes with two graphite kid-friendly paddles with a fun design and a handy drawstring bag.
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.
Two premium paddles, a case, and four balls from top brand Selkirk—all at a great price
6/10
Power
7/10
Control
6/10
Spin
9/10
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 Amazin' Aces, and my pick for kids, the Helium Kids 2-Pack.
You need a set with a net:
the VENUX set with a portable net is my recommendation for you.
Amazon
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
If you want a set that includes genuinely great paddles, I can't think of one that outperforms the SLK NEO 2.0. It's by far the best under $100 I've played with so far. The paddles play like they're twice the price, so it's an easy pick for the top spot.
This set gives you two high-performance beginner paddles, built with some of the same tech and materials you get from top Selkirk paddles, like the LUXX Control Air Invikta. That's why I've consistently featured the SLK NEO as one of my favorite pickleball paddles.
Who it suits
The SLK NEO 2.0 suits the beginner who's ready to take pickleball seriously. It's more advanced than cheaper Amazon paddles. With this set, I can see you winning games and improving until you're ready for a step-up intermediate paddle.
Try the SLK NEO 2.0 and read some of their 2,400+ 5* reviews
Features
The SLK NEO 2.0 has a multi-layered fiberglass and graphite face. Fiberglass gives it extra power, whereas graphite is used more for control. I find that this blend gives the paddles a good mix of power and control, so I'm able to play an all-around game.
The 13 mm honeycomb polymer core gives it a nice solid feel too. This reduces vibrations and makes it easier on my hands and wrists.
The solid edge guard should protect this paddle over time. The 7.5 oz weight makes it a fast yet sturdy paddle for beginners.
Design and feel
I'm a big fan of the look of this set. It's bright, has eye-catching color options, and comes with a neat pickleball bag. It definitely looks more expensive than it is.
In the hands, the paddles feel sturdy and comfortable. You'll appreciate how light it is. I like Selkirk's stock grips and was pleasantly surprised to find the quality of this one didn't drop, as you might expect on a beginner set.
Performance
Forgiveness is this paddle's best attribute, thanks to the large sweet spot that goes right to the edges. Reducing mishits will help you grow in confidence as a beginner, and these have one of the biggest sweet spots I've seen.
You'll get a decent amount of control and spin for a beginner paddle too, so you can start practicing more advanced shots. Spin is almost always lacking from beginner paddles, but I was happy to find some actual grit on these paddles.
I can play with topspin, which gives me the control to swing harder than I usually can with beginner paddles.
Value for money
The $80 price tag is one of the reasons I chose the SLK NEO 2.0 as my favorite set for 2024. When you consider the quality of the two paddles, as well as the bag and balls, no other pickleball starter kit rivals it.
My verdict
If you want to focus on performance first and foremost, the SLK NEO 2.0 is the right adult pickleball set for you. These paddles play like others twice the price—they have a good mix of power and control and surprisingly good spin. For just $80, you're getting a full set from Selkirk, one of the top brands in the game.
I named the GoSports GS1 my top cheap paddle for beginners.
You don't want to spend over $50:
for just $50 (and often discounted too), 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 Helium set on this list, designed specifically for younger players.
You need a set with four paddles:
the Amazin' Aces is a great choice for doubles or a family of four.
Amazon
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
The GoSports GS1 is simply the best-performing paddle I've ever tested in the $25 range. I'm so impressed that I put them on my best cheap paddles list for 2024. The balls in this set are great too, and I added them to my best pickleball balls list for this year.
This 2-paddle set easily earns its place as the best cheap set. The paddles give you power, control, and spin—everything you need to start winning pickleball games. At just $50 for the full set (and often even cheaper), you can try the sport without investing much upfront.
Who it suits
This is a great starter set for newcomers to the sport looking for a cheap set that actually plays well. Without breaking the bank, you and a friend can hit the courts straight away. It's also good for younger players as it weighs just 7 oz and has a short handle (4.25").
Features
In this set, you get two GS1 paddles with fiberglass faces and 13 mm cores with decent pop. I was pleasantly surprised with these—the pop is much better than I usually find in paddles that come in sets.
The wide 8" face gives you plenty of playing surface and forgiveness. The 7 oz weight makes it a light, fast paddle. I like how fast I can play up at the kitchen. The protective edge guard should make these paddles durable too.
One letdown for me is that this set does not include a carry bag like the others on this list.
The GoSports GS1 pickleball paddle resting against a net
Design and feel
This might not be a pretty paddle set, but I like that it's focused on delivering a strong performance at a low cost.
It doesn't feel stiff or cheap like other budget Amazon paddles. The grip is a lot more comfortable than I expected and I have no issues swinging this paddle over long sessions.
Performance
This paddle flies through the air. My reaction time at the net is quick, and I can see this helping you learn defensive shots. I don't get many mishits either, thanks to the wide face and large sweet spot.
While there's not a ton of spin or power to report, it's plenty for beginners. Forgiveness and control are its best qualities, and these are much more important when you're starting out in pickleball.
Value for money
Almost everyone who likes this paddle comments on its great value. It really is a standout at this price.
I do wish they threw in a pickleball bag to make it easier to carry, but I've never played with a $25 paddle as solid as the GS1. $50 is a good price for two of these paddles and two outdoor balls. It’s also often on discount. At the time of writing, it’s listed on Amazon for just $38.25. That’s a crazy deal!
My verdict
If you want to start playing pickleball but you're not ready to invest a lot of money, the GoSports GS1 set is my top recommendation. It will get you started in no time, and you'll learn more with this than with any other $25 paddle.
Everything you need to start playing pickleball doubles
6/10
Power
6/10
Control
5/10
Spin
7/10
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 Amazin' Aces set (for families) and the Helium set (for kids).
Amazon
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
If your local pickleball courts require a portable net, I highly recommend this complete set to get started. I like how the VENUX pickleball net set comes with literally everything you need to get a doubles game going. It's a one-stop purchase and is also really affordable at $169.99.
Who it suits
This suits beginner players who want to set up a full game easily. The net is simple to assemble, so you can start a game of pickleball quickly at the park, beach, or at home. It has four paddles so it's great for a game of doubles and when teaching the whole family how to play pickleball.
Features
In this set, you'll find a regulation-size portable pickleball net—22' wide, 36" high at the posts, and 34" high in the center.
The four paddles are made from a fiberglass/graphite composite. I find this gives them a good mix of power and control, so I'm able to play a well-rounded game.
They're a sturdy 7.8 oz in weight but feel light in my hands. The set also comes with ten balls, four overgrips for your paddles, and carry bags for both the net and the paddles.
Design and feel
The net has a hard metal frame that feels sturdy, steady, and durable. There's a tough tarp covering the ends to keep it protected over time.
While the paddles might look cheap (and they are), they have a nice feel. Their static weight of 7.8 oz is higher than most beginner paddles, but they have a nice low swing weight, making them maneuverable for beginners.
The grips are comfy too, and I like that VENUX provides overgrips so you can customize easily.
Performance
This is an introductory set with four beginner paddles, so if you're a more advanced player, you'll want to look elsewhere.
I chose it not just because it comes with great extras, but because the paddles perform well for a starter set. They've got solid weight distribution, feeling lightweight yet sturdy.
They're forgiving enough to get new players interested in the game until they're ready to step up to a more advanced paddle.
Most complete pickleball sets include wood paddles, but I tried to avoid them on this list. The composite materials in these paddles give you a huge boost in performance over wood—across power, control, spin, and just about every attribute I can think of.
The net is well-designed and seems long-lasting for the price. It won't be as sturdy as some higher-quality pickleball nets, but it's meant to be easy to set up and take down. For getting a quick game going, and introducing newcomers to the game, it's a great first set.
Value for money
For $170, this is a solid investment. Many portable nets cost double that price on their own. With the VENUX, you'll be able to set up a full-sized doubles pickleball game on the go. I don't see many people being disappointed with the price.
My verdict
This VENUX set is a great starter kit because it gives you everything you need to play pickleball. It's one of the few complete sets (with a net) that offer composite paddles instead of wooden paddles. Good value for money, it's ideal for rec players who need a portable net at their local courts or want to spin up a game at home.
An extremely popular pack of four paddles to get the whole family on the court.
5/10
Power
6/10
Control
6/10
Spin
7/10
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You want to play pickleball with your kids:
get a doubles game going with this 4-pack of paddles and balls.
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:
under $100 for four highly-rated paddles is really good value.
Pass if:
You don't need four paddles:
check out the SLK NEO 2.0 or the GoSports GS1 sets for adult beginner sets, which can suit teenagers too.
You only want youth paddles:
the Helium 2-Pack is my favorite set for kids as the paddles are youth-sized.
You want a net included:
the VENUX on my list is a great set that comes with a portable net.
Amazon
Paddle Weight
8.3 oz
Paddle Length
16"
Paddle Width
7.75"
Handle Length
5"
Grip Circumference
4.5"
Paddle Face Material
Graphite
Core Material
Polymer honeycomb
Core Thickness
14 mm or 16 mm (0.55" or 0.63")
Sweet Spot
Large
Carry Bag
Carry bag fits all paddles and balls
Balls
Four yellow outdoor 40-hole pickleballs
The Amazin' Aces 4-pack is the best set for any family looking to hit the courts. These graphite paddles have good spin and a large sweet spot for decent forgiveness. The strong and well-made carry bag and balls make this a great-value set. It has thousands of good reviews on Amazon.
Who it suits
This is a great starter set for a family of four that's just getting into pickleball, or any group wanting to set up a doubles game. While these are all full-size paddles, they're user-friendly enough for both kids (especially teenagers) and adults to handle them.
It's also a good choice for schools, scouts, and rec centers—anywhere that needs lots of cheap (but still good quality) equipment. You can step up to more advanced paddles once you get a hang of the game, but this will get you started on the right foot.
Features
The main material used here is maple wood. I'm not a fan of wood paddles, but it's good enough for beginners. However, the carbon fiber frame and graphite face boost the durability and performance. The edge guard is a great addition, protecting the paddles from damage so that they'll last longer.
The pickleball bag is great quality and fits all four paddles. It has two mesh pockets for balls, and a handle for easy carrying.
Design and feel
I like the design with the loud logo on the paddle face. It's a confident paddle for a budget set. It feels lightweight, despite having the heaviest weight of any paddle on the list. The hand-stitched contour grip is really comfortable for the price point, and I can play for hours without my hands feeling achy.
Performance
Amazin' Aces did a great job of balancing the weight distribution so that these aren't slow paddles. They're 8.3 oz but they feel really light. That means power is lacking, but I like the large sweet spot. It makes mishits rare and boosts forgiveness.
I can also generate more spin than I expected. This is what makes these paddles user-friendly for young players and beginner adults.
Value for money
At $99.99, this works out at roughly $25 per paddle, though you have to factor in the carry bag and balls too. That's a solid price if you're fully equipping four people for pickleball.
My verdict
The Amazin' Aces 4-Pack is a great introductory set for your family. These paddles introduce spin to your game while playing with lots of forgiveness. The neat, sturdy carry bag and four balls complete a family set that's top value at $99.99.
Two kid-friendly pickleball paddles with a POW design and a cool drawstring bag.
5/10
Power
6/10
Control
5/10
Spin
6/10
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You're shopping for kids under 12:
these paddles were thoughtfully designed with younger kids in mind, with short handles, a light weight, and smaller dimensions.
You want a kid-friendly design:
kids will love the POW! print on the paddle face and the handy drawstring bag for carrying their paddles to the court.
You want a good deal:
for just $40, you get two graphite paddles that play better than many cheap options on Amazon.
Pass if:
You're shopping for teenagers:
teens can upgrade to an adult-sized paddle like the SLK NEO 2.0 or GoSports GS1.
You need paddles for the whole family:
the Amazin' Aces 4-pack is the top pickleball set for families.
You want a net too:
you'll like the VENUX set on my list, which also includes a portable net.
Amazon
Paddle Weight
6 oz
Paddle Length
13.88"
Paddle Width
7"
Handle Length
3.5"
Grip Circumference
4.12"
Paddle Face Material
Graphite
Core Material
Polymer honeycomb
Core Thickness
12 mm (0.47")
Sweet Spot
Medium
Carry Bag
Drawstring bag
Balls
None
I love how the Helium 2-Pack for Kids set is designed specifically for children who want to start playing pickleball. The paddles are thoughtfully made with kid-size specs, and a handy bag is thrown in too. Kids will love the designs and learning to play with these paddles.
Who it suits
This set is geared toward ages 4-11 but one reviewer said their two-year-old loves it. You're never too young to become a picklehead, so this is the one for kids of any age. It's also a great pickleball set for any coaches, summer camps, youth groups, schools, and scouts.
Once your child becomes more adept at the game, or outgrows these paddles, check out the Amazin' Aces or GoSports GS1 paddles on this list. They're top choices for teenagers.
Features
The light 6 oz weight makes these very kid-friendly. The surface is made of graphite which gives them a satisfying connection with the ball, and your kids will love hearing the pop. The drawstring bag is great for young players too, as they can carry their paddles to and from the courts.
Design and feel
These kid-sized paddles have a shorter length (13.88") and a 7" wide face. There's a shorter 3.5" handle to suit kids' hands.
Young players will love the colorful comic book-style print on the paddle face. The comfort-grip handle is easy on their palms.
Performance
There's a satisfying pop off the graphite paddle face that you don't find in many kids paddles, particularly budget ones. I can see young players really enjoying that as it'll get them excited about pickleball.
I like the weight too. At 6 oz, it's easy for small hands yet they still feel solid and not flimsy or uncomfortable like a wooden paddle.
Value for money
At $40 for a 2-paddle set with a paddle bag, this is a great deal. The quality of the paddles is clear to me and reviewers say they last months of heavy play. These mini paddles are designed specifically for kids under 12. You can't go wrong.
My verdict
Lots of kids are starting their pickleball journey with Helium paddles. If you show this set to your children, I'm sure you'll see how excited they get. Helium knocked it out of the park with this set just for kids with fun designs. The affordable price sweetens the deal even more.
Today’s best deal
How to choose 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. Here 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.
Find the perfect paddle
I’ve personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
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.
Image by Pickleball Central
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.
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.
Members of the Pickleheads team in the middle of a game of doubles pickleball
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. For me, the SLK NEO 2.0 stands out above the rest for its combination of excellent on-court performance and affordable price tag.
In this new update, I've introduced two new sets: the Amazin' Aces 4-Pack (best for families) and the Helium Kids Set (best for kids).
This article contains affiliate links from which we receive a small commission from sales of certain items. As a brand associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
FAQs
Pickleball sets are definitely worth considering as you often get the paddles at a discount and freebies like pickleballs and a carry case.
A pickleball set will usually include 2 to 4 paddles, some pickleballs and a bag or case to carry them to and from the courts.
Pickleball sets vary depending on what's included, but they vary from about $70 to $160 for a two paddle set.
Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.
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