Pickleball Gear

Best pickleball sets in 2025 - top 6 compared

picture of Brandon Mackie
Brandon Mackie

Updated on: May 11, 2025

Brandon Mackie holding two pickleball paddles

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

Image of the SLK NEO 2.0 by Selkirk, with two paddles, four pickleball balls, and a carry bag

Our Rating:

1. SLK NEO 2.0

If you want a full set that includes genuinely great paddles, as well as a premium bag and balls, nothing outperforms the SLK NEO 2.0. The paddles play like they're twice the price, so it's an easy pick for the top spot.

Read my deep dive

Best cheap

Photo of the GoSports GS1 pickleball paddles and balls

Our Rating:

2. GoSports GS1

I've been recommending the GoSports GS1 over all other budget Amazon paddles. Here it comes in a great set, with two outdoor balls, for around $50.

Best deal

Photo of the Friday Original pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

3. Friday Original

The Friday Original is one of the best pickleball paddles under $100. With Friday's awesome 2-for-$99 deal, it becomes an amazing two-paddle set.
Save $40 on 2 or more paddles with code PICKLEHEADS

Best with net

Hoverphenix Pickleball Net Set

Our Rating:

4. Hoverphenix Pickleball Net Set

The Hoverphenix set has everything you need for a full doubles game: a sturdy portable net with a carry bag, paddles, balls, and extras like paddle overgrips.

Best for families

Amazin' Aces 4-pack pickleball set

Our Rating:

5. Amazin' Aces 4-pack

This 4-pack from Amazin' Aces is the ideal pickleball paddle set for families. It comes with four balls and a great carry bag too.

Best for kids

Helium 2-Pack for Kids

Our Rating:

6. Helium 2-Pack for Kids

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.

Best pickleball sets

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.

Best overall

1. SLK NEO 2.0

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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 a high-quality 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 full set under $100, and this one is under $60.

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 Hoverphenix set with a portable net is my recommendation for you.

Amazon

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.
special offer

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 $60-80 price tag is one of the reasons I chose the SLK NEO 2.0 as my favorite set. When you consider the quality of the two paddles, as well as the bag and balls, no other full pickleball set rivals it for value.
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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 $60-80, you're getting a full set from Selkirk, one of the top brands in the game.

Today’s best deal

Amazon logo
Best cheap

2. GoSports GS1

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One of the best performances you can get from a $50 set.
6/10

Power

7/10

Control

5/10

Spin

8/10

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 (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 heavier SLK NEO 2.0 or Friday Original.

  • 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.

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. The balls in this set are great too, and I added them to my best pickleball balls list.
The paddles in this set 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 pickleball without needing to invest 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 some of the others on this list.
The GoSports GS1 pickleball paddle resting against a net
GoSports GS1

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.
Unlike the Friday Original, there's not a ton of spin or power to report with the GoSports GS1. That said, it's still plenty for most brand-new players. Forgiveness and control are its best qualities, and these are 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.
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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.

Today’s best deal

Best deal

3. Friday Original

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Get two carbon fiber paddles for under $100.
8/10

Power

7.5/10

Control

8.5/10

Spin

7/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

  • You want two high-quality budget paddles:

    these are elongated paddles made from carbon fiber, and they're better built than most budget-set paddles.

  • You're looking for power and spin:

    you'll get way more power and spin here than with most cheap paddles.

  • You like a deal:

    with Friday's 2-for-$99 offer, these are the best $50 paddles I've ever seen by a long shot.

Pass if:

  • You want a forgiving starter paddle:

    the Friday Original is an elongated paddle that skews more toward power than control. If you want a larger sweet spot, try the SLK NEO 2.0.

  • You want a full set:

    you only get paddles with this deal, so check out the SLK NEO 2.0 (includes balls and a bag) or the Hoverphenix (includes a net).

  • You want a kids' pickleball set:

    check out the Helium kids-size paddle set instead.

Friday

Friday

Save $40 on 2 or more paddles with code PICKLEHEADS

Paddle Weight

8.3 oz

Paddle Length

16.5 inches

Paddle Width

7.5 inches

Handle Length

5.5 inches

Grip Circumference

4.25 inches

Paddle Face Material

Carbon fiber

Core Material

Polypropylene honeycomb

Core Thickness

16 mm (0.63 inches)

Sweet Spot

Small

If you're looking for one of the best deals in pickleball, you'll like the Friday Original. If you get their 2-for-$99 deal, these become the highest-performing paddles you can get for $50.
You're getting two paddles that rival much more expensive paddles. If you don't need the extras and just want a pair of carbon fiber paddles for beginners to start playing more competitively, this is my recommendation.

Who it suits

The Friday Original is for new players who want to skip the cheap-feeling paddles and see what pickleball is really like. With this paddle, you'll get a taste for the power and spin that modern pickleball is all about.
This is just a paddle set – no net, balls, or bag included. So, if you don't need any of those, you'll do well with the Friday Original.

Features

The Friday Original compares favorably to the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash and 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean as one of the best paddles under $100. As a thermoformed paddle made with carbon fiber, this is stiffer, stronger, and more powerful than most paddles in this price range.

Design and feel

Friday paddles really stand out when it comes to looks. They have wild designs that might be tacky in other hands, but they manage to pull it off. They've got flair and turn a lot of heads.
Unlike many beginner-friendly paddles (which are often standard-shaped), the Friday Original has an elongated shape more similar to one of the best power paddles. This is offset by the curved top which reduces drag, making it move through the air more like a hybrid paddle.

Performance

Spin and power are my favorite qualities of the Friday Original. You often find those lacking in paddle-set paddles or starter paddles in general. With the Friday, you can learn to generate topspin (real topspin) and good drive on power shots.
The tradeoff is that you lose a bit of control and forgiveness compared to softer, widebody paddles. The sweet spot is on the smaller side due to the narrower elongated face. If you stick with it, you'll get used to it. However, if you want a softer, more forgiving starter paddle, try the SLK NEO 2.0 instead.

Value for money

You can't knock the Friday Original on value. Even one of these paddles is definitely worth $100. With the two-paddle deal, you're basically getting two for the price of one, so you're getting a free paddle. Not just any paddle, either. This is a long-lasting paddle that's at the higher end of beginner paddles.
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My verdict
If you're not too concerned about getting the most forgiving paddle, a soft paddle, or a full set, try the Friday Original. You'll get two paddles for under $100 that help you play a real competitive game.

Today’s best deals

Friday logo
Save $40 on 2 or more paddles with code PICKLEHEADS
Best with net

4. Hoverphenix Pickleball Net Set

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Everything you need to start playing pickleball doubles.
6/10

Power

6/10

Control

5/10

Spin

6/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

  • You want everything you need in one go:

    the Hoverphenix saves you shopping around, giving you everything you need to get started – even a strong portable net.

  • There are four players in your group:

    this set has four paddles, so you can start a doubles game straight away.

  • You want an easy setup:

    the sturdy, weatherproof net is easy to assemble, making it ideal for parks, yards, and driveways – you can even choose a net with wheels.

Pass if:

  • You don't need a portable net:

    check out any of the other sets on this list.

  • You're ready to step up to a higher-performance paddle:

    the SLK NEO 2.0 and Friday Original are the best-performing on this list.

  • You want kid-sized paddles:

    check out the Amazin' Aces set (for families) and the Helium set (for kids).

Weight Net

16 lbs

Paddle Width

7.5 inches

Handle Length

4.8 inches

Grip Circumference

4.25 inches

Paddle Face Material

Fiberglass or wood

Core Material

Honeycomb or wood

Sweet Spot

Small-medium

Balls

Six to eight balls (depending on the set)

Net

Regulation size (22 feet wide, 36 inches high at posts, 34 inches high at center) with carry bag

Extras Depending On Set

Four extra paddle overgrips, choice of wheeled net, court marker

If you need a paddle set with a portable net included, the Hoverphenix is a great option to get you started. It comes with everything you need to get a doubles game going. It's a one-stop purchase and comes in many affordable varieties depending on your needs. There's even a set with a net on wheels.
I put this on my list of the best pickleball nets because it's great value for money.

Who it suits

This is for 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

There are different set options but each one comes with a regulation-size portable pickleball net, and a carry bag for the net.
The cheaper set comes with wooden paddles while the more expensive one comes with fiberglass paddles. If you want a better playing experience, I'd recommend paying extra for the fiberglass option – the paddles will last much longer.
Depending on which set you choose, you can also get a net on wheels, overgrips for your paddles, up to eight pickleball balls, and a court marker.

Design and feel

The net is really good quality for the price. Hoverphenix added several recent upgrades, including adding a middle, which should increase its durability. If you get the wheeled net, it comes with 360-degree lockable wheels.
The paddles range in quality. The wooden paddles are for casual beginners who just want to have a bit of fun. However, if you want to see what the sport is really like, try the fiberglass paddles instead. They'll give you a better sense of the speed and feel of the game.

Performance

Whether you get the model with or without wheels, this is a good-quality net for the price point. It's stable in windy conditions, and holds up over time. The wheels on the premium model are strong too. They're very handy for moving the net out of the way when you're finished playing. That way, you don't have to take the whole thing apart each time.
The fiberglass paddles have good pop and comfy grips. However, if you're ready to invest a little more, you'll get better performance out of the Friday Original paddles.

Value for money

The Hoverphenix set is a bargain. I like that it comes in multiple choices for different price ranges. You can get the most basic version (with wooden paddles) for as low as $72, while the most expensive set comes with a wheeled net ($140). Pickleball nets often start at $300-400, so for a budget option, this full set is well worth the price.
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My verdict
The Hoverphenix pickleball net set is ideal for anyone who wants to set up a full doubles game quickly. You can pack it up easily and take it to the park or courts. It's a great starter kit for your home pickleball court, and one of the best pickleball gifts for anyone just getting started in the sport.

Today’s best deal

Best for families

5. Amazin' Aces 4-pack

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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:

    around $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, Friday Original, 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 Hoverphenix is a great set that comes with a portable net.

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 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 one of the heaviest weights 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 around $95-110, 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.
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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 around $100.

Today’s best deal

Best for kids

6. Helium 2-Pack for Kids

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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 around $30, 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 Friday Original, 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 Hoverphenix set on my list, which also includes a portable net.

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 around $30 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.
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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

Find the perfect paddle

I’ve personally tested over 100 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.

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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.

Pickleball paddles resting on a paddle saddle during an open play pickleball session

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 7.5-8.3 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 inches. Also, the paddle's total surface area cannot exceed 24 inches squared, 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 of the Deluxe PickleNet Portable Net System folded away in a carry bag
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.

Check out my list of the best pickleball bags

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.

Members of the Pickleheads team in the middle of a game of doubles pickleball
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

Check out the best pickleball accessories

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.

To recap, here are my top six again:

  1. SLK NEO 2.0 - Best overall
  2. GoSports GS1 - Best cheap
  3. Friday Original - Best deal
  4. Hoverphenix Pickleball Net Set - Best with net
  5. Amazin' Aces 4-pack - Best for families
  6. Helium 2-Pack for Kids - Best for kids

Recent updates

May 2025

In this update, I've added the Friday Original in a new category ("best deal") and the Hoverphenix set ("best with a net"), which replaces the VENUX set that is no longer in stock.

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!

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About the author
Brandon Mackie
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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