Pickleball Starter Kit: What Beginners Actually Need

The paddle is the single most important purchase you will make as a beginner. Go with a midweight paddle (7.5 to 8.2oz) in graphite or carbon fiber, not wood.

Our top pick

Vatic Pro Prism Flash ⓘ Amazon: 44/50 · Tests: 28/35 · Beginner: 15/15 · Total: 87/100

The Vatic Pro Prism Flash hits the sweet spot beginners actually need: a raw carbon fiber face for spin, the right weight range, and a price that does not sting if you decide pickleball is not your thing. Recommended constantly on r/pickleball as the best first serious paddle.

"Skip the wood paddle. Even a $50 composite paddle will teach you more in the first month than any wood paddle ever could."

via r/pickleball

Indoor and outdoor pickleball use different balls, so get the right type for your surface. The Franklin X-40 is the standard outdoor ball used in tournaments and at most recreational courts.

Our top pick

Franklin X-40 Outdoor 3-Pack ⓘ Amazon: 47/50 · Tests: 35/35 · Beginner: 15/15 · Total: 97/100

The most-used outdoor ball in recreational and tournament play. Consistent flight, durable enough to last many sessions, and the standard your court partners will already be using.

If you play on wooden gym floors, get the Franklin X-26 indoor ball instead.

"I showed up with indoor balls to an outdoor court my first week. Get both types if you are not sure where you will be playing."

via r/pickleball

Do not play pickleball in running shoes. Court shoes have lateral reinforcement and a flat sole built for the constant direction changes pickleball demands, and this is the second most important purchase after the paddle.

Our top pick

K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme ⓘ Amazon: 44/50 · Tests: 32/35 · Beginner: 14/15 · Total: 90/100

The K-Swiss Pickleball Supreme is built specifically for the sport: a stable, low-profile sole with lateral reinforcement and a durable outsole for hard courts. It consistently tops recommendation lists on pickleball forums and in independent court shoe roundups.

"I rolled my ankle twice in the first two weeks wearing running shoes. Court shoes fixed it immediately."

via r/pickleball

A standard gym bag works, but a dedicated paddle sleeve protects the face and grip from contact damage. Get one with enough room for extra balls and a change of clothes.

Our top pick

CRBN Pro Team Backpack ⓘ Amazon: 43/50 · Tests: 22/35 · Beginner: 13/15 · Total: 78/100

The CRBN Pro Team Backpack holds two paddles securely, has a separate ball pocket, and carries comfortably without feeling oversized. Well-built and bought by players who treat their gear seriously.

"Just get a bag with a paddle sleeve. Everything else is a nice to have, that part is actually necessary."

via r/pickleball

Optional for beginners, but becomes important quickly. A pickleball travels at 25 to 40 mph and will hit you in the face. Standard sunglasses shatter on impact; sport eyewear with polycarbonate lenses does not.

Our top pick

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL ⓘ Amazon: 47/50 · Tests: 30/35 · Beginner: 11/15 · Total: 88/100

The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL has polycarbonate lenses that meet impact standards, a secure wraparound fit that does not shift during movement, and optics clear enough that you will forget you are wearing them mid-game.

"Got hit in the eye on week three. Wearing protective glasses every session now. Do not skip this."

via r/pickleball