Has pickleball caught your attention, and do you want to know where to buy pickleball equipment? Pickleball is a dynamic game played for both fun and competition. I think that the best thing about this game is that you can easily learn it, regardless of your skill level.
Whether you are a teen looking for an active sport or a senior finding a way to crack your boredom, pickleball is your best friend. Just like any other sport, you need the right pickleball equipment before stepping onto the court. Today, we will take a dive into what you need for the game and where to buy pickleball equipment.
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What Equipment is Needed for Pickleball?
If you’ve caught pickleball fever like me and are ready to jump onto the court, one of the first things you’ll need is the right equipment. So, what’s in the pickleball equipment kit? The good news is you do not need a long list of equipment to play pickleball. A pair of paddles and a ball are enough to play this game. However, you need some more equipment to show your magic in the court.
Here are some pickleball essentials you should be aware of:
- Paddles
- Balls
- Net
- Court
Source: Unsplash
Tips on Where to Buy Pickleball Equipment
Before you even start looking for places to buy pickleball equipment, you must know what you actually need. I, too, came across a time when I was wondering where to buy pickleball equipment. When I had to purchase the pickleball paddles as a beginner, I got attracted to the appearance of the paddle. But soon, I realized this 11-ounce paddle wasn’t a good fit for a beginner like me.
So it is better to asses your skill level and preferences before buying equipment. It is convenient to say there is one paddle that fits all your needs, but that is certainly not the case. A player who wants more control and less power can’t settle for the equipment that a player with more power and less control requires.
So here are some essentials you must look for in pickleball equipment.
Paddle Material
Source: Unsplash
Pickleball surface comes in a variety of materials;
- Fibreglass pickleball paddles – offer more power, best pickleball paddle for advanced players.
- Graphite pickleball paddles – offer more control, best pickleball paddles for beginners and intermediate players.
- Carbon Fiber pickleball paddles – offer more control and power, best pickleball paddles for immediate and advanced players.
Likewise, the weight of the paddle also holds considerable importance.
- Heavy paddles (over 240g) – provide more power, best pickleball paddles for intermediate players and experts.
- Lightweight paddles (up to 205g) – Provides control and reactions, best for kids.
- Midweight paddles (205g -240g) – offer more power and control, best pickleball paddles for beginners.
In addition to the weight and surface material, the thickness of the paddle core should be selected based on your preferences and skill level. For instance, thin cores generate more power, while thicker core provides more control.
So it’s all about striking the right balance and finding the one that complements your style and skill level.
Where to find the Pickleball Equipment?
Having the proper gear can make a world of difference in your pickleball game. But where to buy pickleball equipment that suits your needs? Fear not, for we’re here to guide you through the exciting journey of finding the perfect pickleball gear!
Sporting Goods Store
A great starting point is your local sporting goods stores. These stores often carry a variety of sports equipment, including pickleball gear. Head on over to browse through their collection of paddles, balls, and other pickleball accessories.
The most popular stores in America for sporting goods where you can find paddles, nets, shoes, balls, etc., include:
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Academy Sports
- REI
- Bass Pro
However, these stores have limited equipment variety, and there is a fair chance you may not get your desired goods.
Source: iStock
Online Retailers
Though shopping in person can get you the feel of the paddle, online retailers offer a great variety of products. You can browse through hundreds of sporting accessories, like paddles, nets, and pickleball balls for beginners.
There are plenty of reputed online stores where you can find high-quality pickleball equipment. Amazon, Walmart, Ali Express, and Pickleball Central are my go-to options. Remember to thoroughly research the product before making the purchase. Besides, read their exchange or return policy to ensure your investment is not going down the drain.
Pickleball Specialty Stores
For a more focused selection and expert advice, you should consider visiting specialty pickleball shops. These shops only offer pickleball-specific gear and contain a wide range of options to choose from. You can even find products that the local or online stores are unable to provide. Most importantly, the staff in these shops are usually knowledgeable about the game and can provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Some popular pickleball-specific stores include:
- Pickleball Central
- Pickleball Station
Local Pickleball Clubs
Knowing the perks of local pickleball clubs, you will certainly want to become a member. Such clubs have a great variety of paddles and balls, which you may not find anywhere else. In addition, they offer equipment to their members at discounted prices.
Most of all, these clubs let you try out different balls and paddles before making a purchase to find the right fit.
Secondhand Markets
Wondering where to buy pickleball equipment but worried about money? This one will certainly entice you if you are on a tight budget like me. As per my experience, you can find high-quality secondhand paddles via Facebook Marketplace.
You can try out eBay, Craigslist, and any other store that offers used sporting equipment.
FAQ
What is the basic equipment that is needed to play pickleball?
Basically, you need paddles, a net, a court, and a ball to play pickleball.
Can you play pickleball at home?
Yes, you can create a pickleball court at home if you have space and equipment.
Where to find pickleball equipment online?
There are numerous online sporting goods stores and pickleball-specialty stores where you can find a variety of pickleball equipment.
Wrapping Up
Your pickleball gear is a sort of investment in your game, so take your time and try out different options if possible. The world of pickleball is exciting, but the real fun can only begin if you find the right pickleball equipment. So, do proper research, evaluate your preferences, and elevate your gaming experience.
Next up, let’s look up at the 10 awesome pickleball tips for beginners to improve their game!