IN THIS GUIDE

Looking for the best pickleball set?
Some of these paddle sets are the best pickleball paddles for beginners but some will work well for intermediate players.
Since pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in the USA, there are many different paddles and paddle sets to choose from giving new players with varying skill level, plenty of options.
The main point to remember about pickleball sets is that they are often priced very competitively so when you buy a set with paddles and balls, the balls usually work out to be a bonus. And sometimes, you’ll pay less for the paddles when buying a set, then if you bought 2 individual paddles.
So, here’s the deal:
If you need 2 or more paddles, buying a set is the way to go.
If you want a portable net as well, there are some decent sets with entry-level nets.
AKA, nets that will stand-up (most of the time).
They may not be of the highest quality but will work fine for recreational players who aren’t too serious.
The goal of this guide is to simplify your buying decision and provide you with a thoroughly researched list of the best pickleball sets.
Top Picks: Best Pickleball Paddle Sets
BRAND | FEATURES |
---|---|
Best Pickleball Set with Net Franklin Sports Half Court Size 2*wood paddles, 2*balls, 1*10 ft net | -Budget-friendly -Good for driveway pickleball |
Best Pickleball Starter Set Amazin’ Aces 2* paddles, 4*balls, 1*carry case | -Great price -Players can grow into it |
Best Pickleball Starter Set – Runner Up Amazin Aces Signature Pickleball Set 2*graphite paddles, 4*balls, 2*paddle covers, 1 carry case, USAPA approved | -Great value & best paddles for beginners |
Best Pickleball Paddle Set of 2 PickleballCentral Rally Tyro 2 2*fiberglass paddles, 6*balls | -Best value set with 4 paddles & balls |
Best Pickleball Set of 4 Westop Sports Pickleball Paddles Set 4*wood paddles, 8*balls, 2*carry cases | -Fantastic starter set with wood paddles -Can’t beat the price |
Best Pickleball Paddle Sets
Best Pickleball Set with Net
Franklin Sports Half Court Size Pickleball Net, (2) Paddles, and (2) Pickleball
Includes: 1 net (½ size), 2 x wood paddles, 2 x balls,
This set is one of the only sets available on the market that includes a portable net, as well as 2 paddles, and balls, making it the best pickleball set with net.
It’s decent quality and consumers report that they are happy with what they’ve bought, knowing that it’s a set that’s at a very low price point, making it a great option for beginners.
The net is not full court size but half the width, 10 ft wide, so it’s really for just recreational play in your driveway, garage, or a cul de sac.
The paddles are wood, making them a heavier paddle but they work fine if you’re playing for fun.
Keep in mind that the net is not high quality but is fine for recreational play.
This net is only wide enough for 1 player on either side of the net.
It’s a great option for playing one-on-one or what’s referred to as skinny singles.
To learn more about the various nets available on the market, take a look at my review and buyer’s guide, The 8 Best Pickleball Nets. It will give you a very good idea about the other options and price points.
You’ll soon discover that the price for this Franklin Net, Paddle, and Ball set is very good and makes getting started with pickleball very economical.
Best Pickleball Starter Sets
Best Pickleball Starter Set
Amazin Aces Graphite Pickleball Set
Includes: 2 paddles, 4 outdoor balls, carry bag for balls
- Surface: Graphite surface
- Core: Polymer
- Weight: 7.8 oz – 8.2 oz
- USAPA Approved: No
This Amazin Aces pickleball paddle set includes 2 paddles that have a polymer core and a graphite surface.
Amazin Aces is well known for making good quality wood paddles for the beginner, they are now making graphite paddles that are still priced toward the beginner or the occasional player, they are definitely a step-up from playing with a wood paddle.
The competitive price and quality is what makes this the best pickleball starter set.
What We Like:
- Great customer service, paddle is backed by the owner
- Comfortable handle
- Lightweight
Best Pickleball Starter Set – Runner Up
Amazin Aces Signature Pickleball Set
Includes: 2 paddles, 2 paddle covers, carry bag, 4 balls, small carry bag for balls
- Surface: Graphite
- Core: Polymer
- Weight: 7.8 oz – 8.2 oz
- USAPA Approved: Yes
The Amazin Aces Signature Pickleball Set includes 2 paddles (polymer core & graphite surface) with covers and 4 balls with a carry bag for a great price.
At the time of this review, the cost of buying 2 individual Amazin Aces Signature paddles is more than buying the set. That makes this one of the best pickleball starter sets.
And these paddles are USAPA approved which means that if you wanted to play with them in a tournament, you could.
What We Like:
- Great paddle, good bang for your buck
- Comfortable grip
What We Don’t Like:
- Might be more inclined to chip sooner than other paddles
Best Pickleball Paddle Set of 2
Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle Set
Includes: 2 paddles, 4 balls
- Surface: Polycarbonate
- Core: Honeycomb core
- Weight: 7.7 oz – 8 oz
- USAPA Approved: Yes
The Rally Tyro 2 Pro pickleball paddle set includes 2 paddles that have a honeycomb core with a polycarbonate facing and is approved by the USAPA for tournament play which means that if you want to try your hand in a competitive game, you can use this paddle.
The set also includes 4 balls which means that buying this set will save you some good money because the cost of buying 2 of the paddles separately is a good 20% more than buying the set.
This makes these the best paddles for value when you buy them in the set.
This means that you’ll save money on the paddles and the balls are a bonus. Here’s the price of just buying one Rally Tyro 2 Pro.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable grip
- USAPA approved
What We Don’t Like:
- Some consumers note that the decal on the face will show signs of bubbling
Rally Tyro 2 Pickleball Paddle Set with 4 Paddles
Includes: 4 paddles, 6 balls
- Surface: Fiberglass
- Core: Polypropylene
- Weight: 6.7 oz
- USAPA Approved: No
The Rally Tyro 2 pickleball paddle set offers significant savings and great value.
With 4 paddles that are of good value, these are the best pickleball paddles for value making it a great option and one of the best sets for anyone who needs 4 paddles.
Sure, this set is a bit pricey but if you break the price down on a per paddle basis, you can’t get a better price for a non-wood paddle that will stand the test of time.
And quite honestly, playing with a composite core is a much nicer experience than playing with a wood paddle.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Fantastic value
- Amazing price point
Best Pickleball Set of 4
Westop Sports Pickleball Paddles Set – Includes 4 Paddles, 8 Outdoor/Indoor Balls, 2 Paddle Bags
Includes: 4 paddles, 2 x carry bags, 8 x balls
- Core: Wood
- USAPA Approved: No
This is another great starter pickleball paddle and ball set that includes 4 paddles, 8 balls, and 2 carrying cases making it the best pickleball set of 4.
The paddles are wood which will be fine if you’re just getting started and okay with a set of paddles that are definitely geared for casual, recreational play.
When the game was originally invented, it was played with wood table tennis paddles. And that’s how it was played for many years while the founders worked on evolving the game and the paddles.
The Westop isn’t approved by the USAPA for tournament play so you’ll need to grab a paddle that is approved if you are moving into the big leagues or just want to try a tournament.
Consumers like this set. It’s great value and good quality for starter wood paddles.
What We Like:
- Great value
- Carrying bag
What We Don’t Like:
- Some consumers report chipping sooner than anticipated
- Heavier paddle
XS XSPAK Pickleball Paddles Set
Includes: 2 paddles, 4 x indoor balls, carrying bag
- Surface: Carbon Fiber
- Core: Polymer
- USAPA Approved: No
This set of 2 paddles, 4 indoor balls, and a carrying bag is another great option at a very reasonable price. I’m not sure what these paddles cost individually because there doesn’t seem to be an option to buy just 1 paddle.
However, these paddles have a polymer core and a carbon face which makes them a step-up from the wood paddles and will be nicer to play with. I’ve played with a wood paddle and yes, it works just fine but I prefer playing with a composite paddle because it’s typically easier to send the ball where you want.
I like the XS XSPAK pickleball paddle set because there are several options with slightly different price points. There’s a set that’s a bit less than the one described here but it does not have a carrying bag or include any balls but it does include 2 paddle covers.
Or if you want a set of paddles that are USAPA approved, XS XSPAK makes another set that includes 2 paddles, 4 pickleball balls, and a carrying bag. This set is more than the others because it’s of a higher quality and is constructed to meet the USAPA standards for tournament play.
What We Like:
- Fantastic value
- Lightweight and perform as well as more expensive paddles
Selkirk Composite Pickleball Paddle Bundle with 2 Paddles and 4 Pickleball
Includes: 2 x paddles, 4 x balls, carrying bag
- Surface: Graphite
- Core: Polymer
- Weight: 6.9 – 7.5 oz
- USAPA Approved: Yes
Selkirk is a reputable manufacturer of pickleball paddles so you can be certain that you’ll be getting a paddle that you can happily play with over a longer period of time.
There shouldn’t be any reason for you to upgrade from this Selkirk Neo paddle unless you feel the need to invest in a much higher-end pickleball paddle. This might happen if you get addicted to pickleball, play more than you should and just want more paddles than you need.
And it’s USAPA approved for tournament play so as you improve your game, you’ll be able to use this paddle in tournaments.
It has a polymer core graphite with a graphite surface which is definitely nicer to play with than a wood paddle.
Types of Pickleball Sets
There are 4 types of pickleball sets to consider:
- A set with net, paddles and balls
- A set with 2 paddles and 2 balls
- A set with 4 paddles and 4 or more balls
- A set that includes paddles, balls and a carrying bag
Which set will work best for you depends on:
- Your budget
- How many people will be playing at the same time
- Whether you need or want a net
Sets If You Have A Low Budget And Need A Net
If you are playing at home or in the neighbourhood and don’t already have access to a net, then buying a set that includes a net, with paddles and balls, is your best choice from a budget perspective.
Just keep in mind that most of the nets that are included in a set are lower quality so they are not likely going to stand-up under strong winds.
Although, you could likely find some way to anchor the poles so the net doesn’t fall over as easy. But you probably don’t want to leave the net outside for an extended time-frame due to potential weather concerns.
If you want a better quality net that is more likely to stand the test of time and stand-up better in windy weather, have a look at my guide on buying a net.
Pickleball Sets if you need more than 2 paddles
If you need more than 2 paddles, there are some great deals to be found on sets. Most sets that include 4 paddles also include at least 4 balls and quite often, also include a carrying case.
There are some great price points as well, so if you’re a family of 4 who wants to play together and you don’t need a net, consider this pickleball paddle set. It’s a great price point and will do just fine for a family who is just looking to have some time playing together.
Pickleball Sets if you need 2 paddles, and play often
If you need 2 paddles and plan to play regularly, then there are sets that include 2 paddles and typically 4 balls.
Generally, these sets save you money on at least the balls which turn out to be a bonus most of the time when you buy a set.
But what I’ve noticed that in some cases, buying the paddles in a set of 2 is less than buying 2 paddles, individually. As an example, take a look at this set. And then if you compare it with buying 2 of the same paddles, individually, you are saving significantly.
6 Key Factors To Consider When Choosing a Pickleball Paddle
There are 6 main factors to consider when buying a pickleball paddle.
If you’re a beginner or a really casual player, these points may not be all that relevant or interesting to you but if you are looking to get a bit more active with your pickleball playing, you will likely find these points helpful.
- Weight
- Core Material
- Grip Size
- Surface Material
- Edge Options
- Price
I’ll cover off weight and core material here but take a look at my guide about choosing a pickleball paddle for more of the nitty-gritty.
Pickleball Paddle Weight
Most experienced pickleball players agree that the weight of a paddle is the most important factor to consider when selecting a pickleball paddle.
Most experienced pickleball players agree that the weight of a paddle is the most important factor to consider when selecting a pickleball paddle.
It’s important to remember that there isn’t a clear set of rules that define what weight works best for you, however, these guidelines will help you determine what weight is likely going to work best for you.
Pickleball paddles range in weight from 6 oz to 14 oz with mid-weight paddles weighing between 7.3 to 8.3 oz. Most experienced players suggest a mid-weight paddle will work best for most players, particularly if you’re new to the game.
Multiple factors come into play when trying to determine what weight is best, such as your personal preference for what feels good and your skill level.
Do you want to focus on better control or hit the ball with more power? Do you have tennis elbow or arthritis or other injuries?
Learn more about how to choose a pickleball paddle.
Pickleball Paddle Core Material
The second factor to consider when choosing a paddle is to determine what core material is the best for your game.
It’s important to understand the differences between each material and how it impacts the connection your paddle makes when hitting the ball and subsequently, how it affects your game.
I often notice that some descriptions about paddles can be confusing with respect to the materials used to manufacture the paddle.
Sometimes the paddle description says ‘graphite paddle’ or someone will say they have a ‘graphite paddle’.
The paddle core is made of one of the types of materials I discuss in this section and the surface of a paddle has another material applied/wrapped around the core. This can be graphite or one of several other surface materials.
Composite
There are 3 types of composite material:
- polymer
- Nomex™, and
- aluminum
Polymer (polypropylene)
The most popular core material is a composite called polymer.
Paddles with a polymer core work well for many people because it provides a good balance between control and power.
It’s also the quietest paddle so if noise reduction is important, a polymer core is best.
Polymer core is the newest core technology and paddles with the polymer have become the most popular because they allow for both ball control and maneuverability along with the ability to hit with a decent amount of power.
If you want to play with more control and are less concerned about playing with a ‘power’ paddle, a polymer paddle might work best.
There are many different polymer paddles to choose from which means that you have a good variety to select from.
And although there are some expensive polymer paddles available, there are plenty of options that are more affordable and well below $100.
Polymer core is best for a player who wants ball control and also wants to maintain the ability to play with a reasonable amount of power. The quietest paddle option.
For more detail on pickleball paddle cores and the other points, read my guide on how to choose a pickleball paddle.
If you’re curious and want to see the long list of approved pickleball paddles, have a look at the official list on the USAPA website.
FAQs – The 8 Best Pickleball Sets
What are the best pickleball sets?
The best pickleball set will depend on 3 factors:
1. Your budget
2. How many paddles you need
3. Whether you need a net or balls
Here are 3 of the best pickleball sets that you can buy on a budget:
1. Amazin Aces Graphite Paddle Set – 2 paddles & 4 balls
2. Westop Sports Wood Paddle Set – 4 paddles & 8 balls
3. Rally Tyro 2 Pickleball Paddle Set – 4 paddles & 6 balls
What is the best pickleball paddle for beginners?
The best pickleball paddle for beginners is a mid-weight paddle with a graphite or carbon surface and a polymer core. A mid-weight paddle is between 7.3 to 8.3 oz.
Here are some mid-weight paddles to consider:
1. GAMMA Fusion (low budget)
2. Selkirk Latitude (mid-range budget)
3. Engage Encore Pro (higher budget)
What should I look for when buying a pickleball paddle?
When buying a pickleball paddle, consider your price range and then look at weight, core material, and grip size. You can also look at the surface material, the edge, and the price.
#1 Factor (after budget)
Most experienced pickleball players agree that the weight of a paddle is the most important factor to consider when selecting a pickleball paddle. A mid-weight paddle that’s between 7.3 – 8.3 oz will likely work for most players, particularly beginners.
#2 Factor
There are 3 types of composite material: polymer, Nomex, and aluminum.
Most players, in particular, beginners, will do best with a polymer core found in many paddles such as the Amazin Aces Signature Paddle.
#3 Factor
The 3rd factor to consider is the size of the grip.
Not playing with the correct grip can cause problems with your stroke and potentially cause tennis elbow or a sore arm, particularly after playing for a while.
To ensure you are set up to play your best game it’s important to select a paddle with a grip that works for the size of your hand.
Are graphite paddles or composite paddles better?
Graphite paddles are better if you want a paddle that responds quickly to the pickleball. Graphite makes a very hard surface which means the ball comes off clean, and it’s easier to direct the ball. Often considered premium paddles, a quality graphite paddle will cost $150 and upwards.
Composite paddles have a surface that is better if you want a good, all-around paddle with a good combination of touch and feel with a bit more power than graphite paddles. Composite paddles are a great option for any pickleball player but a good paddle for the beginner pickleball player.
Is a graphite face on a pickleball paddle good?
A graphite face on a pickleball paddle is often preferred by advanced players and you’ll often find a professional player playing with one. Many serious players believe that a graphite face is superior to carbon fiber or composite because it’s of the incredible touch and feel. The Tempest Wave Pro is a good example.
Are wooden paddles good?
Wooden paddles are not good for everyone but they are a good option if you’re on a tight budget and want to spend as little as possible, you can buy a wooden pickleball paddle set for somewhere around $35 – $50 including four pickleball paddles and four pickleball balls.
The original wooden pickleball paddles definitely worked but they’re heavy and chip easily. If your budget can handle spending a bit more, you can get a pickleball paddle set with two paddles for around $45.
How big is a pickleball court?
A regulation pickleball court as defined by the USA pickleball association is 44 ft long and 20 ft wide. The non-volley zone is the same width and is 7 ft deep from the net on both sides.
There are portable pickleball nets that are made for playing on a half-size court which means that the pickleball court can be made to be only 10 ft wide.
What pickleball equipment do you need?
The pickleball equipment that’s needed includes a pickleball paddle, a pickleball ball and a pickleball net. You can buy all the pickleball equipment in a complete pickleball set or as individual pieces. There is typically some cost savings when you buy the set.
Playing pickleball requires very minimal equipment and it doesn’t need to cost a lot. A complete set usually includes 2 or 4 pickleball paddles wooden paddles or composite paddles and 2 or 4 pickleball balls.
Where do you play pickleball?
You can play pickleball at local community centers, private clubs, your driveway or the local school gymnasium. You can find somewhere to play by looking at the USA Pickleball Association website (https://usapickleball.org/get-involved/pickleball-clubs/).
What is the sweet spot on a pickleball paddle?
The sweet spot on a pickleball paddle is the area on the surface of the paddle where when you hit the ball, it makes a very solid sound and springs off the paddle in an almost perfect way.
Some paddles have a larger sweet spot than others, which makes them more enjoyable to play with. Not all players agree on which paddles have the largest sweek spot but Selkirk claims that their Amped S2 has the largest sweet spot.
How much does a lightweight paddle weigh?
A lightweight paddle weighs under 7.3 ounces. A lightweight paddle isn’t a good option for many people because, for the average pickleball player, the paddle is too light which causes problems hitting the pickleball with the right power.
Some pickleball players also find that lightweight paddles and heavier paddles can both lead to tennis elbow. It’s important to find a paddle that is the right fit but quite often a mid-weight paddle is the best option.