Forget tennis and golf — there's a new sport taking America by storm, and it's called pickleball. This paddle sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has experienced explosive growth in recent years, captivating players of all ages and skill levels.

Just how popular is pickleball? The 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report recorded pickleball players in the U.S. had skyrocketed a staggering 223.5% increase in just three years (2020-2023)!

With any new sport, you'll need some equipment to get started but you don't have to break the bank to do it. You can buy most of your equipment at major sports retailers at a discount such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, or Big 5 Sporting Goods. Let's explore how to build your pickleball starter kit without putting a dent in your wallet.

The true cost of pickleball: Breaking it down

Pickleball tends to be more affordable compared to other racquet sports. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to spend:

Pickleball paddles: Your most important investment

You can choose from a variety of low- to high-end paddles depending on your budget.

  • Beginner paddles: $15 - $50

  • Intermediate paddles: $50 - $150

  • Advanced/professional paddles: $150 - $250+

Here are some top-rated beginner paddles we recommend:

JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle ($40-$60)

  • Honeycomb polypropylene core

  • Weight: 8.2 oz

  • Good balance of power and control

  • Durable construction for long-lasting play

Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle ($40-$50)

  • Honeycomb polypropylene core with fiberglass face

  • Weight: 7.8-8.2 oz

  • Comfortable grip for extended play

  • Approved for tournament play

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 ($90-$100)

  • Polymer honeycomb core with textured fiberglass face

  • Weight: 7.6-8.0 oz

  • Excellent control and touch

  • Large sweet spot for more forgiving hits

Don't pay full price. Click to get coupon codes for JOOLA, Franklin, and Paddletek.

Pickleball balls: Essential equipment that won't break the bank

  • Indoor balls: $2 - $3 per ball

  • Outdoor balls: $3 - $5 per ball

Here are some of the best outdoor balls:

Franklin X-40 Performance ($10 for 3)

  • Durable and consistent bounce

  • USAPA approved for tournament play

  • Good visibility in outdoor conditions

Onix Pure 2 ($10 for 3)

  • Durable construction

  • Consistent flight and bounce

  • Bright color for easy tracking

Check out the best indoor balls:

GAMMA Photon ($15 for 6)

  • Softer and lighter than outdoor balls

  • Consistent bounce and flight

  • Reduced noise for indoor play

Franklin X-26 ($10 for 3)

  • Designed for consistent performance

  • Softer feel for indoor play

  • Bright color for visibility

Portable nets: Optional but versatile

If you’re looking to be more of a casual player or have a space where you know would be a prime pickleball playing spot, consider skipping a membership, or joining a club, or renting out a pickleball court and instead just get a net yourself.

The cost of nets can vary:

  • Basic portable nets: $50 - $100

  • High-quality portable nets: $100 - $250

Court fees

Where you play is a recurring cost so choose wisely when watching your pickleball budget.

Prices are an average collected from various online sources, including Reddit forums, Pickleheads, and Pickleball Kitchen:

Public courts: Often free or $5 - $20 per hour

Private indoor facilities: $10 - $30 per hour

Major city rates:

  • New York City: $30 – $65 per hour

  • Los Angeles: $20 – $40 per hour

  • Chicago: $15 – $35 per hour

  • Houston: $10 – $25 per hour

Lessons and memberships

Prices vary on location, expect to pay more for nicer clubs and in more major cities.

  • Group lessons: $15 - $30 per hour

  • Private lessons: $50 - $100 per hour

  • Club memberships: $65 - $250+ monthly

  • Club initiation fees: $249 - $799+

Essential accessories

Sports accessories can feel required but often they're optional. You can use items you already own or buy new accessories to get started.

  • Court shoes (ASICS Gel-Rocket 9, $60-$70)

    • Good lateral support

    • Cushioning for comfort

    • Durable outsole

  • Pickleball bag (Franklin Sports, $30-$40)

    • Holds multiple paddles and balls

    • Separate compartments

    • Comfortable shoulder strap

  • Protective eyewear (HEAD, $15-$30)

    • Lightweight and comfortable

    • Anti-fog lenses

    • UV protection

Long-term expenses

If you get serious about pickleball, you may have new expenses, such as:

  • Tournament entry fees: $40 - $130 per event

  • Equipment replacement: Every 1-2 years for frequent players

  • Ball replacement: Semi-regularly due to wear

Pickleball vs. other sports

When compared to other popular sports, pickleball remains budget-friendly:

  • Tennis: Higher equipment costs (racquets: $100-$300+)

  • Golf: Significantly higher investment (clubs: $500-$2000+)

Building your pickleball starter kit for under $300

Now that you know what to buy let’s get into the math. Here’s how we can get the most out of your budget while still purchasing quality equipment:

Paddles (2): $149.98

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 ($99.99)

  • Perfect for beginners seeking a forgiving paddle with excellent control and stability.

JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle ($49.99)

  • A durable, well-balanced paddle that offers great value for those just starting their pickleball journey.

Balls (6): $19.98

Franklin X-40 Performance Outdoor Pickleball (Two 3-packs, $9.99 each)

  • Durable and consistent bounce

  • USAPA approved for tournament play

  • Good visibility for outdoor play

Shoes: $64.95

ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 ($64.95)

  • Good lateral support for quick movements

  • Cushioning for comfort during long games

  • Durable outsole for various court surfaces

Bag: $34.99

Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag ($34.99)

  • Holds multiple paddles and balls

  • Separate compartments for accessories

  • Comfortable shoulder strap for easy transport

Accessories: $24.98

Gamma Supreme Overgrip (3-pack, $6.99)

  • Improves grip and absorbs sweat

HEAD Protective Eyewear ($17.99)

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear

  • Anti-fog lenses for clear vision

  • UV protection for outdoor play

Grand Total: $294.88

This beginner kit provides a perfect balance of quality and affordability, giving you everything you need to start your pickleball journey for under $300 while leaving some room in the budget for potential additions or upgrades.

Save more on these products with promo codes

Looking to get premium gear for less? Here's how to score the best deals on top pickleball brands:

Top brands offering regular discounts:

  • JOOLA: Save 10-20% with newsletter signup

  • Franklin: Get up to 15% off your first purchase

  • Paddletek: Frequent seasonal sales up to 25% off

  • Onix: Special bundle deals and holiday discounts

  • ASICS: Student and military discounts available

  • HEAD: Save on previous season models

Customizing your kit: Alternative combinations

DIY kit vs. pre-made sets: Which is better?

Pre-made pickleball sets typically range from $50 to $200. While they offer convenience, they often compromise on quality, especially for paddles. For example:

Franklin Sports Pickleball Starter Set ($79.99)

  • Includes 2 wood paddles, 4 balls, and a bag

  • Lower quality paddles compared to our recommended options

Selkirk Prime Pickleball Starter Set ($79.99)

  • Includes 2 composite paddles, 4 balls, and a bag

  • Better quality than most sets, but still not as customized as our DIY kit

By building your own kit, you're investing in equipment that will grow with you as you develop your skills. Plus, you have the flexibility to customize based on your preferences and playing style.

Where to find the best deals on pickleball equipment

Getting into pickleball doesn't have to break the bank. With a bit of savvy shopping, you can find great deals on all the gear you need. Here's your guide to scoring the best prices on pickleball equipment.

Online retailers: Your digital discount destinations

The internet is a treasure trove of pickleball deals. You can usually use a promo code when shopping online, especially if you're a first time customer. Click the links below to find promo codes for these top pickleball shopping sites:

  • Amazon: Wide selection and frequent discounts, especially during Prime Day events

  • Dick's Sporting Goods: Regular sales on sports equipment, including pickleball gear

  • Walmart: Competitive prices on budget-friendly options

  • JustPaddles: Offers used paddles and a 10% discount code for new customers

  • eBay: Large selection of used pickleball gear

  • Big 5 Sporting Goods: Another great option for pickleball gear

Tips for maximizing online savings

To stick to your budget, utilizing these shopping tips to pay as little as possible when buying pickleball supplies online:

  • Sign up for email newsletters to get notified of sales

  • Use discount codes from a trusted promo code site

  • Look for bundle deals that include paddles, balls, and accessories

  • Check for seasonal sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day

  • Use loyalty programs or rewards credit cards for cashback on purchases

Beyond equipment: Saving on pickleball experiences

While having the right gear is important, the heart of pickleball lies in the playing experience itself. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to enjoy and improve at pickleball without spending a fortune.

Free public courts

Many cities and towns offer free public pickleball courts. Here's how to find them:

  • Check local parks and recreation websites for court listings

  • Use apps like Pickleheads or Places2Play to discover nearby courts

  • Look for multi-use courts (e.g., tennis courts with pickleball lines)

Low-cost community centers

Community centers often provide affordable court rentals:

  • YMCA locations frequently offer pickleball at low rates

  • Senior centers may have free or low-cost pickleball sessions

  • Check local community college athletic facilities for potential courts

Off-peak hours

Many facilities offer discounted rates during less busy times:

  • Early morning or late evening slots are often cheaper

  • Weekday play is typically less expensive than weekends

Meetup groups

Meetup.com hosts many pickleball groups with regular play sessions:

  • Often free or low-cost to join

  • Provides opportunities to play with others at various skill levels

Facebook groups

Local Facebook groups can be great resources:

  • Find pickup games and playing partners

  • Some groups organize low-cost tournaments or clinics

Community leagues

Joining a community league can offer regular play at affordable rates:

  • Check with local parks and recreation departments

  • Some leagues provide equipment, reducing overall costs

Online forums: Tap into collective wisdom

Engage with the pickleball community for free advice:

  • Reddit's r/Pickleball subreddit

  • Pickleball Forum

Also, watch and listen to social media and podcasts for free ways to learn more about pickleball.

Your pickleball journey begins

Remember, the heart of pickleball lies not in expensive gear or exclusive clubs, but in the joy of the game and the connections you make. The pickleball community is known for its welcoming nature, making it the perfect environment for budget-conscious players to thrive.

So grab your paddle, lace up your court shoes, and step onto the court with confidence. Whether you're playing on a public court with a $40 paddle or volunteering at a local tournament, you're now part of the exciting world of pickleball. Welcome to the community — be thrilled, no matter your budget.

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by Sean Fisher

Sean Fisher is an Editor at SimplyCodes, where he creates engaging, informative content for the SimplyCodes blog. With expertise in online shopping trends and consumer finance, Sean delivers valuable insights on saving money and finding the best deals. Sean's goal is to empower readers with the knowledge to make smarter shopping decisions and stretch their dollars further. Previously he worked at GOBankingRates and WebMD. He has a bachelor's degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.