You don't need a full bag of gear to start playing pickleball. Here's what actually matters when you're just getting started, and what to hold off on until later.
The Paddle: What to Look For
Your paddle matters more than anything else on this list, so it's worth getting right. Look for something light and comfortable in your hand. If it ends up feeling too light once you're playing, you can always add edge weights later to adjust it.
More importantly, make sure it has an edge guard and a closed throat, not an open one. As a beginner, you're going to mishit the ball, and you're going to catch the edge of the paddle on the court more than once while you're still developing feel and finesse. An edgeless paddle leaves that edge exposed to real damage. A closed throat with a proper edge guard protects the paddle while you're learning.
Budget-wise, expect to spend somewhere around $100 to $120 for a solid beginner paddle. In our own lineup, the Magnifique, Monsieur, and Mademoiselle are all carbon fiber paddles with edge guards and closed throats, built to hold up while you're still learning. The Magnifique has a thinner, 10mm core built more for power, while the Monsieur and Mademoiselle use a 16mm core that balances power and control, a good default if you're not sure which direction your game will lean yet.
The Ball: Match It to Your Court
Which ball you need depends on the surface you're playing on, not whether you're technically indoors or outside. Concrete or cement courts call for an outdoor ball, while wood or other softer surfaces call for an indoor one. Our Cannonballz Indoor has 26 holes and comes in a 4-pack for $12.95, and the Cannonballz Outdoor has 40 holes and comes in a 4-pack for $14.95. If you're not sure which court you'll be playing on most, it's worth grabbing both.
Small Extras That Make a Real Difference
A few inexpensive items are easy to overlook but genuinely useful from day one:
Overgrip: pick up a couple of rolls. Beginners tend to go through overgrip faster than expected, and a fresh grip makes a bigger difference to feel than most people assume.
A paddle eraser: ball grit builds up in the surface grooves over time and dulls your paddle's grip on the ball. A gum-colored paddle eraser keeps the face clean and playing the way it should.
A backpack: something to keep your paddle, balls, and grip organized and protected between sessions.
A water bottle: an easy one to forget, but you'll be out there longer than you expect once you start playing regularly.
The Big Beginner Mistake to Avoid
The most common mistake is buying an edgeless paddle to start. It might look sleek, but without an edge guard, the mishits and floor contact that come naturally with learning the game can genuinely damage it. Start with a paddle that has a proper edge guard and closed throat, and save the edgeless designs for once your contact is more consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on my first pickleball paddle?
Plan on roughly $100 to $120 for a solid beginner paddle with an edge guard and closed throat. It's possible to spend less, but paddles in that range tend to hold up better while you're still learning.
Do I need different gear for indoor versus outdoor play?
At minimum, yes, the ball. Indoor and outdoor balls are built differently for different surfaces, and using the wrong one for your court will affect how the ball plays.
What's the most overlooked beginner purchase?
Overgrip and a paddle eraser. They're small, inexpensive, and easy to forget, but they have a noticeable effect on how your paddle feels and performs.
Final Thoughts
Starting out doesn't require much: a paddle with a proper edge guard, the right ball for your court, and a few small extras like overgrip, a paddle eraser, and a water bottle. Get the paddle right first. Everything else is easy to add as you go.
