Pickleball: How much should you spend on beginner equipment?

When discovering a new sport, one of the first questions is often financial: how much will it cost me to get equipped?

Pickleball has a reputation for being an accessible sport, but in practical terms, what budget should a beginner plan for their equipment ?

In this article, we detail the main expense items paddle, balls, accessories – to give you an idea.
The goal is to help you invest wisely in equipment designed for pickleball beginners: not too much (so as not to waste), not too little (so as not to end up with unsuitable equipment).

The paddle: main investment

The cost of the paddle will make up the majority of your equipment budget. Pickleball paddle prices vary enormously, from around €30 for basic models to over €200 for high-end pro models.
But rest assured, as a beginner, you don't need to go to those extremes.

Entry-level (~€30-40) : You can find packs of wooden paddle (often sold in pairs with a few balls) for around €30 to €40 in stores or online.
It's tempting because it's inexpensive and sufficient for very occasional use or a trial. However, these paddles are heavy and less efficient. You might quickly abandon them if you get hooked on the sport.

Mid-range (~€50-100) : This is the ideal price range for a serious beginner. In this range, you can get a good quality, lightweight, well-balanced composite paddle that will serve you for many months (or even years).

For example, the Foundation Paddle falls within this budget and offers all the necessary features for improvement (T700 carbon surface, good control, durability) without excessive cost. Most paddles designed for beginners or recreational players are in this price range.

High-end (> €120) : Not necessary for beginners. These sophisticated paddles are aimed at competitive or experienced players seeking very specific performance levels.
A beginner wouldn't get the most out of a €150 or €200 paddle, and might even be hampered by its technical demands. It's better to save that investment for later, if you become hooked on pickleball to the point of playing in tournaments.

In summary, expect to spend around €70 to €90 for a good starter paddle. It's a reasonable investment that will provide satisfaction in the short term and won't limit you in the medium term.

The balls: a modest cost, but one to consider

Pickleball balls aren't very expensive, but they need to be factored into the budget. Generally sold in packs of 3 or 6, their price is around €4 each (so ~€12-24 per tube depending on the quantity and brand).

To start, there's no need to stockpile dozens of balls. One or two tubes are enough, representing an expense of around €20 to €30.
Just make sure you buy the right type of ball (indoor or outdoor) depending on where you'll mainly be playing, so you don't have to buy another set immediately. Balls have a limited lifespan: outdoor balls, in particular, tend to crack after a fair number of games.
But at the beginner level, you won't wear them out very quickly. Just plan to replace a few from time to time, which remains a minimal cost spread over time.

Shoes and outfit: probably already in your closet

Good news: you don't necessarily need to buy specific shoes or clothing for pickleball if you already play other sports. Most beginners use sneakers they already own (tennis shoes, indoor shoes, flat-soled running shoes, etc.), provided they offer enough support.

If you don't have anything suitable, a budget of around €50 to €80 can get you a pair of basic tennis or indoor volleyball shoes that will do just fine to get started safely.

As for clothing, no special purchases are required: shorts and a breathable t-shirt are all you need. You might want to bring a cap or headband if you're playing outdoors in the sun. This item won't really impact your budget if you already have some basic sportswear at home.

Small accessories: à la carte

Depending on your needs, you might consider some additional accessories , but their cost remains moderate and is often optional for a beginner:

• Grip or overgrip : For €5 to €10, you can buy a set of overgrips. Useful if your paddle handle wears out or becomes slippery due to perspiration. It's inexpensive and improves playing comfort.

• Paddle cover : Some paddles come with a cover. Otherwise, you can find them for around €10-15. A practical way to protect your investment (paddle) over time.

• Portable net : This isn't usually a purchase for the average beginner, unless you don't have access to a fully equipped court. A portable pickleball net costs between €100 and €200. It's a separate purchase, often made by a group of players or a club, and not necessary for starting out on your own.

• Clothing/Appropriate Outfit : As mentioned, it could be free if you already have your sportswear. Otherwise, expect to spend around €20-30 if you need to buy technical shorts or a t-shirt. But again, this varies greatly from person to person.

In short, these accessories can add between €0 and €50 to your total budget, depending on what you already own or what you deem useful. None of this is mandatory to start, except perhaps a spare grip after a few intensive sessions.

In total, what budget should be planned?

Let's take stock: if we add a good paddle (~€80), a tube of balls (€15), and a few extras (let's say €0 to €30 depending on your situation), we get a budget of around €100 to €130 to equip ourselves properly as a beginner.
This is an average estimate.

Some will get by for less (by taking advantage of a sale on a paddle, or by already owning sneakers and borrowing balls from the club), while others will spend a little more (buying a bag or various accessories). Compared to other sports, pickleball remains relatively affordable: no court to rent, no mandatory legal expenses for beginners, and durable equipment.

If this budget still seems a little high to you, keep in mind that it is possible to optimize it .
For example, many shops offer advantageous packages . The Smart Start Kit mentioned earlier is one such example: for €89.90, it includes a quality paddle (Foundation Paddle), 4 balls (2 indoor + 2 outdoor) and several accessories (grip, protection, cover, etc.).

Buying everything in this kit is cheaper than buying it all separately, a real bargain for getting started without breaking the bank. So, consider the available kits and promotions – they can save you money while ensuring you have a well-rounded set of equipment.

Spend wisely, play better.

In conclusion, a beginner in pickleball can equip themselves properly with a moderate budget, often around €100.
The key is to prioritize a good quality paddle without going overboard, to have a few suitable balls, and not to neglect comfort (shoes, grip). It's not necessary to buy everything at once if your budget is tight: start with the basics (paddle + balls), then add the rest over time.

Remember that equipment that's too cheap can hold you back (heavy paddle, etc.), while equipment that's too expensive won't make you a champion overnight. Find the right balance.

By investing wisely from the start, you'll maximize your chances of enjoying the game and progressing without frustration – both financial and athletic. If you'd like to know exactly what equipment to buy within this budget, check out our comprehensive beginner's gear guide for a detailed list.

FAQ

Is it possible to start playing pickleball with a very limited budget?

Yes, it's possible. There are very economical options, for example, sets of two wooden paddles with balls for around €30-40. It's not the most comfortable option, but for a casual introduction with friends, it might suffice. However, if you plan to play regularly, investing a little more (in a good composite paddle for around €70) will significantly improve your experience for a relatively reasonable additional cost.

How much should I spend on my first pickleball paddle?

For your first paddle, expect to spend around €50 to €90. Within this range, you'll find models well-suited to beginners: good build quality, reasonable weight, and good control. There's no need to spend more than €100 to start, and paddles under €50 are likely to be basic (often made of wood). So, the ideal price range is around €70-€80 for something reliable.

Are the bullets expensive in the long run?

No, balls are relatively inexpensive. Even with regular play, a tube of balls can last several weeks or months. You just need to replace the ones that break or are too worn. Over a year, a recreational player will only spend a few tens of euros on balls. That's much less than the cost of tennis balls, for example.

Are starter kits really a good financial deal?

Often, yes. A kit bundles several items together at a lower overall price compared to buying them separately. For example, if a paddle costs €80, a set of balls €15, and some accessories €20, that comes to €115 in total. A kit offered at around €90 therefore provides real savings while offering a well-balanced set of equipment. Just make sure the kit's contents are of good quality (in the case of the Smart Start Kit, the paddle and accessories were designed with quality in mind, so it's consistent).

Are there any other costs to consider when starting pickleball?

Aside from equipment, consider membership fees if you join a club or pay for court reservations, but many municipalities offer free access to outdoor courts. In terms of equipment, nothing more is required to get started. You could invest in lessons to progress faster, but it's not mandatory. Pickleball remains one of the most affordable racquet sports in terms of initial budget.