Whether you’re new to pickleball and aren’t sure what you all need to bring to the court or you’re a seasoned player looking to elevate your game preparations, this article breaks down the top 10 pickleball gear essentials everyone should have.
#1: Paddle
If you want to play pickleball, it’s a given that you need a paddle in order to do so. But the market is saturated with hundreds of different kinds—so how do you know which one is best for you? Some pickleball stores offer demo programs, either free of charge or for a small fee, which would allow you to pick out a few paddles and test them for the week.
Otherwise, most brands offer a 30-day window upon paddle delivery in which you can play with the paddle and determine if it is the best fit for you.
Paddletek is one of many top companies that is creating innovative and powerful new paddles for the market, and it is also used by many pros, including the #1 female in the world, Anna Leigh Waters. You can find these paddles for purchase here, directly from Paddletek, or, if you wish to browse all paddle companies, Pickleball Warehouse is a great go-to.
#2: Water Bottle
The first step to ensuring you’ll be a great athlete—and not pass out mid-game—is by hydrating. Trust us when we say you will be going through a lot of water while you’re playing, especially on outdoor courts.
The bigger the water bottle the better. Our choice is a yeti, which will keep your water cool and refreshing the entire time you’re playing.
You can find it for purchase here.
#3: Towel
It can get hot and sweaty out on the pickleball courts, especially in the summers.
Sweaty hands lead to a sweaty grip, which can cause disruption in your game. Instead of focusing on what shot to hit, you’ll be too concerned with keeping the paddle from flying out of your hand.
A sweat towel is the solution to this. Whether you keep it dangling from your back pocket or hanging on the fence nearby, it is convenient to have a towel handy in order to wipe your hands dry and keep the sweat from dripping into your eyes.
Any towel will do, but Amazon has many fun, pickleball themed options, like the one linked here!
#4: Clothing
Breathable, athletic clothing you feel comfortable moving around in is essential in feeling—and looking—your best out on the courts. Whether that be shorts, skirts, dresses, or pants, there are many clothing options to ensure you can move easily without being too hot or feeling restricted.
Remember: look good, feel good, play good.
#5: Pickleball Shoes
If there’s anything that is an absolute must to purchase before you hit the courts, it’s a reliable—and comfortable—pair of pickleball shoes. Like finding the right paddle, it can be difficult to find the right shoe. Comfort, traction, support and fit are all things to take into consideration. Shoe stores like Dicks or Nike have many options that will allow you to try on different brands and find what feels the most comfortable to you. If we had to recommend one, it would be Asics. They provide many types and styles of court shoes, but above all, Asics are renowned for their long-lasting durability and comfort.
Check out Pickleball Warehouse, which sells not just Asics, but almost every brand of pickleball shoe under the sun.
#6: Balls
It’s always handy to have a pack of balls in your bag for when the one you’re playing with inevitably breaks or flies over the fence.
Everyone should bring a sleeve with them, especially if you plan to go early and drill or warm up.
A widely used and recognized outdoor ball is the Franklin Sport Outdoor, which can be conveniently purchased on amazon here!
#7: Grip Tape
Sometimes when you buy a new paddle, the grip can be uncomfortable or feel too small. The solution to this is grip tape.
The more you play, the more worn your paddle handle becomes, leading to a slippery and dirty grip. If you keep a roll of grip tape with you, you can replace the grip on your handle for better stickiness and hold.
It’s a small essential, but having a fresh grip makes all the difference in feel.
Joola sells a great grip tape that is moisture resistant, soft to the touch, is durable, and easy to apply. You can purchase it here.
#8: Safety Glasses
Paddle innovations mean faster play, and fast play means balls are coming in hot.
Sometimes those balls can be difficult to control, and when your opponent is swinging with all of their power, they don’t always have perfect aim.
If those balls come toward your face, there’s a chance it could hit your eye.
Players hit in the eye have been known to lose eyesight before, especially at higher levels, so we recommend taking that extra step of caution and wearing some kind of eye protection.
Onix offers a wide variety of options.
#9: Edge Tape
When you get a new paddle, the last thing you want to do is scrape it up. It’s easy to accidentally hit the edge of your paddle against the hard court, which causes the edge to scratch and chip.
If you cover that edge with something called edge tape, the tape will take all the damage for your paddle.
Once it’s worn, simply remove the tape and replace it with a new one, keeping your paddle looking fresh out of the box! Edge tape comes in many colors, so some players enjoy matching it to their grip, hence adding a little cosmetic flare to their game.
You can check out all the unique designs amazon offers here.
#10: Pickleball Bag
Rather than lug around all of your essentials in your arms, why not store them all in a bag?! Amazon offers some great, affordable options.
These bags are shaped to hold a paddle comfortably across your back and offer plenty of other pockets and room for your items such as balls, glasses, water bottles and more.
You can purchase it here.
The Bottom Line: Pickleball Gear
Having read all about our top 10 pickleball gear items, you can now decide what will best suit your needs in order to conquer the courts and make play more comfortable.
From the top paddles on the market to being the best dressed on the court, we’ve covered everything needed to ensure you will be pickle-ready the next time you play.
Happy shopping, picklers!
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