8 Contenders For The Best Pickleball Set for Beginners

Are you struggling to find the right pickleball set for your game? I don’t blame you, with the abundance of brands and options it’s hard to know which one to choose. Don’t worry about it, because my team and I have tested troves of products to eventually identify the best pickleball set for beginners in 2024.

When I purchased my first best Pickleball set for beginners, I searched for affordable options with 2 paddles, 4 balls, and a carry bag. In this post, I share the 8 best pickleball sets to save new picklers from spending a fortune on new gear before you know what works for your game and budget.

After reading this post, you’ll know which best Pickleball sets are for families, kids, seniors, and indoor and outdoor Pickleball. I’ve included a range of entry-level and mid-range sets with 2 or 4 paddles. The majority of the pickleball balls in these sets are built for outdoor use. However, I’ve included the Panel Sound set for those indoor picklers.

What Are The Best Beginner Pickleball Sets?

• Best Overall: SLK By Selkirk Neo 2.0 Bundle is the overall best Pickleball set, chosen for its higher quality paddles, suitable for intermediate players, and they offer advanced technology.

• Best Budget: OLANNY Pickleball Set wins this category for being extremely affordable and perfect for family Pickleball play.

• Most Durable & Best Premium: The Helium Atmos Pickleball Set stands out with its durable materials and high-grade woven carbon fiber paddles, rendering it an ideal Pickleball set for our more serious and competitive Pickleball players.

• Best for Kids: The Asbocer Pickleball Set, with its sweat-absorbent grip, lightweight, and balance, is ideal for beginners and children Pickleball players.

• Best for Seniors: The Mten Pickleball Set contains a comfortable grip and reduces elbow tension, making it our top option for seniors.

• Best for Outdoor Pickleball: The Mten Pickleball Set includes outdoor pickle balls and delivers solid power and control, making it an ideal choice for outdoor Pickleball play.

• Best for Indoor Pickleball: Panel Sound Pickleball Set includes both indoor and outdoor balls and offers a firm grip, making it suitable for indoor Pickleball play.

• Best for Families: Again, the OLANNY Pickleball Set, with its comfortable handling and effective features, is great for group family play.

First Time Buyers Guide

Budget

Beginner pickleball sets are relatively affordable, keeping the entry barrier into the sport low and attractive to all budgets. I found that Pickleball sets ranged from $30 to $130, with an abundance of quality options under $100 mark.

If your trousers are fitted with deeper pockets, you can consider a premium package like the Helium Atmos Pickleball Paddle. In my experience, it feels better and provides greater control compared to standard fiberglass faces.

Number of Paddles

The number of paddles in a set is crucial to consider based on your Pickleball playing habits. If you’re planning to play doubles, I recommend a dual-paddle package. However, if you’re a family, I suggest opting for a 4 paddle setup like the OLANNY. Conversely, if you’re primarily playing singles, you may ponder purchasing a pickleball paddle and balls individually.

Number of Balls

A Pickleball set with sufficient balls ensures continuous play, especially for beginners who are still learning and might miss shots more frequently. Moreover, Pickleballs can wear out or get lost, so having a few extra can save you from purchasing replacements soon. Consider sets with indoor and outdoor balls if you plan to play in different Pickleball environments.

Indoor or Outdoor Courts

The court type significantly impacts the kind of balls you should use. Outdoor pickleball balls are typically Firmer and have smaller, more numerous holes to withstand windy conditions and harder surfaces.
In contrast, indoor balls are softer and have larger holes, suitable for smoother indoor court surfaces. Make sure the set you choose has the correct type of balls for where you’ll be playing most often.

Paddle Material (Wood, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass)

Paddle material greatly affects gameplay. Wood paddles are budget-friendly and durable but are often heavier, which might not be ideal for beginners due to the extra strain on the wrist and arm. Fiberglass offers an excellent balance between weight and power, suiting Pickleball players of all levels.

Carbon fiber paddles are lightweight and strong, providing exceptional control and power, but they tend to be more expensive. Choose a material that suits your skill level, playing style, and budget.

Carry Bag

The best Pickleball set for beginners should always include a quality carry bag, offering convenience and protecting your equipment. It makes transporting your paddles, balls, and other accessories to and from the court easier.

Some carry bags are designed with additional compartments for personal items and pickleball accessories, adding to their utility. Consider the bag’s material and durability, especially if you’ll be traveling frequently with your Pickleball set.

The Best Pickleball Set Product Reviews – Comprehensive Guide:

1. SLK By Selkirk Neo 2.0 Bundle – Best Overall

Set Features:

• 2 fiberglass pickleball paddles
• 4 outdoor/indoor pickle balls
• 1 Carry bag

Pros:

• Higher quality paddles compared to similar sets
• Comfortable, sweat-absorbing handle
• Easy portability and stylish design

Cons:

• More expensive than similar sets
• Average quality balls included

Our overall best Pickleball set won the prize due to its high-quality features and technology, exceptional brand reputation, and lightweight characteristics that our beginner and intermediate Pickleball players will appreciate. I appreciated the G4 Control Graphite surface combined with the Spinflex textured surface, which assisted my control and allowed me to impart excellent levels of spin on the Pickleball. I relished this lightweight Pickleball paddle for its comfy sweat-absorbant grip and the durable edge guard that protected my paddle when scraping the surface.

Read Amazon User Reviews Here

2. Mten Pickleball Set – Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginner Couples

Set Features:

• 2 fiberglass pickleball paddles
• 4 outdoor pickle balls
• 1 carry bag
• 2 rolls of grip tape
  

Pros:

• Reduced elbow tension
• Comfortable grip
• Affordable price
• Includes 4 outdoor pickle balls and grip tape
  

Cons:

• Not the most durable
• Reduced control when defending a drive

The Mten Pickleball Set bagged the win in our best for seniors and also best for outdoor Pickleball categories, and it is a fantastic choice for beginners or casual Pickleball players. We appreciate this USAPA-approved paddle with fiberglass and polypropylene honeycomb pickleball paddle core technology that delivers adequate power and control while reducing vibration to protect my hands and wrists. I felt the ergonomic grip enhances comfort during long Pickleball sessions. Although not the most durable paddle, my newbie to Pickleball friend enjoys the generous sweet spot and sleek design.

Read Amazon User Reviews Here

3. OLANNY Pickleball Set – Best Set For Pickleball Families

Set Features:

• 4 fiberglass pickleball paddles
• 6 outdoor pickle balls
• 1 carry bag
• 4 replacement soft grips

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Perfect for family play
• Soft handle and spacious carry bag

Cons:

• Durability is questionable
• The ball pops off the face when defending a forehand

Our next top option on our best Pickleball set list is the OLANNY set, which is ideal for beginners, families, and casual group play going for a super economical and solid Pickleball paddle. These Pickleball set paddles took the overall best budget and best for family categories, and rightly deserved. They are designed for comfortable handling and efficient newbie Pickleball gameplay, making them an exceptional selection for families or groups. On the downside, potential paddle buyers should note the durability concerns, which should not affect our beginners until they move up the ranks on their Pickleball journey.

Read Amazon User Reviews Here

4. Panel Sound Pickleball Set

Set Features:

• 2 fiberglass pickleball paddles
• 2 outdoor pickle balls
• 2 indoor pickle balls
• 1 carry case
• 2 cooling towels

Pros:

• Affordable
• Antislip grip
• Lightweight paddles reduce elbow strain
• Includes both indoor and outdoor balls
• USAPA approved

Cons:

• Small cooling towels
• Generic specifications not suited for experienced players

The Panelsound Pickleball set is another fantastic entry-level paddle option for families and friends who are new to the incredible sport of pickleball. We appreciated the USAPA-approved paddles, which offer a firm and comfy grip. Their best feature is that they are suitable for indoor and outdoor Pickleball play, the reason they bagged the top spot for our best indoor paddle set. Finally, it is a complete paddle set that can be used on the Pickleball court, at home, in the garden, or at the park if you want to use them for different sporting activities.

Read Amazon User Reviews Here

5. Yillog Pickleball Set

Set Features:

• 4 fiberglass pickleball paddles
• 4 outdoor pickle balls
• 1 carry bag
• 4 cooling towels

Pros:

• Affordable
• Ergonomic grip for comfort
• Optimal performance cooling towels
• Colorful design

Cons:

• Poor stitching quality on the bag
• Generic design

The Yillog Pickleball paddle set is particularly appealing for its aesthetic and ergonomic design, with an offering of 4 paddles with different colors, 4 Pickleballs, 4 cooling towels, and a Pickleball carry bag. Our Pickleball-playing family friends really appreciated this complete set as they experienced a lightweight, comfortable-to-handle, and large sweet spot that assisted the kids in getting into the game without a hassle. Finally, the paddles offer an adequate balance of control and power, suitable for a range of Pickleball playing beginner styles. It is an excellent choice for beginners and families, though the design may not cater to those seeking specialized paddles.

Read Amazon User Reviews Here

6. MXVIC Pickleball Set

• Set Features:
  • 2 fiberglass pickleball paddles
  • 2 outdoor pickle balls
  • 2 indoor pickle balls
  • 1 ball pouch

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Suitable for all skill levels
• Forgiving paddles, ideal for beginners

Cons:

• Not ideal for intermediate or advanced players
• Minimal control off the face

The first thing we noticed about this MXVIC Pickleball Set is its super cheap price tag and vibrant and stylish color design, perfect for our fashion-conscious Pickleball players. Our Pickleball-playing beginner testers mentioned that the thicker core made of polypropylene in a honeycomb design delivered superb touch and was very quiet at impact compared to our other options. They also appreciate the large sweet spot and the perforated sweat-absorbant grip, which helped them on mishits and kept their hands comfy with adequate traction.

Read Amazon User Reviews Here

7. Helium Atmos Pickleball Set

Set Features:

• 4 fiberglass pickleball paddles
• 1 pickleball
• 1 Helium sling bag

Pros:

• Durable materials
• Spacious and practical carry bag
• USAPA approved paddles

Cons:

• Premium pricing
• Average quality balls

We now move to our most durable and best premium Pickleball paddles that feature on our extensive list. Designed for our more serious and competitive Pickleball players, we noticed the Helium Atmos Set features high-grade woven carbon fiber paddles for superb Pickleball control and spin, and the 16”x 8” surface area gifted us a sizable sweet spot and exceptional power, especially for a skillful beginner player. One Amazon buyer mentioned that she broke the paddle by accident and Helium sent a same-day replacement at no cost, exceptional customer service. Finally, we loved the stylish Helium sling carry bag.

Read Amazon User Reviews Here

8. Asbocer Pickleball Set

Set Features:

• 2 fiberglass pickleball paddles
• 4 pickleballs
• 1 carry bag
• 2 sweat towels

Pros:

• Affordable
• Sweat-absorbent grip
• Ideal for beginners and children

Cons:

• Less durable paddles
• Limited control in defensive play

Our final Pickleball paddle set that bags the top prize for kids is the Asbocer Pickleball set. Although this Pickleball paddle can be used by solid intermediate Pickleball players with its high-quality and durable construction, we find it’s a fantastic entry-level selection for newbies to the sport or for families introducing their children to the incredible pickleball sport. When your young one improves their game, they will still be able to utilize these paddles until they are serious players, where they will need something over the $100 mark.

Read Amazon User Reviews Here

Steps For Cleaning Your Pickleball Paddle:

1. Choose the Right Cleaner:

A grip or sandpaper cleaner is an excellent tool for cleaning pickleball paddles. These are affordable and easily available online, such as on Amazon. You can purchase a large stick of this cleaner and cut it into smaller pieces to share with friends or fellow players.

2. Before Cleaning:

Examine your paddle to see the extent of dirt and grit accumulation. This will help you gauge how much cleaning is needed.

3. Cleaning Process:

Gently rub the cleaner over the surface of the paddle. You’ll notice that it effectively removes the buildup, revealing a much cleaner surface. It’s important to do this gently to avoid damaging the paddle.

4. Sound Test:

After cleaning one side, do a sound test by tapping the paddle. A clean paddle will have a different sound compared to a dirty one, indicating that the cleaning process is working.

5. Repeat The Process:

Once you’ve cleaned one side, repeat the process on the other side to ensure uniform cleanliness.

6. Comparison:

After cleaning, compare both sides of the paddle. You’ll see a significant difference in appearance and feel. The paddle should feel almost as good as new.

7. Regular Maintenance:

Regular cleaning of your paddle will not only keep it in good shape but also enhance your grip and overall game performance.

Our Final Thoughts On The Best Pickleball Set

After reading our comprehensive and honest review on the best Pickleball set for beginners, you may have noticed how many top-quality options there are on the market to consider. If you are a senior Pickleball player, a child, or a businessperson, our review has you covered. Although every choice on our list deserves high praise, the Selkirk Neo 2.0 bundle took the overall prize for the best Pickleball Set on the list.

The OLANNY Pickleball Set flexed its muscles, bagging two prizes in the budget and family categories while the Mten Pickleball Set took the cake in the senior and outdoor Pickleball section. Now that you have extensive knowledge of the best Pickleball set, you can make better-informed decisions when searching for the perfect Christmas and Black Friday gifts at the end of 2023.

READ MORE REVIEWS: The Overall 7 Best Pickleball Paddles in 2024