How to choose a pickleball paddle set

A good pickleball paddle set saves you three shopping trips: paddles, balls and a bag arrive together, matched, and ready for the court. Here is how we would choose one if we were starting over.

Start with what is in the box

A complete set should give every player a paddle, include enough balls for a real rally, add spare grip tapes and come with a bag that holds it all. Our sets of 2 include two paddles, four outdoor pickleballs, two grip tapes and a carry bag; our sets of 4 include four paddles, four balls, four grip tapes and the bag. If a set leaves out the balls or the bag, budget for them.

Outdoor or indoor balls?

Outdoor balls have 40 smaller holes and a harder shell to handle wind and rough courts. Our sets ship with outdoor balls, which also work on most rec-center floors.

Set of 2 or set of 4

Count the players you will usually have, not the most you could imagine. Two paddles suit couples, partners and a first game with a friend. Four paddles suit families, doubles groups, clubs and schools — and four matching paddles avoid the classic argument over whose paddle is whose.

If you mostly play as a pair but sometimes host friends, our black and blue constellation mix in a four-pack gives you two teams in two colors.

Weight, grip and face

For beginners, a medium paddle around 7.8 oz is the sweet spot: light enough to swing for an hour, heavy enough to push the ball deep. A grip around 4.5 in fits most adult hands. A fiberglass face gives easy power; a carbon face, like our T700 paddle, adds spin and control once your strokes settle.

Does paddle thickness matter?

Thicker cores, like the 16mm core in our carbon paddle, feel softer and more controlled. Our fiberglass sets use a polypropylene honeycomb core tuned for a balanced beginner feel.

Check the approval label

If there is any chance you will play a sanctioned event, buy USAPA approved paddles from the start. Every MTEN paddle carries the label, and our outdoor balls are USAPA certified.

Buying a set as a gift

Pickleball sets are one of the easiest gifts in the sport because the kit is complete. Give a pair to a couple, a four-pack to a family, and the bundle comes with everything to start playing. Check that the paddles are approved, that balls and a bag are included, and that the prices fit — our sets list all three on every page.

Is quality worth paying more for?

For a first season, a standard fiberglass set gives most players the power and control they need. Spend more later, on a carbon paddle, once you know your game.

Then pick the face you love

Because the build is identical across our fiberglass line, the last decision is the fun one. Dark and bold? Look at the galaxy row. Soft and painted? The sky and ocean faces. Pattern-first and photo-ready? The geometric sets.

Quick answers

Would you recommend starting with a single paddle or a paddle set?

A set, unless you already have balls and a partner with a paddle. The set costs little more than one paddle elsewhere and includes everything you need.

Is a set of 4 worth it for two people?

If you ever host friends or family, yes — the extra two paddles turn a singles practice into a doubles game.