Pickleball Gear Guide

As a beginner, prioritize: midweight paddle (7.3-8.2 oz) for balance, polymer core for control and quieter play, medium grip size (4-4.25"), larger sweet spot for forgiveness, and a budget of ₱2,500-₱5,000. Avoid expensive pro paddles initially—focus on developing fundamentals first with a forgiving, control-oriented paddle.

Lightweight (<7.3 oz): Best for quick hands, control, and maneuverability. Reduces arm fatigue but less power. Midweight (7.3-8.2 oz): Most popular for beginners and intermediates. Balances power and control. Heavyweight (8.3+ oz): Maximum power for aggressive play, but can cause arm fatigue and slower reaction time.

Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger—this is your ideal grip circumference (typically 4-4.5"). If between sizes, choose smaller (you can add overgrip to increase size). Test: grip the paddle and fit your opposite index finger in the gap between fingertips and thumb—it should fit snugly.

Polymer (Polypropylene): Most common, 99% of modern paddles. Soft, quiet, excellent control, durable. Best for most players. Foam: Newest technology, softer feel, larger sweet spot, longer lifespan without core crush. Higher price point. Nomex/Aluminum: Older materials, harder, louder, less control. Now mainly in budget paddles. Stick with polymer or foam.

Thicker (16mm): More forgiving, larger sweet spot, better control, softer feel. Absorbs more energy for dinks and drop shots. Best for beginners and control players. Thinner (11-13mm): More power and 'pop', smaller sweet spot, less forgiving. Better for advanced players with consistent ball striking. Most beginners should start with 16mm.

Beginners: ₱2,000-₱5,000 for quality starter paddles. Intermediates: ₱5,000-₱10,000 for better materials and performance. Advanced: ₱10,000-₱15,000+ for pro-level paddles. Don't overspend early—a ₱3,000 paddle is fine to learn fundamentals. Invest in better gear once you know your playing style.

Decathlon: Kukima and Artengo paddles (₱2,500-₱3,500), budget-friendly, good for beginners. Available nationwide. Toby's Sports: Wilson, Gamma, and house-brand sets. Has portable nets and balls. Chris Sports: HEAD and Karakal paddles. Multiple locations. Online: Juciao, Tecniq Introplay sets (₱2,000-₱4,000). Popular in local Facebook groups.

Paddle sets (2 paddles + balls + bag for ₱2,000-₱4,000) are great for: playing with a partner who's also starting, trying the sport without huge investment, or gifts. Individual paddles are better when: you know your preferences, want higher quality, or have specific weight/grip requirements. Sets are convenient; individual paddles offer better performance.

1) Buying cheap paddles (<₱1,500) with poor materials that break quickly. 2) Choosing pro paddles too early before knowing your style. 3) Ignoring grip size and weight, leading to discomfort. 4) Copying what friends use instead of testing yourself. 5) Prioritizing looks over performance. 6) Not checking if paddle is USAPA-approved for tournaments. 7) Buying ultra-light or ultra-heavy without testing first.

Yes! Many venues and clubs have demo paddles to try. Some brands offer 30-day return policies. At paddlX events and tournaments, vendors often set up demo stations. Ask friends to try their paddles during open play. This is the best way to find what feels right before investing ₱3,000-₱10,000.

Indoor balls: 26 larger holes, softer plastic, lighter (0.8 oz), slower bounce, quieter, bright yellow. Best for gym floors. Outdoor balls: 40 smaller holes, harder plastic, heavier (0.9 oz), faster bounce, wind-resistant, yellow/orange/green. Best for concrete/asphalt courts. Always use the right ball for your court surface.

Use outdoor pickleballs with 40 holes designed for wind resistance. Popular choices: Franklin X-40, Onix Dura Fast 40, or Gamma outdoor balls. In the Philippines' tropical climate with occasional wind and heat, outdoor balls last longer on concrete courts. Look for orange or yellow colors for better visibility in bright sunlight.

For casual play: 6-12 balls (₱500-₱1,000). Balls crack over time, especially outdoor ones on concrete. For regular players: 12-24 balls to always have backups. Tournament players: 36+ to ensure consistent bounce. Buy in bulk packs (6-12 balls) for better value. Replace cracked balls immediately as they affect gameplay.

Outdoor balls are made of harder plastic to withstand wind and rough surfaces, making them more brittle. Concrete/asphalt courts, hot temperatures, and powerful shots accelerate cracking. Indoor balls get soft and mushy instead. To extend life: store balls indoors away from heat/sun, avoid extreme temperature changes, and replace when you hear a different sound on impact.

While tennis shoes work, pickleball-specific shoes are better because: enhanced lateral support for side-to-side movements, herringbone/multi-directional tread patterns for quick pivots, lighter weight for faster reactions, and lower profile for court feel. Tennis shoes prioritize forward movement. Pickleball shoes reduce injury risk from the sport's unique lateral demands.

No! Running shoes are designed for forward motion only, not lateral movements. They lack side-to-side support, increasing ankle injury risk. The cushioning is wrong for court sports, and the tread pattern won't grip properly. You'll slip and twist ankles. Invest in proper court shoes—your ankles and knees will thank you.

Lateral support: Reinforced sides for quick pivots. Non-marking soles: Required for indoor courts, good for all play. Traction: Herringbone or hexagonal patterns for grip. Lightweight: Reduces fatigue during long play. Breathability: Mesh upper for hot Philippines climate. Cushioning: Balance between comfort and court feel. Budget: ₱3,000-₱6,000 for quality court shoes.

Casual players (1-2x/week): Every 6-12 months. Regular players (3-5x/week): Every 3-6 months. Daily/tournament players: Every 2-3 months. Signs to replace: worn tread reducing traction, decreased cushioning causing foot pain, upper material breaking down, or loss of lateral support. Don't wait until they're destroyed—worn shoes increase injury risk.

Tops: Moisture-wicking, breathable shirts (Dri-FIT, polyester). Tank tops, tees, or polos. Bottoms: Athletic shorts, skorts, leggings, or joggers with pockets for extra balls. Fabrics: Avoid cotton—use performance fabrics that dry quickly. For Philippines climate: Light colors, UV protection, ventilation panels. No strict dress code, prioritize comfort and movement.

No special pickleball clothing required! Tennis, running, or any athletic wear works perfectly. Key features: stretchy fabrics for full range of motion, moisture-wicking to stay dry, pockets for balls (helpful but optional), and breathable materials for hot weather. Many players wear regular gym clothes. Style is personal preference—functionality matters most.

Essentials: water bottle (stay hydrated in heat), towel (manage sweat), sunscreen and hat (outdoor play), and sunglasses/sports glasses (eye protection, sun glare). Optional: sweatbands, overgrips (replace worn grips), extra shirt, energy snacks, and a proper pickleball bag to organize everything. In Philippines heat, hydration is critical!

Yes! Women should wear a supportive sports bra designed for high-impact activity. Pickleball involves quick movements, jumps, and sudden stops requiring good support. Look for moisture-wicking materials, adjustable straps, and medium-to-high support levels. Test by jumping or mimicking pickleball movements before purchasing.

Must-haves: paddle(s), balls (6+), water bottle, towel, extra overgrips, court shoes. Recommended: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, extra shirt, personal first aid (band-aids, pain reliever, blister prevention), snacks, paddle edge tape. Optional: ball machine remote, massage roller, marker for ball numbering, ankle/wrist braces, and a portable phone charger.

Sling bags: Compact, carries 1-2 paddles, balls, essentials. Great for recreational players (₱800-₱1,500). Backpacks: Holds 2-4 paddles, change of clothes, more gear. Good for regular players (₱1,500-₱3,000). Tour bags: Large, 6+ paddles, shoes compartment, wet/dry sections. For serious players and coaches (₱3,000-₱6,000+). Choose based on how much gear you carry.

Overgrips are thin wraps applied over your paddle's original grip to: absorb sweat, improve tackiness, add cushioning, and customize grip size slightly. Replace every 2-4 weeks or when worn. Cost: ₱200-₱500 for 3-pack. In hot Philippines climate with sweaty hands, overgrips are essential for maintaining good paddle control. Always carry extras in your bag.

Yes! Paddle covers protect your investment from: scratches during transport, edge damage from dropping, sun/heat exposure degrading materials, and moisture that can damage the core. Most paddles come with a basic cover. Upgraded neoprene or padded covers (₱300-₱800) offer better protection. Use covers especially when transporting multiple paddles in one bag.

Clean regularly: Wipe face with damp microfiber cloth after play to remove dirt/oil. Storage: Keep in paddle cover away from extreme heat/cold. Avoid leaving in car. Grip maintenance: Replace overgrip when worn. Clean grip with barely-damp cloth. Protect edges: Apply edge guard tape to prevent chipping. Avoid: Don't slam paddle on ground, leave in direct sunlight, or expose to extreme temperatures.

Quality paddles: 1-3 years with regular play (3-5x/week). Factors affecting lifespan: play frequency, intensity, care, and core material. Signs to replace: loss of pop/power, visible delamination (face separating), core crush (soft spots), or edge damage. Advanced players replace paddles more frequently (6-12 months) to maintain peak performance. Budget paddles may last only 3-6 months.

Minor edge chips: Can be repaired with edge guard tape or epoxy. Surface scratches: Normal wear, don't affect performance much. Delamination or core crush: Not repairable—paddle is done. Cracked face: Some players use epoxy but this is tournament-illegal. Once structural damage occurs, it's time for a new paddle. Focus on prevention with proper care.

Texture is intentional! Textured/rough faces (carbon fiber, raw composite): Generate more spin, better ball bite, slightly more control. Used by advanced players. Smooth faces (graphite, some fiberglass): Less spin, more consistent pop, easier for beginners. Over time, textured faces can smooth out from use, reducing spin capability. This is normal paddle wear.

Only if: you want to play anywhere (driveways, parking lots, parks without courts), you organize regular home games, or you run clinics/events. Quality portable nets cost ₱5,000-₱15,000. Look for: regulation height (36" at sides, 34" at center), stability (weighted bases), easy setup/takedown, and carrying case. Otherwise, play at established courts with permanent nets.

Highly recommended! Pickleball balls can travel 40+ mph, and eye injuries do occur. Protective eyewear prevents: ball strikes to the eye, sun glare affecting vision, and wind/debris irritation outdoors. Options: sports sunglasses with polycarbonate lenses, protective sports goggles, or transition lenses for indoor/outdoor. Cost: ₱800-₱3,000. Your vision is worth protecting.

Tungsten tape is weighted tape (heavier than lead tape) used to customize paddle weight and balance. Advanced players use it to: add weight for more power, adjust swing weight, or change the paddle's sweet spot location. Beginners: Don't need it yet—focus on fundamentals. Intermediate+: Can experiment to fine-tune paddle feel. Cost: ₱300-₱600. Apply carefully in small amounts.

Ball machines (₱30,000-₱100,000+) are for: serious players wanting solo practice, coaches running drills, or facilities offering lessons. Not necessary for recreational players. Alternatives: practice with partners, join clinics, or use wall practice. If you play casually 1-2x/week, invest that money in coaching sessions instead for better improvement.

USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) approval means the paddle meets official tournament specifications for: size, weight, surface texture, and materials. Matters if: you plan to play in sanctioned tournaments, want assurance of quality, or follow official rules. For recreational play only: non-approved paddles are fine. Most quality paddles ₱2,500+ are USAPA-approved.

No! Here's why: Pro paddles (₱10,000-₱15,000+) are designed for advanced techniques you haven't developed yet. They're often less forgiving with smaller sweet spots. You don't know your playing style preferences yet. The money is better spent on lessons, court time, and quality shoes. Start with a solid ₱2,500-₱5,000 paddle and upgrade later.

Minimum budget: Paddle ₱2,000-₱3,000, balls (6-pack) ₱500, court shoes ₱3,000, athletic wear (if needed) ₱1,000, water bottle/towel ₱300. Total: ₱6,800-₱7,800. Comfortable budget: Better paddle ₱4,000-₱5,000, quality shoes ₱4,000-₱5,000, bag ₱1,500, accessories ₱1,000. Total: ₱10,500-₱12,500. Court fees: ₱300-₱800/hour. Much cheaper than tennis or golf!

Demo programs: Some brands/retailers offer 30-day trials. Club demos: Many clubs have paddles to borrow during play. Tournaments: Vendors set up demo stations at paddlX events. Friends: Ask to try different paddles during open play. Facebook groups: Philippine pickleball communities often have gear trading/demo opportunities. Pro shops: Some let you test on-site.