The best pickleball sets of 2023: Paddles, balls, nets and more

Ready to see what all the pickleball fuss is about? Good call: This massively popular game is the fastest growing sport because it’s easy to learn even for beginners, it’s fun to play once you hit the sweet spot, and it’s a pretty good workout at all skill levels. Plus, unlike some sports (looking at you, skiing), it's very affordable. All you need is a pickleball paddle and some friends, although just the former is sufficient: Find a neighborhood court and you can jump right into the rotation of pickup games. New friendships will ensue. (I'm speaking from experience here. Pickleball players are the best.)

For those unfamiliar with the game, pickleball combines elements of tennis and ping-pong, with some volleyball-style scoring thrown in for good measure. (Actually, scoring is arguably the hardest thing to learn. Even after a year of playing, I still have to remind myself how it works.)

Not sure what gear to get? Below, I've rounded up my picks for the best pickleball sets, a couple of them equipped with portable nets so you can practice or even play just about anywhere. Some of the best overall picks are based on overwhelmingly positive customer reviews; others I've chosen from personal experience. Now get out there and have fun! This game is about to change your life.

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