Where to buy a pickleball paddle (and how to try before you buy)

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Try before you buy

A paddle that feels great for five minutes can feel wrong after an hour of open play. Before you spend mid-range or premium money, try to hit with the paddle in real games.

• Borrow at open play. Most players are happy to let you hit a few balls with their paddle. Ask between games, not mid-rally.
• Club and park loaners. Many clubs, rec centers and indoor facilities keep loaner paddles for beginners.
• Manufacturer and retailer demo programs. Several paddle makers and pickleball shops rent or lend demo paddles for a small fee, often credited toward a purchase. Terms change, so check the current program on the seller's site.
• Local pro shops. A shop attached to a club usually lets you hit with demo paddles on site.

Buying direct from a paddle maker

Buying from the brand's own store gets you the full current line-up, the maker's warranty handled directly, and accurate specs (weight, core thickness, grip size) from the source.

For example, Selkirk is a long-running US paddle maker based in Idaho that sells paddles across price tiers on its own site. Compare its specs against the tables in our paddle comparison guide and against other makers before you decide. We have not tested every paddle and we do not rank brands.

Buying from a big retailer or marketplace

Sporting-goods chains and online marketplaces are handy for budget paddles, balls and accessories, and returns are often simple. Watch out for:

• Listings with vague specs. If the weight, core thickness or grip size is missing, skip it.
• Counterfeits. Popular premium paddles are copied. Buy from the maker or an authorized dealer listed on the maker's site.
• Third-party sellers. Check who actually ships the item and whether the maker's warranty still applies.

Checks before you pay

1. USA Pickleball approval. If you want to play sanctioned events, confirm the paddle is on the current approved list at usapickleball.org.
2. Grip size and weight. Match them to the advice in grip size and weight and shape.
3. Return window. Find out whether a lightly used paddle can be returned if it does not suit you.
4. Warranty. Read what is covered (core, edge guard, face) and for how long.
5. Total price. Add shipping, tax and an overgrip before comparing deals.