Pickleball Gear 101: What You Actually Need to Start Playing (No Overkill) 👟

You don’t need to break the bank to play pickleball.But you do need the right gear — or you’ll feel it in your joints, your grip, and your gameplay.

Here’s your no-BS guide to pickleball gear essentials — what matters, what doesn’t, and how to gear up like a pro right here at Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse (BPW).

👟 Pickleball Shoes vs. Tennis Shoes

Let’s start with the most overlooked — and most important — item: your shoes.

✅ Pickleball Shoes (a.k.a. court shoes)

These are designed for:

• Lateral movement

• Quick stops/starts

• Proper ankle support

• Grippy soles for gym floors or outdoor courts

You’ll typically find pickleball players wearing indoor court shoes, volleyball shoes, or tennis-style shoes with flatter soles.

If you play indoors at BPW, court shoes with non-marking soles are your best friend.

❌ Running Shoes

• Built for forward motion only

• Too much cushion = less stability

• Zero lateral support

Wearing the wrong shoes is the #1 reason new players get injured. Spend the money here — trust us.

Pickleball Paddles: What to Look For (and Avoid)

There are hundreds of paddle options out there. Don’t panic.

If you’re a beginner, look for:

• Light to midweight (7.3 oz–8.3 oz)

• Widebody shape for a bigger sweet spot

• Polymer core for soft feel

• Textured face if you want spin

At BPW, we’ve got demo paddles you can try and beginner-friendly options in our pro shop — so you’re not buying blindly.

Price range to start:

💸 $50–$120 is the sweet spotDon’t waste $250 on a pro paddle unless you know your playstyle. You’ll get way more value with an all-around, forgiving model first.

Pickleballs: Indoor vs Outdoor

Yes — there are different balls depending on where you play.

🏠 Indoor Balls

• Softer plastic

• Fewer holes (26)

• Slower pace, more control

• Less bounce on hardwood

🌤️ Outdoor Balls

• Harder plastic

• More holes (40)

• Faster, louder, more bounce

• More wind resistance needed outside

At BPW, we use indoor balls like the Onix Fuse or Franklin X26 — optimized for our surface and lighting.

Keep a few in your bag. Ball cracks happen. Often.

🧢 Other Essentials You’ll Want (Sooner Than Later)

• Grip tape: Replace it every 2–4 weeks depending on usage

• Wristbands/towel: You will sweat — especially indoors

• Court bag: One with paddle slots, water space, and a ball compartment

• Water bottle: Trust us. Hydrate or get humbled.

• Protective eyewear: Optional, but great if you’re playing faster games or at higher levels

🎯 TL;DR — You Only Need 3 Things to Start

1. Court shoes with lateral support

2. A good paddle you actually like the feel of

3. A few indoor balls that match the surface

Anything else? Bonus.

Show up with the right gear — and you’ll enjoy the game way more from day one