What comes in a pickleball starter set?

Usually two paddles, a few balls and a bag or case. The Selkirk SLK Neo bundle includes two balls and a bag; the Onix Z1 kit includes four balls and a carry case.

What weight pickleball paddle is best for beginners?

Both sets here are about 7.5 to 8.2 oz. Selkirk's weight guide says lighter paddles give quicker hands and more control, and heavier midweight paddles more power and better blocking.

Are starter set paddles allowed in tournaments?

Only paddles that meet USA Pickleball's equipment standard. Onix states its Z1 meets USAPA requirements; check USA Pickleball's approved paddle list before sanctioned play.

How many paddles do I need for doubles?

Four, one per player. Each of these sets covers two players.

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Pickleball set for beginners: two paddles, balls and a bag

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Quick answerA pickleball starter set gives two people what they need to play: two paddles, a few balls and a bag. The Selkirk SLK Neo bundle (Dude Perfect edition, 8154) pairs two widebody fiberglass paddles at 7.7 to 8.1 oz with two Selkirk Pro S1 balls and a carrying bag. The Onix Z1 Starter Kit (KZ1511-Z1KIT) pairs two wide-body composite paddles at 7.5 to 8.2 oz with four Onix Fuse balls in a carry case. Both are aimed at new players; the Onix kit adds two more balls, the Selkirk paddles are slightly longer with a thicker 14 mm core.

Our picks at a glance

Selkirk SLK Neo Fiberglass Paddle Bundle, Dude Perfect (8154). Best for: New players who want a forgiving, control-leaning paddle. See options on Amazon
Onix Z1 Starter Pickleball Kit (KZ1511-Z1KIT). Best for: Two players who want more balls in the box. See options on Amazon

Compare the picks and what to watch out for

What a starter set should include

To play doubles you need four paddles; to play singles or practice with a partner you need two. Most starter sets, including both here, include two paddles, some balls and a bag or case, which is enough to learn the game with one other person.

Check three things in any set: how many balls come with it, whether the balls suit where you play (indoor and outdoor balls differ), and whether the paddles meet USA Pickleball's equipment rules if you plan to join leagues or tournaments. Onix states its Z1 paddles meet USAPA requirements; check USA Pickleball's approved paddle list for any paddle before sanctioned play.

Two starter sets compared

Set	Paddles	Weight	Balls
Selkirk SLK Neo (8154)	2 fiberglass, widebody, 14 mm core	7.7-8.1 oz	2 Pro S1 + bag
Onix Z1 kit	2 composite, wide body, 12 mm	7.5-8.2 oz	4 Fuse + case

Figures are from Selkirk's and Onix's product pages.

Paddle weight and shape for beginners

Both sets use paddles of roughly 7.5 to 8.2 oz. Selkirk's weight guide says lighter paddles give quicker hands at the net and more control, while heavier, midweight paddles generate more power and block better. It suggests tennis players who used average or heavier racquets will likely be comfortable with a midweight paddle.

Both paddles are a wide-body shape, which gives a larger hitting face than elongated paddles. Selkirk says the SLK Neo's widebody shape offers a generous sweet spot for new players, and Onix says the Z1's top-weighted design adds stability on off-center hits.

Grip size

Grip circumference is the distance around the handle. The Selkirk SLK Neo lists 4.25 in and the Onix Z1 lists 4.125 in. Selkirk's grip guide lists a grip that is too large or too small, along with paddle weight, vibration and form, among the things it has seen linked to tennis elbow, and recommends seeing a physician to find the cause of elbow pain.

If a grip feels thin, an overgrip adds a little circumference. See our overgrip guide.

Balls, court and gear

A set gets you on court, but plan for a few extras. Keep spare balls on hand; see our pickleball balls guide. Court shoes with lateral support matter more than the paddle for staying on your feet; see pickleball shoes. For a driveway or gym, a portable pickleball net sets up a court.

Eye protection is worth considering, since a ball hit at close range can cause eye injuries; see our sport sunglasses guide.

Warm up and build up

Pickleball involves quick stops, short sprints and repeated swings. Start with short sessions, warm up before you play, and add time on court gradually, especially if you are new to racket sports or returning after a break. Stop if you feel sharp pain rather than playing through it.

Which one to buy

Choose the Selkirk SLK Neo bundle if you want a fiberglass, control-leaning paddle with a slightly longer grip and Selkirk's 1-year warranty. Choose the Onix Z1 Starter Kit if you want four balls in the box and a paddle Onix states meets USAPA requirements. Either set covers two players; buy a second set for doubles.

What to look for when you buy

Selkirk SLK Neo Fiberglass Paddle Bundle, Dude Perfect (8154)

Best for: New players who want a forgiving, control-leaning paddle

Selkirk lists two widebody SLK Neo paddles with a fiberglass face and spray-on texture, a 14 mm polypropylene honeycomb core, 15.95 x 8 in size, 7.7 to 8.1 oz average weight, a 5.6 in grip with 4.25 in circumference and a 1-year warranty, plus two Selkirk Pro S1 balls and a carrying bag. Selkirk calls the profile control-leaning with a generous sweet spot for new players.

Watch out: Only two balls; buy extra balls for outdoor play, where they get lost and wear out.

See options on Amazon

Onix Z1 Starter Pickleball Kit (KZ1511-Z1KIT)

Best for: Two players who want more balls in the box

Onix lists two Z1 paddles (16 x 7.875 in, 5 in handle, 4.125 in grip circumference, 7.5 to 8.2 oz, composite face, polypropylene core, wide body, edge guard, 12 mm thick, meets USAPA requirements) and four Onix Fuse balls for indoor and outdoor play, in a carry case. Onix says the paddles carry more mass toward the top for stability on off-center hits.

Watch out: Shorter 5 in handle than the Selkirk; players who want room for two-handed backhands may prefer a longer grip.