My wife wants to start playing. I played tennis when younger but I have absolutely no experience with pickleball. I was barely aware of the word. I didn't even know if there were courts locally and if anybody was actually playing it.

Anyway, looking for a racquet (paddle? not sure what they are called). Seems like the Vitac Prism Flash is highly recommended to start. Any other thoughts? Not averse to $250 ones but seems like it's not warranted to start and also they seem more geared to specific styles of play (of which we have no idea what we will be).

Also balls. Indoor, Outdoor? Get both? Seems like Durafast 40 and Onix are recommended brands but not sure what 'model' to get (and again, indoor or outdoor?). Also what's the best color for indoors? Outdoors?

Anything else needed?

I saw Pickleball Shoes at the ASICS store the other day...You probably need those too!

I know a few people who have become completely obsessed with pickleball. Apparently you no longer need an AARP card and live in Flor-idia to participate.

I'd suggest that you look at this site (https://usapickleball.org/places-to-play/) and then go by some of the courts near your location and visit with the players there. Almost all picklers are enthusiastic about the game and are willing to talk your ears off. They will also often let you try their paddles to get a feel for what fits you.

Decent paddles can be had for under $100. A good place to look is PickleballCentral.com. Check out their Deals on lightly used paddles. Make sure that whatever paddle you buy is USA Pickleball approved. Engage, Selkirk, Onix, and Paddletek and just a few of the brands to look at.

Also, recognize that you will most likely end up changing paddles as your game progresses. I currently have 3 paddles in my bag ranging from ~ $179-$229. But I've been playing for 18 years and have played in almost 100 tournaments.

Paddles do wear out eventually. Ten years ago I'd replace my paddle every 6 months when the center would get soft. Today's paddles are made with better materials (graphite, carbon fiber, kevlar, etc.) and last much longer.

Balls - indoor or outdoor? Depends on where you play (indoor or outdoors). We have 26 outdoor courts in my community (central Texas), so I prefer playing outdoors and use the Franklin X-40 almost exclusively because of it's better durability. Occasionally, if someone wants to use a Dura 40 and I'll play with that and adjust my strokes to that ball (a harder & faster ball). For indoor play I prefer the Onix Fuse.

Hope this helps.

Knee and hip surgeries have gone up 33% in the over 55 parks in Mesa since the pickle ball courts were added.

My entire family including my 14 year old son is addicted to it. I started out with an Onix Z5, cheap and available at numerous big box stores. After 6 months I was definitely ready for a new paddle. After extensive research, I went with a Six Zero (6.0) Double Black Diamond. It is a fantastic mix of control and power. My wife also went with the 6.0 after trying mine. My son went with a Ronbus Nova R1 which is very light weight and has good control. I tried my father in laws 6.0 Ruby paddle. I instantly loved it. It has a Kevlar face as opposed to the carbon face of the Double Black Diamond. I could generate a ton more spin with it and it has a more plush feel but still has great pop off the paddle face at the kitchen and great power. It is now my go to paddle. LOVE it. You can't go wrong with a 6.0 paddle and they have numerous ones depending on what you are looking for. And no, I am not affiliated in any way with them. Just a customer who has been extremely happy with their product. My wife and I played our first tournament a few months ago and got second in our bracket. Super fun sport. My wife and I and son are all going to play in a local league this summer and have pour next tournament coming up in July. Let me know if you have any question regarding the paddles. Hope this helped at least a little.

As far as balls go. If you mostly play outdoor just get outdoor balls. We have tried the Onix, Core, Franklin's and Selkirks. Hands down we like the Selkirk S1's the best. Here in CO they don't crack in the really cold temps and so far in the high 80 temps they have held shape and been great. Second choice in balls would be either the Druafast 40's or the Franklin X-40's.

cfiore:

quote:

My wife and I and son are all going to play in a local league this summer and have pour next tournament coming up in July.

Summit County? We've gone up there for several summer and always had a great time playing with the club and in their tournaments.

I remember playing it in my friend's backyard 20yrs ago, fun and enjoyable. The local seniors, worn down from decades of tennis, golf and skiing injuries, finally finding a game they can continue to enjoy on the court but without the impact. Now it's, crazy with national tournaments, apparel and special equipment.

Mark me as obsessed.

As far as balls everyone plays with Yellow X-40's here, until the weather drops below about 45, then I like the Core Balls they last a bit longer, not as brittle.

The best bet for paddles is to try paddles that other players have. Or borrow a used one for a couple of months. When you go to buy a lot of the online reviews will have discount codes in their reviews. Personally I play with a Ronbus R3 Pulsar, but I believe it has been replaced with "something newer and better".

quote:

Originally posted by Redleg06:
cfiore:

quote:

My wife and I and son are all going to play in a local league this summer and have pour next tournament coming up in July.

Summit County? We've gone up there for several summer and always had a great time playing with the club and in their tournaments.

No, we're over in Mesa County on the Western Slope. Grand Junction.

Great! Thanks guys, good info. Checking...

P ball was invented on my island paradise. I put a court in 1990. 4 of my grand kids and a pile of 12 year old neighbors played all day.

I think it might be around for awhile.

So, I’m confused why the able bodied like it.

Some of my cousins all enjoy it, but they’re all grandparents/former D1 tennis players.

I’m assuming it lets the grandparents play with their teenage grandkids?

More physically approachable than tennis, or is the family playing together aspect?

quote:

Originally posted by Aglifter:
So, I’m confused why the able bodied like it.

Some of my cousins all enjoy it, but they’re all grandparents/former D1 tennis players.

I’m assuming it lets the grandparents play with their teenage grandkids?

More physically approachable than tennis, or is the family playing together aspect?

For those who's played tennis all their life, but all the hip, knee, ankle injuries & arthritis prevents them from going from baseline-to-baseline. Pickleball cuts the court in half, they've played tennis their entire life, they know where the ball is going so, their first-step is super-solid, they just can't do the next three steps that tennis requires, pickleball allows that same activity on a smaller court.

For those who are younger, it's a much easier game to pick-up than tennis. It's more active than table-tennis and not as big as tennis...as if tennis is a huge field the point is, its an approachable activity.

Oh, my! You are now talking! Got hooked 2 years ago.

For paddles, watch the pickleball studio on YouTube to learn about paddles and how they are different. Paddles are like psitol. Buy good ones and they hold their value for resale. I’d alsosuggest walking up to someone who has a paddle you are interested in an poitely ask to hit with it. Once you figure it out, there are places you can order one that gives you a 30 day trial. And you will accumulate paddles like guns.

Balls. Just start with Franklin X40 and buy in bulk. Yellow is fine. I don’t ever see anyone but beginners or old fogeys playing with pink or orange balls.

Go play. Be generous in line calls.

Drill to get better. Watch YouTube video. Briones pickleball video are excellent.

Learn to dink consistently. And for the love of god, learn the third shot drop. Your past tennis experience will take you only so far.

Have fun and welcome to the sport. Oh, it’s also a secret cult.

Oldest joke for a new sport - The two most difficult things are keeping score and picking up the ball.

The above advise is very good. Just start with quality and see if you like it. Don't get spendy till you have the experience to know what you need next.

I was playing with my two little boys recently and said to them “doesn’t this feel like we are playing ping pong but outside on a court?”

Don’t try playing on a windy day, that whiffle ball will blow away.

I'm quite active in sailboat racing, ice skating, cycling, and three event water skiing. I recognize that the quick lateral movements have a high possibility of leg injuries. I have friends and my brother who play and I go watch them sometimes. I played a few volleys once just to verify I could do it if I wanted. The mad english I use in ping pong transferred to pickle ball real quick. I'm not playing to save my self for sports I have learned to do safely such as water ski jumping.