Starting a new sport in your 50s, 60s, or 70s is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and social life. However, if you walk into a sporting goods store or browse online, the sheer volume of gear can be overwhelming. From carbon fiber paddles to specialized recovery compression wear, the industry wants you to think you need it all. But what is the essential pickleball equipment you actually need to step onto the court with confidence?
In Day 2 of our “7 Days to Confident Pickleball” series, we’re stripping away the marketing noise. For players over 55, the goal isn’t to have the flashiest gear; it’s about safety, comfort, and functionality. You don’t need to break the bank to play well, but you do need to make a few smart investments to protect your joints and your eyes.
Watch Day 2: The Gear—What You Need (And What You Don’t)
The Foundation: Choosing Your Pickleball Equipment Wisely
When you are first starting out, the “Goldilocks Rule” applies to your pickleball equipment: don’t buy the cheapest, and don’t buy the most expensive.
The Paddle: Your Extension on the Court
The paddle is obviously the most iconic piece of gear. While you might see pros using $300 paddles, you absolutely do not need that as a beginner. On the flip side, the “wooden” paddles often found in cheap four-packs are heavy and can lead to “pickleball elbow” (tendonitis) because they don’t absorb shock well.
Z-Sisters Tip: Look for a mid-range composite or graphite paddle from a reputable brand like Wilson, Franklin, or JOOLA. These brands offer great starter paddles that provide a good balance of “pop” and control. As you develop your style—whether you become a “banger” who hits hard or a “dinker” who plays soft—you can upgrade later.
The Ball: Indoor vs. Outdoor
Not all pickleballs are created equal. If you’re playing at a local park, you’ll need outdoor balls. These have 40 small holes and are made of harder plastic to resist wind. Indoor balls have 26 larger holes and are softer for gym floors. We recommend Franklin X-40 balls; they tend to be more durable and crack less often, saving you money in the long run.
Safety First: Essential Pickleball Equipment for Longevity
For the 55+ player, equipment isn’t just about performance; it’s about injury prevention. If there is one area where you should not compromise, it is your footwear.
Court Shoes are a MUST
This is the most important piece of pickleball equipment you will own. Many beginners make the mistake of wearing running shoes to the court. Do not do this. Running shoes are designed for forward motion. Pickleball requires lateral (side-to-side) movement. Running shoes have high traction and thick soles that can “catch” on the court during a side step, leading to rolled ankles or tripped falls.
Proper court shoes (tennis or pickleball-specific) have reinforced sides and a pivot point on the sole to protect your feet, ankles, and knees.
Protect Your Vision
Did you know that the top player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, never steps on the court without eye protection? At our age, our reflexes might be a millisecond slower than they used to be. A deflected ball off a paddle at the kitchen line can travel fast. We strongly recommend safety glasses or specialized athletic eyewear. It’s a small price to pay to protect your sight.
Take the Full Course with You!
This blog post is based on Day 2 of our guide, 7 Days to Confident Pickleball After 55+. If you want the complete 7-day roadmap, including checklists, scoring guides, and safety tips, grab your copy below!
✅ Grab your copy here: 📖 Amazon (Paperback) 📱 Kindle Edition
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Comfort and Sun Protection: Completing Your Kit
You don’t need a specialized “pickleball wardrobe” to get started. In fact, on page 3 of our companion booklet, we emphasize starting simple.
Athletic Wear
Wear what makes you feel good! Whether it’s sweats, leggings, or a simple t-shirt, the key is breathability and range of motion. We personally love wearing bright colors—it brightens your mood and makes those court photos look great!
Sun Defense
If you’re playing outdoors, remember that the sun is not your friend when it comes to skin health and visibility.
- Hats/Visors: Keep the sun out of your eyes so you don’t miss that high lob.
- Sunscreen: As we say in the video, we don’t need any more wrinkles at our age!
- Shade: Always have a spot to retreat to between games to lower your core temperature.
Your Day 2 Checklist: Essential Pickleball Equipment
Before you head to your first lesson or open play, run through this quick checklist to ensure you have the basics in pickleball equipment:
- Paddle: Mid-range (not plywood, not pro-level).
- Court Shoes: Specific for lateral movement (No flip-flops or runners!).
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses are a game-changer.
- Pickleball: Appropriate for your surface (Indoor vs. Outdoor).
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated!
- Comfortable clothing: When you look good, you play well!
And while you’re at it, check out our page: Pickleball Stuff We Love and Recommend!
Next Steps for Your 7-Day Journey
Starting pickleball after 55 is about fun and community, not about who has the most expensive bag. By focusing on these few pieces of essential pickleball equipment, you are setting yourself up for a safe, enjoyable, and confident start to your new favorite hobby.
Ready to learn how to actually hit the ball? Check out our full playlist START HERE 55+ PICKLEBALL to keep the momentum going!
Don’t forget to download our FREE 55+ Pickleball Cheat Sheet to keep in your new gear bag:
DAY 1 – Is Pickleball After 55 Really Possible? (Hint: The Answer is a Resounding Yes!)
Confused about how to keep track of the score while you’re out there? Watch our “Easy Pickleball Scoring” video here:
