The Best Paddle Ball Set of 2021

Paddle ball sets

Pickleball, paddleball and paddle ball are somewhat alike because they’re all played by two or four players with paddles and balls, but they’re different in more ways than one. The biggest difference is that paddle ball needs no nets, lines or marked courts to play.

Choosing the right paddle ball set for your family and friends includes knowing what materials to look for. The Capri Frescobol Solid Wood Beach Paddle Ball Set is beautifully crafted and fun to play with.

What to know before you buy a paddle ball set

What is paddle ball?

Paddle ball is not pickleball, the game that is played on badminton courts or half-sized tennis courts with perforated plastic balls. Paddle ball is not paddleball, either, the game that is played against walls, like handball and racquet ball. Another version of paddle ball is called platform tennis and is played on a small raised deck. Paddle ball is different from all of them. It can be played on the beach, in the backyard, in the park or while camping. It’s played mostly for the fun of it, but many like to compete, too.

What’s included in a paddle ball set?

Most paddle ball sets have two paddles and one or more rubber balls. Look for paddle ball sets that come with extra balls, because balls can easily disappear and you don’t want to be stuck with nothing to bat back and forth.

Paddles

Most paddles are made of wood. Basic paddles use inexpensive plywood and are put together simply. A few lightweight and child-friendly paddles are made of plastic. For safety and comfort, always look for paddles with smooth edges. Be aware that cheap and flimsy wooden paddles are prone to breaking and splintering.

The size and weight of paddles varies somewhat from one manufacturer to another. All are bigger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets. Most paddles weigh 1 pound or less. Younger players have more fun playing with smaller and lighter paddles.

Designed to be grasped and held easily, grips are made of different materials. Choose one that allows you to hold the paddle comfortably and confidently.

Many paddle ball sets have bright colors and fanciful designs. Many paddle ball players like having different-colored paddles for each team.

Balls

Balls may be called paddle balls, beach balls, smash balls, Kadima balls, or frescobols. Hollow and made of rubber, paddle balls are slightly smaller than tennis balls. Because they aren’t as springy as many rubber balls, they don’t bounce very far, which comes in handy when you’re chasing after them. They float, too, an important factor when playing on the beach near the lake or ocean.

Paddle ball sizes vary only slightly from one manufacturer to another. The quality of the rubber varies, too, usually according to price.

Paddle ball set features

Materials

Premium paddle ball sets use higher-quality woods assembled with better fits and finishes.

Grips

Rubberized grips like you see on ping-pong paddles are common. The best are made from neoprene and other synthetic materials that are easier to grip. Foam grips are the lightest weight, fit the hand nicely and are good choices for small kids.

Extra equipment

Extra sets of paddles allow others to join in. Extra balls are a must for outdoor play. A pack of paddle balls in assorted colors makes the game more fun.

Paddle ball set cost

Inexpensive two-ball sets for children and casual play cost less than $20. Sets for better paddle ball players are priced from $20-$40. Serious competitors and freestylers want high-end sets made of better materials designed to last for years. Paddle ball sets like this run from $50-$100 and more.

Paddle ball set FAQ

How long do paddles and balls last?

A. The best paddles are made of materials that will last for many years of use. Cheaper paddles and grips are likely to come apart quickly and may not last the summer. Soft rubber balls should be replaced when they lose their bounce after heavy use. They’re also easy to lose, so make sure you carry spares along with your paddle ball set.

Are all paddles and balls the same size?

A. More or less. The casual nature of the game means slight variations in size and weight from manufacturer to manufacturer.

How can I keep my paddle from slipping out of my hand?

A. The best way is to buy higher-quality no-slip grips or molded grips that come with paddles that feature higher levels of workmanship.

Which paddle ball set should I get?

Best of the best paddle ball set

Capri Frescobol Solid Wood Beach Paddle Ball Set: available at Amazon

Our take: Premium materials and craftsmanship look and perform great.

What we like: Lightweight from a solid wooden face made of nine different kinds of wood for a distinctive look. The contrast between the different colors and grains of the different wood stripes gives the paddles the look of a well-crafted product. Neoprene wrap has a comfortable grip with a high-performance feel. Comes in a handy drawstring carry bag.

What we dislike: It’s pricey.

Best bang for your buck paddle ball set

Jazzminton LIte Indoor & Outdoor Paddle Game: available at Amazon

Our take: Combo set includes balls and shuttlecocks similar to those used in badminton.

What we like: Bright and colorful fluorescent paddles made of seven layers of wood.  Water-resistant real feather shuttlecocks come in two colors: red ones are for slow play and yellow ones are for fast play. Moisture-wicking soft, rippled foam grips.

What we dislike: Real feathers may not last as long as synthetics.

Honorable mention paddle ball set

Pro Impact Beach Paddle Ball Set: available at Amazon

Our take: The best of badminton, ping pong, pickleball and tennis rolled up into one outdoor game.

What we like: Resistant to water and sand, nicely finished with no rough edges. Four choices of bright, sturdy paddles with bold and colorful beach-themed graphics. Plastic grips are comfortable and resistant to slipping. Good quality at a reasonable price.

What we dislike: Set comes with only one ball.

David Allan Van is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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