If you purchase an independently evaluated product or service from a link on our website, Rolling Stone may earn an affiliate commission.
Whether you're on social media or in the park, it seems like you can't help but see someone playing or talking about pickles these days. In fact, pickleball is a new sport that is making a splash across the country (pun intended), and it's not just a joke: according to USA Pickleball, racquetball is currently the fastest growing sport in the world.
So what is pickleball and how is it played? Here's what you need to know.
In this article
What is a pickleball?
What you need to play Pickleball
The best sets for cucumbers
How to play pickleball
How we chose the best brine ball sets
What is a pickleball?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington State and has since become a popular sport in the United States. Now in many countries of Europe and Asia there are playgrounds for playing pickles.
Although pickled noodles may have the same name as sour pickled vegetables, pickled noodles have nothing to do with a real pickle. Instead, it is a portable racket sport that combines tennis, badminton and table tennis.
What about a name? Some say it was inspired by pickleball's founder's dog sausage.
What do you need to play Pickleball?
While tennis players use a heavy racquet to hit the tennis ball back and forth, pickleball uses a plastic racquet and a ball with holes (some call it a "game ball"). The holes make the balls lighter and allow them to move through the air more easily. The balls are also less dense, resulting in less bounce and more agility needed to control the action.
A pickleball racket is lighter than a tennis racket, and the "core" of the racket (also known as the body) is covered in what is known as the "face" of the racket, which can be made from a smooth or textured material. . The so-called "sweet spot" when hitting the ball is located in the center of the surface of the racket.
What are the best pickle kits?
The best way to get started with pickleball is to buy a pickleball kit, and we've found a number of well-reviewed all-in-one kits available online right now.
Top Rated: JoncAye Pickleball Set
Perfect for doubles games : Helium Pickleball set.
Best Carbon Fiber Overall : Gonex Pickleball rackets
Best Starter Kit: Amazin' Aces Pickleball Kit
1. Junky Pickleball
This set gets you started with four brine shovels, four brine balls, four spare brine tires and a carry bag.
The core of the cucumber ball is made from honeycomb construction and then covered with a fiberglass face that will stand the test of time (compared to cheaper plastic materials). This set is an Amazon bestseller and almost 90% of buyers gave it a 5-star rating (out of five).
Buy a set of 4 Pickled Shoulders including 4… $80.66
2. A set of helium spoons for cucumbers
Ideal for two-player play, this set includes four rackets in two colors (one red and one blue), as well as four balls and a drawstring bag.
The paddle is also made from lightweight polypropylene honeycomb core and a durable fiberglass surface. We also like the grippy handle that ensures the shovel always stays in your hand, even when you're sweating.
Buy Helium Pickleball Paddles Pack of 4… $89.95
Gonex pickleball rackets
Play doubles or get doubles gear? The kit includes two rackets, four balls and a carrying bag.
The sticks are made from honeycomb core and a carbon fiber face that many players trust as it is a stronger material for better control and better ball placement.
Buy Gonex Pickleball Paddles, USAPA… $69.99
4. Incredible Pickleball Ace Paddles
We love the retro design of this pick set, which includes four real maple wood blades. You will also receive four signature pickles and a box.
This is a great set for beginners, with a soft grip that makes it easy to hold the paddle (even for long periods) and a clearly marked “sweet spot” in the middle of the paddle.
Amazin' Aces claims that this set of balls is also approved by the United States Pickleball Association (USAPA).
Buy Amazin' Aces Pickleball Paddles… $39.99
How to play pickleball
The rules of pickleball are simple: players take turns tossing the ball over the net, as in tennis or badminton (in fact, a typical pickleball court is the same size as a double badminton court). There should be a bounce on each side (no volleys!), and you keep hitting until someone misses or sends the ball out of bounds.
Unlike tennis, which usually uses overhead serves, all ball serves must be done with stealth.
Pickleball is awarded up to 11, 15 or 21 points. It can be played with two (singles) or four (doubles).
How we chose the best brine ball sets
We've tested each of these cucumber kits in the field and recommend them based on durability, ease of use, and overall value.
All of these top-notch cucumber sets are also backed by great online customer reviews, with customers rating them all at least 4.5 stars (out of five).