If you’ve been eyeing up a paddle but don’t want to pay full price, why not consider getting a used pickleball paddle? You don’t always need a brand-new paddle anyway—especially when you can get a high-quality paddle for a fraction of the cost.
With pickleball continuing to grow in popularity (with an estimated 50 million adults playing last year in the US), there are now more options available than ever. So, where do you find them? Read on for my list of the top six places to buy used pickleball paddles.
1. Pickleball Central
2. JustPaddles
3. Amazon Resale
4. SidelineSwap
5. Online marketplaces
Local tennis stores
Where to buy used pickleball paddles in 2024
Here are my favorite places to search for used paddles:
1. Pickleball Central
Loading...
Pros:
They stock only “like-new” and “excellent condition” used paddles.
Paddles are carefully inspected and come with a 30-day warranty against defects.
Use code PICKLEHEADS for another 5% off (check exclusions).
Cons:
No exchanges, returns, or refunds (unless covered by the 30-day warranty).
They don’t offer “fair/good” condition paddles, which some people might want.
Free shipping only applies to orders over $69 (though most paddles meet this requirement).
Today’s best deal
2. JustPaddles
Loading...
Pros:
30-day risk-free guarantee means you can return your used paddle for any reason.
They sell all conditions from "fair" to "excellent", with free same-day shipping on any priced order.
Get a 10% discount with code PICKLEHEADS (check exclusions).
Cons:
Less selection (currently 118 paddles vs 175 on Pickleball Central).
Not all used paddles are in great condition (though they do state this clearly).
Fewer paddles in “very good” or “excellent” condition compared to Pickleball Central.
Today’s best deal
3. Amazon Resale
Loading...
Pros:
Large selection of used paddles (currently over 400).
Free delivery for Prime members (free over $35 for non-Prime members).
Free and convenient returns on any used paddle.
Cons:
No specialized pickleball customer service (unlike Pickleball Central and JustPaddles).
Inspection process is not as thorough.
Abundance can make it harder to find the best deals and the best quality.
Today’s best deal
4. SidelineSwap
Loading...
Pros:
Huge range of used paddles (over 600 at the time of writing).
Can find big discounts on top brands.
Full refund issued if paddle arrives damaged or not as described.
Cons
Quality varies from seller to seller, so read seller reviews!
Very rare to find free shipping.
No returns or refunds after 72 hours upon delivery.
Today’s best deal
5. Online marketplaces
Loading...
Pros:
Usually bigger bargains than other sites.
You might be able to pick up in your local area, saving on shipping fees.
Plenty of options.
Cons:
May take time to find a good deal.
Quality of products and service varies from seller to seller.
Risk of being scammed.
Local tennis stores
Support local businesses and your pickleball community.
Pros:
Get to see and hold the paddle before you purchase.
Support local and/or small businesses.
Get to know your local suppliers and community.
Cons:
Selection can be limited.
Some people prefer the convenience of shopping online.
Prices may be higher than online marketplaces.
Shopping at a local tennis or sporting goods store lets you get a feel for a used paddle before buying it, which you don't get when buying online. Plus, it allows you to ask questions, support local businesses, and maybe even meet others in the sports community.
The downside is that you won’t always find the best selection or deals. Still, I’m a big believer in going out in the world and seeing what's on offer. If it fails, you’ll still have the option to buy online.
How to choose the best used pickleball paddle
Now that you know the best places to get a used paddle, how do you decide which paddle is the best one for you? Here are some things to consider before you buy:
- Condition: while you can get a well-used paddle for a lot cheaper, it’s probably worth investing more money on a gently used paddle as things like cracks and dings can have a big impact on how your paddle performs.
- Quality: get a sense of a paddle’s quality before buying by reading and watching reviews on Amazon, YouTube, or reviewer blogs (like mine).
- Material: the material your paddle is made from does matter, and carbon fiber paddles are known to last longer than fiberglass, while newer materials like titanium and Kevlar also hold up longer over time.
- USA Pickleball compliance: you should definitely make sure your paddle is on the USA Pickleball approved list for tournament use if you’re planning to play in a tournament, or even join a league as it’s often required.
- Price: of course, these decisions often come down to price. Just be aware that a good price doesn’t always mean good value. That’s why doing your due diligence on the factors above can help you decide whether a price is good, or too good to be true.
- Performance: reviews will help you determine if the paddle’s performance matches your needs, and you can also take my paddle quiz to help you further.
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
Bottom line
There you have it folks—my tips for the budget-conscious picklehead on where to get your used pickleball paddles. I hope you find a paddle that’s not only a great deal, but is just what you need for the level you’re at.
As my top choice is Pickleball Central, I’d recommend starting there. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, here’s a recap of my favorite places to get a used paddle:
- Pickleball Central
- JustPaddles
- Amazon Resale
- SidelineSwap
- Online marketplaces
- Local tennis stores
FAQs
