Pickleball Equipment Market: What to Expect
2025 Pickleball Equipment Market: Prices, Availability & What Players Should Expect
Some may call me crazy. Others might nod in quiet agreement. But when I first heard about the new round of import tariffs, my mind didn’t jump to cars, steel, or even toilet paper. I thought about pickleball. I really did. My first reaction was, “Oh no… what’s this going to do to our paddles?” And now that I think about it, I laugh, but it was a real, gut level reaction. Because if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you get it too. We’re paddle junkies, gear geeks, spin chasers. The game isn’t just a game, it’s a lifestyle. A rhythm. A joy. Let’s dive into the Pickleball Equipment Market forecast.
The pickleball equipment market is heading into a transformative year in 2025. From rising paddle prices to shifting supply chains, pickleball players across the country are already feeling the effects of global trade dynamics and surging demand. Whether you’re a casual player or a tournament warrior, here’s everything you need to know to stay equipped without breaking the bank.
Tariffs and Trade: Why Prices Are Going Up
New import tariffs on Chinese goods, including many sporting products, are directly impacting pickleball gear prices. These tariffs were introduced under the Trump administration and have been a persistent part of the United States’ trade policy, particularly aimed at reducing dependency on Chinese manufacturing and promoting domestic industry. As of 2025, the effects are still being felt across the sporting goods sector.
Paddles, nets, balls, and bags manufactured in China may now carry additional duties of 10–25%, depending on product category. For players, that means higher prices at checkout or fewer discounts from retailers.
Who’s Hit the Hardest?
- Brands that rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing (80%+ of their inventory)
- Startups with thinner margins and smaller order volumes
- Retailers with slow moving inventory and reduced flexibility
Brand by Brand: What to Expect from Top Paddle Makers
Let’s take a closer look at how specific brands might adjust their strategies, and what that means for pricing, supply, and innovation.
Joola
Joola’s paddles are manufactured in China, meaning they’re directly impacted by tariffs. Their high end models, like the Ben Johns Hyperion series, already flirt with the $250–$300 price point. Expect price hikes or modified versions with different materials to control costs.
Selkirk
Selkirk manufactures in the U.S., which insulates them from tariff costs, but labor and material expenses are still climbing. Their Luxx Control Air and Vanguard series may maintain stable pricing or rise modestly. Selkirk may benefit from increased interest as players seek domestically made options.
Engage
Another U.S. based manufacturer, Engage is known for in house production and R&D. Paddles like the new Pursuit Pro1 Innovation already sit near the $300 mark. Expect steady pricing with minor increases. Their domestic production could be a selling point in 2025.
Honolulu Pickleball
Honolulu’s paddles are produced in Asia, often using high performance materials like carbon fiber and titanium blends. Their J2Ti+ and other premium paddles may see delays or cost increases due to tariffs. Honolulu may explore alternative factories or hybrid material options to manage pricing pressure.
11Six24
This emerging brand sources it’s paddles from China and has built a loyal following around power paddles like the Harachi X Power. However, if tariffs persist, 11Six24 may shift production or raise prices past $200 per unit on advanced models.
CRBN
CRBN paddles are manufactured overseas and fall squarely in the high-performance category. Popular among tournament players, CRBN’s pricing of the new Trufoam has already edged toward $300. Any additional tariffs could make their elite paddles some of the most expensive on the market.
SixZero
Known for their raw carbon fiber and Kevlar-faced paddles, SixZero produces in China. The Ruby and Double Black Diamond series are already positioned as luxury paddles. Expect $200+ prices in 2025 unless manufacturing shifts or import costs are absorbed.
How Rising Gear Prices Could Change the Game
For a sport celebrated for its accessibility, rising gear costs could start to reshape the playing field. Higher prices may discourage beginners from investing in quality equipment, widening the divide between recreational and competitive players. Public programs, schools, and rec centers, often operating on tight budgets, could find it harder to supply loaner gear or run clinics. As elite paddles approach or exceed $300, the sport’s “low barrier to entry” identity is increasingly at risk.
Pickleball Equipment Market: Where Are Manufacturers Going Next?
To avoid tariffs, some brands are exploring production in Vietnam, Taiwan, Mexico, and even Eastern Europe. Shifting operations comes with challenges, new supply chains, quality control, and higher upfront investment. However, brands that make this move successfully could position themselves as long-term leaders in pricing stability and availability. Whether brands actually benefit from shifting manufacturing depends heavily on U.S. import tariff structures and trade agreements with the countries they’re moving to.
Real Players, Real Concerns
“I’ve had my eye on a paddle for months, but now it’s $30 more than it was last season,” says Julie, a 3.5-rated player from Jefferson, LA. “I might just hold off, or go with a lesser known brand.”
“I run a community league and buy paddles in bulk,” says Edgar, a local coach in New orleans. “This year I’m cutting back, we just can’t afford to offer as many free demos.”
What Will Paddles and Gear Cost in 2025?
| Item | Expected Price Range | Availability Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range Paddles (Carbon/Titanium) | $120–$160 | Moderate delays on restocks |
| Kevlar & Raw Carbon Paddles | $170–$300+ | Limited stock, often pre-order only |
| Portable Nets | $140–$200 | Consistent availability |
| Pickleballs (USAPA approved) | $10–$15 per 3-pack | Stable |
How Players Can Stay Ahead
- Buy Early: Prices are unlikely to drop, so shopping now can lock in current rates.
- Explore Domestic Brands: U.S.-based manufacturers may offer competitive alternatives without import duties.
- Bundle Up: Look for kits and package deals that offer discounts on multiple items.
- Watch for Drops: Follow brands on social media or subscribe to alerts for limited restocks.
Forecasting the Future of Pickleball Gear
Here’s what could happen based on the direction of trade policy and industry response:
- Best-Case: Tariffs ease, manufacturers diversify successfully, and prices stabilize by mid-2026.
- Worst-Case: Tariffs increase, materials remain scarce, and paddles exceed $350 for premium builds.
- Most Likely: Selective brand price hikes, fewer deep discounts, and more innovation in budget-friendly models.
What This Means for Retailers and Manufacturers
Retailers will need to adapt pricing strategies to avoid sticker shock while maintaining profitability. Manufacturers may consider moving production to countries outside the tariff scope or investing in U.S.-based assembly. Expect tighter margins and more competition for shelf space, both online and in pro shops.
The Pickleball Equipment Market: Looking Ahead
The pickleball equipment market in 2025 will be defined by adaptation. While challenges like tariffs and material shortages will raise costs and limit supply, innovation and community driven growth will continue to fuel the sport. Pickleball players who plan smartly can still gear up without overspending, and maybe even find a new favorite brand along the way.
If paddle prices double in the next two years, will pickleball still be the fastest growing sport in America, or will it plateau like tennis once did?
FAQs About the Pickleball Equipment Market
Yes. Tariffs, inflation, and material scarcity are driving up prices, especially for high-end paddles.
Yes, especially from emerging brands or domestic manufacturers avoiding import fees. Keep an eye out for seasonal deals and closeouts.
Buying early in the year may help avoid upcoming price hikes and limited availability later in the season
Explore More on PickleTip
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