Who doesn’t love a game of pickleball? This incredibly fun sport combines all the best parts of tennis, ping pong and badminton. If you’re a longtime player, or even recently gotten into the sport- you’ll agree with us that your pickleball paddle must be protected!
Just like any other sport, you need certain equipment for pickleball too. Namely, a pickleball paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Getting your hands on a new pickleball paddle is an amazing feeling- that smooth, shiny surface, with no dents, no roughed up edges, blemishes or scratches. Bliss!
Investing in a good pickleball paddle can cost you anywhere between $70 - $150. For this reason, it’s vital to protect your paddle from wear and tear for the long term, thus getting the best value for your money.
Luckily, we’re here to guide you through pickleball paddle covers that provide enough padding for your paddle. We’ll also explain what materials they’re made of, and why it’s important to have one if you regularly play pickleball!
Let’s get right into it.
What are Pickleball Paddle Covers Made of?
There’s a variety of materials that are used to make pickleball paddles- from polymers like neoprene, to classic canvas and leather covers. Here’s a comprehensive list of different types of paddle covers.
Neoprene
The first choice for most pickleball players, neoprene is an amazing material made from synthetic rubber. It’s incredibly lightweight, but also thick enough to provide protective cushioning.
Neoprene covers are also cheap, good quality and can be customized as per customer needs!
Leather
There are many pickleball paddle covers made of pure leather. Although they provide good coverage, they can be slightly heavy and prone to weathering and color changes.
Cotton
Cotton paddle covers are also excellent to protect your pickleball paddle from scuffing. However, a bigger hit, ding, or a fall can result in damage to the paddle even with a cotton cover.
Canvas
Canvas covers come in several designs and are lightweight- think of it as aesthetic functionality at its best.
Now that we know what materials can be used to make covers, let’s get into why we need them.
Why Do You Need A Pickleball Paddle Cover?
The best pickleball paddle cover will not only protect your paddle from wear and tear, but also be easy to carry around and look good. So, why do you need a pickleball paddle cover?
To shield your paddle, which can be quite expensive. The constant dinking and hitting the ball will cause your paddle to wear out way faster without a cover
In case you drop the paddle, you can avoid scuffing or denting the edges
For aesthetic purposes- you can even customize a paddle cover in whatever image or logo you like
They’re lightweight and make transporting the paddles feel like a breeze
How Much Do Pickleball Paddle Covers Cost?
A good, sturdy and reliable pickleball paddle cover is not expensive. In fact, good pickleball paddle covers only cost around $10 to $20. Depending on the manufacturer and the materials used, prices may vary.
Sometimes, covers and pickleball bags are sold in a combo. This might help you save more money if you are also looking to get a pickleball bag. A bag holds all of your pickleball equipment in one place! Pickleball bags are especially great if you’re an enthusiast and play often.
Companies also sell pickleball paddle covers along with their paddles.
Best Picks For Pickleball Paddle Covers in 2022
We’ve scoured the internet looking for the best pickleball paddle covers, keeping material, prices and aesthetics in mind. Without further ado, here are the best picks for paddle covers in 2022.
1. Pickleballerz Paddle Cover
(Pickleballerz) | Paddle Cover.
Pickleballerz brings you to a one stop shop for fun, trendy and functional pickleball paddle covers.
Prices start at $19.99.
Key Features
Pickleballerz prides themselves in creating novelty pickleball paddle covers that are fun
Loads of cute designs and aesthetic options to choose from
Customizable paddle covers. Simply upload the image you want printed on your paddle cover, and Pickleballerz will do the rest for you!
High quality prints and made extremely durable material
Made with durable and flexible high quality neoprene, which is also waterproof
The soft padding inside provides a great cushion for your paddle
Easily accessible side zipper makes transitions from rest to play very smooth
Can fit any regulation sized pickleball paddle on the market
10 x 12 inches
2. Selkirk Paddle Cover
(Selkirk Sport) | Paddle Cover.
Selkirk is a longstanding manufacturer of quality pickleball paddles and paddle covers. They are known for their durability and good quality, and price stands at $19.99.
But what makes this paddle cover special?
Key Features
The thick and soft terry fabric interior makes a great cushion for your paddle board and protects it from any scratching or damage
The easy access zipper goes all the way around the cover, leaving no surface area untouched
Made with PU leather which protects your paddle from rain or snow
It works like a one size fits all, and can fit any Selkirk or regulation sized paddle in the market
The stunning red and black colors and minimalistic design give it a sleek and classy look
3. Pickleball Central Paddle Cover
(Pickleball Central) | Paddle Cover.
The Pickleball Central paddle cover comes in a myriad of solid colors and is a great, understated choice.
It’s priced at $16.99
Key Features
Made with highly durable, lightweight and water resistant neoprene rubber
Choose from a variety of colors like lime green, blue, gray and hot pink
The logo is subtle and small, giving it a nice minimalistic aesthetic
The zipper goes all around and covers up the paddle nicely
Will fit all regulation sized pickleball paddle boards
It’s made to be resistant to physical damage like scuffs, cuts, scratches and does not degrade even when exposed to harsh sunlight
10 x 12 inches
4. NEXXED Paddle Cover
(NEXXED) | Paddle Cover.
NEXXED is a well loved brand because they make long lasting, amazing paddles with cutting edge technology and materials.
This paddle cover is priced at $14.97.
Key Features:
Gorgeous pickle green color with a simple white logo
Made with strong material that can withstand harsh sunlight, rains, and wear and tear
Provides excellent cushioning for the paddle board and comes with an easy zipper.
Fits all regulation sized pickleball paddle boards snugly
11 x 8.25 inches.
5. Amazin Aces Paddle Cover
(Amazin Aces) | Paddle Cover.
Amazin Aces paddle covers are, well, amazin’! These are incredibly durable, look great and will serve you for a long time.
They’re priced at $14.49.
Key Features
Designed to fit 8 inch wide paddles comfortably
Offers great protection and cushioning from any kind of wear and tear or damage
High quality neoprene material is flexible and waterproof
Comes in a classic black color with the logo of Amazin Aces in the center, giving it a retro touch
The easy access zipper makes opening and closing the cover a breeze
They also provide a 1 year warranty on their products- so any damage or repair will be taken care of for absolutely free
12 x 8.5 inches
6. Franklin Sports Individual Paddle Cover
(Franklin Sports) | Individual Paddle Cover.
Franklin Sports is another top manufacturer of pickleball equipment. They create quality paddles, balls and pickleball paddle covers as well.
This paddle cover is priced at just $9.99.
Key Features:
Crafted with state of the art neoprene material that is lightweight, waterproof and durable
Comes with a built in fence clip which allows you to hang your pickleball paddle comfortably instead of storing it amongst other objects
Offers a great minimalistic look, with the logo printed on the side on the plain black colored fabric
Fits all regulation sized pickleball paddles
Almost half the price of other paddle covers in the market
13″ L x 9″ W x .6″ H
7. CRBN Paddle Cover
(CRBN) | Paddle Cover.
CRBN has a selection of amazing pickleball paddles, apparel and accessories to choose from.
This paddle cover is priced at $20. It is a little more on the expensive side, for such a simple design and make.
Key Features
Simple, sleek and all black cover with the CRBN logo by the side
Made with tough neoprene material that can withstand water, harsh sunlight and is also flexible
The ultra soft padding inside provides a great cushion for your pickleball paddle
Easy access zipper that covers the entirety of the paddle
Comes free if you purchase the CRBN pickleball paddle
8. Big Dill Pickleball Co. Paddle Cover
(Big Dill Pickleball Co.) | Paddle Cover.
The Big Dill Pickleball Co. cover is a quirky and fun cover choice for your pickleball paddle.
It’s priced at $14.99.
Key Features
Comes in vibrant lime green and classic black colors
Great minimalistic design with the logo printed in small
Made with neoprene material which is shock absorbent, waterproof, flexible and durable
Fits the standard 8.5 inch wide paddles. Will not fit extra wide or extra long paddles
Ideal for edged or edgeless pickleball paddles
You can stash or store your paddle anywhere knowing that this cover will give it great protection
Zipper fits snugly around the board, providing enough cushioning
11 x 8.5 inches
9. Franklin Single Paddle Carry Bag
(Franklin) | Single Paddle Carry Bag.
The Franklin Single Paddle Carry Bag serves two purposes in one- storing and protecting!
Priced at $14.99
Key Features
This product is doubly handy because it’s a bag for your pickleball paddle and a cover at the same time
Soft interior lining with padding for ultra protection
Waterproof and damage resistant outer bag
The strap allows for easy, hands free portability
It can hold one paddle comfortably
Made for standard 8 inch sized pickleball paddles
Franklin bags are the official ones used in the US Open Championships!
17″ L x 10″ W x 1″H
10. Cosmos Pickleball Paddle Cover
(Cosmos) | Pickleball Paddle Cover.
The Cosmos Pickleball Paddle covers may look like the plain Janes of the lot, but there’s so much more to them than meets the eye.
Priced at $16.99 for 2!
Key Features
The built in mesh side pocket sets them apart from the competition. You can store your napkins, headbands, and wristbands here
A universal size, fits most pickleball paddles in the market
Fully cushioned cover that keeps moisture away and protects the paddle from scratches and dents
The neoprene material is waterproof, easy to wash and lasts a long time
Perfect aesthetic for the no fuss player. Simple, black and functional
11 x 8.25 inches
What is Pickleball?
Never heard of pickleball before? As mentioned earlier, it’s a sport that incorporates rules of badminton, tennis and ping pong together. It can be played indoors or outdoors, so long as you have a 36 inch net between two players or teams.
The court size of a pickleball tournament resembles the size of a doubles badminton court, only one third the size of a tennis court. However, the sport, in terms of play and rules, is very similar to tennis.
A pickleball ball is a hollow, made with polymer or plastic and has perforations or holes all around it. The paddles are solid faces and made with either wood or blends of different materials like plastic.
This sport was born in 1965, originally meant to be a children’s backyard game. Now, pickleball has taken the nation by storm and is played professionally all over the country!
Because of its short learning curve, access to all ages and types of people, and very low equipment costs, pickleball is a sport loved by most. You can play it even if you’re looking to get fitter, or you enjoy tennis but need something lower maintenance.
How Do You Play Pickleball?
For an exciting competition, let’s learn the rules to play this incredibly easy and fun sport! You will need a pickleball court along with the net, a paddle, a pickleball ball and another player of course.
Make sure you adjust the net height so that it’s around 34 to 36 inches high. Once that’s good to go, get your equipment ready and game, set, match!
You can play against one opponent or team up with someone and play a match of doubles. It’s a lot of fun and equally challenging with four people as well. Stand behind the baseline on the right side to start your serve.
The two squares opposite each other on the left and right can be marked off as places to start the serve from as you alternate between players once the game starts. If your score is even, you start the serve from the right, and if it’s odd, from the left square behind the baseline.
You want to start off the game with an underhand strike below your waist level, hitting the pickleball from below to get it to your opponent’s side. Do it this way to avoid a fault.
Your aim should be for the ball to reach the opponent’s side without it hitting the net. If the ball goes beyond the sideline or the baseline without bouncing on your opponent’s side first— then it’s a fault.
Continue the play this way, letting the ball go back and forth through the court as you hit it with the paddle. You will score a point when the other player or team hits a fault. Remember, only the team that serves can score a point.
When you score a point, you must switch to the other side of the service court to serve the next ball. You will get a maximum of two faults before you switch over the serve to the other player so they can try to score.
Whenever your team or you commit two faults, you must let the other team or opponent serve the ball. If you play doubles, after you commit one fault— your partner gets to serve.
When it’s your time to serve, and the opposing player or team commits a fault, you score a point. The objective of the game is to get more points than your opponent. Anytime the ball is served, you must allow it to bounce one time on the serving court before hitting back.
Another important thing to note when playing is to not stand in the kitchen. The kitchen is the area on the court closest to the net on either side. If you volley from even one foot in the kitchen area, it will be considered a fault.
Score 11 points in total to win the game of pickleball! It’s as fun as it is challenging. Break a leg!
Fun Facts About Pickleball
Even though the sport is called pickleball, it has absolutely nothing to do with pickles. Just as fun as the game is to play, knowing more facts about this game is equally fun!
Did you know that Pickleball wasn’t named after pickles as the name suggests? It was named after the founder, Joel Pritchard’s dog, called Pickles, who loved to chase the ball around as its humans played!
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, with over 4.8 million players all over the nation.
Pickleball was invented by a father in the 1960s, merely trying to entertain his children on a boring day.
Pickleball is now part of the curriculum in a lot of elementary schools and highschools!
It’s played in several countries outside the US, including France, Germany, Canada, the UK, Spain and more.
More than 2.5 million Americans actively play pickleball as of today.
The first pickleball court was built in 1967, called the Sundial court. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017.
Pickleball is equally popular among adult men and women. It’s a common sport amongst adults 60 years and older because it isn’t very physically demanding.
There is an International Federation of Pickleball to govern its rules overseas.
The United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) regulates the professional play of pickleball.
The very first pickleball equipment was made out of materials lying around at home, and the pickleball court was in a backyard.
This energetic and low impact game is very popular amongst baby boomers and is also possibly the most popular sport in the US without a lot of people knowing about it!
Early pickleball paddles were made out of polished wood, but now they’re made with different materials like aluminum and graphite.
The pickleball ball moves at only one third of the speed of a tennis ball due its shape, size and holes.
Conclusion
Whether it’s raining, snowing or heating up— pickleball is a great indoor and outdoor sport to play. It’s perfect for all ages and the only purchase you need to make is when you’re investing in a good paddle as you start out!
These inexpensive paddle covers are all made with high quality materials which are made to cushion, protect and increase the lifespan of your paddle. We hope this article gave you a good overview of the different types of pickleball paddle covers in the market.
Pickleballerz covers are the perfect intersection between functionality, aesthetics and affordability. Choose from our wide array of top notch products to better protect your pickleball paddle!