In 2020 and continuing into 2021, with stay-at-home orders on the rise and rec play curtailed in many places, the sales of portable pickleball nets have skyrocketed.
Pickleball addicts are gobbling up these temporary nets for practice and play in parking lots, streets, and in the driveway. My wife, Teresa, and I actually set up a portable net from time-to-time in our neighborhood cul-de-sac.
If you are looking to purchase a portable pickleball net, there’s no shortage of options. In this post, we will look specifically at four different options:
- PickleNet by OnCourt OffCourt
- PickleNet Deluxe by OnCourt OffCourt
- SwiftNet by Pickle-Ball, Inc
- The Boulder 10′ Portable Adjustable Net
What Size is a Regulation Pickleball Net?
The regulation size of a pickleball net is 22′ wide x 34′ high. The net goes 1′ past the sideline on each side of the court.
The height of the net is higher at the sidelines than it is at the center. According to the official pickleball rulebook, “the net shall be suspended over the center of the court and shall be 36 inches (91.44 cm) high at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.36 cm) high at the center of the court.”
>>READ MORE: Pickleball Court Size – What are the Dimensions of a Pickleball Court?<<
How Much Does a Pickleball Net Cost?
The cost for a portable pickleball net varies depending on the manufacturer and type of net. The cost of a regulation pickleball net can range anywhere from $150 – up to $360.
Some factors to consider when purchasing a net are:
- Will your net need to be transportable, or will it be kept at one location?
- Are you fine with assembling the net each you use it, or are you able to leave it stored assembled?
- Do you want a net with wheels attached to its base?
- Do you want a net that doesn’t have a metal frame?
- Do you want a regulation-size net or something smaller?
Each of these factors will play into the ultimate price of the net you choose.
How do You Set up a Portable Pickleball Net?
Setting up a portable net with a metal frame doesn’t take terribly long. However, it can be a little tricky the first time you do it.
Fortunately, your net should come with an instruction diagram to show which piece fits into the other. Each piece of the frame should be labeled with a letter or number to make it a little easier.
If you have a net with a metal frame, be sure to assemble that first. Then roll out the net and place the ends at each sideline into their post before attaching the middle post. Once the net is assembled, make sure the net is at the correct height, and enjoy your game!
Best Portable Pickleball Nets
Following are great options to use for portable pickleball nets.
PickleNet by OnCourt OffCourt
The PickleNet by OnCourt OffCourt – intended for indoor or outdoor use – is a very sturdy and durable net system that, when assembled, measures 22’ x 34” in the center – regulation size. It comes with a heavy-duty zippered duffel bag for easy storage and transport. The PickleNet’s patented oval tubing means faster set up and automatic alignment of the center frame.
The PickleNet is wildly popular and is frequently rebranded and resold to other pickleball companies who use their own private label branding on the net system.
PickleNet Deluxe by OnCourt OffCourt
The PickleNet Deluxe by OnCourt OffCourt is simply a heavier-duty version of the PickleNet. The PickleNet Deluxe features locking 4″ wheels for easier use and transport. It’s the perfect solution if you have ample storage space as you can just wheel it into storage and don’t have to spend the 5-10 minutes assembling and disassembling.
SwiftNet by Pickle-Ball, Inc.
The SwiftNet by Pickle-Ball, Inc. , made of carbon fiber, is the lightest of all regulation size nets, weighing in at only 14 pounds. What really sets this portable net apart from its competitors is its unique design. The SwiftNet design utilizes a “Shock Corded Carbon Fiber Tension Boom and Locking Top Tension Cord. This design has fewer parts, has twice the tension on the top net tape, is the accurate height on the sides and center of the net without an obtrusive center post, and is half the weight of other portable nets.”
The Boulder 10′ Portable Adjustable Net
The Boulder 10′ Portable Adjustable Net is a multi-purpose net in that it can be configured for badminton, modified volleyball, tennis, soccer, tennis or pickleball. This portable net is super-affordable and convenient in its smaller size if you are simply looking to use a net for dinking practice, volleying practice, or, perhaps, skinny singles. This size net should not be purchased, however, if you are desiring a regulation size net. At 10 feet, it’s less than half the regulation size.
Goplus Portable 10′ Tennis Net
Caring for Your Pickleball Net
Similar to how you should care for your pickleball paddle by protecting it with a cover, you should also take care of your pickleball net.
Your net should come with a case to store it in. Be sure to store it in its case so you don’t lose any pieces of the frame.
Also, don’t leave your net out in the harsh weather elements.
Final Thoughts
Hope this helps as you decide on the portable net that is right for you. Don’t fret too much over which one to buy. Just go out and buy one. And practice. Your game will thank you.
See you on the courts!
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