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Pickleball is exploding. More dedicated pickleball courts are being built, but there still aren’t enough courts for the number of people who want to play.
If you don’t live near a dedicated pickleball court, you can create one. Some options are to play on an unused tennis court, in a driveway, or in indoor gyms at a recreation center, or at community centers.
In order to play pickleball, all you need is a paddle, ball, and net.
If you are looking to purchase a portable pickleball net, there is no shortage of options. In this post, we will look specifically at seven of the best pickleball nets.
Each of these nets receives a 5-star rating on Pickleball Central:
What is the Best Portable Pickleball Net?
The following are great options to use as a net on the pickleball court:
Rally Deluxe Portable Net System
The Rally Deluxe Portable Pickleball Net System is a high-end net system featuring oval tubing.
It is made with a black powder-coated steel frame measuring 22 feet wide.
Its black nylon net has a Velcro straps tension system.
The net comes with a nylon high quality bag that is compartmentalized with dividers and straps.
PickleNet Portable Net by OnCourt OffCourt
The PickleNet – intended for indoor or outdoor use – is a very durable net system that has a sturdy design. When assembled, it 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 made with a dark green powder-coated steel means faster setup and automatic alignment of the center frame. The center stabilizer post helps the net stay at a perfect height.
Tighten or loosen the durable black nylon netting with the top of the Velcro net tension system.
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.
SwiftNet 2.1 Portable Pickleball Net System
The SwiftNet is different from other nets in that it has a unique design. It has a locking system and supportive brace that keeps the net at a 34″ height at the center and 36″ height at sidelines of the court.
It doesn’t have an obtrusive center post. Instead, it uses a high-tensile, non-stretch top cord. This prevents the net from sagging or needing to be re-adjusted over time.
This net is very easy to set up since it has fewer parts. The system’s poles simply slide in and out of the feet without needing to slip off the net. The frame is made from lightweight aluminum.
This net is half the weight of other regulation size nets, weighing in at only 17 pounds. These nets have proven themselves to hold up as well as heavier nets in the wind!
This net is durable and plays like a permanent net system. As someone who has run many pickleball tournaments, I can attest that this is a great recreation and tournament net. It would be my top pick.
Vulcan 10′ Practice Pickleball Net
If you want a smaller net to use in small spaces, this practice net is a great option. It works well for drills, dinking, or skinny singles.
This net is 10 ft so it is about half the length of a standard-sized net (22 ft).
This Vulcan net uses black, 1.5mm knotless netting with a tension-based sleeve setup. The frame is powder coated and resistant to environmental damage.
It is lighter weight with easy setup. It comes with a convenient carrying bag.
Portable Nets with Wheels
The following portable nets have wheels giving them easy maneuverability on the court.
Douglas Premier PPS-22SQ Portable Heavy Duty Net System
This Douglas Premier net is the closest you can get to a permanent net’s durability, playability, and quality.
It can be used on both indoor and outdoor courts as it is weather treated for year-round use.
This net system provides easy assembly. Its posts are 3” wide. They are made with 11-gauge stainless steel frames finished with a polyester powder coat to help resist rust. The system uses an internally wound gear mechanism to lock each piece into place.
The rigidity of the net structure supports the heavy-duty net cable that can be tightened to an equivalent tension to that as of a permanent net system.
The net comes with Lift Assist Handles and a Velcro center strap to meet the 34” center height regulation.
The Douglas Premier is sturdy at 215 pounds, but it can easily be maneuvered around the court due to its wheel assembly.
This net has been used at Indian Wells for the USA Pickleball National Championships.
Franklin Portable Pickleball Net System With Wheels
If you want a net with wheels, but don’t want to pay the price of other wheeled nets, this Franklin net might be your best option. This net is moderately priced with the convenience of frame-mounted wheels.
This Franklin pickleball net is a full, tournament-sized option measuring 22’ x 36” x 20”.
The net rides on lockable casters that make it easy to move around and lock in place for a pickleball game.
This net system weighs approximately 29 pounds. The frame is steel, and the crossbar houses an internal bungee cord that allows the sections to connect quickly and securely.
This net comes with a weather-resistant carrying bag.
Dominator Rolling Portable Net with Wheels
This wheeled net is a reasonable price between the Franklin and Douglas net. Due to its completely rust-proof aluminum frame, it provides excellent value since you will likely not have to replace it.
The Dominator can be used as both an indoor and outdoor pickleball net. It is easy to assemble and maneuver with the wheels locking in place once on the court.
This net meets USA Pickleball Association regulations with its 22′ length, 36″ height at the sides, and 34″ height at the center. The frame uses 6061 T6 high quality aluminum components and is high enough off the ground that pickleballs can roll underneath it.
The net system weighs 35 pounds. It comes with a storage bag that has wheels of its own for transport.
>>READ MORE: Pickleball Court Size – What are the Dimensions of a Pickleball Court?<<
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.”
How Much Does a Pickleball Net Cost?
The cost of a portable pickleball net varies depending on the manufacturer and type of net. The cost of a regulation-sized net can range anywhere from $150 all the way up to over $1000.
How Do You Choose a Pickleball Net?
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 time 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?
- Do you want a portable net that acts like a permanent net?
Each of these factors will play into what net you should choose and the ultimate price you will pa
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!
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 carrying case to store it in. Be sure to store it in its case so you don’t lose any pieces of the frame.
Also, even though a net says it can be used for indoor and outdoor play, it’s best not to leave your net out in the harsh weather elements. This will preserve the life of your net system.
Final Thoughts
Hope this helps as you decide on the best portable pickleball net that is right for you. Don’t fret too much about 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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