Which portable Pickleball net is right for you?
Let’s first look at common uses for a portable Pickleball net along with the size of a Pickleball net itself.
What is the Size of a Normal Pickleball Net?
The dimensions for a normal Pickleball net are 22 feet long (this causes the net to stick out 1 foot on either side of the 20 foot sidelines). Along with a 34 inch high net in the middle and a 36 inch high net at the net posts.
Most of the portable Pickleball nets also use these dimensions. However, some nets are smaller than this (usually referred to as “mini portable Pickleball nets”.
Just make sure you have one that is the correct size for what you are looking for.
What are Common Uses for a Portable Pickleball Net?
- You bring your own portable Pickleball net to a location. Set it up and take it down each time you play. (Some places mark Tennis courts with Pickleball lines but require you to bring your own net for example)
- You are buying Portable Pickleball Nets that will stay at a location such as Neighborhood courts that are multiuse (I’ve seen some neighborhood courts have nice portable pickleball nets chained to the fence to roll back and forth making room for both Tennis and Pickleball on the same court for example.)
- You have limited space and need a smaller net (For people wanting to set up a mini sized net in their narrow driveway for example)
The correct portable Pickleball net for you might be different than someone else given the reasons above along with cost and portability/durability.
So here are several types of Portable Pickleball nets that I have seen popular while coaching and playing pickleball over the years.
Type 1 – My Pick for the Best overall Portable Pickleball Net – The Swiftnet
Pros
- Extremely light weight and portable
- Realistic dimensions (the middle of the net is lower than the outer sides of the net as intended for the 34″ middle and 36″ above the sidelines)
- Very easy to setup/takedown/store
Cons
- Cost (compared to similar portable nets)
- Plays slightly less realistic off the net than the heavy duty options below (but usually plays more realistically than other less expensive options given it’s realistic dimensions)
Conclusion
This is by far my favorite overall pick for portable Pickleball nets due to it’s easy setup/takedown along with it’s more realistic net dimensions. I would suggest this net to those needing something to transport and setup/takedown every time you play.
The following Heavy Duty type of nets are the only ones better to play on but come at a huge extra cost and limited mobility compared to this Swiftnet system.
Type 2 – Heavy Duty Pickleball Net (Plays Most like a Permanent Net)
Buy the Joola Heavy Duty Pickleball Net Here
Pros
- Has the most realistic feel as far as height and the way the ball comes off the net when compared to standard permanent nets
- Easy to roll around
- Is not affected by wind nearly as much as the other styles of portable nets
Cons
- Very expensive
- Very bulky and not as easy to transport
Conclusion
If you have the extra money in your budget and are not going to be transporting the net much, then this is the net for you. It’s great for facilities that have multiuse courts. Roll this on and off the tennis court with Pickleball lines.
I’ve seen these heavy duty style of nets used most often at high level tournaments along with neighborhood courts where they will chain this expensive net to the fence and roll it out to a Tennis court which is lined for Pickleball.
Type 3 – The Most Affordable and Standard Type of Portable Pickleball Net
Buy the Fostoy Affordable Pickleball Net Here
Pros
- Super affordable
- The correct length of a standard Pickleball Net
- Easy to transport and setup compared to heavy duty nets
Cons
- Unrealistic Net Height – The pole in the middle of these standard portable pickleball nets usually makes a higher than normal middle of the net. It’s basically impossible to get the middle of the net 34 inches while getting the sides 36 inches for example. It’s close enough if you need to save money from a Swiftnet though Swiftnets are much better for this reason.
Conclusion
This is probably the most common type of portable Pickleball nets that I see at the recreational level. They are inexpensive and get the job done.
Bring a tape measure to make sure you get a somewhat accurate 36 inch net at the poles.
Type 4 – Mini Portable Pickleball Net for Smaller Spaces
Buy the Eastgoing 10 foot (Mini) Portable Pickleball net Here
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Very lightweight
- Great for mini singles or practicing your kitchen game in a pinch
Cons
- Smaller than a full length net
Conclusion
These portable pickleball nets are extremely easy to setup and take down compared to their full sized counterparts. Just make sure the dimensions are correct for your space.
This is a great net for those wanting to get a lot of reps that don’t need a full sized court.
Still Wondering What Portable Pickleball Net is Right for You?
Let me know if the comments if you are still unsure which is right for you. Generally I see most players needing a portable pickleball net that is easy to transport so they will either pick the affordable option above or splurge and buy a Swiftnet. Both of these options are easiest to transport from location to location.
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