When it comes to finding the perfect pickleball paddle, nothing beats trying it out firsthand. Luckily, many shops let you demo paddles for free, while a couple may charge a small fee.
In this article, we’ll explore where and how to demo pickleball paddles so you can find the one that best suits your game.
Where to Demo Pickleball Paddles
Here are some of the best places to demo pickleball paddles, and below, more details on how you can take advantage of their demo programs:
| Shop | Demo Program | Brands Available | Cost | Return Policy | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickleball Central | Free 30-day Paddle Test Drive | Various brands excluding Gearbox | Free | Full refund minus return shipping | pickleballcentral.com |
| Just Paddles | 30-Day Free Trial | Selkirk, Pro Kennex, Vulcan, Armour, ProXR and more | Free | Full refund with free return shipping | justpaddles.com |
| Total Pickleball | 30-Day No-Sweat Return Policy | Diadem, Franklin, Gearbox, Joola and more | Free | Full refund with prepaid return shipping | totalpickleball.com |
| Pickleball Galaxy | Demo 2 paddles for 7 days | CRBN, Engage, Franklin, Gearbox, Joola, Six Zero and more | $40 (includes shipping) | $10 loyalty code towards next paddle purchase | pickleballgalaxy.com |
| Tennis Point | Demo up to 3 paddles for 7 days | Engage, Gamma, Joola, Onix, Pro Kennex, Six Zero and more | $30 ($25 credit towards paddle) | $25 applies to first paddle purchase | tennis-point.com |
1. Pickleball Central
Pickleball Central offers a fantastic FREE 30-Day Paddle Test Drive. You can try out any paddle for 30 days and return it if you’re not 100% satisfied. Their no-questions-asked return policy ensures you get a full refund (minus return shipping).
This policy excludes Gearbox paddles and used purchases, but it’s a great way to try before you buy with peace of mind.
They feature paddles from all the top brands, including Six Zero, Selkirk, Diadem, Joola, CRBN, Electrum, Engage, Franklin, Gamma, Vulcan, ProXR, and Paddletek.
2. Just Paddles
JustPaddles makes it easy to test out their paddles with a 30-Day Free Trial. You can demo paddles from top brands like Selkirk, ProKennex, Vulcan, and more.
If you’re not completely satisfied, return the paddle within 30 days for a full refund at no cost to you. It’s a risk-free way to explore different paddles and find your perfect match.
3. Total Pickleball
Total Pickleball has a generous 30-Day No-Sweat Return Policy. This means you can try out paddles from brands like Diadem, Electrum, Franklin, CRBN, Gearbox, Joola, Onix, Paddletek, ROKNE, Volair and others with total confidence.
If the paddle isn’t right for you, return it hassle-free within 30 days. They even include prepaid return shipping labels with every order, so you don’t have to worry about any additional costs.
4. Pickleball Galaxy
If you’re looking for a wider variety, Pickleball Galaxy has one of the largest pickleball paddle demo exchanges in the country. For a $40 fee, you can demo two paddles of your choice for up to 7 days.
This fee includes free 1-2 day shipping, a FedEx prepaid return shipping tag, and a $10 loyalty code towards your next paddle purchase. Brands available for demo include CRBN, Diadem, Engage, Adidas, Franklin, Gearbox, Joola, Pro Kennex, Vulcan and many more.
5. Tennis Point
Tennis Point allows you to demo up to 3 paddles for $30, with $25 of that fee applicable towards your first new paddle purchase. This program includes delivery and return shipping, giving you 7 days from the day you receive the paddles to test them out.
It’s a great option if you’re looking to try multiple paddles at once from brands like Diadem, Engage, Onix, Paddletek, Selkirk, Siz Zero, PROLITE, Gamma Pro Kennex and Joola.
Why You Should Demo Before Buying?
Each pickleball paddle is like an extension of your hand, and the way it feels, balances, and distributes its weight can make a huge difference in how you play on the court.
Some paddles are heavier, giving you more power but potentially less control, while lighter paddles might offer better maneuverability but with less punch. The grip size, the way the paddle handles spin, and even the sound it makes when you hit the ball can all vary from one paddle to another.
By demoing paddles, you get the chance to try out these subtle yet important differences for yourself. You can see how each paddle feels during different shots—whether it’s a dink, a drive, or a serve. This hands-on experience helps you discover which paddle truly complements your playing style and enhances your strengths.
Instead of guessing or relying on reviews alone, you’ll make an informed decision based on your own preferences, leading to a purchase that you’ll be happy with game after game.
Be sure to check out these articles too—they’re full of tips to help you choose the perfect paddle:
- How to choose the best pickleball paddles for beginners
- 14mm Vs 16mm paddles
- What paddle weight is ideal for seniors
How Trying Out a Paddle Can Save You Money
Demoing a paddle before you buy it isn’t just a smart move—it could actually save you money. By trying out different paddles, you get a real feel for what works best for you, rather than taking a gamble on something that might not fit your game. This way, you avoid the frustration (and expense) of buying a paddle, possibly even an expensive one, that doesn’t suit your style.
Instead, you can confidently invest in the right paddle from the start, knowing it will elevate your play and be worth every penny.
