If you just bought a new pickleball paddle, a paddle case can be a simple and convenient way to protect your new purchase. Paddle cases ( or “carry bags” as some people call them) are a step up from the most basic neoprene paddle covers since they cover the whole paddle including the grip- but much less bulky than a pickleball bag or backpack that are designed with room to carry all your gear such as balls, towel, and water bottle.
Some of these larger bags even have zippered pockets for pickleball shoes, backup paddles and insulated pockets to keep drinks cold (which are a great option for competitive players that compete in tournaments or play long sessions where they need extra gear).
A paddle case is a much more compact as it’s designed just to store the paddle without any extra gear. After reviewing the cases on the market we picked this case by Pickleball-X as the best option but if you scroll below you’ll find our detailed reviews of some other great options which are worth taking a look at.
Is a paddle carrying case right for you?
Pros:
- Protects the paddle face and handle (unlike covers that only protect paddle face).
- Has a carrying strap to carry the case over your shoulder (this the main feature lacking on a cover).
- Lighter and much less bulky than a pickleball bag.
Cons:
- No extra compartments for balls or other gear.
- You may need to carry an additional bag for a towel, water, sunscreen, etc.
Best Pickleball Paddle Cases
Franklin Sports Pickleball-X Single Paddle Carry Bag
We picked this carry case from Franklin Sports as a top choice in this category.
The interior material is well padded and offers good protection from drops and bumps. The cover is black with lime green accents and is embossed with “Pickleball-X” (Franklin Sports’ Pickleball Brand).
The company recently added two new styles: plain grey and another grey one with pink accents.
The case also has a clip at the bottom which you can use to clip it to a fence, I’ve had these kinds of clips on gear before and don’t find myself handing stuff from the fence but it’s a nice simple feature for people who would take advantage of it.
The outer material used is durable and water-resistant, the outer coating makes it more resistant to dirt and moisture and is easy to wipe clean.
The only real problem I find is that due to my height (6’3”) the shoulder strap is a bit too small and feels uncomfortably jammed up right under my armpit. Maybe in the next redesign, they could lengthen the adjustable strap which would be an easy solution.
However, apart from that minor flaw, we found it to be a good basic case if you are looking to protect one individual paddle and do not need extra space for balls, towel, water bottle, etc.
Why this one?
Franklin has a long history (since 1946) of making sports equipment and we have several of their products in our home. I’ve been familiar with Franklin Sports gear since I was a kid (badminton anyone? 🙂 so it’s a name I recognize and trust for decent mid-level sports equipment.
Pros:
- Padded Material
- Weather-Resistant Exterior Material
- Fence hook is a nice feature
- New options in grey/pink
Cons:
- Only holds one paddle. A double option would be nice to be able to fit 2 (especially for couples).
- Carry strap could be longer. Taller people may find it too short.
Hopefully, this was helpful in making your decision – if you still think you might need a larger option with storage for more gear you may want to check out our page on pickleball bags to explore all your options.
Franklin Sports Pickleball-X Single Paddle Carry Bag could be a bit longer for the elongated paddles