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6 hours ago
10
Someone invites you to play pickleball, and you have no gear. The MTEN two-paddle set is built for that moment. It's $32.99 on Amazon, down from the regular $39.99, and it comes with everything two people need to start hitting, except a net.
Check the price on Amazon (two-paddle set)
To be clear up front: this is a budget starter set for casual play, not a performance paddle. The pitch is simple. Buy cheap, find out if you like the game, and upgrade later if you get hooked.
If you buy through links on this page, The Inventory may earn a commission. Prices and availability can change.
What you get for $32.99
The bundle covers the basics:
- 2 pickleball paddles (fiberglass faces, polypropylene construction)
- 4 outdoor pickleballs
- 2 grip tapes
- 1 carry bag
- Marketed for beginner and intermediate players
Fiberglass and polypropylene are budget-friendly starter materials, not premium ones. For a first set, that's the point: you get a working kit without paying for features a new player can't yet use.
Who this set is for (and who should skip it)
It's a good fit if you:
- Are trying pickleball for the first time and don't want to commit real money
- Need two paddles for a pair, such as a couple, two friends, or a parent and kid
- Want something to toss in a trunk for park, backyard, or outdoor-court games
- Want a simple gift for someone curious about the sport
Skip it if you:
- Are already playing regularly and know what you want from a paddle
- Are shopping for competitive or gear-focused play
- Need a complete court setup in one box (there's no net)
Is $32.99 a good price? The per-player math
The sale price is $7 below the $39.99 regular price, a discount of roughly 17 to 18 percent. Split between two players, that's about $16.50 each for a paddle, a share of the balls, grip tape, and a bag to carry it all.
The real value is the low cost of trying the sport. If you play twice and decide it isn't for you, you're out about the price of a lunch. If you love it, you've got a backup set for guests.
What 'USAPA approved' means, and whether it matters for casual play
The listing describes the set as 'USAPA approved.' USAPA is the former name of the sport's governing body, which has since rebranded as USA Pickleball. In plain English, an approved paddle is one that appears on the organization's list of equipment allowed in sanctioned play.
We haven't independently verified that claim, so treat this set as listed as USAPA approved. For park games, backyard rallies, and family matches, it doesn't matter. If you plan to enter sanctioned or tournament play, check the specific current model on the USA Pickleball approved-paddle list first.
Fiberglass vs. carbon fiber: what a beginner will and won't notice
This set uses fiberglass faces, the hitting surface of the paddle. Higher-priced paddles often use carbon fiber, which is commonly associated with more spin and control. Those differences tend to matter once you've logged enough games to know what you're missing.
If you're still learning to keep the ball in play, a simple fiberglass paddle is a sensible place to start. We're not making performance claims for this set. It's here to get you on the court.
Before you buy: grip size, no net, and outdoor balls
Three things to know before you click:
- Grip size: The listed grip circumference is about 4.57 inches. That may feel large if you have smaller hands. An overgrip (a thin wrap that slims the handle) can help, or you may prefer a different paddle.
- No net: A net doesn't appear to be included. You'll need a portable net or access to a court that has one.
- Outdoor balls: The four balls are outdoor balls. If you want to play indoors, indoor balls are a separate purchase.
As for weight, related MTEN sets are listed at around 7.8 oz per paddle. Confirm that figure for the two-paddle variant before you buy.
Check the variant: two-paddle vs. four-paddle listings
Amazon listings for MTEN mix two-paddle and four-paddle configurations, and some specs and review counts appear to combine them. At checkout, confirm you've selected the two-paddle set and that the contents match what's described here. If you regularly play with a group of four, MTEN also sells four-paddle sets.
What Amazon customers say
Amazon customers rate the MTEN set highly. The listing shows about 4.7 stars, and related MTEN listings show more than 9,500 ratings. Those ratings may cover several variants, not just the two-paddle set. Reviewers commonly call it a good-value, lightweight starter set, and the bag gets mentioned as handy for carrying and storage.
That's marketplace feedback, not independent testing, so take it as a signal of popularity rather than proof of quality. We also can't speak to long-term durability or warranty coverage.
When to upgrade, and what to look at next
If you get hooked, you'll know. You'll start noticing what you want from a paddle, like a more comfortable grip or more control. A common step up is a raw carbon fiber paddle, meaning a paddle with a bare carbon-fiber face. Options such as JOJOLEMON are commonly cited for spin and control. Until then, this set can stay in the trunk as the guest set.
Good for gifts and backyard or vacation-house game stashes
Because everything arrives in one bag, the set works well as a low-pressure gift for someone who's curious about pickleball. It also suits a vacation-house closet or backyard game stash, where a couple of paddles and balls are ready whenever guests want to play. Just pair it with a net if there isn't a court nearby.
The bottom line
At $32.99, the MTEN set is an easy way to say yes to the invite. You get two paddles, four outdoor balls, two grip tapes, and a carry bag for about $16.50 per player. It's not a performance paddle, and it doesn't include a net. For a first taste of pickleball, that tradeoff is the whole appeal.
Check the current price and confirm you've selected the two-paddle set on Amazon. Prices and availability can change, and a portable net from our other deals would complete the setup.
