A permanent pickleball court is ideal — but most players don't have one. A portable net lets you set up a regulation court anywhere: a driveway, a tennis court, a gym floor, a park. The difference between a good portable net and a frustrating one comes down to setup time, frame stability, and whether it stays at regulation height (34" at center, 36" at posts) under real play conditions.
Two Franklin nets cover the main use cases at Pickleball NVZ. Here's how they compare.
What to look for in a pickleball net
- Regulation size: 22 feet wide, 36 inches tall at the sidelines, 34 inches at center. Any net you use competitively or practice with seriously should hit these dimensions.
- Frame material: Steel frames are heavier but more stable in wind and under hard play. They hold the center strap tension better than lightweight aluminum alternatives.
- Setup time: Bungee-cord pole systems are the fastest — sections connect and spring into place without tools. Look for nets that set up in under 10 minutes solo.
- Portability: How heavy is it? Does it come with a carry bag? Does it have wheels? A 29 lb net with wheels moves very differently than a 29 lb net without them.
- Storage: Does the bag hold up? Weather-resistant carry bags matter if the net lives in a garage or outdoor shed between sessions.
The nets
Franklin Portable Pickleball Net System with Wheels — $179.99
Dimensions: 22' × 36" × 20" | Weight: 29 lbs | Frame: Steel | Assembly: Internal bungee cords
The Franklin wheeled net is the best option for players who move the net frequently — rolling it between a gym storage room and the court, positioning it on a tennis court, or loading and unloading it from a car regularly. At 29 lbs, it's heavy enough to stay planted during play; the lockable wheels mean you set it in position, lock them, and it doesn't drift. Unlock and roll it out of the way when the court needs to be cleared.
Internal bungee cords connect the pole sections so setup requires no tools and no loose hardware to lose. The steel frame maintains tension at the correct height throughout play. Comes with a weather-resistant carry bag for storage between uses.
Best for: gym coordinators, community centers, clubs, players who store the net on-site and move it court-to-court, or anyone who sets up and breaks down a net frequently.
Note: a 10% restocking fee applies to returns on this net.
Franklin Official Size Pickleball Net — Complete Set — $199.99
Net dimensions: 22' × 36" × 20" | Includes: Net + 4 paddles + 4 X-40 balls | Frame: Powder-coated steel | Assembly: Bungee pole system, no tools
The complete set is the right choice when you're setting up pickleball from scratch — net, paddles, and balls in one box. The net itself is tournament-regulation size on a powder-coated steel frame, assembles via a quick-set bungee pole system without tools, and comes with a carry bag that has two built-in ball pockets. The four included wooden paddles are starter-level, good enough for casual play and introducing new players to the game.
At $199.99 for net + paddles + balls, it's significantly cheaper than buying the net and equipment separately. The X-40 balls included are the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships — the same ball used in serious outdoor tournament play, not beginner foam balls.
Best for: families, first-time buyers, schools, anyone who wants to get a complete setup running immediately, or a group that needs loaner paddles for new players at a regular game.
Which net should you buy?
| Portable with Wheels | Complete Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $199.99 |
| Wheels | Yes (lockable) | No |
| Paddles included | No | 4 wooden paddles |
| Balls included | No | 4 X-40 balls |
| Frame | Steel | Powder-coated steel |
| Carry bag | Weather-resistant | With ball pockets |
| Best for | Frequent movers, clubs, gyms | First-time buyers, families |
Already have paddles and balls? Get the wheeled net — it's $20 less and built for frequent repositioning.
Starting from zero? The complete set saves money and gets you playing immediately.
Setting up a portable pickleball net on a tennis court
A standard tennis court converts to two pickleball courts side by side. The pickleball net (36" at posts, 34" at center) is lower than a tennis net (42" at posts), so you'll need to either use a standalone portable net or adjust a tennis net with a center strap. Using a proper portable pickleball net is faster and gives you the correct center height without modification.
Placement: center the net at the 22-foot width. The non-volley zone (kitchen) extends 7 feet from the net on each side. Standard court dimensions are 20 feet wide × 44 feet long — a doubles tennis service box is close to the right size and makes a convenient reference when marking temporary lines.
Why buy from Pickleball NVZ
- Free next-day air on every order, no minimum.
- Florida players: free Saturday delivery.
- Rewards points on everything you spend.
FAQ
What height is a regulation pickleball net?
Can I use a portable pickleball net for tournament play?
How long does a portable pickleball net take to set up?
Can I leave a portable pickleball net outside?
Complete your court setup: see our best pickleball balls guide, best pickleball paddles guide, or best pickleball bags guide.
