Frequently Asked Questions
Products & Paddles
Are Nettie paddles USAPA approved?
Yes. All Nettie paddles are approved by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), meaning they meet official standards for tournament and recreational play. Every paddle is individually inspected before approval.
Which Nettie paddle is best for beginners?
The Nettie Starter Paddle is ideal for beginners. It's a versatile paddle designed to meet the needs of players of all ages and skill levels — easy to control, well-balanced, and a great entry point into the Nettie lineup.
Does Nettie make paddles for kids?
Yes. Nettie offers a Youth Paddle built specifically for smaller hands — lighter, easier to swing, and the same premium quality as the adult lineup. It's available individually or as a 2-pack, and is ideal for kids ages 6–12.
What materials are Nettie paddles made from?
Nettie paddles feature a premium plastic honeycomb core for light, responsive performance. Different paddles have difference surfaces - The Starter has a fiberglass face, and the Rec and Pro have a carbon fiber face. All paddles have a vegan leather grip that is comfortable, sweat-proof, and built to last through long sessions.
Where are Nettie products manufactured?
Nettie products are manufactured responsibly in Asia with rigorous quality control at every stage of production. All paddles are inspected before shipment, and paddles are certified by the USA Pickleball Association.
Gifting & Corporate Orders
Does Nettie offer corporate or bulk gifting?
Yes. Nettie offers corporate gifting with options for customization — ideal for client gifts, employee appreciation, team-building, and holiday programs. Reach out to catherine@playnettie.com to explore the corporate catalog and discuss quantities. Or learn more here.
Is pickleball equipment a good gift?
Pickleball is a fantastic gift — it's inclusive, active, social, and easy to learn at any age. A Nettie set makes an especially memorable gift because the design is beautiful enough to want to show off, and the quality is high enough to actually play with.
Can I customize a Nettie paddle for a gift?
Nettie offers customization options, particularly for corporate and bulk orders. Contact catherine@playnettie.com to discuss branding, custom designs, and personalization options for your order.
Does Nettie offer wholesale?
Yes. Nettie is open to wholesale partnerships with retailers, boutiques, pro shops, and other specialty stores. You can submit a wholesale inquiry directly on our website or you can order directly via Faire.com.
Is Nettie a good gift for older adults?
Absolutely. Pickleball is one of the few sports genuinely playable and enjoyable across all generations — it's lower-impact than tennis, social by nature, and quick to learn. Nettie's paddles are designed to be approachable for all skill levels, making them a thoughtful gift for parents, grandparents, or anyone looking for a fun, active hobby.
Brand & Story
Who founded Nettie and why?
Nettie was founded by Catherine Baxter in Cincinnati, OH, out of a love for what pickleball represents — connection, joy, and play across generations. She created the brand because she felt the market lacked products that matched pickleball's vibrant, welcoming spirit. Nettie has since been featured in Vogue, The Drew Barrymore Show, Glamour, and Men's Health.
What makes Nettie different from other pickleball brands?
Nettie is built at the intersection of performance and personality. Rather than defaulting to athletic utility aesthetics, Nettie draws on retro, colorful design with a warmth and intentionality that reflects pickleball's spirit. Products are premium quality, USAPA-approved, and designed to be conversation starters on and off the court.
Is Nettie a sustainable brand?
Nettie paddles are manufactured responsibly in Asia with rigorous quality control standards. The grip is made from vegan leather — durable, sweat-proof, and animal-free. Nettie is committed to building products that last, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
Where is Nettie based?
Nettie is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's a small but mighty team with a big love for pickleball and the communities it creates.
Shipping & Returns
How long does shipping take, and do you ship internationally?
Orders are processed within 2 business days and typically arrive within a week. Nettie ships to both the United States and Canada. US orders over $100 qualify for free shipping. International shipping beyond North America is on the roadmap.
What is Nettie's return and exchange policy?
Nettie offers full refunds within 30 days of purchase for unused products. To start a return, visit the returns page here. If your order arrived damaged, include photos of both the product and packaging in your email — replacements require photos so don't skip that step. If you have any questions, you can email operations@playnettie.com.
Can I make changes to my order after it's placed?
If you need to update your shipping address, contact hello@playnettie.com within 24 hours of placing your order. Changes aren't guaranteed but the team will do their best to help. Customer support is available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm EST.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with a tracking link. If you don't see it, check your spam folder first — then reach out to hello@playnettie.com with your order number and the team will look it up for you.
Can I ship a Nettie order directly to a gift recipient?
Yes — just enter the recipient's address as the shipping address at checkout. If you'd like to include a gift note, add it in the notes field at checkout. Just note that order confirmations and receipts go to the email address entered at checkout, so use yours if you'd like to keep the price private.