FAQ

How do I create an account?

Click the account icon at the top of the site, then click "Create an account." Enter your name, email, and a password. You can then save a shipping address to speed up future orders.

A PBALL account gives you access to your order history, shipment tracking, and your Court Club rewards. You can update your information anytime from the same icon.

How do I sign up for PBALL emails?

Enter your email in the form at the bottom of any page. No account is needed. You'll get a 10% promo code for your first order on apparel or pickleball gear.

Subscribers get one newsletter a month: new arrivals, limited drops, promotions, and early access before the general public.

How do I unsubscribe from the newsletter?

Click the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any PBALL email, then confirm your address. The unsubscribe takes effect immediately.

Unsubscribing doesn't close your account and has no effect on your rewards. You'll still receive transactional emails: order confirmation, shipping updates, and return notices.

I forgot my password.

On the login page, click "Forgot password" and enter the email linked to your account. A reset link arrives within minutes.

If the email doesn't show up, check your spam folder and your Promotions tab. Still nothing? Email us at info@pballperformance.com and we'll sort it out.

How do I place an order?

Choose your size and color, add to cart, then click "Checkout." You can order with or without an account: only an email and a shipping address are required.

A confirmation email arrives within minutes, followed by a tracking number once your order ships. Shipping is free in Canada and the US on orders of $120 or more before tax.

When will I get my order?

Orders ship from Montreal within 1 to 3 business days. Add 5 to 7 business days for delivery in Canada and the US. Timelines vary elsewhere in the world.

You'll get a tracking email as soon as your package leaves the warehouse. If you have an account, tracking is also visible in your order section.

What payment methods do you accept?

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. Installment payments aren't offered at this time. All transactions are processed in Canadian dollars and secured through Shopify Payments.

You can also pay with a PBALL gift card, alone or combined with another payment method. Enter the code in the "Discount code" field at checkout.

How do refunds work?

Once your return is received and approved, the refund is issued to your original payment method. Allow up to 3 business days for it to appear on your credit card statement.

Processing a return takes about 10 business days from the moment your package reaches our warehouse. Orders paid with a gift card are refunded as an electronic gift card.

Can I cancel or change my order?

Yes, as long as the order hasn't shipped. Email us as soon as possible at info@pballperformance.com with your order number and the change you need: size, color, product, or shipping address.

Once the package has shipped, no changes are possible. You can return the item within 30 days for a refund or a size exchange, free of charge in Canada.

How do gift cards work?

Our gift cards are electronic and sent by email right after purchase, in denominations of $10, $25, $50, and $100. It's the easy gift for a pickleball player when you don't know their size.

If the card doesn't cover the full amount, pay the difference by card or PayPal. If it exceeds the total, the balance stays on your account for your next order. Gift cards can't be exchanged for cash.

Do you ship to Canada, the US, and internationally?

Yes. Free shipping on orders of $120 or more before tax in Canada and the US, otherwise a flat rate of $14.99 CAD or $18.99 USD applies, with delivery in 5 to 7 business days.

Internationally, shipping is free on orders of $250 or more before tax, with rates and timelines that vary by destination. Duties and import taxes are the recipient's responsibility.

My package is marked delivered but I never got it.

Email us with your order number. If the package shows as delivered without photo proof and it's lost or stolen, we'll send a replacement at no charge.

If the item is no longer available, you'll get a credit equal to the amount paid. A second shipment that gets returned qualifies for an exchange or a credit, not a refund.

What's your return policy?

Items can be returned within 30 days of purchase. They must be new, unworn, unwashed, and unaltered, with original tags and packaging, and free of odors, hair, makeup, and deodorant.

Clearance, sale, and promotional items are final sale. Socks and towels are also final sale for hygiene reasons. Free returns in Canada; full details are in our return policy.

How do I make a return?

Log in to your account, open the relevant order, and click "Request a return." Choose a reason, add a note if needed, then submit. A prepaid shipping label is emailed to you.

Put the item back in its packaging, attach the label, and drop the package at the post office. Processing takes about 10 business days, plus 3 to 5 days for the refund to show up.

Are your paddles approved for tournaments?

Yes. Every PBALL pickleball paddle is USA Pickleball approved and appears on the official list of approved equipment. That makes it eligible for tournaments sanctioned by Pickleball Canada and Pickleball Québec.

For recreational league play, no approval is required. But it guarantees your paddle meets surface, dimension, and roughness standards, and it will never be turned away at tournament check-in.

How do I clean my pickleball paddle?

Use our paddle eraser to refresh the surface after a few games. It lifts dust and ball residue that cut into your grip, and your spin. Avoid chemical cleaners and abrasive cloths.

Replace your overgrip every 30 to 40 hours of play. Never leave your paddle in the car: extreme cold or summer heat can lift the core and void the warranty.

What is the Court Club?

It's our free loyalty program, and it offers two independent perks. First, an automatic 10% discount on every order as soon as you're a member.

Second, you earn 1 point per dollar spent, redeemable for a discount code, with no expiry date. Points can't be combined with ongoing promotions. Sign up from the Rewards page, free of charge.

What is PBALL Performance?

PBALL Performance is a Quebec-based pickleball apparel and gear brand founded in 2024 in Montreal. It designs polos, t-shirts, skorts, hoodies, socks, paddles, and accessories built for the game and for everything that comes after.

The brand was born on a public court in Mile End, with the idea of creating the pickleball apparel Quebec was missing: cuts that move with you, quick-dry fabrics, a style that holds up off the court.

Is PBALL a Quebec brand?

Yes. PBALL Performance is based in Montreal, and the company is owned and run by local players. Design, customer service, and shipping all happen in Canada, in both French and English.

Canadian orders ship from Montreal, so there's no customs fees, no currency conversion, and no import delays, unlike US-based pickleball brands shipping across the border.

Where are PBALL products designed and made?

PBALL apparel and paddles are designed in Montreal: cuts, fabrics, colors, and graphics are developed in Quebec by our team, based on what we see on courts here.

Manufacturing is handled by partner factories in China that specialize in technical apparel and pickleball paddles. Every batch is tested on the court before going to market.

Where can I buy pickleball apparel in Quebec?

Online at pballoutfit.com, with shipping across Quebec and free delivery on orders of $120 or more. It's currently the only place to buy PBALL apparel: every size, every color, and new arrivals first.

The 30-day trial replaces trying items on in a store: you wear it, you play in it, and if the fit isn't right, the return is free anywhere in Canada.

Can I try PBALL products in a store?

PBALL is an online brand: there's no physical store to try products before buying.

If you order online, the 30-day trial plays the same role: you wear it, you play in it, and the return is free if it doesn't work out.

How much does PBALL apparel cost?

Pickleball t-shirts start at $44.99, performance polos around $63.99, skorts at $65.99, and hoodies at $79.99. Socks start at $12.99 and accessories at $10.

All prices are in Canadian dollars, tax not included. Shipping becomes free starting at $120, or roughly two or three pieces.

What does the PBALL warranty cover and how long does it last?

PBALL paddles are covered by a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects: core delamination, surface peeling, premature cracking.

Apparel isn't covered by a warranty, but it remains eligible under our standard return policy: 30 days, item unworn, unwashed, original tags and packaging intact. See our return policy for full details.

Do you offer group orders for clubs and tournaments?

Yes. We work with pickleball clubs, leagues, and tournament organizers across Quebec and Canada on discounted group orders, with no minimum quantity.

Email info@pballperformance.com with the number of pieces, an approximate size breakdown, and your deadline. We'll get back to you quickly with a quote.

Can I customize apparel with my club's logo?

Yes, on group orders, with no minimum quantity. We add your club, league, or sponsor's logo by sublimation on pickleball polos, t-shirts, and hoodies.

Send your logo in vector format to info@pballperformance.com along with the quantities you need.

How do I become a PBALL ambassador?

The ambassador program is for players who are active in their pickleball community. When you sign up, you buy a starter kit at 50% off, including a paddle, and get a personalized 10% promo code.

As soon as your first sale is made with your code, the other 50% of the paddle is refunded to you. After that, you earn 15% commission in cash on every sale generated through your code.

Does PBALL sponsor players or tournaments?

Yes, PBALL supports tournaments, clubs, and pickleball players in Quebec. The type of sponsorship, whether products, prizes, or on-site presence, depends on the budget allocated to each event.

To submit an event, email info@pballperformance.com with the dates, expected number of participants, and the type of visibility offered.

How do I earn and use my Court Club rewards?

The Court Club works in two separate ways. The 10% discount applies automatically to every order as soon as you sign up, with nothing else to do.

At the same time, you earn 1 point per dollar spent. Log in, redeem your points for a discount code, and enter it at checkout. Points never expire, but they can't be combined with an ongoing promotion.

How do I choose my size at PBALL?

Check the size guide linked on every product page: it gives real garment measurements rather than a plain S, M, or L. Measure a piece you already like and compare.

Between two sizes, go smaller for a fitted t-shirt or polo, and larger for a hoodie. The 30-day trial covers exchanges if the fit isn't right.

Does PBALL apparel run big or small?

The polo has a fitted cut, and the t-shirt is a standard straight cut. The hoodie runs oversized for women; for men, we recommend sizing up from your usual size.

Skorts run true to size, with an elastic high waist that stays in place during play. When in doubt, the size guide on each product page gives exact measurements.

What to wear to play pickleball (women)?

A pickleball outfit for women comes down to three things: a breathable top (a t-shirt or tank in quick-dry fabric), bottoms that move (a skort with a built-in liner or high-waist shorts), and short athletic socks.

Add court shoes with lateral support, a cap, and sunglasses for outdoor play. Avoid pure cotton: it holds moisture and gets heavy after two games.

What to wear to play pickleball (men)?

A pickleball outfit for men means a quick-dry performance polo or t-shirt, a 7 to 9 inch short with pockets, and technical socks that limit blisters.

The polo remains the default choice at clubs and tournaments, while the t-shirt works for recreational play. Save heavyweight cotton for the patio after the match.

What fabrics are PBALL clothes made of?

Our pickleball apparel uses quick-dry performance jerseys and breathable mesh panels in the zones that heat up most: back, underarms, waist. The fabric wicks moisture away instead of absorbing it.

Hoodies and some lifestyle t-shirts use a heavyweight fleece cotton instead, more comfortable after the match than during play. The exact composition is listed on each product page.

How do I wash my pickleball clothes?

Wash in cold water, inside out, with similar colors. Air dry or use the delicate cycle. That's what preserves the quick-dry and odor-resistant properties of the fabric the longest.

Avoid fabric softener: it clogs technical fibers and is the number one cause of athletic wear that holds onto odors. No bleach, and no ironing over printed logos.

Can I play pickleball in tennis or running clothes?

Yes, nothing stops you, and plenty of people start out that way. A technical t-shirt and running shorts do the job perfectly fine for your first games.

The difference shows up after a few weeks. Pickleball involves a lot of short lateral movement and low lunges near the kitchen: cuts built for the sport have lengths and elastics designed for those movements.

What's the difference between a pickleball skort and a tennis skirt?

The construction is similar, a skirt with a built-in liner, but a pickleball skort is generally a bit longer and the liner is cut to stay in place during low lunges at the net.

The pockets are the other difference: a pickleball skort has a deep, wide pocket built for a perforated plastic ball, which is bulkier than a tennis ball.

Is PBALL apparel good for both indoor and outdoor play?

Yes. Quick-dry fabrics and breathable mesh matter most indoors, where it's warm and there's no wind to help you dry off between games.

Outdoors, layer up in spring and fall: our hoodie works for warmups and comes off once the match gets going. Lighter colors help in full summer sun.

Why wear socks made for pickleball?

Pickleball involves a lot of braking and lateral starts on a small surface. Technical socks with reinforced heel and forefoot areas reduce friction, and blisters.

A quick-dry sock also keeps your foot drier than a cotton one, which matters over three games in a row. Note: socks are final sale for hygiene reasons.

What shoes should I wear to play pickleball?

Court shoes (tennis, pickleball, or indoor volleyball), not running shoes. Running shoes are built to move forward; pickleball needs lateral support, or you risk rolling an ankle.

Herringbone soles for indoor courts, denser and more durable soles for outdoor asphalt.

Do you offer extended sizes?

Our pickleball apparel is offered from S to XXL for men and XS to XL for women, depending on the style. Size availability shows up in real time on each product page.

We're working to expand the range. If a size is missing, let us know: real demand is what drives us to add sizes in future production runs.

How do I choose a pickleball paddle?

Four factors decide almost everything: weight (maneuverability versus power), core thickness (control versus punch), surface material (carbon for spin, fiberglass for power), and grip size.

Start from your playing style. If you play near the net and want to control dinks, go with a 16mm carbon core. If you hit hard from the back, a heavier 13mm core will serve you better.

Which paddle should a beginner choose?

Aim for a versatile paddle: about 7.8 to 8.2 ounces, 16mm core, standard shape, and a big sweet spot. That forgives off-center hits the most while your technique is still developing.

Avoid very heavy or elongated paddles: they add power a beginner doesn't need and make fast exchanges at the net much harder to control.

What's the difference between a 13mm and a 16mm paddle?

A 16mm core is thicker: the ball sinks into it more, which cushions the shot and gives you more control on dinks and kitchen resets. It's the top choice among intermediate and advanced players.

A 13mm core sends the ball back faster and harder, with less tolerance for imperfect hits. It suits an aggressive baseline game and players coming from tennis.

Carbon, fiberglass, or composite: what's the difference?

A carbon surface, often called raw carbon or T700, is stiffer and more textured: it grips the ball and allows more spin, with a precise touch and slightly less raw power.

Fiberglass is softer and returns more energy: more power, less control. Composite blends the two for a versatile profile, usually at a more accessible price.

What paddle weight should I choose?

Under 7.8 ounces, the paddle is light and quick at the net, but you have to generate your own power and your arm works harder. Between 7.8 and 8.3 ounces is the versatile zone where most players land.

Above 8.3 ounces, you gain stability and power, but your reflexes at the net slow down. If you have a history of tennis elbow, stay on the lighter side.

Control or power: which paddle for which style?

If you win points at the net, with patience, dinks, and resets, go with a control paddle: 16mm core, carbon surface, standard shape. Short balls become noticeably easier to place.

If you win points by attacking from the back, go with a power paddle: 13 or 14mm core, elongated shape, weight toward the head. You'll trade off a bit of forgiveness in return.

How do I hold a pickleball paddle?

The continental grip is the standard: hold the paddle like a hammer, with the V formed by your thumb and index finger lined up along the top edge of the handle. It lets you hit forehand and backhand without changing grips.

Keep your grip light, around a 4 or 5 out of 10. A tight grip kills touch on dinks and tires your forearm. Pressure only increases at the moment of impact on a smash.

What grip size should I choose?

Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger: that's your approximate grip circumference, usually between 4 and 4.5 inches in pickleball.

When in doubt, go smaller. You can always build up a handle with an overgrip, but you can't shrink a grip that's too large. An oversized grip limits your wrist and increases injury risk.

How long does a paddle last, and when should I replace it?

A pickleball paddle generally lasts one to three years. At three games a week, expect about a year before the core loses its responsiveness.

The signs: a duller sound on impact, shots that leave slower for the same effort, a shrinking sweet spot, a smooth surface that no longer grips. Visible delamination is covered by our 1-year warranty.

What is the honeycomb core?

It's the internal structure of the paddle: hexagonal polypropylene cells bonded between the two surfaces. It's what absorbs impact and largely determines the feel.

Larger cells make the paddle livelier and more powerful. Smaller, denser cells make it softer and more controlled. The quality of the bonding explains why a cheap paddle delaminates faster.

What's the difference between a pickleball paddle, a tennis racket, and a padel racket?

A pickleball paddle is solid, with no strings, and much smaller and lighter than a tennis racket. It strikes a perforated plastic ball, not a pressurized felt ball.

A padel racket is also solid but perforated with holes, thicker, and heavier, with a mandatory wrist strap. The three aren't interchangeable: surface, weight, and response have nothing in common.

Should I add an overgrip, and how often should I change it?

An overgrip improves tack, absorbs sweat, and lets you adjust the handle's thickness to your hand. Most players put one on as soon as they buy the paddle.

Change it every 30 to 40 hours of play, or as soon as it gets slick or shiny. A worn grip makes you squeeze harder, which leads straight to tennis elbow.

Which pickleball ball should I choose: indoor or outdoor?

The indoor ball has fewer but larger holes: it's lighter, slower, and bounces less, which extends rallies on a gym floor.

The outdoor ball has more, smaller holes, and a harder shell built to handle wind and asphalt. It's faster and cracks more easily in cold weather. Using the wrong ball completely changes the game.

What's included when you buy a PBALL paddle?

Every PBALL paddle is sold on its own, without an overgrip or a protective cover included. The 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects applies automatically, no registration needed.

For maintenance and accessories, our paddle eraser, overgrips, and covers are available in the Gear section.

What's the minimum gear to start playing pickleball?

Three things: a paddle, balls suited to where you play (indoor or outdoor), and court shoes. Everything else is optional at the start.

Nets and courts are almost always provided by clubs, community centers, and municipal parks. Budget $150 to $250 for a decent starter set that won't need replacing in six months.

Can I try a paddle before buying it?

Yes. Demo PBALL paddles are available at several pickleball centers, letting you feel the weight and balance before making your choice.

It's the best way to decide between two models, especially if you're torn between a 13mm and a 16mm core.

How do you play pickleball?

Pickleball is played by two or four players on a 20 by 44 foot court. The serve is hit underhand, diagonally, and the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley.

A 7-foot zone in front of the net, the kitchen, doesn't allow volleys. A game is played to 11 points, win by 2, and only the serving team can score.

How do you keep score in pickleball?

Only the serving team scores. In doubles, the score is called out as three numbers: your score, the opponent's score, then 1 or 2 to indicate which server on the team is up. For example, 4-2-1.

A game is won at 11 points, win by 2. In tournament play, some matches go to 15 or 21 points, always with a 2-point margin.

How do you serve in pickleball?

The serve is hit underhand, below waist level, with the paddle head lower than the wrist. Both feet stay behind the baseline until contact.

The ball must travel diagonally and land in the opposing service box, beyond the kitchen line. A ball that touches that line is a fault. There's no second serve in pickleball.

What is the kitchen in pickleball?

The kitchen, or non-volley zone, is the 7-foot band on each side of the net. You can step into it anytime, but you can't volley the ball with a foot inside it or on the line.

Momentum counts too: if your follow-through carries you into the kitchen after a volley, that's a fault. It's the rule that keeps pickleball from becoming a straight-up smash war.

What is a dink in pickleball?

A dink is a soft shot hit after the bounce, from the kitchen line, that drops into the opponent's kitchen. The goal isn't to win the point outright, but to prevent your opponent from attacking.

It's the shot that defines intermediate and advanced pickleball. Dink rallies sometimes last ten shots or more, until a ball pops up too high and becomes attackable.

What's the difference between pickleball and tennis?

A pickleball court is roughly a quarter the size of a tennis court, the paddle is solid with no strings, the ball is perforated plastic, the serve is underhand, and only the serving team scores.

Pickleball is also much faster to learn: you can rally within the first hour. Tennis demands more power and movement, pickleball more patience and placement.

What are the rules of doubles pickleball?

Each team has two servers, except on the very first serve of the game, when the starting team only gets one. The serve passes to the opponents once both players on a team have lost their turn.

The server switches sides after each point their team scores. The double bounce rule applies: the return of serve must bounce before being hit, on both sides.

What is the double bounce rule?

After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the receiver's side, then once on the server's side, before anyone can volley it. That's two mandatory bounces at the start of a point.

This rule neutralizes the serving advantage and gives both teams time to move up to the net. It's the number one mistake tennis players make when they try pickleball.

Is pickleball good exercise?

Yes. An hour of recreational pickleball burns roughly 350 to 500 calories depending on intensity and the player's weight. The sport combines light cardio, lateral movement, reflexes, and balance.

It's easier on the knees and shoulders than tennis, since the court is small and shots are shorter. That's also why it attracts 25-year-olds and 70-year-olds alike.

Is pickleball hard to learn?

No, and that's one of its biggest strengths. Most people can rally after fifteen minutes and play a real game the first night out. The court is small, the ball is slow, the paddle is light.

What takes time is the net game: dinks, resets, patience. You can play within three minutes, but you keep improving for years.

How do I start playing pickleball in Quebec?

Find a court near you (community center, municipal park, converted tennis club), get a versatile paddle and some balls, then show up to an open play session.

Most clubs in Quebec offer beginner sessions and lend paddles. Pickleball Quebec and regional associations keep up-to-date directories of courts, leagues, and tournaments.

Where can I play pickleball in Montreal?

Montreal has dozens of indoor and outdoor courts: municipal parks with painted lines, borough sports centers, private clubs, and school gyms rented out outside the school year.

Boroughs post their open play schedules on their websites. For winter, book early: indoor slots fill up fast between November and April. Montreal pickleball Facebook groups stay the most up to date.

Can I play pickleball on a tennis court?

Yes. A tennis court can fit up to four pickleball courts with temporary lines and portable nets. Many Quebec clubs run exactly that way.

You'll need to adjust the net height: 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the center for pickleball, versus 42 inches for tennis. An unadjusted tennis net makes net play nearly impossible.

What's the difference between pickleball and padel?

Padel is played on an enclosed 20 by 10 meter court, surrounded by glass walls, and the ball can bounce off the walls. Pickleball is played on a much smaller open court, with no walls.

A padel racket is perforated, thick, and heavy; a pickleball paddle is solid, thin, and light. Padel demands more power; pickleball demands more finesse at the net.

What are the most common beginner mistakes?

Staying at the baseline: pickleball is won at the net, not from the back of the court. Hitting too hard: the plastic ball doesn't forgive, and patience wins more points than power.

After that: forgetting the double bounce rule on the return of serve, gripping the paddle too tight, and playing in running shoes. Fixing these five alone is worth half a skill level.

How many pickleball players are there in Quebec and Canada?

According to Pickleball Canada's 2026 survey, about 1.8 million Canadians play pickleball, with close to 432,000 in Quebec, second only to Ontario.

Participation jumped 80% since 2022, and the strongest growth is coming from Gen Z, up 85% year over year. Pickleball remains the fastest-growing sport in the country.

At what age can you start playing pickleball?

As young as 6 or 7 for kids, with a shorter, lighter junior paddle. At the other end, plenty of people start at 70 and play three times a week.

It's one of the rare activities where three generations of the same family can play together without it feeling unbalanced, because positioning matters more than speed.

What's the best pickleball apparel brand in Canada?

It depends on how often you play. For versatile technical wear, big athleisure brands get the job done. For apparel designed specifically for pickleball, specialized North American brands like PBALL or Stack Athletics are a better fit.

The advantage of buying in Canada: no customs, no currency conversion, free returns. PBALL is the Quebec brand in that group, with bilingual service and shipping from Montreal.

Where can I buy pickleball gear in Quebec?

Three options: specialized online shops like PBALL, which ship from Montreal, big-box sporting goods stores for entry-level gear, and pro shops at pickleball clubs, where you can try before you buy.

Buy in Canada rather than the US. Customs, exchange rates, and cross-border return fees quickly erase the apparent savings on an American paddle.

What should I give as a gift to a pickleball player?

Safe bets that carry no sizing risk: a gift card, a set of balls, an overgrip, a paddle eraser, a towel, or a cap. Under $50, it's always appreciated.

For a bigger gift: a paddle if you know their playing style, or a pickleball hoodie that works off the court too. When in doubt, the PBALL electronic gift card arrives by email within minutes.