Look, I get it. When you’re shopping for pickleball gear, you’re thinking about paddles, balls, shoes, maybe a nice bag. A portable stool probably isn’t even on your radar.
But here’s the thing. After playing pickleball for the past couple years, mostly in rec leagues and some local tournaments, I can tell you that having somewhere to sit between games is kind of a big deal.
Tournament Days Are Long
If you’ve done any kind of tournament or league play, you know what I’m talking about. You show up at 9am, maybe play your first match by 10, then you’re waiting around. And waiting. Your next match might not be until noon or later depending on how things are running.
Most venues don’t have enough benches for everyone. You end up standing around, sitting on the floor, or if you’re lucky, leaning against a wall somewhere. After a few hours of this your legs start feeling it, especially if you’re playing multiple matches.
Between Games Recovery Matters
A typical pickleball game runs 15-25 minutes. If you’re playing best of three, that’s potentially 45-75 minutes on the court. Then you’ve got maybe 10-15 minutes before your next match starts.
That recovery time between games is when you need to be sitting down, hydrating, catching your breath. Standing around doesn’t really let your legs recover properly. And if you’re playing 4-5 matches in a day, that recovery adds up.
I started bringing a NUMANU Standard Collapsible Stool to tournaments last year. Weighs about 2.2 pounds, holds up to 620 pounds (way more than necessary but whatever), and folds down small enough to fit in my pickleball bag. The thing literally clips onto the outside with a carabiner.
Outdoor Courts Are Worse
Indoor facilities usually have some seating, even if it’s limited. Outdoor courts though? Forget it. You’ve got maybe a bench or two if you’re lucky, and they’re always taken.
I play at a couple outdoor parks pretty regularly and there’s basically nowhere to sit. People bring lawn chairs sometimes but those are bulky. A collapsible stool takes up way less space and honestly sets up faster too.
The Standard model I have goes from like 2.5 inches collapsed up to 18 inches tall. So you can adjust it depending on what feels comfortable. Sometimes I want to sit low, sometimes higher. Just depends on how tired my back is that day.
Your Gear Bag is Probably Already Heavy Enough
This is probably the main reason people don’t bring stools. You’re already carrying paddles, extra balls, water bottles, towels, snacks, maybe a sweatshirt. Who wants to add more stuff?
That’s why weight actually matters here. The Standard stool is 2.2 pounds. For comparison, that’s lighter than most water bottles when they’re full. The XXL model is 3.5 pounds and has a wider seat (11.8 inches) plus it can hold 1,000 pounds for some reason. That one’s nice if you want more comfort and don’t mind the extra weight.
Both of them come with waterproof bags. I just clip mine to the outside of my gear bag and I’m good to go. Doesn’t take up any internal space where my paddles and stuff go.
Keeps You Off Dirty Floors
Public courts aren’t always the cleanest. Especially outdoor ones where there’s dirt, leaves, whatever gets tracked onto the court area. Sitting on the ground means getting your clothes dirty, which is annoying.
Having a folding stool means you’ve got a clean place to sit that’s yours. Plus the height adjustment helps. If the ground is wet or muddy, you can extend it higher and keep your gear off the ground too.
Actually Useful for Practice Sessions Too
It’s not just for tournaments. When I’m doing practice sessions or drilling with people, we’ll take breaks between drills. Instead of everyone standing around or sitting on the court (which blocks other players), having a stool means you can sit courtside and stay out of the way.
Also good for when you’re watching other people play and want to study their technique. Better than standing for 30 minutes straight.
Made in the USA, Supports Veterans
NUMANU is a real American company, which is pretty cool these days. Both the Standard and XXL models are available on Amazon if you want to grab one quick.
One thing I actually liked when I looked into this company is they donate monthly to support veterans. So your purchase goes toward that too, which just feels real good.
Which One Should You Get?
I’ve only used the Standard personally. For most people doing rec play or casual tournaments, it’s probably all you need. It’s lighter, packs smaller, and the 18-inch max height works fine.
The XXL makes sense if you want more comfort for longer tournament days. The wider seat would be nice if you’re sitting for extended periods. And if you’re a bigger person, the extra width might feel better, honestly. It goes up to 19.7 inches tall too, so hey, there you go.
The Standard has this 3-in-1 bag thing where the bag converts into a comfy little seat cushion with a drink holder. I don’t always use the cushion part but the drink holder is actually pretty handy for keeping a water bottle nearby. The XXL model has a nifty little seat pad that swivels.
Build Quality Seems Solid
I’ve had mine for about eight months now, used it probably 20+ times at different venues. Still works amazingly. It’s made from reinforced plastic, not sure exactly what kind but it feels sturdy and reliable.
The locking mechanism is solid. You pull it up, it locks in place, and it stays there. Hasn’t collapsed on me or anything. There’s some kind of safety lock built in that keeps it from accidentally opening or closing.
They do a lifetime warranty too apparently. Haven’t needed it but it’s nice to know it’s there if anything happens.
Not Essential But Pretty Helpful!
Is a portable stool necessary for pickleball? No, obviously not. People play without them all the time (suckers).
But if you’re playing regularly, especially in tournaments or long sessions, it’s one of those things that just makes the day easier. Less standing around, better recovery between matches, cleaner than sitting on the ground.
For what it costs and how little space it takes up, it’s been super worth it for me. Just something to think about next time you’re at a tournament wishing you had somewhere to sit.
