PaddleSmash and TowerToss come from the same brand — built by the same team, designed with the same philosophy of making outdoor games more fun and more portable. But they're very different games. One is a fast rally sport with paddles. The other is a tossing game you can learn in under a minute. Here's how to know which one is right for you.
Quick Answer
PaddleSmash is a rally-based paddle game for 3–4 players where both teams are actively hitting the ball back and forth. TowerToss is a tossing game for 2–8 players where you throw balls at a multi-sided tower target and try to conquer every side. PaddleSmash is more athletic and competitive. TowerToss is faster to learn and works for a wider range of ages. If you want one game, think about your group's energy level and how much they want to compete vs. just have fun.
Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
PaddleSmash |
TowerToss |
|
Play style |
Rally-based, continuous action |
Turn-based tossing |
|
Players |
3–4 |
2–8 |
|
Learning curve |
Low (10–15 min) |
Very low (under 1 min) |
|
Equipment |
Paddles + pickleball + hexagonal court |
Tower target + toss balls |
|
Ages |
14+ |
8+ |
|
Price |
$159.99–$259.99 |
$69.99 |
|
Best for |
Competitive groups, pickleball fans |
All ages, casual parties |
|
As seen on |
Shark Tank, GMA, Today Show, The View, ESPN2 |
Same brand |
|
Available at |
paddlesmash.com, Amazon, Scheels |
paddlesmash.com |
What Is PaddleSmash?
PaddleSmash is an outdoor paddle game that combines pickleball paddles with a roundnet-style hexagonal court. Teams of 2 use paddles to hit a pickleball onto the hard base so it bounces over the angled net — the other team gets up to 3 alternating hits to return it, and both players must touch the ball. The serve goes to your teammate first. Games go to 11, win by 2.
It was featured on Shark Tank Season 15, Episode 4, and has been seen on Good Morning America, the Today Show, The View, and ESPN2. Available at paddlesmash.com, Amazon, and Scheels.
What Is TowerToss?
TowerToss is a 360-degree tossing game where players throw balls at a multi-sided tower target, trying to be the first to conquer every side — with a final winning shot through the top. It's described on the official site as "cornhole, but portable, faster, and playable from every direction."
Key details:
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Takes seconds to set up and about 1 minute to learn
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Plays 2 to 8 players
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Designed for ages 8 and up
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Great for backyard parties, tailgates, beach days, camping, and outdoor game nights
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Rules are printed on the carry bag — no instruction booklet needed
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Price: $69.99
The Biggest Difference: Rally vs. Toss
PaddleSmash is a rally game. Both teams are moving the entire time — hitting, setting, blocking, reacting. There are no turns. The moment the ball goes into the court, everyone is active.
TowerToss is a tossing game. Players take turns throwing at the tower. It's less physically demanding and more casual — the kind of game where you can hold a drink, chat between turns, and still be fully participating.
Which Is Better for a Competitive Group?
PaddleSmash — without question. The continuous action, the teamwork mechanic, and the rally-based gameplay create real competitive moments.
TowerToss is competitive in a lighter way. There's skill in the toss and strategy in conquering each side — but it's a different kind of competition. More social, less intense.
Which Is Better for a Mixed-Age Group?
TowerToss — and it's not close. The 8+ age recommendation, the one-minute learning curve, and the fact that up to 8 people can play at once make it the more inclusive option. Grandparents, kids, and competitive adults can all participate without anyone feeling left out.
PaddleSmash works great for families with teens and adults (14+), but it's a bigger ask for younger players.
Can You Own Both?
Absolutely — and many people do. PaddleSmash is the main event when you want real competition. TowerToss is what runs in the background when people want to keep playing while others take a break. They complement each other perfectly at the same event.
FAQ
Is PaddleSmash or TowerToss better for a tailgate? Both work great. PaddleSmash brings more energy and is better for smaller competitive groups. TowerToss handles bigger mixed crowds more easily and is quicker to get into.
Which game is cheaper? TowerToss at $69.99 is significantly less expensive than the PaddleSmash Complete Set. If budget is the deciding factor, TowerToss is the easier starting point.
What ages can play TowerToss? TowerToss is designed for ages 8 and up — a wider range than PaddleSmash's 14+ recommendation.
Does TowerToss work on the beach? Yes. Like PaddleSmash, TowerToss is designed for backyard parties, tailgates, beach days, and camping trips.
Where can I buy TowerToss? TowerToss is available at paddlesmash.com.
Two games, one brand, completely different experiences. PaddleSmash if you want the rally. TowerToss if you want the party. Both if you want the full backyard lineup.
Shop PaddleSmash | Shop TowerToss | What Is PaddleSmash?