Choosing the Right Gear: A Comprehensive Guide to Pickleball Paddles and Balls

Playing pickleball today is easy to learn but harder to master. Learning the essential pickleball shots can be hard and it requires patience and practice. Even if you are just starting, understanding the basics of pickleball and having the right equipment is essential. It's also important to wear comfortable pickleball clothing when playing.

When stepping onto the pickleball court, the right gear can make all the difference. Selecting the ideal pickleball ball and paddle enhances performance, especially with various pickleball ball types tailored to different playstyles. Let’s break down the essentials so you can pick the best pickleball ball and paddle combo for your game.

Check out the best pickleball paddles and balls below:

• 101Pickleball
• Diadem
• Franklin
• JOOLA
• Paddletek
• Prince Pickleball
• Selkirk
• Volair
• Outdoor
• Indoor
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs: Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddles & Balls

Here is a list of great pickleball paddles you can choose from.

101Pickleball

101Pickleball is new in the industry but that doesn’t mean it can’t keep up with the established brands.

• Infinity Balance Pickleball Paddle is budget-friendly for experts and hobbyists. It promotes comfort without sacrificing control.

Diadem

Diadem paddles and tennis rackets were first manufactured in 2015 and live by their philosophy “Live to Play” as a reminder that when you play sports, you are doing something humanly.

Beginners

• Diadem Hero includes two paddles and balls. It is lightweight and easy to swing and has a large surface spot for ball contact.

• Diadem Team Paddles is perfect for fun games with family and friends.

Intermediate

• Guy Harvey Limited Edition Paddles in collaboration with Guy Harvey. It provides comfort while still focusing on power.

• A52 is the best intermediate pickleball paddle that’s affordable. It offers power, precision, and style.

• First Responder Series V2 - Rush serves to elevate your game while honoring the true American heroes. It has three designs: Nurse, Teacher, and EMT.

• Rush offers excellent maneuverability to amplify control and power.

• Riptide is the best cheap pickleball paddle for serious players. It’s perfectly balanced and easy to swing.

Performance Paddles

• Edge 18K gives a competitive edge by amplifying spins at every angle of contact. There are three models you can choose from: Standard, Power Pro, and Power.

• Edge 18K Speed Pro focuses on speed and maximizing power and responsiveness.

• Warrior Edge is incredibly flexible for quick resets and recoveries.

• Warrior V2 is targeted for dinks while still powerful enough for hard hits.

• First Responder Series V2 - Warrior Edge also serves to elevate your game while honoring the true American heroes. It has three designs: Police, Firefighter, and Military.

• Icon V2 is a power paddle that is the most comfortable and arm-friendly. It's available in two sizes: Standard and XL.

• Vice has a soft paddle that combines power for control and spins for touch.

Franklin

Franklin was founded with the principle that “Sports make life better”. With leather scraps, different athletic equipment was born.

• FS TOUR SERIES LIMITED EDITION BUNDLE is available in Dynasty and Tempo. Both focus on increasing spin and shot-making to reach maximum potential. 

• FS TOUR FEATHERWEIGHT SERIES is like the Franklin Tour Series but lighter in weight. Available in Dynasty and Tempo 12mm.

• SIGNATURE SERIES FIBERGLASS PICKLEBALL PADDLE WITH MAXGRIT (13 and 16mm) is designed for maximum spin and reduced vibration.

• PILOT SERIES FIBERGLASS PADDLE WITH MAXGRIT has lighter weight but has high performance.

• NBA® TEAM PICKLEBALL PADDLE is for NBA fans. Designed for durability and increased power with a wider sweet spot for flawless contact and increased control. It's available in different NBA team designs.

• NFL® TEAM FIBERGLASS PICKLEBALL PADDLE WITH MAXGRIT is designed to perform at an elite level. 

• JET ALUMINUM PICKLEBALL PADDLES is designed for beginners or those looking to have a fun game with friends and family. It's available in blue/red single, two, and four players.

• WOODEN PICKLEBALL PADDLES AND BALLS - 4 PLAYER SET is great for beginners looking to perfect their skills.

• SWEET SPOT TRAINING PADDLE 16MM is a training paddle for practicing swings.

• ACTIVATOR WOODEN PICKLEBALL PADDLES is the combination of playability and functionality for competitive play. It's available in blue/green single, two, and four players.

JOOLA

JOOLA has been around for 15 years and was founded from the love of table tennis.

Hyperion C2

This offers maximum spin, strength, stability, and durability. It is also designed in partnership with top pickleball pros.

• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion C2 CFS 14
• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion C2 CFS 16

 

 

• JOOLA Simone Jardim Hyperion C2 CFS 16
• JOOLA Simone Jardim Hyperion C2 CFS 14

 

Ben Johns Perseus

This is the result of R&D feedback from the world’s number one pickleball player, Ben Johns. It gives impressive pop and power to produce precise shots.

• JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16
• JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 14

 

Scorpeus

This is a pro pickleball paddle made in partnership with top pros, Collin Johns and Anna Bright. It offers impressive pop, maximum spin, and a balance of forgiveness and control.

• JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus CFS 16

 

• JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14

Hyperion

• JOOLA Simone Jardim Hyperion CFS 16 Swift

• JOOLA Simone Jardim Hyperion CFS 16

*Both are designed for speed.

• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 14 Swift
• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16
• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 13.5
• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16

*These are designed for more aggressive, offensive play.

Vision

• JOOLA Vision CGS 16 is an aggressive paddle that has an expanded hitting area that adds incredible spin.

Radius

This paddle delivers unmatched spin and control.

• JOOLA Radius CGS 14
• JOOLA Radius CGS 16

Seneca

 

• JOOLA Seneca CDS 16 is for advancing players to control their shots.

Paddletek

Paddletek started as a small business that aims pickleball players to reach their next level of play. The company has since grown and they are now the official sponsor of top pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters.

Bantam Series

The Bantam series pickleball paddles focus on power and performance. 

• Bantam TKO-C 14.3 

• Bantam TKO-C 12.7

• Bantam TKO-CX 14.3

• Bantam TKO-CX 12.7

• GT Showtime 12.7

**The Bantam TKO series and GT Showtime combine power, spin, and reach.

• Bantam ALW-C 14.3 combines forgiveness, power, spin, and flexibility.

• Bantam ALW-C 12.7 

• Bantam ALW-C 14.3 MLP New Jersey 5s Limited Edition

• Bantam ALW-C 12.7 MLP New Jersey 5s Limited Edition

*The Bantam ALW-C 12.7 and ALW-C MLP New Jersey 5s Limited Edition combine power, spin, and flexibility.

• Bantam EX-L Pro combines power, control, and spin.

• Bantam EX-L focuses on power.

• Bantam TS-5 Pro provides controllable power and forgiveness.

• Bantam TS-5 provides power, and increased speed, control, and maneuverability.

Tempest Series

The Tempest series pickleball paddles focus on control and touch.

• Tempest Wave Pro-C 14.3 combines spin, control, and forgiveness.

• Tempest TKO-C 14.3 combines control and accuracy and enhanced power and sweet spot.

Phoenix Series

The Phoenix series pickleball paddles are for all-around plays.

• Phoenix Genesis Pro has a consistent sweet sport for increased control, forgiveness, and touch.

• Phoenix Genesis combines control, power, and increased speed and maneuverability.

• Phoenix G6 is lightweight yet powerful. It has a large sweet spot for  better accuracy, forgiveness, and control

• Phoenix Genesis Leigh Waters Edition is lightweight for increased speed and maneuverability. It also combines control and power.

Prince Pickleball

Prince Pickleball has been around for quite some time in providing racquet sports paddles. Prince partnered with Paddletek in 2018 and launched Prince Pickleball paddles. It has a larger sweet spot for wherever the ball strikes on the paddle for better return and forgiving shots.

• Spectrum Paddle has a large surface and a sweet spot for return shots no matter where the ball strikes on the paddle. It focuses on easy handling and reactivity to maintain control.

• Spectrum Pro Paddle focuses on touch, where the players can feel the ball hit the paddle.

• Response Paddle focuses on control and has the players feel precision and certainty from the first use.

• Response Pro Paddle focuses on power to maintain control of direction and speed.

• Quantum Pro Paddle focuses on power by providing reach and momentum on swings for winning shots.

Selkirk

Selkirk is a famous brand for producing quality pickleball paddles. They are also the first to have a research & development department called Selkirk Labs. Players can participate in the Selkirk Labs by collaborating, testing products, and providing feedback. 

Selkirk Series

This series focuses on more professional players and produces high-quality and premium products.

• Selkirk Power Air

Selkirk Power Air is an innovative paddle first developed in the Selkirk Labs. It focuses on power and spin that’s designed for controlled, aggressive drives.

• Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air - S2

• Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air - Epic

• Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air - Invikta

• Selkirk VANGUARD for effortless control and satisfying spin.
• Selkirk VANGUARD Control Air - S2

• Selkirk VANGUARD Control Air - Invikta is best for switching from continental grip to other grips.

• LUXX is for pickleball players who want to focus on control and precision.
• Selkirk LUXX Control Air - S2

• Selkirk LUXX Control Air - Epic

• Selkirk LUXX Control Air - Invikta

• Selkirk AMPED is the first ever Selkirk pickleball hybrid paddle that focuses on power and control. Before this paddle, players had to choose paddles for either power or control.
• Selkirk AMPED - Epic is the best all-around and high-performance paddle.

• Selkirk AMPED Pro Air
• Selkirk AMPED Pro Air - Invikta

• Selkirk AMPED Pro Air - Epic

SLK Series

The SLK series is more budget-friendly and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate players.

• Selkirk Halo (SLK Halo)

The SLK Halo is beginner and professional-friendly and focuses on spin and control. It has two types: XL and Max. You can also choose between Power and Control, whichever you want to focus on.

• SLK Latitude 2.0

The SLK Latitude pickleball paddle is the best budget pickleball paddle for beginners. It has a larger sweet spot, better spin, and control for an enhanced performance.

• SLK OMEGA

The SLK OMEGA pickleball paddles focus on power and spin. This is the best budget pickleball paddle for beginners who want to experience high performance at an affordable price. It also has two types: XL and Max.

Selkirk/SLK Paddle Shapes

• The Standard Paddle has a square shape that gives a bigger sweet spot that enhances speed and flexibility when switching hands.
• S2 has the largest sweet spot and is a favorite among dedicated pickleball and tennis enthusiasts.
• Epic is considered the best all-around shape. 
• Max (SLK) is similar to Epic but has a slightly longer design.
• The Elongated has limitations to speed and forgiveness, however, it focuses on extended reach and power.
• Invikta is a popular choice for intermediate to expert players with its extra spin, reach, and power. 
• XL (SLK) provides comfort for two-handed players. 

Volair

Volair pickleball equipment has been produced with the belief that the best sports deserve the best gears that can withstand many games. Their paddles focus on spin, control, and power.

• MACH 1 (14 and 16mm)

• MACH 2 (14 and 16mm)

• MACH 1 FORZA (14 and 16mm)

• MACH 1 FORZA: KYLE YATES EDITION (14 and 16mm)

• MACH 2 FORZA (14 and 16mm)

• FIT 1 LIMITED EDITION PADDLE

• ALTO (14 and 16mm)

• CORTO (14 and 16mm)

• REALTREE PRO 16MM

Once you’ve already decided on pickleball paddles, don’t forget the pickleballs. Check out the list below for the best pickleballs. You can play pickleball indoors and outdoors, however, it requires different kinds of balls.

Outdoor

• Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs

• Onix Dura Fast-40 Pickleball

• Onix Fuse G2 Outdoor Pickleball

• Onix Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleball

• Pro Penn 40 Outdoor Pickleballs

• Penn 40 Outdoor Pickleballs

Indoor

• Franklin’s X-26 Indoor Pickleball

• Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball

• Recruit Pure Indoor Pickleball

• Penn 26 Indoor Pickleball

Choosing the right pickleball paddle and ball can be a lot and overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new. Of course, you wouldn’t want to waste money on the equipment that wouldn’t work well with you. Don’t rush. Take your time and study what you want to focus on so that when you buy the equipment, you’ll get the right one with no regrets.

Key Takeaways

FAQs: Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddles & Balls

• What should I consider when choosing a pickleball paddle?
• Weight: Lighter paddles (6-7 oz) are better for control, while heavier paddles (8-9 oz) provide more power. Beginners often prefer lightweight paddles for ease of handling.
• Grip Size: Choose a grip that feels comfortable. Larger grips reduce wrist strain and are better for control, while smaller grips allow for more wrist action and spin.
• Core Material:
  • Polymer: Balanced with power and control, and the most common choice for recreational players.
  • Nomex: Harder feel and louder sound, best for players seeking a firm, durable paddle.
  • Aluminum: Offers superior control but sacrifices some power.
• Surface Material:
  • Graphite: Lightweight and offers excellent ball control.
  • Fiberglass (Composite): Slightly heavier, providing more power.
  • Carbon Fiber: Advanced material that provides a great mix of power, durability, and control, ideal for professional players.
• What’s the best weight for a pickleball paddle?

This depends on your playing style:

• Light paddles (6.0-7.4 oz): Offer better control and are suitable for beginners or players who value maneuverability.
• Medium paddles (7.5-8.4 oz): Provide a balance between power and control, making them a popular choice for most players.
• Heavy paddles (8.5+ oz): Deliver more power but can tire your arm faster. Best for players with a strong, aggressive game.
• How does grip size affect my game?

A smaller grip gives you more wrist movement, which can increase spin on the ball. However, a larger grip reduces stress on your wrist and forearm, which can be helpful for players with hand injuries or arthritis. To measure the right grip size, hold the paddle with your dominant hand and slide the index finger of your other hand between the fingers and the palm. If it fits snugly, the grip size is right.

• What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?
• Indoor Balls: Have larger, fewer holes (26) and are softer, allowing for better control and longer rallies. They are generally quieter and ideal for finesse play.
• Outdoor Balls: Have more holes (40), are harder, and move faster in the air, making them more resistant to wind. They are designed for power players and are more durable due to the tougher environment.
• How do paddle shapes impact gameplay?
• Standard Paddles: Provide a wider surface area and larger sweet spot, ideal for beginners.
• Elongated Paddles: Offer extended reach for greater court coverage but have a smaller sweet spot, preferred by advanced players who focus on precision.
• Edgeless Paddles: Have no edge guard and offer more consistent hits across the surface, but they are more prone to chipping.
• Can I use the same paddle for both indoor and outdoor play?

Yes, the paddle can be used for both indoor and outdoor games. However, outdoor play might cause the paddle to wear out faster due to exposure to rougher surfaces and weather conditions. If you play frequently outdoors, choosing a more durable paddle (with a strong edge guard and robust surface material) is recommended.

• How long does a pickleball paddle last?

The lifespan of a pickleball paddle depends on how often you play and the type of paddle you have. On average, a paddle should last 1-2 years with regular play. More expensive paddles tend to have better durability, but even they will wear out over time as the core loses responsiveness and the surface becomes less effective.