Best Pickleball Paddle & Balls (Beginner to Advanced Guide)

Best Pickleball Paddles/How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle & Balls (Beginner to Advanced Guide)

Quick Navigation

• Why Choosing the Right Paddle Matters
• What to Look for in a Pickleball Paddle
• Best Paddles by Level
• Pickleball Paddle Comparison Chart
• How to Choose the Right Pickleball Balls
• Final Thoughts

Why Choosing the Right Paddle Matters

Your paddle is your most important piece of equipment. It shapes how you hit, control, and feel the game. For beginners, control is everything. You need to keep the ball in play, develop consistency, and build confidence.

As you improve, power and spin become more important, but the foundation is control. The wrong paddle can make learning harder and cause frustration.

So, let’s find the right one for your level.

What to Look for in a Pickleball Paddle

Here are the core elements to consider:

Control

Beginners should always prioritize control over power. Look for:

• A larger sweet spot
• Softer core for better touch
• Comfortable grip

Power

Power is great once you’re past the beginner stage and ready to add some heat to your shots. Heavier paddles or those with a carbon surface tend to deliver more pop.

Spin

Spin helps with advanced strategies like topspin drives and cut shots. A textured surface is key if you plan to develop this skill.

Weight

• Light (7.2–7.6 oz): Easier to maneuver, more control
• Medium (7.6–8 oz): Balanced for control and power
• Heavy (8+ oz): More power, less maneuverability

Grip

A wrong grip size can hurt your performance and even cause injuries. Test grip size or measure your hand before you buy.

Best Paddles by Level

Here are the paddles I recommend based on your level:

Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners: Presute Pro O1 Hybrid

If you’re starting out and want control with a nice balance of power and spin, this paddle is perfect. It’s lightweight, forgiving, and designed for all-around play. It’s the kind of paddle that makes learning fun while giving you room to grow.

Check Price on Amazon

Best Pickleball Paddles for intermediate Players: Selkirk LUXX Control

Ready to take your game up a notch? This paddle gives you elite-level control with extra pop when you need it. Its carbon fiber face and advanced core make it a top choice for players focusing on strategy, dinks, and precise placement.

Check Price on Amazon

Best pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players: JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm

This is the paddle for players who want the ultimate performance. Used by pros, the Perseus Pro IV offers insane spin, excellent touch, and enough power to dominate the court.

Check Price on Amazon

Pickleball Paddle Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick look at the top paddles for different skill levels:

Paddle	Skill Level	Key Features	Price
Presute Pro O1 Hybrid	Beginner	Great control, balanced spin and power, lightweight design	Check Price
Selkirk LUXX Control	Intermediate	Carbon fiber face, amazing touch, added power, premium feel	Check Price
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV	Advanced	Elite spin, insane power, professional-grade performance	Check Price

How to Choose the Right Pickleball Balls

Balls matter more than you think.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Indoor Balls: Softer, lighter, and have fewer holes. Designed for smooth indoor surfaces.
• Outdoor Balls: Harder, heavier, and have more holes to handle wind and rougher surfaces.

Tip: Unless you exclusively play indoors, I recommend buying outdoor balls—they’re more durable and versatile. Using indoor balls outside can crack them quickly and feel completely different.

My Recommended Outdoor Pickleball

One of the best options for outdoor play—and the official ball of USA Pickleball—is the Franklin Sports X-40 Outdoor Pickleball. These are tournament-quality balls used in the APP Tour and the Pickleball US Open. They’re consistent, durable, and feel great on the court.

Check Franklin X-40 on Amazon

I’ll be writing a full guide on this soon: “The Complete Guide to Pickleball Balls: Indoor vs. Outdoor”.

Final Thoughts

Start with a paddle that gives you confidence and control. Upgrade as your skills grow and your style evolves. Whether you’re a beginner or playing at a high level, the right paddle changes the game.

If you’re ready to step on the court with gear that works for you, check out the paddles above and start playing your best pickleball yet..

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Check the The Ultimate Pickleball Beginner’s Guide: Rules, Tips, Gear & Philosophy