Equipment Reviews & Buying Guide

Expert reviews, comprehensive buying guides, and the best deals on pickleball equipment

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation.

Top-Rated Equipment

Our most popular and highest-rated pickleball equipment based on expert reviews and player feedback

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS

The paddle used by the #1 player in the world. Carbon Friction Surface for maximum spin and control.

(1,247 reviews)
$179 $239
Save $60
Carbon Friction Surface
16mm Thickness
8.0 oz Weight

Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta

Revolutionary Luxx surface technology with unmatched feel and precision control.

(892 reviews)
$199
Luxx Control Surface
14mm Thickness
8.2 oz Weight

Franklin X-40 Performance

Official tournament ball with consistent bounce and durability. 12-pack included.

(2,156 reviews)
$39
12-Pack
Tournament Approved
40-Hole Design
High Durability

HEAD Tour Team Backpack

Professional tournament bag with paddle compartments and shoe storage.

(456 reviews)
$89
4 Paddle Capacity
Shoe Compartment
Water Resistant

ASICS Gel-Rocket 10

Court shoes designed for pickleball with superior grip and lateral support.

(734 reviews)
$69 $89
Non-Marking Sole
Gel Cushioning
Court Specific

Nike Dri-FIT Polo

Moisture-wicking performance polo designed for active play and comfort.

(312 reviews)
$45
Dri-FIT Technology
UV Protection
Multiple Colors

Pickleball Paddles

Comprehensive reviews and comparisons of the best pickleball paddles

Filter by: All Paddles Power Control Spin Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Top Paddle Comparison

Paddle Price Weight Thickness Power Control Rating
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS
Carbon Friction Surface
$179 8.0 oz 16mm
8.5
9.0
Selkirk LUXX Control Air
Luxx Surface Technology
$199 8.2 oz 14mm
8.0
9.5
Paddletek Bantam EX-L
Polymer Core
$149 7.9 oz 13mm
9.0
7.5

Pickleball Balls

Indoor and outdoor balls for every playing condition

Outdoor Balls

Designed for outdoor play with wind resistance and durability

Franklin X-40 Performance

Tournament approved • 40 holes

5.0
$39
12-pack

Dura Fast 40

Official tournament ball • Pro choice

4.8
$45
12-pack

TOP Outdoor Ball

USAPA approved • 40 holes

4.6
$32
12-pack

Indoor Balls

Softer balls designed for indoor court play

Jugs Indoor Ball

26 holes • Softer feel

4.9
$28
6-pack

Onix Pure 2 Indoor

26 holes • Competition grade

4.7
$35
6-pack

Gamma Photon Indoor

26 holes • Premium quality

4.5
$32
6-pack

Accessories & Gear

Complete your pickleball setup with essential accessories

Bags & Cases

Tournament Backpack $89-$149
Paddle Case $25-$45
Sling Bag $35-$65

Court Shoes

Professional Court Shoes $90-$150
Cross-Training Shoes $60-$120
Casual Court Shoes $45-$85

Apparel

Performance Shirts $25-$55
Athletic Shorts $30-$65
Sun Hats & Visors $15-$35

Protection

Knee Braces $20-$75
Elbow Support $15-$45
Protective Eyewear $25-$85

Training Aids

Ball Machines $299-$899
Target Nets $45-$125
Rebounder Nets $75-$185

Court Setup

Portable Nets $149-$399
Court Lines (Tape) $25-$65
Windscreens $35-$125

Complete Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before making your next pickleball purchase

Choosing Your First Paddle

1

Determine Your Skill Level

  • Beginner: Focus on control and forgiveness
  • Intermediate: Balance of power and control
  • Advanced: Specialized paddles for your playing style
2

Consider Weight & Size

  • Light (7.0-7.9 oz): Better control, quicker hands
  • Medium (8.0-8.4 oz): Balanced feel
  • Heavy (8.5+ oz): More power, stability
3

Choose Core Material

  • Polymer: Quiet, excellent control
  • Aluminum: Responsive, good power
  • Nomex: Powerful, harder feel

Pro Tips

  • • Try before you buy - many shops offer demo programs
  • • Consider grip size - it affects control and comfort
  • • Budget $100-200 for your first quality paddle
  • • Read reviews from players at your skill level

Common Mistakes

  • • Don't buy based on looks alone
  • • Avoid paddles that are too heavy for your fitness level
  • • Don't assume expensive always means better
  • • Consider your physical limitations (wrist, elbow issues)

Video Buying Guides

Paddle Selection Guide

15 minutes • Beginner Friendly

Ball Selection: Indoor vs Outdoor

8 minutes • Essential Knowledge

Court Shoe Buyer's Guide

12 minutes • Injury Prevention

Budget Guidelines

Starter Package

$150-250
  • • Entry-level paddle ($60-100)
  • • Basic balls ($30-40)
  • • Court shoes ($50-80)
  • • Simple bag ($20-30)

Intermediate Setup

$300-500
  • • Quality paddle ($120-180)
  • • Premium balls ($40-60)
  • • Performance shoes ($80-120)
  • • Tournament bag ($60-100)
  • • Accessories ($30-50)

Pro Setup

$500-1000+
  • • Professional paddle ($180-250)
  • • Multiple paddle backup
  • • Premium court shoes ($120-160)
  • • Pro tournament bag ($100-150)
  • • Training equipment ($100-300)

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Detailed comparisons of popular equipment

Compare Products

JOOLA Hyperion CFS vs Selkirk LUXX Control Air

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS

Price: $179
Weight: 8.0 oz
Thickness: 16mm
Surface: Carbon Friction
Power Rating: 8.5/10
Control Rating: 9.0/10

Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta

Price: $199
Weight: 8.2 oz
Thickness: 14mm
Surface: Luxx Control
Power Rating: 8.0/10
Control Rating: 9.5/10
Bottom Line:

The JOOLA offers better value and more spin potential, while the Selkirk provides superior control and feel. Choose JOOLA for aggressive play, Selkirk for precision control.

Franklin X-40 vs Dura Fast 40 Balls

Franklin X-40 Performance

Price (12-pack): $39
Holes: 40
Durability: Excellent
Bounce Consistency: Very Good
Tournament Approved: Yes

Dura Fast 40

Price (12-pack): $45
Holes: 40
Durability: Good
Bounce Consistency: Excellent
Tournament Approved: Yes
Bottom Line:

Franklin X-40 offers better value and durability for recreational play. Dura Fast 40 provides more consistent bounce preferred in tournaments. For practice, choose Franklin; for competition, consider Dura.

Expert & User Reviews

Real feedback from players and professional testers

4.8
Average Rating
2,847
Total Reviews
94%
Would Recommend
MJ

Mike Johnson

Verified Purchase • JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS

2 days ago

"This paddle completely transformed my game. The spin I can generate is incredible, and the control is outstanding. Worth every penny for intermediate to advanced players. The 16mm thickness provides excellent power while maintaining precision."

47 helpful 2
SR

Sarah Rodriguez

Verified Purchase • Franklin X-40 Performance Balls

1 week ago

"Best outdoor balls we've used! They hold up incredibly well to concrete courts and windy conditions. The bounce is consistent throughout their lifespan. Great value for the 12-pack. Our entire club switched to these."

23 helpful 0
DT

David Thompson

Verified Purchase • ASICS Gel-Rocket 10

2 weeks ago

"Solid court shoes for the price. Great lateral support and the non-marking sole works perfectly on all court surfaces. Only complaint is they run slightly narrow, so consider going up a half size. Comfort improved significantly after break-in period."

18 helpful 1
LM

Lisa Martinez

Expert Review • Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta

1 month ago

"As a 4.5+ level player and certified instructor, I've tested dozens of paddles. The LUXX surface technology truly delivers on its promises. Exceptional feel and control for touch shots. Best dinking paddle I've used. Price is steep but justified for serious players."

89 helpful 3 Expert Review