Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Pickleball Recommendations from a PPR Certified Coach

Purple Star emoji 22 items
As a PPR certified pickleball coach, and multiple time 5.0 medalist (most notably at APP & U.S Open), I wanted to share my top pickleball picks for people at all levels! I've seen a lot of pickleball lists on here and I wouldn't recommend a lot o...
Sections
3
 
 
 

Beginner Must-Haves

If you are just starting out, here are my top recommendations to get you ready for your pickleball obsession.

 
Amy Darlington profile picture
I HIGHLY recommend you spend $50-100 on your first pickleball paddle. These Friday paddles are great options for your first paddle. I also recommend checking out the Intermediate paddle list, as those are also great for starting out. This will help m...
Friday USA Pickleball Paddle, Carbon Fiber
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
Another great, affordable option for just starting out
Selkirk Sport SLK Atlas Carbon Fiber Paddle
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
If you are coming from to pickleball from tennis, you might appreciate this longer handle length and longer paddle length! I personally prefer a different shape, but a lot of people like this shape paddle
12K Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle, USAPA Polypropylene Honeycomb
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
Everyone can benefit from overgrip on their paddle. This is easy to apply (you can find a YouTube video on how to do this) and will make it so that your paddle doesn't slip on humid days.
Yonex Overgrip Super GRAP 3 Pack - Tennis
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
Please do not buy the cheap pickleballs that people are posting about. You will never use these after the first day (as no one at a pickleball court will play with them). Buy some Franklin X-40s, it is worth it. These are OUTDOOR pickleballs (or for ...
Franklin Sports X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs USAP
placeholder
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
The perfect pickleball bag if you're just starting out
JOOLA Vision II Pickleball Backpack with Laptop Sleeve & Gear Storage
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
It's definitely worth it to invest in a good pair of pickleball shoes. I personally like these!
Avacourt 3 Tennis Shoes
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
Cute shirt, final sale!
Outdoor Voices Pickleball for All Graphic Shortsleeve

Intermediate

If you are ready to level up from beginner pickleball play and take your game to the next level, here are some items that will help you get there. Don't forget, these items won't automatically make you a better player (that is what practice is for), ...

 
Amy Darlington profile picture
I know a lot of people sponsored by this brand and they have great, affordable paddles
Holbrook Mav Pickleball Paddle 16mm Carbon
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
This is a great option if you are ready to level up from the Walmart or Amazon beginner set you purchased, but don't want to break the bank.
Vatic Pro Prism Carbon Fiber 16mm Paddle
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
This is one of the first pickleball paddles I bought, and I still think it's a great paddle to this day. This is a great all-around option for intermediate players, if you aren't willing to spend $150+ on a paddle.
JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle with Carbon Grip
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
It's important to take care of your paddle. I highly recommend keeping one of these in your pickleball bag to keep your carbon fiber paddle game-ready.
CRBN Pickleball - Paddle Eraser
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
I love having a few of these on hand to keep my paddles from scratching. This one is nice because you can also hang your paddle on the fence.
Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle Cover
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
As you advance in pickleball, I recommend a pickleball bag like this where you have multiple pockets, especially the side pockets for your paddles.
JOOLA Tour Elite Pickleball Bag - Backpack & Duffle
placeholder

Advanced

Ready for tournaments and to play against the top players?  Here are the things I never leave for pickleball without, and you should look into too.

 
Amy Darlington profile picture
I LOVE this pickleball paddle. I'm a control style player, so I always purchase the 16mm for more control. If you are a power-player, consider the 14mm. Buy your paddle based on your play style, NOT on what you want the paddle to do for you.
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control Paddle
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
I know a lot of people love these paddles, especially for the grit durability. I would use this one, because it's the same shape as my Six Zero!
11SIX24 Pickleball Vapor Power 2 Gen 4
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
Definitely one of the more expensive paddles out there, but this is a great option for high hand speed and control.
Franklin Sports C45 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
placeholder
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
This is another one of my favorite Siz Zero paddles!
Six Zero Ruby Pickleball Paddle, 16mm Aramid
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
Lead tape is a must-have for advanced pickleball players. You can apply it to different parts of your paddle, depending on what you are looking for. Apply 2-3 inch pieces at a time and see what works best for you. I apply it right above my handle at ...
SummerHouse 2g/in High Density Lead Tape 1/2''
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
The perfect tournament companion. I always bring this with me to tournaments to keep me hydrated all day long!
Igloo Profile II Series Hard Roller Cooler
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
I have this for pickleball coaching, but this is great to keep on hand for drilling sessions as well!
A11N SPORTS Pickleball & Tennis Ball Hopper
placeholder
 
Amy Darlington profile picture
Even more pockets for more pickleball
JOOLA Tour Elite Pro Bag