Congratulations! You’ve now reached a point where you’re ready to take your commitment to pickleball to the next level–from renting equipment to purchasing your own set. To help you decide, we tapped some professional players for a breakdown of what kind of paddle, balls, or accessories to buy based on your level.
Finding your first paddle The moment you pick up that first paddle, you begin a conversation with yourself on the court. You’re building confidence, learning the basics, finding your rhythm. At this phase, seasoned players say you should find a lightweight, maneuverable paddle that’s easier to handle.
Misty Floro, co-founder of The Chill Pickle Club™, recommends starting with a paddle that’s easy to control. She recommends the beginner-friendly Luzz Cannon paddle, “[Which] gives players a nice balance of power and control while they’re still learning the basics of the game.” Philippine Pickleball Federation-certified instructor and pro pickleball player Leander Lazaro notes that beginners don’t need anything too technical yet. “Just a paddle that feels comfortable in your hand, not too heavy, and gives you control.” He said.
SERVING STRONG. Leander Lazaro caught in action with his Sypik Triton paddle. instagram.com/leanderlazaro Regina Posadas, a Joola athlete and ambassador, says Graf Pro 16 mm paddles are light and arm-friendly. As a former varsity tennis player at the Ateneo de Manila University who transitioned to playing Pickleball, she said the Graf Pro was perfect for her play style.
“They were designed by ex-tennis pros for tennis players who switch to pickleball.” When to go heavier with the paddle For players already confident in hitting the shots, pros swear by an elongated or heavier paddle for better accuracy. Misty rotates between the Luzz Inferno, a paddle that “focuses on explosive power,” and the Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid, which requires high control skills to manage. Leander said that even intermediate players can play with performance paddles to feel strokes consistently.
“In pickleball, you don’t always win with power as you play with higher levels,” Popular among Filipino Pickleball players is the Sypik Triton, a United Pickleball Association of America-certified paddle for professional-level competition. Leander, also an ambassador of Sypik PH, took the Sypik Triton 5 for a quick review. In a TikTok video, Leander highlighted its good control and feel.
And while the paddle already has great power, you won’t need to exert more effort into the swing. He adds, “Kung anong nasa isip mo, ginagawa ng paddle.” (Whatever’s on your mind, the paddle follows.) @leanderlazaro Part 2: @sypik.ph Triton 5 Live Personal Feedback Tag @ someone who needs this info. Watch out for Avatar vs.
Triton 5 review soon! For orders, you may contact our authorized distributors and resellers found in @sypik.ph instagram or facebook account. @Sypik Pickleball @The 3rd Shot ♬ original sound – leanderlazaro – leanderlazaro Leander however encourages players to buy from official sellers, as some online shops are claiming to be one. “Kawawa yung mga nakabili na may defect.” (It would be a loss [for consumers] who bought defective ones.) On to the competitive courts Regina had gone to several tournaments within and outside of the Philippines.
She’s currently the Philippines’ #1 in 50+ Singles and Mixed Doubles, while her dominance also took her to the top spot in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Senior Pro rankings for Singles and Mixed Doubles. She’s also the first and only Triple Crown winner of the first Philippine Pickleball Amateur Nationals. Regina’s choice of paddle is the Joola Graf Pro V 16mm.
TO THE TOP. Regina flaunts her wins with the reliable Joola Graf V on her side. Taking care of your paddles Since your paddles are your partner in every game, it’s best to handle it with utter care.
“If you take care of it, it’ll last you a long time,” Leander said. Here are some tips from Leander on how to take care of your paddles: Don’t leave it in extreme heat, especially inside a car Use a paddle cover if you have one [Enclose it] in a bag that has thermal technology Avoid hitting it on the ground (Leander notes in text: “Even out of frustration 😅”) Clean the surface once in a while, especially if it’s a raw carbon face Other gear to look into While the paddle drives the game, the right accessories can help you dominate the court. Pickleball balls adapt to the environment.
Indoor balls are lighter with larger holes for controlled bounce, while outdoor balls are heavier with smaller holes to withstand wind and rougher courts. Leander adds that players can also use a tournament ball. “That’s what’s widely used in actual games and competitions, so it helps you get used to the real feel and bounce early on.” If you want to tweak your paddle weight, Leander also suggests using lead tape on the edge guard of your paddles. Protective gear matters too: eyewear shields against stray shots, knee pads support joints, and wr
