Gear Guide
Paddles & Balls.
What you need to know.
You don't need expensive gear to start playing pickleball — but understanding your equipment will help you make smarter choices as your game develops. This guide cuts through the jargon and tells you what actually matters.
Part 1 — Paddles
Where to start as a beginner
Your first paddle doesn't need to be expensive — but it does need to be decent. Those ultra-cheap paddles from marketplace sites have tiny sweet spots, poor weight distribution and wear out quickly. They'll frustrate your progress rather than help it.
The good news: A$80–A$150 gets you an excellent first paddle that will last well over a year of regular play and give you everything you need to develop proper technique.
🎉 WilloBees discount links — we often have access to member discounts with local and online retailers. Check the discounts page before you buy.
Nine brands worth knowing about in Australia:
A powerhouse table tennis brand turned pickleball force, JOOLA is the paddle of choice for world number one Ben Johns. Their carbon fibre technology and precision engineering have made them one of the most respected names in the game. Officially available in Australia since 2024.
Range: A$120 – A$470+ · Best for: Players who want proven tour-level technology at every price point
Founded by engineer Dale Young on the Sunshine Coast, Six Zero has become one of the most exciting brands in the world. Known for innovative thermoformed construction, raw carbon faces and exceptional quality control. Their Quartz is standout value; the Double Black Diamond is a tour favourite.
Range: A$130 – A$280 · Best for: Players who want cutting-edge Australian engineering at a fair price
Crafted in Hawaii, the Sword & Shield range uses patented multi-density all-foam core construction — a first-to-market technology that dramatically expands the sweet spot. The J2FC+ is their flagship: a hybrid shape combining elongated power with standard-paddle control and a plush, forgiving feel.
Range: A$195 – A$220 · Best for: Advanced players who want maximum sweet spot and forgiveness without sacrificing power
One of the fastest-growing brands in professional pickleball, now widely available in Australia. Excellent range from beginner to elite, with great quality control throughout.
Range: A$120 – A$350+ · Best for: Players who want a trusted name with room to grow
Known for a soft, controlled feel and excellent touch at the net. A favourite among players who prefer precision over power. Great mid-range options for developing players.
Range: A$100 – A$280 · Best for: Players developing their dinking and net game
Engage paddles are built around feel and spin generation. Their proprietary core technology gives a distinctive soft touch that many players swear by once they try it.
Range: A$120 – A$300 · Best for: Players who love a soft, responsive feel
Head brings decades of racquet sport engineering to pickleball. A natural first stop for anyone crossing over from tennis, with solid entry-level options and a trusted global name.
Range: A$80 – A$250 · Best for: Tennis converts and players who like a proven brand
Another major racquet sport brand making strong inroads in pickleball. Wide availability across Australian retailers, with beginner-friendly options at accessible price points.
Range: A$80 – A$230 · Best for: Beginners who want something easy to find and buy
Designed in Sydney specifically for Australian players and conditions. A great choice if you want to support a local brand — quality construction at genuinely fair prices.
Range: A$80 – A$180 · Best for: Anyone who wants to support an Aussie brand
Paddles
Why are paddles so different from each other?
Shape
Paddles come in standard (wider, bigger sweet spot, more forgiving) and elongated (narrower, more reach and power, harder to control) shapes. Beginners almost always do better starting with a standard shape — the forgiveness on off-centre hits makes a real difference while you're learning.
The Core
The core inside the paddle is the engine of its feel. Most paddles have long used a polymer honeycomb core, but the newest generation is moving to foam — plusher, more consistent across the face, and better at holding its feel over time. Whatever the material, thickness is what you'll notice most: thicker cores (19mm) are soft and forgiving, mid cores (16mm) balance control and power — the most popular choice — and thin cores (13mm) are snappy and powerful but less forgiving. Think of it like a mattress: firm vs soft, each suits different preferences.
The Face
The face material determines how the ball feels on contact. Fibreglass faces are softer and more forgiving — excellent for beginners. Carbon fibre faces are stiffer and generate more spin and control — better once you have consistent technique. Most beginners should start with fibreglass and upgrade when they're ready.
Paddles
What do you actually get for your money?
Entry Level
A$50 – A$80
Fibreglass or basic composite face
Thinner core — less cushioning and forgiveness
Smaller sweet spot — more mishits as you learn
Transfers more vibration to your arm
Fine for trying pickleball for the first time
You'll outgrow it within a few months
Buy this if you're not sure pickleball is for you yet. Great for a trial run.
The Sweet Spot
A$80 – A$150
Quality composite or fibreglass face
16mm core — forgiving and consistent
Larger sweet spot — more confidence on off-centre hits
Better vibration dampening — easier on the arm
Will last 12+ months of regular play
Enough quality to develop real technique
This is the range we recommend for all new WilloBees members. Best value for the game you'll play.
Performance
A$150 – A$350+
Raw carbon fibre face — maximum spin and control
Precision-engineered core for consistent feel
Optimised weight distribution for attack and defence
Subtle differences in touch that reward experienced players
Tournament-approved construction
Worth it once you know your playing style
Don't rush here. These paddles reward players who already have technique. Beginners won't feel the difference.
Paddles
Key things to look for when buying
Grip Size
Most paddles come in small (4 inch) or standard (4¼ inch) grip circumference. If you're unsure, go smaller — you can always build it up with an overgrip. A grip that's too large is harder to fix and can cause wrist strain.
Handle Length
Shorter handles (4–5 inch) give more paddle face and a bigger sweet spot — great for beginners. Longer handles (5–6 inch) allow two-handed backhands and more leverage — popular with tennis converts. Start short until you know what you prefer.
Weight
Mid-weight paddles (220–235g) are the sweet spot for most beginners. Light paddles are easier to swing but give less power; heavier paddles drive the ball well but fatigue your arm over a long session. When in doubt, go mid-weight.
Face Material
Fibreglass faces are softer and more forgiving — great for beginners who are still developing consistency. Carbon fibre faces are stiffer, offer more spin and control, but reward good technique. Start with fibreglass; upgrade to carbon when you're ready.
Core Material
Paddles have long used a polypropylene honeycomb core, but most new-generation paddles are moving to foam — plusher and more consistent across the face. Either way, thickness is the key variable: 16mm is the most popular, offering the best balance of control and power. Thicker cores (19mm) are more forgiving; thinner (13mm) give more pop.
Edge Guard
A good edge guard protects the paddle face when you inevitably scrape the court on a low ball. Check that the edge guard is firmly bonded — cheap paddles often have edges that peel away after a few months of play.
Part 2 — Balls
Why are there different colours?
There is no official colour standard in pickleball — a yellow ball from one brand might be a slightly different shade than another. But there are strong conventions based on visibility. The goal is always to choose a colour that contrasts well against the court surface and lighting conditions.
Yellow
Outdoors
The most common colour and the tournament standard. Highly visible in natural daylight, contrasts well against green and blue court surfaces. This is what WilloBees uses for all outdoor sessions.
White
Indoors
The traditional indoor choice. Contrasts well against darker gym floors and indoor court surfaces. Less glare than yellow under artificial lighting. Used at many WilloBees indoor sessions.
Neon Green
Indoors / Low light
A fast-growing favourite for indoor play and mixed lighting conditions. Pops sharply under artificial lights and on overcast days outdoors. Increasingly common at WilloBees indoor sessions.
At WilloBees: we use yellow balls for all outdoor sessions and a mix of white and neon green for indoor sessions. The balls are always provided — you don't need to bring your own when starting out.
Balls
Indoor vs outdoor balls — what's the actual difference?
The colour is a convention — but the construction is where indoor and outdoor balls genuinely differ. Use the wrong ball for your surface and you'll notice immediately.
🏠 Indoor Ball — 26 holes
Larger holes: Fewer, bigger holes make the ball lighter and slower
Softer plastic: Designed for smooth gym floors, not rough outdoor surfaces
Slower pace: Less bounce, more control — great for beginners
Longer rallies: The slower speed keeps the ball in play longer
Wears out softly: Goes mushy over time rather than cracking
Don't use outdoors: Will skid on rough surfaces and wear out very quickly
☀️ Outdoor Ball — 40 holes
Smaller holes: More of them, smaller — designed to combat wind
Harder plastic: Built to withstand concrete and asphalt surfaces
Faster pace: Higher bounce and faster speed — more athletic play
Heavier: Extra weight helps it travel straight in a breeze
Wears out hard: Cracks rather than going soft — keep a spare in your bag
Cold weather tip: Outdoor balls crack more easily in winter — warm them up first
Easy way to remember: count the holes. 26 = indoor. 40 = outdoor. If you're ever unsure which ball you've picked up, that's your answer.
NewBee recommendation
What should a NewBee buy first?
Honestly? Don't buy anything yet. WilloBees provides balls at every session and loaner paddles for beginners. Play a few times with club equipment first — you'll quickly get a feel for what weight and size suits you, making your eventual purchase much smarter.
When you're ready to buy your first paddle, aim for the A$80–A$150 range with a fibreglass face and 16mm core. For balls, your sessions are covered — but if you want your own to practise at home, grab a tube of outdoor balls (40 holes) for hard courts or a tube of indoor balls (26 holes) for gym sessions.
And always check the WilloBees discounts page before you buy — we may have a deal waiting for you. 🐝
Ready to get started?