Everything you put in play, from the ball you toss to the paddle you swing. Starter picks that won't hold you back, and performance gear worth the investment when you're ready.
Pickleballs
You'll go through balls fast — especially outdoors on concrete. These are the most-used brands at open play sessions across Denver and beyond.
The X-40 is the official ball of USA Pickleball and the most-played outdoor ball in the country. A 3-pack at $10 is the lowest-friction entry point for new players who need balls before they worry about a paddle. Strong reorder item.
Selkirk's entry into the ball market. The Pro S1 is designed for outdoor hard courts with a slightly thicker wall than the X-40. A 4-pack at $10 is a strong value play, and the Selkirk name carries trust from the paddle side of the category.
6-pack with a mesh bag at $12 is the best per-ball price in this section. The included bag matters — loose balls rolling around a car trunk is a universal annoyance. A practical choice for players who go through balls quickly or play multiple times per week.
Paddle Sets
Two paddles for the price of one decision. The right call for couples, friends starting together, or anyone who wants a spare without buying two singles.
A 2-paddle set at $40 is the standard entry point for couples or friends starting together. MTEN paddles are a reliable beginner brand. The set format removes the decision of mixing brands for a first-time pair purchase.
JOOLA is one of the few brands that sponsors both pickleball and table tennis at the highest levels. A 2-paddle set at $76 targets couples or partners who want a mid-range option without buying two individual paddles. The brand association with Ben Johns (their signature paddle is in this section) adds credibility.
Selkirk's 2-paddle set at $90 is the premium set option on this list. The SLK line is Selkirk's value tier but still carries pickleball-native construction and quality. For players who want Selkirk brand without the $200 flagship price.
Performance Paddles
For the player who knows what they want. These are singles — one paddle built for one player. The HEAD Radical is the step-up move; the Ben Johns Hyperion is the end goal.
HEAD's entry-level singles paddle at $48. The Radical Elite is the step up from beginner sets — for the player who has been playing a few months and wants their own paddle without spending $100+. HEAD brand recognition from tennis carries weight in this segment.
The Ben Johns signature paddle is one of the most recognized products in pickleball. Ben Johns is the number-one ranked player in the world and the Hyperion CFS is his tournament paddle. At $153 it is the performance flagship on this list — for players ready to invest in serious equipment.