The Selkirk Luxx Control Air is the Rolls Royce of pickleball paddles. Is it good for beginners? Probably too good — I wouldn’t recommend it if it’s your first paddle or you’re just getting started in the sport. But, if you’re ready to take your game to the next level, there’s really no better option.

It’s made with the brand’s proprietary carbon fiber blend, which gives you more control of aim and spin. You’ll notice the difference (trust me, when I upgraded to mine, I felt like a professional) within your first few hits. The grip is spongy and tacky, perfect for those especially sweaty days, and the large sweet spot gives you more confidence to hit power shots or short dinks. Perhaps the most unique feature of this paddle is the open space towards the bottom of the paddle which enhances in-game airflow allowing you to react to tricky shots quicker.

If you’re looking for the best way to train, a practice net is a great option. Rather than having to find a pickleball-specific court, you can just set up shop in your driveway or on a tennis court. The Portable Pickleball net from Onix comes with two nets, one USAPA regulation size and one smaller, 10-foot size. Its construction is fairly simple, just a few interlocking steel tubes and adjustable straps, plus the wide base ensures that it’ll hold strong during play. It comes with a wheeled carrying case for easy portability and setup and tear-down is straightforward.

When you’re hydrating in between games, there’s two things you don’t want to worry about when it comes to your water bottle: messing around with a lid and lukewarm water. Simple Modern’s Summit Water Bottle has two cap options, but the one I prefer is the foldable straw lid because of its easy accessibility. This bottle is double walled, which means your drinks will stay cold for over 24 hours, and the stainless steel is BPA free. If you’re looking to keep this in your car, the 22-ounce size fits most cup holders.

Ria is one of the few, if not only, brands making men’s and women’s sunglasses specifically for pickleball. Their Vantage model is made of a patented Swiss nylon frame and two-piece shatterproof polycarbonate lens designed in collaboration with optics titan Zeiss. What makes them designed specifically for pickleball? The Court HD+ lenses are created to increase the contrast between yellow and a blue and green background, making them ideal for most racquet sports. When I’m playing during the day, the bright sun rays are what I typically blame if I lose, so I appreciate how well these both block out the light and stay put without constricting my temples. The nose piece is also adjustable, which is a nice bonus.

Joola is widely recognized as one of the leaders in the pickleball space and their neoprene sleeve is one of the best ways to maintain your paddle when it’s not in use. Its thick fabric helps keep your paddle free from dents, scratches, liquid, and dirt that it may otherwise attract. It has a zipper closure for easy access and at about the price of lunch, it’s hard to think of a better investment in extending the life of your paddle.

I go to the courts several times a week, and transition from car to play can become a burden. Carrying a paddle, balls, water bottle, portable speaker, and more quickly make a leisurely activity feel like work, that’s why a good bag is so important. Fresh Pickle, a new brand making stylish pickleball accessories, offers an all-in-one solution with their tote bag. It fits up to three paddles, has a water bottle holder, and a spacious main compartment big enough for a pair of sneakers or plenty of balls. It’s made of a water-resistant canvas and features adjustable straps so you can find the perfect length.

If you’re on the road or fly a lot, then you know the value of a go-to backpack with dedicated storage for all your trinkets. Joola’s Vision II Deluxe Backpack takes everything I love about my trusty travel companion and tailors it for the court.

When it comes to choosing a pickleball backpack: “I’d say a separate compartment for shoes is almost a necessity,” Ashworth said. “Also a separate and preferably padded spot to place paddles.” This backpack’s main storage space can hold up to four paddles and a separate bottom slot is big enough for a pair of shoes. This bag features over 10 pockets to keep everything organized, including a large laptop sleeve so you can swiftly go from office to the court. If that’s not enough, a durable hook at the top lets you hang it on the fence to keep it off the dirty ground.

I’ve always been a one-size-fits-all type of guy, meaning my running shoes are my gym shoes are my pickleball shoes. But after playing more and more, and feeling the soreness from it, I think it’s a smart idea to invest in sneakers designed specifically for the sport. The Express Light Pickleball Shoes for men and women is one of the first shoes designed specifically for pickleball, which means it prioritizes stability and agility. The upper of the shoe has the brand’s proprietary molded flex area to prevent dragging and the ankle has extra padding for comfort as you move around. The herringbone-pattern outsole gives ultimate traction, great for outdoor and clay courts.

If you’re just getting started with pickleball, or you’re looking for a new activity for the family, you really don’t need top-of-the-line gear. The slight improvements from equipment designed for advanced players won’t have that much of an effect if you don’t have the basics down, and that’s why I love this set on Amazon. It comes with four fiberglass paddles, four balls, extra grips, and a bag to carry it all. If you’re only looking to play with your significant other, two-packs are also available for about half the price as the full set. Master your serves and returns with this value pack that’s well worth the money.