I made a paddle strop but don't trust it, looking at paddle strop options.

Hey, for my first strop and entrance into straight shaving I bought a veg tanned belly for a few bucks from Tandy. I cut a piece and glued it to the paddle I had carved and finished with tung oil. Thing is, there are little insect bites and other imperfections in the leather, and I don't feel like it glued perfectly flat. I don't have any real experience in leather or wood work, but I think I need to remove this leather and try again. Any suggestions where I get a passable bit of leather?

Otherwise, I'm thinking of purchasing one of Star Shaving's paddles. What would you choose for the second side? I can choose either black latigo, balsa, or felt. I'm thinking balsa would be the most important second surface to own, but I'm pretty new to this, and open to feedback. Thanks.

you could try sanding the leather flat with a 2000 grit or more paper or pumice if only minor, or remove and start again & clamp the leather flat while the glue dries
I have a Star shaving Big Daddy hanging strop
personally I would go leather with felt for the 2nd side just like a hanging strop as a cleaner prior to using the leather side