What is your current paddle?

[A_Instead]

Hello Team....
lets discuss our current paddles..

Mine is the Onix Evoke Premiere light weight with an added overgrip to bring it to mid weight..
it's a very impressive paddle with great control and feel..
I also have a Gamma Compass LH which I use from time to time...and have a Franklin Ben Johns signature model on the way from Santa...

I prefer longer paddles for the added reach and leverage...and the extra pop is always an added benefit...

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

My high-tech blade:

Found this on a tennis court some years back. Had been sitting there for several days. Might have been from a HS pickleball class.

​

 

[A_Instead]

Your poor elbow...

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Your poor elbow...

No elbow issue. I've really only played pickleball once so far. It was actually pretty hard on my lower back given my bad hip (limited flexion; needs replacement) and the difficulty with having to deal with a lot of low shots. The cold weather here is not helping either. No indoor places open in this area cuz of the very high covid threat here.

 

[A_Instead]

Yes... with pickle you have to go low...as you know...the Ball does not bounce..
Someday...if you get a chance....try a modern paddle...
Your wooden Blade is like playing tennis with a wooden racket..

 

[srvnvly]

Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro - I had Paddletek create one for me at 8 oz with the smaller grip size, since I use an over grip.

 

[A_Instead]

Wave pro feels great...but also feels very short. .
I have 2 of the 1st gen paddletek bantam e xl that I use from time to time outdoors. But they to feel short...
I keep them cause the are golden classics..

 

[A_Instead]

My club pro is sponsored by Gamma...so I can demo all Gamma models. My pb club has 300 members... play is on pause now due to CV 19 ...but should start back up in January..

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-i got a UpStreet paddle!! (my first and only one)
-"say hello to my little friend"" scar-face quote!!!
-i went for the looks; gotta have some style!
-i would consider buying bison-padles next?!?!?!, but no need, since i dont play that much

-ohh, an FYI, this paddle is not legal for tournament play!,
-i guess it has "too much" power,, not sure i agree, ????!!!
-if you are playing/considering tournaments, you might wanna consider that fact!!

 

[tennytive]

^^^ looks nice.
I have two Paddleteks, Phoenix Pro (black), and Bantam EX-L, not the current design, but a few years old. Orange, gray, black, and yellow face. Both have full overgrips wrapped twice around and weigh over 8oz.

 

[djNEiGht]

Gamma Mirage with a tad bit of lead on the handle and at the top.
Head Extreme Lite with more lead than the Gamma (as I have a lighter static weight to start with).

I prefer the feel of the Extreme but still trying to dial in the weight.

lol...

 

[A_Instead]

I too have 2 of the original "P" Paddletek bantam e xl... A blue and a purple scheme...
Nice timeless paddle...but to short for my preference nowadays...

 

[ChaelAZ]

Hello Team....
lets discuss our current paddles..

Niupipo USAPA Approved Graphite Pickleball Paddles w/ Carbon Fiber Surface, Polypropylene Honeycomb Core, Cushion Grip, Paddle Cover, in Blue. Picked up two for around $60 through azon.

 

[Cashman]

 

[StringGuruMRT]

I've got two Wilson paddles the Tour and Tour Pro. Got them for being on their PB AD Staff

 

[TripleB]

Just moved from the Paddletek Sabre Pro to the Gearbox GX6 Power 8.50 ounce!

I own the GX6, 2 Sabre Pros, Paddletek Bantam EX-L, Paddletek Phoenix LTE, Selkirk NEO Composite, and Paddletek Arc. A couple of those I've given to my son, my wife, and my daughter so we can all play at the same time.

TripleB

 

[A_Instead]

I am itching to try a Gearbox paddle....many many users in my area..

 

[TripleB]

I am itching to try a Gearbox paddle....many many users in my area..

Absolutely nobody in my area, although not a large area, uses a Gearbox paddle.

I took advantage of their demo program ($20, 4 paddles, for one week). Really loved both the GX6 Power 8.5 oz and the GX6 Control 8.5 oz (both play lighter than the weight). Finally decided to go with the one I had the best results (most confidence in)...GX6 8.5 oz Power.

Coming from tennis I've always gravitated towards longer paddles...that's why I tried the GX6 model over the GX5.

Wasn't sure the handle would feel long enough for my two-hand backhand but the paddle is so thin it works perfectly.

I tried the Gamma Compass LH because it has the longest handle I've ever found. I added lead tape all the way around the head to take it from 7.2 ounces to 8.2 ounces. I had a lot of success with it (especially in singles) but just didn't do well with it on touch shot - although I struggle in that area anyway. Absolutely fantastic power level with the Compass LH and it gave me easy access to spin (something I use quite a bit) - I could definitely use it as my go to paddle and not think twice; but I just had a better success from all areas of the court with my Sabre Pro and especially the Gearbox GX6 8.5 oz Power.

TripleB

 

[djNEiGht]

Coming from tennis I've always gravitated towards longer paddles...that's why I tried the GX6 model over the GX5.



TripleB

I've gone towards a heavier set up but haven't tried a longer paddle.

 

[TripleB]

I've gone towards a heavier set up but haven't tried a longer paddle.

How heavy have you gone and liked?

I thought 8.0 ounces plus an overgrip and headtape was my perfect weight until I tried the GX6 8.5 ounce. It's doesn't feel near that heavy...even after adding an overgrip and headtape (which brought the weight up 8.80 ounces), it still played lighter than my 8.50 ounce Sabre Pro. Not sure if the GX6 is more headlight or the thinness is part of the reason, but it is really quick through the air (yet extremely stable).

TripleB

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-yooooo, we talking about pickleball, not hide the pickle

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I am itching to try a Gearbox paddle....many many users in my area..

-check out the BISON paddles
-if nothing else, youll have the MOST BadAss paddle out there!!

 

[1HBHfanatic]

^^^ looks nice.
I have two Paddleteks, Phoenix Pro (black), and Bantam EX-L, not the current design, but a few years old. Orange, gray, black, and yellow face. Both have full overgrips wrapped twice around and weigh over 8oz.

-haa i did that to mine also,
-in the first week, i threw on a fresh wilson progrip!!
-my orignal paddle grip was still brand new, but coming from tennis, that's just something i do!!
-other people in the group saw it and were like ,"now that's smart!" haaaaa

 

[A_Instead]

I have a hard time using any paddle under 16 inches...I like/need the extra reach and pop of the extended length.. helps with wristy strokes..and dinks..
Long handled models are preferred... really like the Ben Johns paddle which BTW is sale at the moment at Total Pickleball at a great price...but I have no problem using paddles like the Gamma std Compass, ProLite Cypher Pro Black Diamond, (which is a great paddle) or the Head Radical XL.

 

[gerryh]

Hello Team....
lets discuss our current paddles..

Mine is the Onix Evoke Premiere light weight with an added overgrip to bring it to mid weight..
it's a very impressive paddle with great control and feel..
I also have a Gamma Compass LH which I use from time to time...and have a Franklin Ben Johns signature model on the way from Santa...

I prefer longer paddles for the added reach and leverage...and the extra pop is always an added benefit...

The Onix Evoke Premiere is not a long paddle. After getting the BJ paddle what do you think now that you've had it for awhile? I used to play with the Evoke Premier and then switched to the Electrum Pro (really same shape & weight). Most recently I have been trying out the new Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro (16.5" paddle).

 

[srvnvly]

Tempest Reign Pro is due soon at TPB, I would go 8 oz minimum, like I did for my Tempest Wave Pro. Has anyone played with both and can compare them?

 

[tennytive]

I'm starting to wonder if some day we're going to see "oversize" paddles like we do in tennis.

 

[gerryh]

Currently the USAPA restricts the combined length + width to 24". I think 17" is the longest allowed.

 

[Lorenn]

I'm starting to wonder if some day we're going to see "oversize" paddles like we do in tennis.

There are extremely different shapes, but there is a current range limit. There are illegal paddles in existence. Most players don't like the super large paddles anyways. Reduces swing speed. XL paddles quite a few players seem to like, but as mentioned before you are limited to seventeen inches. Players tend to eventually switch back to smaller paddles aa it helps with reaction time which tends to be key.

 

[TripleB]

Started having elbow problems with the Gearbox GX6 8.5 oz so I have moved to the Engage Elite Pro Maverick. I gave up a bit in the power department but have gained an incredible amount of touch, a bit more control, and better maneuverability, while giving up very little in the solid feel department.

TripleB

 

[A_Instead]

Have to watch your swing technique if you are getting elbow pain... perhaps you are using more of tennis stroke... which is a no no in PB..

 

[A_Instead]

For some old reason that I can't put into words.. Paddletek Paddles have a weird feel to me...I just can't predict or feel the ball as I can with others...

 

[CHtennis]

So I had an old Paddletek tempest that was getting pretty used, so I tried a Selkirk Mach 6 since I have a 2 handed backhand and I have liked it, but I really liked my Tempest. So I go the Tempest pro and it has dead spots. Meaning like if I dont hit it in the center then it will not go as far or barely go anywhere. If I always hit it in the center it was fine, but now I had pretty much switched to the Mach 6 since it does not have any dead spots. Is that normal for paddles to have dead spots?

 

[A_Instead]

Selkirk Invikta Tyson Mcguffin is one of the best imo...

 

[Kevin T]

Anyone tried Harrow paddles? I know they left the market for a bit but are now producing paddles again. The older models like the Stealth, P230 and P220 are quite cheap on the Interwebs, $60-65. I love and use their squash and racquetball racquets and just getting into pickleball, so don't want to spend a ton. Thanks!

 

[quest01]

Babolat Rebel Touch

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

de Sade Libertine

bet your 'bottom' ouch! dollar - best paddle on the marquet

 

[srvnvly]

Lots of Grearbox users here; I’m switching to the Selkirk Mach 6 Hybrid…for now…Pickleballaholic-ness engaged

 

[JohnTN]

Hello Team....
lets discuss our current paddles..

Mine is the Onix Evoke Premiere light weight with an added overgrip to bring it to mid weight..
it's a very impressive paddle with great control and feel..
I also have a Gamma Compass LH which I use from time to time...and have a Franklin Ben Johns signature model on the way from Santa...

I prefer longer paddles for the added reach and leverage...and the extra pop is always an added benefit...

New to PB, have only been on a court for 1 hour. Purchased a set of Selkirk SLP through Costco for $99. Costco site didn't list the weights but Amazon says weight is between 7.2 and 7.7 oz.

I don't know what weight I should use since no experience but have played tennis all my life and a decent club player. My wife is a tennis player also. Do you think the weights will be okay for beginners with background in tennis?

 

[A_Instead]

That paddle will be perfect for you and your wife..

 

[djNEiGht]

@JohnTN
A few tennis players I know that also play PB like their paddle a little heavier. You can always add lead tape. This is good if you want to flare the butt cap. If you put on the edge of the paddle, cover with electrical tape. Don't sweat it and just have fun playing. You'll find what you like. experiment and go for it

 

[heninfan99]

Mine is super heavy . It's a cheap wood paddle. I like the feel on contact but it is a little slow on reaction volleys.

 

[heninfan99]

Hello Team....
lets discuss our current paddles..

Mine is the Onix Evoke Premiere light weight with an added overgrip to bring it to mid weight..
it's a very impressive paddle with great control and feel..
I also have a Gamma Compass LH which I use from time to time...and have a Franklin Ben Johns signature model on the way from Santa...

I prefer longer paddles for the added reach and leverage...and the extra pop is always an added benefit...

Ben Johns is like the Sampras of pickleball.

 

[Slicehand]

Mine is prince textreme 100 310, great for everything, pickle and charge, pickle serve...

 

[treo]

I like my paddle the same weight as my tennis racquet, 11.2 oz. I've tried different weights and tried a homemade wood paddle at 13 oz, then 12 oz then settled on 11 oz. It seems silly to use the lightest materials and then add lead to it so I use a $15 Onix Recruit wood paddle from Walmart with a reinforced neck I made with added wood, along with making it 17" long. All cheap wood paddles have a weak spot at the neck so it needs to be reinforced to last. Wood also gives more spin. I leaded up my composite paddle to match wood and it didn't give the same spin as wood. When you hit the sweet spot it is the quietest paddle on the market. I've never had tennis elbow so we will see if I get pickle elbow.

Paddle manufacturers are following the same marketing hype that tennis has done in the past and are now breaking the $200 price barrier. Aerodynamic ports, revolutionary materials, etc. What if wood is just as good?

 

[A_Instead]

Pickle ball paddles where cheap not long ago..
Now market has set prices at $150 average.. give or take $25 each way.

 

[antony]

selkirk mach6 hybrid lightweight

 

[jonestim]

Gearbox CX11E Control 8.5

When I started playing in August I watched a couple interviews with the company owner explaining the construction of their paddles and was sold, so I bought a GX6 Control 8.5. I played it for a bit but noticed that the sweet spot was small compared to friends paddles I would try (OneShot Proshot, Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro, one of the Head Radical models, Diadem Warrior). I added some lead to open the sweet spot some, but it was still lacking. I was getting ready to buy a Warrior when Gearbox announced the new paddles. I'm glad I waited.

I tried the CX11E Control 8.5 and the CX14E. The CX14E was super soft, but I didn't have enough power and had to "over swing" which lead to accuracy problems. I ended up with the CX11E and am super happy.

Compared to my GX6, it has a bigger sweet spot, more consistency, is softer, and has more spin. Zero complaints about it.

 

[srvnvly]

Gearbox CX11E Control 8.5

When I started playing in August I watched a couple interviews with the company owner explaining the construction of their paddles and was sold, so I bought a GX6 Control 8.5. I played it for a bit but noticed that the sweet spot was small compared to friends paddles I would try (OneShot Proshot, Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro, one of the Head Radical models, Diadem Warrior). I added some lead to open the sweet spot some, but it was still lacking. I was getting ready to buy a Warrior when Gearbox announced the new paddles. I'm glad I waited.

I tried the CX11E Control 8.5 and the CX14E. The CX14E was super soft, but I didn't have enough power and had to "over swing" which lead to accuracy problems. I ended up with the CX11E and am super happy.

Compared to my GX6, it has a bigger sweet spot, more consistency, is softer, and has more spin. Zero complaints about it.

Nice! I currently use the Selkirk Mach 6, 8 oz, but started drooling when I read the specs for this paddle. Any issues with the grip size?

 

[antony]

Nice! I currently use the Selkirk Mach 6, 8 oz, but started drooling when I read the specs for this paddle. Any issues with the grip size?

Do you not like your paddle anymore