The Top 5 Power Paddles in 2023
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Bread & Butter Filth
-Use code STSPICKLEBALL to save 10% on your order
-You can purchase it here: bit.ly/3PrHjEn
CRBN 1X
-Use code STSPICKLEBALL to save 10% on your order
-You can purchase it here: bit.ly/46CtDxs
Six Zero Black Diamond / Amethyst
-Use code STSPICKLEBALL to save 10% on your order
-You can purchase it here: bit.ly/4931Vvx
Gearbox Elongated Power
-You can purchase it here: bit.ly/48QRw5T
Hudef Viva Pro Gen 2
-Use code STSPICKLEBALL to save 10% on your order
-Purchase it here: bit.ly/3FrMfEA
I love this community and have made some of the best friends of my life playing pickleball. I just want to give back and share the information as I am extremely into the details and the variables that make each paddle different and unique. I love the different feels and what each paddle can offer my game. And I aim to share all of this passion with you.
Since Gearbox's new power Pro series seem to be having QC issues and the 275 price, I'm glad I waited. I think I'll go with the Hudef Viva Pro G2 for less than half the price. Thank you, and yes, I'm using your code.
UPDATE: I've played 20+ intense 3.50-4.0 rec games with my new VPG2 wand. Originally 8.1 oz, it's now 8.4 Oz total weight after adding 3gr weights at the sides and a new thicker ribbed grip. I'm very pleased with the NVZ volley pop, control on resets, drive power and overall touch. The spin is similar to my Vatic pro v7, which weighed 9.5 oz customized, i.e. was slower in hand battles, had less touch but similar power. Overall, my VPG2 is much quicker in hand battles, and causes less arm fatigue. Hope this helps someone. Play well.
Sounds good man! Let me know your thoughts when you try it!
Ordered my Hudef Viva Pro 2 yesterday while on vacation in Puerto vallarta. Our 2 week winter vacation ends tomorrow, and I'm excited to get home and pit my Vatic Pro V7 16mm against my new Viva pro2. Thanks again for your paddle reviews. Salud!
@@robbyd1140 Damn you're living the life!! Let me know your thoughts when you try it. Get ready for some insane power :)
I bought the Viva pro Gen 2 one month ago and immediately noticed that the face was getting marked up and not coming completely clean after erasing and wiping with damp cloth and dry cloth still showed marks way too soon. Today I'm at the courts and was cleaning the paddle and noticed the edge guard was loose so I started checking all around the edge guard and discovered several areas where it was loose. I do not abuse this paddle in fact the edge was covered in edge tape and I have an over grip on the handle. The tape is still brand new with hardly any scuffs. So it was not from me playing with the paddle unless the ball can make the edge come loose. Very disappointed with the durability and quality of the paddle, but I have loved the way it has played. Hopefully they will come through with the refund. Now looking for a paddle that is equivalent, but better quality.
So I got the Hudef Viva Pro Gen2, and it has some serious power. Good recommendation!!!!!👍🏼 it’s my outdoor paddle of choice for now.
Crazy power right? Super solid construction for the price too very durable. Glad you like it!!
Does it have good spin also?
Oh yeah solid!
Not sure if you mentioned it in the viva pro gen 2 review, but there are also one piece molded paddles out there that are of course good. But if I am not mistaken, what sets it apart is it is hot-pressed/thermoformed one piece molded handle.
Yes it’s a fully thermoformed gen 2 paddle with no exposed polymer on the grip. Totally solid and premium through and through. I’m honestly extremely impressed with what they’ve done here.
@@stspickleballdo you put a lead tape on the viva pro gen2 or do you recommend?
@@novubrown2780 I personally don’t think it needs it but that is up to you! It has so much power and stability to begin with 😊
Great video, thanks!
07:16 #1 Power paddle Hudef Viva Pro Gen2
Heck yeah man I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊😊
I know they are a smaller company that a lot of people don't know about, but the PD Ghost should definitely get some love as a power paddle with their Kevlar core technology.
That is very true actually I have a Ghost and it is very powerful. I agree with you on this.
I am so new to this game and Man, do I get confused af when reviewers don’t mention the paddle thickness and than I have to surf for hours to figure which one they meant when explaining all the stuff about the paddle’s features 😢
Now my rant aside, anyone wanna pls tell me which thickness he is talking about for the 6.0 black diamond paddle and help save hours of searching for it?
Hey! Sorry and good point. I should clarify when making reviews like this. That said I was speaking about the 16mm :)
I bought the viva gen 2 on your recommendation . I’ve only been playing with for a weeks worth time and I’m beating people that I couldn’t beat before ! They are all confused as to what’s going on. Thanks great reviews . I was using a Vatic prism 16mm . Nice paddle but lacks that power .
Yeah Vatic Prism was overhyped in my opinion. The Viva Pro Gen 2 is where it’s at! I’m super happy you’re happy with the paddle. Always a good feeling when my reviews help someone like this. Thank you for taking the time to share!! ☺️☺️
Are you going to be reviewing the new engage pro paddles? I’d like to see how it stacks up against the other hard hitters
I will yes I’ve been playing with them for a while now I like to make sure I have a good feel on where paddles are placed ranking wise before posting a full review. They wouldn’t make it onto a top 5 power list but they are very solid all court paddles for sure! I’ll have it out in the next couple weeks 😊
You should make a top 5 video for overall paddle. I’m one that’s wants to buy one paddle that’s has power and control.
I will very soon!
@@stspickleball awesome, I value your input and will buy based on your top 5
Sounds good my friend thank you so much!
I understand, if I purchased a black diamond a few months ago the grit is lesser than if I purchase a black diamond today 11/9/23. My question is how will I know? I’m not referring to the pro model. How will I know the grit is different if 6.0 doesn’t claim/announces they’ve updated it beyond the owner giving you “insider scoop?” Hopes this makes sense. An iPhone 10 is an iPhone 10 doesn’t matter what year or month you buy it, until Apple announces a download update, and what the updates are for, changes made, etc. Apple announces the update. Is 6.0 going to announce this update? It’s obviously a good update/announcement if the spin is better. The only reason I can see why they wouldn’t announce this is so people like me who purchased 5 black diamonds the past year won’t be upset that they improved the grit back to what it originally was.
Honestly I have no idea but I definitely hear you. I just always want to be the go to source for any new info and I want to make sure you have the info to work with. 😊
Just ordered mine using your code. Thank you for this review!
I appreciate that very much you’re very welcome my friend!
There are way to many good paddles on the market to pay close to $300 for one especially when you'll be looking to replace it in less than six months.
1,000,000%
100% man. If I hadn’t been sent those Gearbox paddles and I wasn’t a paddle reviewer I would have a hard time stomaching $275 for a paddle. It’s a great paddle, but that’s a big chunk of change. I was talking to my dad on the phone this morning about all of it and he said he wouldn’t either 😂
Then what’s the price point to shop at if you’re planning to replace 2-3x / year?
@@dudebro4361 well that entirely depends on your personal budget and what you value out of your game.
$150
great review as always, thanks!
My man Don!!! Thanks man! 😊😊
Good stuff, my GB Pro power elongated is on its way. have you had any issues with your demo one....buzz on the reviewers talking about QC from GB being really lackluster at the moment. SUBSCRIBED and liked.
Yes that is the buzz and I’ve heard all about it. No issues on my end. Best bet would be to hope and pray 😂 or cancel the order until it’s all sorted out. We are thinking the 50% of people reporting it being less powerful than they imagined to either be due to the more muted feel / perception issues OR the fact that Gearbox had to manufacture way more of these than any paddle ever before and there are actual QC issues, which if that’s actually the case the best bet would be to wait until it’s sorted and get a proper paddle. Still have to see how it all plays out.
too late for me ,,,my GB Power Pro EL is on its way...praying its good@@stspickleball
How did it turn out?
UPDATE: So I received my new GB Pro Power Elongated yesterday took the clear protective wrapping off the grip, and put it on my very accurate Hario gram coffee scale that I check weighed( 200g brass check weight) it was 223 G which is 7.866 Oz. It was in perfect condition Quality control wise, and I took it to the indoor courts and hit around with it, took a lesson on 3rd shot drop technique and placement with the local pro with it and then hit some singles with it. All bone stock. It did not feel in any way over powering, it was nice and quiet, swung well, and seemed to have a decent sweet spot. No alarm bells went off with it in my hand, the spin was nice and quick as well. The soft touch seemed to be there too. I have GB protective edge tape and lead weights as well as an GB overwrap coming tomorrow so I will apply the overwrap, and protective tip tape but hold off on the lead. So far a very nice paddle . BUT now the nagging thing in my head....is it an mis marked control paddle( I doubt it) but it doesn't seem to be a ripper like everyone talked it up to be and then some said they think they got a control paddle instead of the power...seems a tall order to mis-label a paddle.... IDK without trying multiple ones.
@@86309 yes this is the consensus everyone is saying. That they are way softer than the paddles us reviewers got. Great paddle still but more control oriented in feel. Extremely odd to say the least. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this and write this up. Will you been keeping it?
That's great. Do you plan to do a top 5 control paddles of 2023?
czcams.com/video/_dZaVg1T4tQ/video.htmlsi=vUPeFD2ScSmt3K-6
I already have that video up! Go check it out 😊
@@stspickleball 4:47
@@alexandriamercer5588 ?
Hey @stspickleball , first 2 hrs (with the 3.5's) with the Mach 1 Forza 14mm
So different going from a Selkirk Epic Air. Not saying it's love at first serve with the Volair, only that it's a much different feel
Spin wise, I felt I needed to take away some power as the ball was going long a lot...too much pop? idk
Plus (I think) some power needs to be taken off overheads as I found them tough to control
Playing 4 hours tomorrow with the 4's, hopefully more dinking to see if this paddle brings more control / forgiveness than the Power Air
Overall compared to the Selkirk, it feels "heavy" and not as responsive - but that's probably because I'm so used to that paddle
Not blown away yet, but will give it another 10-20 hrs to see if it grows on me
Fair enough! I will say I wasn’t as much of a fan of the 14mm although it has higher spin. Love the 16mm. Thank you for taking the time to follow up. I really enjoyed this. If there’s anything I can do to help you out let me know!
@@stspickleball Find me some (legal) grit I can spray on the Selkirk Epic Power Air... LOL!
@@stspickleball Went with the 14mm because I figured it might be closer in feel to the Power Air
It feels very different...plush, big, heavier
But as mentioned, going to give it an extended play test as control / forgiveness of the Power Air not at all stellar, especially at the net
@@oilerlord6513 😂😂😂 love it. Definitely add some lead tape the the Forza. 1-2 strips of 5inch lead tape about 2inches below the bottom curve so about 2.5-3” of the tape come up the side and it feels WAY better
@@oilerlord6513 fair enough definitely try some lead tape even though you say it’s already heavier it really opens it up and helps create some nice lag for drives and helps with stability and linearity in movement while dinking
Thanks for another great video😊
My pleasure! Thank you for the kind comment and taking the time to share this 😊
Great reviews as always
Thank you 🙏 😊
Amazing video, just got viva pro gen 2. Gonna order the 6.0 ruby soon too
The ruby is such a beautiful paddle!
great reviews. you talked about it a bit with the six zeros but can you rank the stiffness/softness of the paddles reviewed?? I know this is very subjective but am looking for a power paddle without sacrificing too much control. i have played many times with the six zero DBD. how does that compare with the OG BD in terms of "plushness"???
BD is for sure stiffer off the face. If you’re looking for a new paddle what don’t you like about the DBD that you’d want your new paddle to have?
Thanks for the review. Coming from a joola Hyperion I am looking forward to trying the Viva Pro. Thank you for the discount code too. 😊
You're gonna love it. It's going to have WAY more power haha.
Where is the additional weight on the amethyst? I like my paddles at about 8.4oz. But I like to add lead lead tape around the bottom for more control rather then on top for power.
I haven’t done the swing weight and twist weight measurements yet on the amethyst but the overall weight is 8.3oz 😊
It should be closer to 8.5 I must have gotten a lighter one
So is the new texture applied to the black Diamond power? I know the power and the amethyst are a fiberglass face so just wondering if it’s just on those paddles.
@@zmaust15 for now it’s just on those paddles and also the new Ruby which is probably my personal favorite of the entire bunch. Awesome paddle!!!
@@stspickleball I’m really surprised the Ruby isn’t sold out yet
Hey. I have the Pickleball Apes Proline Energy and I really like it! I would like to get a second paddle that is also power oriented. What paddle would you recommend?
I would get the BALLR Heat. Top tier spin and solid power at a really solid price. Check out my video on it! The giveaway already happened so you can disregard that portion of it 😊
Here’s the deal when the manufacture changes the texture of their paddle after you purchased the older one, they should offer an update on the older one! You demo and think when you purchase it that it’s going to have a certain grit, then when your paddle arrives it’s not like that, I feel gyped! I’ve had 2 paddles that had that happen, Legacy and DBD!
I made my purchase off those rpm numbers and recommendations. I thought maybe it was just me but after watching this I can say I definitely feel a little slighted by them making the swap and not making that information public.
Very fair. The original grit is still top tier regardless, but your comment and your feelings are totally valid!
Fair take
Did they update grit on the DBD too??
@@scottfrancis13 no info on that yet 😊
Hudef priced just right 🙌
It really is. Spending much more on any paddle is kind of silly.
Hudef Viva Pro vs BnB Filth
Which is the all round better paddle not just power? If you could only pick one?
I’d pick the viva pro gen 2 all day honestly. Filth is solid but it’s more of a marketing and aesthetically pleasing paddle. Viva pro gen 2 is all about performance and quality for the price. No contest.
currently playing Ronbus R1 Pulsar, love the pop and power but dislike it on resets and dinks, any recommendations for a softer paddle without giving of too much pop and power? On good for control, was thinking of Loco or Apes Proline S??
I’d go with the Ruby if you don’t want to give up power but want a paddle better than the pulsar.
Good job appreciate your work.
Thank you very much!!
Love these❤
Thanks man!!
What about Spartus Ballista?
Spartus Ballista is a control oriented paddle. It’s very soft off the face and not power oriented at all 😊
Are all the new six zero paddles getting new grit ?
I would assume so but I cannot confirm. I can confirm that about the Black Diamond and Amethyst though 😊
U talking about black diamond but picture is double black diamond. So which is it?
The Black Diamond. That was my mistake. Shooting footage for the videos takes a lot of time and energy and I am always thinking about shots and lighting etc etc. I’m sorry for the confusion. But yes the Black Diamond not the DBD.
how do you rank legacy pro in terms of power and pop?
Very high tbh. But I haven’t listed it cause it’s one of the worst paddles for delamination and I am all about saving people’s hard earned money.
@@stspickleball Thanks, which means Legacy Pro is more powerful and poppy of them all? Because I am actually looking for the most powerful and poppy 16mm paddle. I do owned the Hudef viva pro gen 2 and used your code after watching your review and thank you very much. Its now my main paddle.
@@novubrown2780 😂 you mean when it’s delaminated? And no it would be like third or fourth if it didn’t have issues I wouldn’t want people spending their money on haha.
@@stspickleball the good one not delaminated LP
Yes third or fourth likely non delaminated 😊
where does Pickleball Apes Proline fit in this line up
The Proline would be a good bit down the list. It has a nice cushy feel off the face. It’s not nearly as firm as these power specific paddles. It’s more of an all court paddle for sure. Probably close to 8-9 if it was a top 10 paddle list.
Thanks, appreciate your information.
@@SPWhiteShark heck yeah! Love talking paddles!
No LegacyPro, 002 or Black Ace?? 😬
Great paddles! Some of which have more pop than power in my experience but solid power oriented paddles indeed! And with Legacies really bad delamination and core crushing issues I just don’t want people spending their hard earned money on something that won’t last.
@@stspickleball touche. All very fair points.
The problems with the Legacy pro were only in the first production run and have been fixed long ago. I would put the Legacy Pro up against anything out there for power and spin. @@stspickleball
Fairly true! Still a few issues but not as bad! Spin is still only around 1800+ which is solid! But we are seeing a lot of paddles in the 2000+ range now. Still a solid paddle nonetheless.
Pickleball Ape’s Proline Energy?
Not really a power paddle but a solid paddle!
No match 1 forza?
Mach 1 Forza would be #6 but it’s all very close. Mach 1 Forza is one of my all time favorite paddles though. It’s definitely getting a top 5 for the Top 5 paddles of the year, but in my testing isn’t quite as powerful as these are. Which keep in mind isn’t a bad thing. It does everything extremely well and out performs everything on this list from a spin and a control standpoint. It’s one of the best all court paddles available.
Yes indeed 😊
No love for the legacy pro? Just commenting for algorithm and cause I'm a legacy fan boy.
Legacy pro is powerful but has known delaminating issues and core crushing issues and also has mediocre spin in comparison to what is available now. I can’t recommend anyone spend their hard earned money on a paddle with known issues like this 😊 but! Thanks for the comment I appreciate it very much!
I had a Legacy Pro delaminate after 9 months of play (warranty only covers 6 months), they offered me a 20% discount on a new one. No thanks, horrible short term policy for a paddle known to fail.