Honolulu Pickleball Company Sword & Shield J2K Review
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- Read my written review of the J2K here: pickleballeffect.com/equipmen...
Link to purchase (code 10EFFECT): 808pickle.com/products/sword-...
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Preview
00:25 Intro
00:53 Paddle construction
01:38 The numbers
03:18 The price & looks
03:50 Playtest
06:11 My tungsten tape set up
06:46 Paddle comparisons
07:12 J2K vs J2K Pro
08:01 My recommendation
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What I find amazing with these "smaller" channels is the video quality is stellar, good HD resolution. In contrast, the PPA Tour videos are horrible. Maybe we should get these "smaller" channels to cover Pro Pickleball events.
I like the branding the sides of the paddle. The fact that it’s symmetrical, makes it a good marker for your lead tape.
I'm using the Double Black Diamond 6.0 and loving it.
Been waiting for this review! Bought one a couple of weeks back and have been loving it. Switched from a control paddle to the J2K and didn’t miss a beat. Didn’t lose any control but also didn’t feel too powerful
Thanks for the comment, that's good to hear about your experience with the transition from a control paddle. I bet a lot of people here are in a similar position.
Exactly what i am finding.
Been using this paddle since early April when the smaller paddle reviewers raved about it. Been my #1 go to paddle since!
Me to! Though I am using the Pro.
Great review as always Braydon!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome Vid thanks!!!
This is my favorite paddle of the year so far! But the J7K is really good option for folks that want elongated IMO. Great review!
I agree, it's up there in my book too. I've hit the J7K some but need to spend more time with it. I like HPC's shape lineup in general though I'm not convinced the Pro versions are that different ha.
@@pickleballeffect Honolulu does a great job tweaking and improving IMO with each batch they do. So, I think the J2K keeps getting more powerful as new batches get produced, so that gap has been closing between it and its Pro version. I will say I think the differences between the J7K and J7K Pro are pretty pronounced--especially for soft-hitters and control-oriented players that don't have big swings. But that could definitely change as they continue tweaking. Regardless, a great line-up! Glad you were able to hit with them!
I've been playing with this paddle now for a week, and I love it! it is exactly what I want in a paddle. I was using the Legacy Pro, but on off days had trouble controlling the soft game. I then transitioned to the Ronbus 3.16, but lacking that pop made putting away points in more competitive matches a little harder, not to mention hand battles were harder. I find this a perfect paddle in between these. It has more pop, I find myself quicker in hand battles, and over all feel that this is the most complete paddle I have ever used. Also, the price point (especially with discount codes) is perfect for a premium paddle.
Great summary, thanks for sharing.
I am looking to replace my Legacy Pro. How does the J2K compare as far as power, pop, and spin?
@@OtherTaylor A little less power than the legacy pro but more pop, more forgiveness, and similar levels of spin.
@@pickleballeffect Great reviews Brandon! I been watching all your reviews and loved your tungsten tape. I was also coming from the Legacy Pro last year. Been trying to find a replacement paddle. I liked the Joola Gen 3 Perceus 16mm, but it got banned. So I bought the Paddletek TKO-CX 12.7mm (based on your review on the replacement for gen 3 paddles). Loved the put away power and the drive on the TKO-CX 12.7mm, but I have trouble controlling the forehand dink with that paddle. I am a 4.0 player. Do you think I should practice more and get used to the TKO CX 12.7mm, or get the J2K? I played with the Hurache X control before and it wasn't too bad. I had rotator cuff shoulder surgery last year, so I need my paddle to do alittle more work for me. I find the Ruby too under powered for me. With the Ruby, I would have to swing harder to compensate for its lack of power, and by end of the session my shoulder would be sore. What paddle would you recommend for me? Thanks in advance.
Great video!! I agree with the red/gray and branding comment but the J2K is also available in dark blue/gray which is way more appealing. They were also very responsive when I sent an email after my order requesting the lightest weight in their inventory.
That's true, I should have mentioned the blue version but didn't for some reason. I agree, that color scheme looks better than the red one. And glad to hear their customer service is good, I don't really experience that part with companies so it's valuable to hear that from you.
Yes, their customer service is great and responsive. Just an FYI, I asked for a weight between 8.0 and 8.1oz and got 8.16ox. When I asked about it, they said they didn't have anything lighter in that production run. So weight requests seem to be hit and miss, still great service though.
Noticed on drives it was staying a decent amount lower cus I hit the top of the net a lot more… idk if it’s because the Kevlar is grabbing the ball more or what…and even though the swing weights low it does for some reason still feel a little heavy to me as well. Maybe I’ll try to move my lead tape lower like you did. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who recognized both of those things. 🤙🏽
Nice, glad to hear we had a similar experience. I think higher twistweight paddles can have that effect were it moves a little slower than its swingweight suggests and is a small drawback to super stable paddles that isn't talked about much. I’m not sure why the launch angle was lower, but it is noticeable.
I can definitely confirm that it’s more stiff than the Ruby, which was a little annoying at first. However, I’ve learned to appreciate it when playing with Franklin balls (especially on hot days).
I like your thoughts on how weather affects the feel cuz when you're outside and it's hot, these stiffer feeling paddles start to feel like softer control paddles but when your indoor and have control temperatures you can feel the stiffer impact more.
That’s why I will keep my forza mach 2 in my bag.
Just got mine and used it for the first time today. I´ve been using the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm for the past ten months. The Vatic has been a great paddle but I wanted something with just a touch more pop and power. It seemed to do that and at the same time it seemed very familiar and I don´t think it will take much of a transition period. I would prefer less graphics and could do without the religious references on the paddle but I think I am going to really like this one. Great review and from my limited experience, I think you are spot on in your evaluation of it. I did not request a weight but mine came in at 8.1 oz.
Thanks for the comment, it's good to hear others experience with it, especially knowing what paddle you came from.
Have you tried a thinner paddle for that touch more pop and power? I got the same paddle in 16mm & 14mm and found that the 16 required more force to get the same drive and distance (less pop) and the 14 had a more predictable rebound off the paddle face.
@@seangoff9578 I did not. It depends upon the paddle, but, from what I understand, going from a 16mm to a 14mm version of the same paddle typically means more pop, faster hands (lower swing weight) but a bit less power.
I just got my J2K on the 10th . Asked them to select a low swing weight for me and got 112.37 SW and overall weight of 8.17 oz. Very happy. Plays very good. Powerful flicks and good serves.
I added 2 oz on each side just above the handle to lower the balance point. Now it feels very very easy to flick. Thanks Branden and JK for the idea. Haven’t played with it yet.
Nice! Those are good numbers.
Can you expand on this comment? It sort of sounds like you asked them to pick out a good apple for you lol. Is there variance in weight between different copies of the J2K?
@@aceofspades627every paddle out there has a weight range, 7.9-8.2oz for example, and it sounds like HPC takes requests if you prefer a lighter or heavier one.
@@aceofspades627 you can request different ways in their weight range of 113 to 115. But they just started production so they realizing that they can actually get slightly lightweights. You have to ask them.
@@HowieB-isMe3885 ah I see that’s cool. It kinda feels like they took a manufacturing tolerance issue and turned it into a feature
can you please do a review on the spartus apollo. the swing weight 108 which is lower than the j2k and the twist weight comes in the mid 7s stock.
Great review!! How would you say the power of the j2k stacks up against something like the prism v7? I know you included the ranking with the prism flash in the video, I’m just curious to hear how they compare directly
The power and pop of the Prism V7 is still less than the J2K. The Prism V7 is closer in power to the Ruby though less pop than the Ruby.
Forgiving is a term used in golf and it makes sense that people would start talking about paddles as being "forgiving". I think the Selkirk Luxx is forgiving but I haven't tried the Sword & Shield yet. Thanks for the info!
I played a lot of golf before pickleball and that's where I got that term from. I wonder if people understand my meaning behind it though, maybe I should use the term sweet spot size instead or something.
@@pickleballeffect If it is directly related to size of sweat spot then you could go either way. It's a smart way to explain to novices for sure!
I appreciate the use of forgiving also when describing paddles. To me it describes more than just the sweet spot, but overall playability of the paddle’s surface. I’d expect a forgiving paddle to have a generous sweet spot with the edges toward the top, sides and throat area still being predictably playable. The LUXX Invicta for example didn’t seem that forgiving to me. It had a wonderfully plush sweet spot, but off center shots felt significantly less powerful and had a dead feeling.
All that to say, B I don’t think it would hurt to let folks know what YOU mean by forgiving too! Love your reviews and presentation. Thank you.
I like your comparison chart with the Prism Flash as that is my current paddle. However, I'm kinda wondering how the Prism stacks up against the new wave of Standard Shape paddles ...
Stacks up great with price. You can get new paddle sooner with that great price. It plays as well as other control paddles I’ve tried.
Been using J2K for 2 months and love it. Bought a red and a dark blue. The red version is about .2 oz heavier and for some reason is noticeably more plush! I'll buy a red 8.1 - 8.2 oz version next time
Do they let you request a specific weight?
@@pickleballeffectyes
Thoughts on whether the J2K pro is stiffer than the thrive? I love the Azul but roll volleys and flicks can sometimes come off hotter and less forgiving
I think the J2K Pro is still not quite as stiff as the AZUL.
I have j2k, and quite enjoy it. it hits plenty hard whe you put some oomph in it, but feels soft when you dont. almost a dynamic feel.
one thing, it is surprisingly loud though. does not bother me at all, but just a thing to be aware if impact noise is any issue
Thanks for the comment. I didn't feel like it was loud but I've also been playing with very loud paddles the last couple of months like the Paddletek TKOs and the JOOLA Gen 3s. Everything seems more quiet compared to those ha.
@pickleballeffect indeed. I game from VP flash..and I was like..wow this (j2k) is loud! has the reverse effect as through quet paddles. makes everything sound like a really hard hit
My J2K was delivered a few weeks ago as part of the end-of-May batch. It was marked as 8.4 oz and I confirmed on my scale. I'm recovering from an injury so can't play now, but it feels head-heavy in my hand. Wish I knew I could have requested a weight since 8.4 oz doesn't give me any room for customization. Hopefully it will turn out OK.
Hmm, that is outside their spec. You may want to reach out to them and ask about it. Max weight should be 8.2oz. Yeah I know they are soft on these numbers, but still it may help you get a replacement. Good luck.
@@TonyDL Thanks, Honolulu's web page currently says 8.0 - 8.4 oz. I believe Brayden's upper limit is off.
@@terraXR You know what's crazy?? Honolulu changed the spec!! Yep! Upper limit was definitely 8.2 before. I bet their prod run could not make paddles below 8.0, so they changed it to prevent returns like yours. I promise it was 8.2. Got mine as 8.16 at the "old" upper limit. Old range was 7.9 to 8.2
Any idea how it compares to the 11SIX24 Hurache-X Control... I think that's what it's called - The Kevlar one.
Yeah, the 11Six24 one is elongated so it has a little higher swignweight, isn't quite as forgiving and has a little less power and pop in comparison to the J2K.
in the comparison table, the prism flash is the 16 or 14 mm?
16mm
Good video!Good paddle!How does it compare to Hudef viva pro gen 3?
I don't have that one yet. I only have the pro gen 2. Thanks for the comment, I'll try to get a gen 3 this week.
@@pickleballeffect Thanks,I'm glad to see your comment.🥰
Why is j2k have 3 on the manuver abillty and the azul has a 2 isn't the azul have a higher swingway overall?
You can get the Azul as low as a 115 Swingweight and the high Twistweight of the j2k made it a little slower in the maneuverability department despite its Swingweight being lower.
How do i purchase one if i'm in Australia?
white narrow edge tape Restock when please?
On your website perhaps you could add a terminology page … or add it to your “Definitive Guide” page … forgiving… plush … stiff … I’m assuming you, John, and Chris are already in agreement with the use of these terms.
That's a good idea. I started putting a glossary at the bottom of my review pages but don't have all those terms in there and could add that pretty easy.
Great review. Slow down on talking speed. Seems like you were speed running the review.
All in all great job!
Thanks for the feedback, I’ll take any and all of it.
How does a 100% Kevlar face play in comparison to a CF/Kevlar weave? Is the kevlar softer?
Tough to answer. Kevlar doesn't have an identity to me like fiberglass or carbon fiber does. Some kevlar paddles feel soft and muted while others are stiff and responsive. What we don't see is what layers of material are underneath the kevlar which has a big impact on how the paddle plays too.
@@pickleballeffect Interesting. I've seen other reviewers claim that Kevlar dynamically plays softer on short swings and stiffer on fast ones - sounds like a best of both worlds in theory but who knows how true that is.
Would you recommend these to someone coming from a Gen 3 Hyperion?
I think the paddletek TKO paddles are closer to the Gen 3 joolas in terms of power and pop but if you're okay with takin a little step down in power and pop then this is a good option.
@@pickleballeffect Appreciate it! Going to check those out.
Whats the difference between forgiveness and control?
Forgiveness relates to the size of the sweet spot. If you miss the center of the paddle the ball doesn't die on you as quickly as other paddles so it's more forgiving and doesn't punish you on mishits. Control is the paddles ability to control the pace of play and slow the ball down when you need to.
@@pickleballeffect thanks for the explanation. I always thought control had to do with placement but pace makes sense too. So would you say that “pop” runs counter to control?
I could expand my definition of control to be pace and placement. I like that. And yes, more pop means it’s harder to control because the ball jumps off quick and it’s more difficult to key the ball down when you’re under pressure.
Looks like it changed with the new batch, the weight is now up to 8.4, mine came in 8.23
Mine came in at 8.21
Got my J2K yesterday... sticker said 8.23 but my scale said 8.4 same as my R1.16 with 12G's lead and over grip. Like the way if plays and the amount of ball plastic it picks up is nuts. Maybe a little more spin than my 12 month old Ronbus but not game changing.
Oh, you're right. They did bump up their numbers on the J2K, that's too bad. The J2K Pro still has the lighter weight average so that's probably the route to go then.
@@pickleballeffect Yeah, I think 7.9 - 8 would be much better and could give more room for customization.
What shoes is the young lad wearing?
I think they are basketball shoes though I'm not sure what models.
@@pickleballeffect I thought they might be CC court shoes… thanks!!! Love your reviews and pods and especially the paddle database.
I personally don't mind the design and and graphics. That can be very subjective depending on who you ask. I would stick to the way the paddle plays as you mentioned the looks twice in the beginning and end of the review. Good review otherwise.
I like the paddles the HPC is coming out with, solid line up… but I do think they are ugly. Not a fan of the graphics or the grey.
I'm in the same boat ha
@@pickleballeffect Don't discount the BLUE, it is dark, more subtle/understated, and beautiful! 🤩
@@TonyDLyou’re right, the blue does look better than the red, I should have mentioned that in the video.
Need a 14mm of them?
Doesn't it have a Christian Bible verse on the top face?
Yes ! Think that’s cool
Yes, it’s pretty cringe but the performance is too good to ignore lol. On my blue one you can barely see it at least
@@af02271agreed. I didn’t realize before I bought it 🤷🏼♂️
I was considering this paddle but I don't want a frickin bible verse on my paddle. Hey Honolulu Pickeleball, keep your delusions to yourself.
Yeah. Some will love it and buy it just because of it. And some will pass just because of it. I'll pass.
The Bible verse kinda creeps me out. I’d rather have a trump quote like “it’s a good paddle, since paddle, your going love this paddle, other paddles not so much”.
No religion on my paddle. I’ll pass.
Hearing such great things about HPC and their paddles. But … bible verse… yeah no thanks.