The Pro Series - Gearbox Brings out the Big Guns
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2024
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Jump to Sections:
0:00 Introduction
0:28 Paddle Specs
5:41 Materials & Construction
10:43 Performance
15:32 Feel & Gameplay
20:59 Final Thoughts
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Such a good review. Love the technical breakdowns.
This is like a friggin' class, sheesh. Well done man, def see the growth from each video.
Thanks, man! We need to connect. Will you be in Dallas for MLP?
Best in the Business for paddle reviews! Love the info used to support your reviews! keep it up!@@johnkewpickleball
Glad there wasn't a test😁
Love to see someone doing high quality comprehensive reviews. Thank you !!!!
The quality of this content is incredible and somehow you keep improving. Thanks John
Well done John, thanks!!!
Really appreciate the technical breakdowns and specs! Nicely done
JK - Your reviews just keep getting nerdier and better! Love the data and insights! I used your affiliate link to get in line for Pro Elongated Power. It's the least I could do. Thanks!
Great video John! Thanks for the 'deep dive' and the effort you put into your videos. I'm so happy to see Gearbox in a leadership position once again! They have truly leapfrogged everyone else with this new offering. It's great to have an option that is USA made and not a copycat of every other manufacturer.
Yep, nobody does it better than JohnKew - Thanx!
Great review John, thank you.
darn good video. educational. smart. helpful. right to the point. honest. calm. you are good at this.
Another great video, John. Your paddle database is pretty interesting too. A column for paddle warranty would be a valuable addition. As you know, there are some dramatic differences...3 months to lifetime.
I wait for your videos before buying a paddle. I’ve got too big of a collection to buy another right now but I’ll put one of these on my short list.
Great video John. It is very informative.!
Excellent video, John.
Thanks for the Master Class! Great review
THANKS JOHN! Appreciate all the hard work and research you put into your videos. I've been looking for a new paddle recently, and stumbled on a website claiming that the Combat Katana Raw Carbon is their second best selling paddle. I've never heard of it, but now its got my attention. Have you ever heard of this paddle and could you do a review on it?
Great video man!! You are talented!
Man, you got the review process down. Head and shoulders above the rest. Another hobby of mine is fishing. My wife does not understand why I need so many fishing poles. She is going to start questioning the need for additional paddles as well :) Currently using Proline Energy. Would love to try this one!
This guy does amazingly simple yet informative videos that a beginner/ advanced players can both benefit from. I just started 10 days ago and I've fallen in love with pickleball. After lots of research i got the vatic pro prism flash cuz i want to focus on my finesse game and I'll worry about power later. I only play double currently with my group i play with so the prism flash was a great option at a very affordable price point. Keep up the awesome work Kew!
Yeah, brother, these videos are amazing. I just got my gearbox paddle, and I'm loving it. Crazy spin/flick speed etc. The hardest thing was relearning how to serve because the paddle had too much potential. You have to be careful.
John Kew, Great review. The metrics and explanations of paddle technologies help us Paddle Geeks greatly
This is a very interesting paddle. I would like to try one...but that price point hurts!
With each section of the core and both sides of the surface material moving I wonder how it passes muster with deflection tests.
Great review. Just ordered a pro power integra!!
Great job as usual John! Told you it was nuts!
You weren’t kidding!
Great review, love the detailed info. Just ordered with your link 🙂
Where is the link
@karen8red it's at the top of the video description. I had to click "more" on my phone to see it. There's no discount for us but sounds like John gets some credit when using his link 🙂
Ive been using a gearbox CX14e 8 oz., for a while. Mostly bought it thinking the construction would give it a longer life span.
The lack of power, narrow sweetspot, and being head heavy caused me to need to weight it down a bit. I've put an ounce on the bottom of the handle for better balance and lead tape on all the corners to give it a little more lateral stability and pop. Although, I guess its time to move on to the next level .
Fab video and analysis
I own one of this beautiful paddles. I love it
Thank you for your time and posting. I checked the paddles out. It is difficult to believe that a $275 paddle comes with an absolutely cheap handle grip. So add another $12 for a good grip.
I always overgrip my paddles anyway.
@@kimleith1378everyone should. People who don't have never really played other racquet sports
Rafael is a genius
Your such a geek~ pls keep up the great reviews
John- your reviews and explanations are excellent. Where the reviewer community can better help us users is in following up with durability updates. I think we will spend the $$ on good paddles that last. But no one wants a 6 month paddle under any conditions. Thanks for listening. 😊
Love your videos. Really well researched and explained. Question: What type/size of lead tape did you use for the Pro Power paddle? Do you have a recommendation for lead tape that would fit well on the 14mm thickness? Thanks and keep making these great videos.
I use the 2 grams per inch tape here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VVFYWNQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
This actually seems as though it's the legitimate next step up for paddle technology.
So refreshing to see an American paddle company doing genuine R&D (not just rebranding Chinese OEM processes) and having it pay off. An expensive paddle that actually might be worth the money...what a novel concept!
doesn’t paddletek do this? Sure they’re a much lower price point but
@@kalebreiner5865 What R&D or technology are you referring to though? They're just average paddles. (I haven't hit with their latest release, but I have demo'd several and they were overwhelmingly unexciting.)
Selkirk
@@TakeTheFallActHurtGetIndignant That's the whole point of this new paddle. It's like nothing they've ever produced and are already taking over a lot of other paddles. As far as R&D no other paddle manufacturer uses a carbon fiber core nor do they last as long as a gearbox. They are the ones experimenting with new ways to build paddles. Their old paddles were basically indestructible but sucked in power. These new paddles offer the best of both worlds. I've had all kinds of paddles including the Selkirk 006 to the Joola Pegasus. My favorite one was the gearbox cx14 but I never use it because it has no power whatsoever. They also have the least amount of transfer of vibration. I have to play with a brace with the Joola.
@@jesseprado9564 Overpriced
Such a thorough and technical review!! We can finally make paddle decisions on actual quantifiable data. Any thoughts on how these paddles perform during resets at the NVZ and transition zone?
Thank you! Resets from the transition zone are definitely easier with the control model. Chris Olson’s review covered that aspect nicely
Love your reviews and the technical aspect of them. It appears that the handle length is the same for all four options. At 5.5" it is a little long for my smallish hands and I do not use a two-handed backhand so I do not use the extra length. Would altering the length of the paddle drastically affect the performance, swing weight, twist?
Hi John, great to meet you at Sunset Park. After adding the lead tape, what is your static weight on your PPE?
Plus the tech [currently dec 30th lol] the tech is going crazy at the moment. Gonna wait till april 24 to see what drops. Really wanna get the double black diamond from six zero or three rombus r3
I have both the Pro Power Fusion and the Pro Control Elongated. Let's start with the Pro Power: the lack of feel was terrible for my game. Resets were next to impossible. I had to be super delicate with grip strength and overthink every shot. IMO, the power is overrated. Coming from a 6.0 DBD, I would have to completely overhaul my game to use this paddle effectively. Now for the Pro Control: this fit my style of play better than the Pro Power, but still required me to alter my game considerably. Still a lack of feel for ground strokes and drives. Kitchen game and resets were solid, but I couldn't counter or attack effectively. I am returning both paddles and sticking with the DBD, especially considering the astronomical price for these paddles. Not worth it IMO.
interesting. I play with the DBD and just played with the power elo yesterday and thought it was an easy conversion and I really liked it. I'll see what the 2nd time I play with it feels like.
Now that the Ruby is out for 6.0, do you think it is a no-brainer to transition to that from the DBD or to the Pro Control? I ordered the Pro Control and currently waiting for it to arrive, but that was before I knew about the Ruby.
@@user-ux3bq1jv1k my Ruby just arrived today! However the weather will not be cooperating for the next few days here in south Florida so I can’t give you my opinion on it. However, last week I tried out the DBD Infinity and played extremely well with it. It’s not as forgiving as the original, but my kitchen game was on point and the spin was almost lethal. I added some lead to the 4 & 8 o’clock positions and some edge guard tape at the 12. I’m really looking forward to testing the Ruby! It’s safe to say I’m a full convert from Selkirk to SixZero.
Great review, I just recently discovered your channel and I am so impressed. Objective and full of data. Great job. Now, on the new Gearbox. After watching your, and other, reviews I pulled the trigger and ordered the Pro Elongated. When I ordered, direct from Gearbox, they said it would ship in 1-3 days and gave me a delivery date range. After waiting 3 days and no follow up with tracking, I called them. I was told that all models sold out within 3 hours of release and that adequate inventory would not be available until "maybe" Xmas! Nothing at all stated on their site and when looking at order status it showed, "in process"! So, without notice I was going to give them approximately $300 and wait 3+ months to receive! No way! Gearbox needs to clearly state on their site that the product is backordered and when they expect to be able to fill your order. Very disappointed and highly doubtful I will order once available.
Wow, thanks for letting me know - this is the first I’m hearing about this. Will they refund you if you don’t want to wait?
@@johnkewpickleball yes they refunded me no issue
Great video. You talk about the design improving deflection, so how can it be so powerful while still passing the deflection tests? It feels like playing against an early delaminated legacy pro rocket that would fail the deflection test.
I love the fast part of pickleball and had no issue with the power increase from gen 1 to gen 2 carbon fiber, but this feels like it is frequently prematurely ending what could've been a good extended rally that people love about pickleball even when it wasn't a big mistake, just a tad bit high but usually defendable.
I want to try one because it's annoying playing against it in a dupr league knowing the people using it didn't suddenly develop more strength or technique to add that power, but since everyone isn't using it yet I actually would feel kinda lame for doing it, unlike switching from gen 1 to gen 2 carbon fiber where the difference wasn't so huge. I play dupr leagues for fun but also to try to win though, so maybe I'll end up trying it.
John, if you could have only seen me with my elbows on my desk and my head in my hands as I watched your video, I was like a 15-year-old boy in a sex ed class not wanting to miss anything ~ great video. I have an older GX Control Gearbox and it's beginning to come apart at the corner so this is a good time for an upgrade. Goodness technology is happening so quickly in pickleball, much faster than in the tennis days when I played for many decades.
Where did you put the lead tape at on your gearbox fusion ? Do you have a picture ?
I would love to know where you found that power graph of all this different paddles at the beginning of the video.
Hey John, how do these paddles compare to the CX14?
Best gearbox paddle thus far. #teamgearbox
Wow! Thanks John for another fantastically detailed comprehensive review.
In terms of handspeed, did you notice much difference between the Fusion and Elongated Power models when at the kitchen?
I've always used an elongated paddle, but I also put a premium on handspeed, which is why I play with the Ronbus R1 Pulsar over my Legacy Pro with its lower swingweight which is very noticeable to me at the kitchen.
Anyway, based on your review, it sounds like I should strongly consider the Fusion Power.
Any thoughts on this will be greatly appreciated!
The Legacy Pro vs. Ronbus R1 Pulsar is a good comparison - the swing weights are very similar to the Gearbox Pro Elongated versus Fusion. There is a noticeable difference for me in terms of hand speed between the two. So it depends on your priorities. I still prefer the elongated due to the extra reach and overall feel, but I might change my mind after getting more used to the fusion. The extra hand speed is nice. And surprisingly, there's no difference in power between the two (the Fusion actually edged out the Elongated in power - just a bit)
@@johnkewpickleball Thanks for the additional info. I'm going to go for the Fusion Power because of the lower swing weight, although I'm sure the shorter length will be an adjustment. I'm hoping that the shorter Fusion will offer better control, which I'm hoping will offset less reach. The equal power/pop is surprising and took away that element when deciding between the two. Thanks again John for the great review!
which paddle do you like better and why? The six zero ruby or the gearbox pro power?
Hey, John, awesome video. Was definitely waiting for your video on this paddle before buying. I prefer lower swing weight for hand speed, so was leaning toward the fusion variant; but Chris Olson said the Fusion variant had a worst sweet spot compared to its elongated counterpart. Would you agree with his sentiment and do you prefer the elongated over fusion?
I do prefer the elongated, but I wasn’t as turned off by the fusion as Chris. The unpleasant feedback I got around the neck area was definitely more pronounced on the fusion, but with lead tape, I think it plays very well, and, like I said in the video, the lead tape only adds 2 points to the swing late so you get all the benefits of hand speed.
@@johnkewpickleballThanks for the quick reply. I may go ahead and grab the fusion and use your lead tape setup. Probably have to wait until a site like totalpickleball has it in stock again so I can at least have a 30 day use and return period just in case I don’t like it.
@@151battousai make sure to check the return policy because i thought of doing this with pickleball central but gearbox is the single brand they dont offer the 30 day return on but i am dealing with the same struggle i ordered the Elong and Fusion today and am just gonna swing them in the house to see if the swingweight is noticeable
@@92Raulb Yeah, I ordered from Pickleballgalaxy since they still do 30 days and it didn’t specify anything about not applying to Gearbox paddles, and had all the paddles in stock.
Thansk for the review! Just in time for my birthday 🎉 I ordered my control fusion. I hope it replaces my cx 14H
I think you’ll find this to be a huge upgrade. And happy birthday!
I watched your video right at 12 am after I ordered🤣🤣 . I kinda wish I ordered a power also now they are on back order@@johnkewpickleball
@@johnkewpickleball Just sold my 14E. Looking hard at the Pro
I ordered a Fusion Control to replace my 14H. Hoping to retain control and get a bit more power and a bit better sweet spot.
Great review. Have always been a fan of gearbox and played with the Cx14h for quite a while.. Veered away for the rombus r3 for a bit... A bit stuck in deciding whether to try the control model of this paddle. Seems like even the control model is on the tough side compared to other paddles? Might go the pickleball apes route if it offers a bit more control, but still thermoformed... Any imput appreciated. Keep up the great work!
Hey, that’s a tough choice between the Apes and this. The S-model Apes is coming out soon, and I’ll release a review next week. Maybe wait for that and then make your choice?
Hey yeah@@johnkewpickleball I did get the opportunity to order the S early, but have waited until this review comes out.. This looks amazing, but I am betting the S will likely cover my bases with a bit more control. and of course they have a 30 day try it or return it policy, so not much to lose there! Not to mention its about half the price. :)
@johnkewpickleball is the new apes model a hybrid shape?
@@kevinlilly619 the new s model from them is indeed a hybrid shape.
@@ashevillescarborough Edgeless???
FYI, the word is damping, not dampening. Really like your reviews!
How does the Power Pro compare to the Legacy Pro in the power dept?
John, any reason you see to not go for the Pro Power Fusion over the elongated? Ive been playing with the Power elongated and could use help for faster hands for blocking. did you find the power or pop and the sweet spot to be the same for the Power Fusion vs the elongated (regardless of the spec sheets) Thanks for the awesome review!
I’ve come to prefer the elongated for it’s extra reach, but the Fusion is also good. The sweet spot on the fusion is slight smaller, matching the dimensions of the face. But you do get more hand speed with it. So it’s a tradeoff.
Great video. Coming from the Joola radius and Ronbus r.1.16 i like a control paddle but felt the Other gearbox had no power at all. You recomend the power still?? Im a 3.5-4.0 who like to drop and attack from the kitchen.
I think you'd be happy with a control model. The Fusion or elongated fusion would be a good choice. Fusion for better hand speed; elongated for longer sweet spot and more power
@@johnkewpickleball Thanks buddy!
So given how you or GearBox explains how the paddle deflects with the ball, how is this different from the way a delaminated paddle deflects the ball? To me, the way it is explained in this video, it looks like the paddle deflects the ball with a "trampoline effect"... the difference is that it's not only one face is deflecting the ball but now the entire thickness of the paddle is doing the "trampoline effect". I'd like to try this paddle but I want to make sure it won't be recalled for being illegal later.
Hey John I'm really liking the hybrid shape but would you advise on the control or power model of this shape? Assuming they have the same sweet spot? I am a 4.25 player and don't usually have problems with touch
Given what you said, I’d go for the power model if I were you. The biggest standout on these paddles is the incredible power, which is maximized in the power model
@@johnkewpickleball
Thank you!
I can’t decide between fusion or elongated on the power version … help ! Please
John, where is the power sitting in your lineup now? Still #3 or has it moved up?
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.
After breaking the paddle in, I added GB protective tape strip to the end, and 2 (one each side) 3 gram strips of GB lead pre cut- at the bottom corners of the paddle. The paddle is as fast as you want it to be, the lead added a nice bump in twist weight , and I like that. it seems a very manageable paddle unless I get pressured and behind, then its can be a bit hit or miss for me, but its making me level up. I like that about it.
Why does the paddle face do not look flat, it is like there are grove around the paddle frames?
"it's not a causal relationship" (twist weight and sweet spot). Then why does adding weight (lead) CAUSE the effective sweet spot to increase? I also wonder whether anyone has ever actually felt their roll volleys suffered from high twist weight before they had too much swingweight anyways? Twisting for a roll volley is an inherently slower movement that benefits more from control (high weight) rather than speed (low weight) relative to the swinging motion of the roll volley or other shot that benefits more from speed
Can you elaborate a bit more on the difference between the control and power models? I saw your power and pop numbers but feel wise how would you recommend deciding between them?
The control model is more muted in terms of power and pop. So it's more controllable. But in my opinion, you might as well go for the power model. You get the extra juice, and the control is still manageable.
@@johnkewpickleball How the vibration transfer? Elbow issue.
@@kimleith1378 they’re both more forgiving than polypropylene in terms of vibration. Maybe the control is the most forgiving of the two models
What are your go to paddles currently ahead of these?
Apes Pro Line Energy and Pro Line Energy S
You mentioned about reducing balance point. I just got the pro power and it's a little head heavy for me because I have had 2 wrist surgeries. How do I make balance point lower?
If you don’t mind a thicker grip, a good way to lower the balance point is to put on a couple of overgrips. Or you can add some lead tape to the edges, below the balance point.
I'm a defensive minded player who's been using Prokennex Black Ace for 8 months and loves it. I'm really comfortable with it in most aspects of the game but I would really like less pop when it comes to defending against powerful drives. Would the Gearbox Pro Power give me less pop or would you recommend the Gearbox Pro Control? Thanks!
To me, resetting is easier with the Pro Power models than with the Black Ace. The pop is almost the same, but the softer feel of the pro power makes resetting a bit easier. But the Pro Control models are easiest to reset. So I suppose it comes down to what you prioritize - insane power and less control, or good power and more control.
@@johnkewpickleball thank you so much!
Which Power Model do you prefer with these GearBox Paddles?
Right now I prefer the elongated overall, but that may change
I had a black ace and had trouble with drops and resets, hitting balls deep. Would this paddle be good for me? Currently using a six zero double black diamond which I have had good luck with.
You're likely to have similar problems keeping the ball in with the Gearbox. If you like the DBD, probably best to stick with it
I didn't think roll volleys had any twisting or pushing. to me a roll volley is simply a south to north progression: you bring the paddle straight down and pull it straight up with no forward motion
Why can't I customize the width of this paddle handle? I would buy it if I could.
How were you able to put 0.25 ounces on each side and keep it below the balance point did you stack the lead tape on each side? It would be 7” long since I’m using tungsten tape.
I stacked two strips of 2g/inch lead tape. So just over 1.5-inch strips
Can I ask what ball you use for advanced play? Thank you
We were using the Gearbox GB1 balls for the games in this video. But normally Dura or Franklin
Link for the lead tape ?
do you have your paddle comparison charts online? any link will be appreciated.
Sure do: www.johnkewpickleball.com
When ya gonna update your website database with these paddles?
Thanks for the reminder!
Can you do the legacy new paddle line
What's the difference in construction between the power qnd control models?
The fibers in the carbon are just layered in a different way which cause the control to feel softer
Hey John -- which would you pick between the Power elongated and fusion?
Depends on your play style/preferences. If you prioritize hand speed, go for the fusion. The elongated has more reach and a more forgiving sweet spot
@@johnkewpickleball I've been using the Power Fusion for a few days now, and it just feels like a control paddle. Why? I have it weighed up to 8.9 ounces with lead tape on the throat. Just can't seem to generate that effortless power I see people talk about. Would having more density of the carbon fiber plys reduce the power compared to the elongated? Or perhaps I've made it too head light with all the lead tape?
Edit: First 2 hours of owning the paddle it was great. 10 hours in, and it kind of hits like a potato. It's lost a lot of power. Others have been reporting this as well, so I wonder if there is a QC issue with a bad batch.
Great review. Always surprised about how small the grip diameter is on the Gearbox paddles for all their models (around 4"). Do folks really like that small of a grip? I'd have to add several layers of overgrip to get it where I want it. Also not a big fan of the high swing weight of the elongated, nor do I like the shorter length of the fusion that has the lower swing weight. Seems like they missed out on the dimensions/proportions that most folks will want. And then it's super expensive. I guess people that just love ultimate power levels will think it's cool, but I would have to pass on this paddle.
most add an overgrip. so its nice to me to have the 4 so when you overgrip, its not too fat.
Some of us have small hands. I look forward to the 4" grip.
plus it gives room for an overgrip if you want without making it too chunky@@nadzoll
If the power paddle hits so much harder it will be interesting to see if pros migrate to it to gain an advantage. Basically a legal paddle that plays with delammed paddle level of power.
Lol that’s kinda the issue. And Jilly B alluded to this a few days ago with her podcast on the Paddletek paddles. At what point is a paddle “too hot”…. And since this paddle has patents (which is cool) and nobody can copy it, then it’s going to come down to how “hot” are we going to allow a paddle to become before we ban it against other paddles (which don’t have the ability to make similar paddles because of the patent)
I feel like paddles should be able to be as hard hitting as the compaines can make them because at the end of the day even if it hits like a freight train you still have to be able to control it
I'm coming to the end of life of a Joola Scorpeus- would you say the control fusion is a great upgrade to it and would be easier to transition to? I liked the Scorpeus overall feel tbh and previously i had the CRBN1 gen 1. For reference I tried a vatic flash pro 14mm - did not like it as it felt jarring a lot to hit with and it felt finicky
I think if you add lead to the Fusion at 4 and 8 o'clock, it'll be a good choice for you, coming from a Scorpeus.
@@johnkewpickleball Awesome and thank you on that I'll likely be buying in a month or so. Also if you've tried the new Engage paddles and Selkirk Luxx Control and the Fusion Control what would you say makes the most sense? I ask as I'm also a spin snob haha and just looking at materials this series seems very durable.
Try the prism flash for 90 bucks super deal spin top level
@@carlrodrigues6919 Thanks ill look into this one more
even though its very close, any idea why the Power Fusion was faster than the elongated ?
the carbon fiber in the fushion shape is a little more dense vs. the elongated shape; this is why the weights are the same across the spectrum
so it seems the technology is a legalized version of a delaminated paddle via the trampoline effect but NOT separating the layers or crushing the core like the thermo-formed paddles...great tech for sure...but I can see this paddle possible getting deemed illegal in a few months after players complain etc.....for $275 it is a pricey chance to take but probably really fun to use
I cant imagine with gearboxes R&D that this paddle gets banned for uspsa that would be horrid for them and they would have to offer some kind of return policy for people who purcahsed them
I could see companies like Ronbus slowing down their EVA paddles slightly to get them aligned in speed with the Gearbox. Then what? They will either both be legal or illegal.
after using this paddle for a few days now, I rescind my comments on this paddle being banned...it is powerful , yes but not ridiculously....sweet spot is ok, power is good, spin is great, price is too much but the hype caused this...if it's expensive, it HAS to be good mentality
Is gearbox pro series still tournament legal?
Where's the info regarding lead tape placement?
Hey John, curious to know what other two paddles are competing for your top spot right now?
Both Pickleball Apes: original Pro Line and Pro Line S
@@johnkewpickleball what’s unique about their hybrid shape paddle?
@@johnkewpickleball how much power/pop do you lose with the pro line s?
@@johnkewpickleballit's tough to beat the pickleball apes at their price point and almost perfect balance of control and power. I've been playing with their Pro Line Energy for two months and love it. The S is on its way to me, so it will be nice to try it out. All that for around $150 ea is tough to beat.
Is there any risk of these being ruled illegal? One thing I like about Gearbox is their paddles are indestructible which means I could use one for several years before replacing.
Which do you prefer? elongated or fusion?
I like them both, but prefer the elongated
PLEASE! Is this as good as everyone is saying that it is? I am torn between the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated or the Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0? Anyone please give me your opinion.
Engage has "Lifetime" guaranty.
I agree with the engage lifetime guarantee but correct me if im wrong that doesnt cover the grit so in that sense we all know the gearbox isnt going to break so its going to be a battle of which one holds grit the longest i guess and which one feels better to you i see the biggest difference between the grip circumference in this case the engage is huge and the gearbox is smaller then most
How can I test the power of my pro elongated against my vanguard power air?
go serve a bunch
How would you compare this one with Legacy Pro in terms of Power and Pop?
The Pro Power has a lot more power and pop than the Legacy Pro
@@johnkewpickleball Thanks John, would you prefer the fusion shape or the elongated? I am currently playing legacy pro and considering the fusion shape
For comparison, currently, what is your number one paddle?
Pickleball Apes pro line energy
@@johnkewpickleball Thank you. It's a great control paddle.
@@johnkewpickleball Would you stick with the Proline or advise for the Proline S? Trying to upgrade from my Bison Summit and want a paddle really good power, pop, spin and control without breaking the bank for rec and competition . Should I consider prism flash?
@@TheKentist I’d go with the Pro Line S. It’s a really good paddle
@@johnkewpickleball Huge thank you!
How do you compare them with the 6.0 DBD?
They have a lot more power than the DBD, and feel more plush. You'll have better control with the DBD than the power versions, though. But as I mentioned in the video, the control is manageable.
@@johnkewpickleball now i really want to get them. I wonder who will they fare against the new paddle from CRBN
So the control is not much less powerful than the power?
So the way I'm interpretting the SST Core (updated), and feel free to correct me on the analogy. It's sounding like Rafa went full-in creating a Tennis String-esc type core; and is probably the CLOSEST we'll get to that type of feeling for a long time to come.
Yes, that’s about right
@@johnkewpickleball I'm sold! haha
Oh no 🫣 I think I may buy a Christmas present for myself. However, I’m loving the PIckleball Apes Proline…what to do 🤔
I am also using the pickleball apes and can't see the new Gearbox being as balanced. Not to mention it costs almost 50%+ than the Apes. Wait until the hybrid apes comes out Oct 23 - it will be right there with the 6.0 DBD.
Can’t decide between the pro line or pro line S. Which one are you leaning towards at the moment?
Want to know the same thing!
Have both like the s a little better as it has a wider sweet spot.
My review of the S will come out Sunday. I think it will be more popular than the orignal, given the hybrid shape. But it depends on your preferences. If you like heavier paddles, and dont mind a narrower, longer sweet spot, then the original could be for you. I like them both, but I'm enjoying the S more right now for its superior maneuverability and better spin.
6.0 BDi vs Pro Power Fusion?
Nice analysis…..would this paddle be good for a player suffering from tennis elbow?
Hard to say, although it feels more forgiving than most paddles I’ve hit with, short of EVA foam
Let me know if you try this Gearbox paddle. I suffer from tennis elbow (currently using the ProKennex Black Ace). I'd love to hear about how this Gearbox paddle helps/hurts with tennis elbow.
@@tomlarsen6565 hi I heard the black ace was good for tennis elbow….don’t hi i it’s for me though….I am skeptical that the new gearbox is going to work. I have heard ( don’t know if it’s true) that the second gen carbon fiber paddles are not good for tennis elbow….I would think this new gearbox paddle would fit in this category ( but maybe not with some different materials) went back to my crbn1 ( first generation carbon fiber) better but still hurts. Will do and if you try one let me know.
@@tomlarsen6565 ok there is another review of the paddle on you tube….I don’t want to say who’s out of respect for this review…but on this review they suggest the fusion paddle for people with tennis elbow
@@pjpj2639 Always ice after and wear the "BANDIT"
What's the difference between the Pro Power Elongated and the Pro Control Elongated? The specs are identical on GB website.
The control model is more muted, with less power and pop. So it's more controllable, but in my opinion, the biggest standout quality for all these paddles is the crazy power+pop. So I would recommend the power version to maximize these metrics.
@@johnkewpickleball any idea what makes the two play so differently? I compared the specs side by side on the GB site and they are exactly the same. The SW values are nearly identical as well from your measurement. Are the peel ply surface finishes the same? The balance points would be similar with the same SW values. Same thickness at 14mm, too. As far as I can tell, they are constructed the same with the same inherent technology.
@@sbinsdca Different internal core. One has a very stiff core with dense carbon fiber, and one has a looser core. The dense one absorbs the impact, to make the control version. The loose one acts like a trampoline, to make the power version. The outside of the paddles though is exactly the same, like you saw.
Will this gearbox face loose it spin like the joola?
Every paddle loses some degree of spin over time because the carbon fibers will be rubbed smooth eventually.