The Very Best Paddles of 2023 - Part 2
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
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Your reviews are Top Tier for no spin and straight talk ! Swing weight of your video reviews is 99th percentile, and the twist weight is spot on as well providing a generous sweet spot with a cup of coffee in the morning. Summary = "No lead required."
Thank you for all the info on paddles. They are straight forward and easy to understand.
Unveiling the Top Picks of 2023: John Williams' Ultimate Guide to Pickleball Paddle
From Spin to Budget: A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Best Paddles in Every Category
1. Introduction
In the exhilarating world of pickleball, where precision meets power, John Williams, the dynamic host of the UA-cam channel "Johnkew Pickleball," takes center stage to unveil the best paddles of 2023. In a two-part video series, Williams delves deep into the intricacies of pickleball paddles, covering categories ranging from spin to lightweight and budget-friendly options. This comprehensive guide serves as a beacon for players navigating the expansive sea of paddle choices, offering not only personal preferences but also invaluable insights backed by rigorous testing.
2. Best Spin Paddles
2.1 ProXR Zane and Connor (0:48)
Raw Carbon Fiber Innovation: The controversial ProXR Zane and Connor paddles make a mark with their unique carbon fiber texture, pushing the legal limits for spin. The clever design ensures top-tier spin without compromising control.
2.2 Diadem Edge 18K (2:09)
Three-Dimensional Spin: Diadem's Edge 18K, with its carbon fiber weave, takes the second spot. Offering a 3D look and outstanding spin, it proves that texture and orientation can elevate the spin game to new heights.
2.3 Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm (2:56)
Thermoformed Excellence: Securing the top spot, the Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm dazzles with its thermoformed hybrid shape. Boasting a remarkable spin rate and a balance of power, it stands out as the pinnacle of spin paddles.
3. Best Lightweight Paddles
3.1 GRÜVN MÜVN-13S (4:29)
Cute But Mighty: The GRÜVN MÜVN-13S surprises with its unassuming appearance. Its low swing weight and impressive pop make it a powerhouse, ideal for those seeking maneuverability without compromising on power.
3.2 Six Zero Infinity (5:27)
Edgeless Agility: The Six Zero Infinity, with its edgeless design, introduces a new dimension to lightweight paddles. Balancing swing weight and twist weight, it provides an excellent compromise for players valuing speed and control.
3.3 Electrum Stealth Series (7:51)
Edgeless Ultralight Versatility: The Electrum Stealth Series, available in three shapes, offers edgeless ultralight versions with a range of options. With low swing weights and the renowned Kevlar face, it's a versatile choice for various playing styles.
4. Best Budget Paddles
4.1 Hudef Viva Pro Gen-2 (11:33)
Reinvented and Reliable: Hudef addresses past concerns with the Gen-2 model, featuring core reinforcement. While the swing weight is high, it excels in power, making it an affordable choice for those seeking a reliable budget option.
4.2 Speedup Fire & Ice (13:18)
Long-Handled Delight: Speedup's Fire & Ice paddles stand out with extra-long handles, catering to players transitioning from tennis. With two models, Fire and Ice, they offer a balance between power and control, providing an enticing budget option.
4.3 Vatic Prism Flash (15:15)
Affordable Control Mastery: The Vatic Prism Flash steals the show as the top budget paddle. Despite a lower power rating, its unmatched control, spin, and large sweet spot make it a steal at just $90.
5. New Personal Favorite Paddle - Six Zero Ruby (16:25)
The Game-Changer: John Williams hints at a potential game-changer with the Six Zero Ruby. Scheduled for release on December 6th, it promises a unique experience with a 100% Dupont Kevlar face, top-tier spin, and a balance of power and control.
6. Final Thoughts (18:30)
As we conclude this journey through the best pickleball paddles of 2023, John Williams reflects on the incredible progress in paddle technology. With the sport's rapid growth, the coming year holds even more promise for innovation and excitement.
His last name isn't Kew?
Excellent review as usual you set the bar pretty high ! Thanks for your great work !
John, your videos are fantastic. I've bought (3) six zero dbl black diamond paddles (using your affiliate links, of course (: ) and appreciate the data backed approach in your Raw Carbon Fiber Guide video.
I have friends on extreme budgets looking to get inexpensive paddles. Even the Vatic Prism Flash at $89.99 is out of their price range. Do you have a paddle at around $60 that you feel is "adequate" to the task? I see the GBS-001 at $50.00 on your PB DB, but it seemed mediocre at best.
If you're aware of a $50.00-$60.00 paddle that is "ok". I know this is not the price range recommended.
Excellent reviews! The light weight paddles part is especially helpful for my daughter!
The videos NEVER disappoint. I love the direct, to the point delivery of all the content -- not to mention the overall quality of the video production. Thanks for all the wonderful content you post -- I watch every single one of them! Appreciate it and keep up the great work!
Did you ever review the Neonic 16mm for best budget paddle? Torray T700, Full thermoformed .. Just curious. Love all your stuff
I purchased the Six 0 based on your earlier reviews, unfortunately, it did not work for me, felt like a board and I went back to my CRBN 1X which I love. Note that paddles are a personal choice feel, and more importantly in your head as you play with confidence. Nice reviews
John: can you should add durability to your evaluation matrix? It seems like almost most paddles become no good after about 6 months of play
Thank you for this 2 part informative breakdown. The production value on this series is amazing. folks do not realize how much work you put into this Pre-Production/Production and Post-Production process. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, man! Yeah, even I always underestimate how much production work goes into these videos
Probably the most anticipated video of the past month! Heading back to rewatch the first.
Can't wait for next year's "Best Quiet Paddle" category. Said that half jokingly but quiet paddles do seem to be on people's radars now.
Hey John, I asked Chris the same thing... but any chance you can post some updated spin numbers from paddles you've reviewed after 3+ months of regular use? Very curious to see more data around grit deterioration across some popular paddles when played regularly by 4.0+ players (Ruby vs Mach 1 Forza vs Luxx Air Control etc).
I’m just curious since I don’t believe you posted a video on the engage pursuit pro series, how would they stack up to your list?
I personally feel that when you described the ruby, the pursuit pro mx 6.0 sounded very similar.
Drives/overheads smack hard, high spin, but soft/controllable at dinks/resets
Thanks for all the work you put into these reviews for us "paddle geeks" Riding the tidal wave.
I love the proline S but feel it doesn’t dampen vibration well and can lead to tennis elbow. Any thoughts on whether the Ruby would be better in this regard?
The Ruby feels about the same as the Apes PLE-S to me in terms of vibration damping. So not as plush as the original PLE, but a softer feel than the original DBD
just get the PLE instead. its way better than both
Great Video. I just looked at the database. I was wondering why did the 14mm Volair Mach2 have a lower spin number than the 16mmVolair Mach 2. I thought the thinner the paddle the higher the spin?
You’re right, thinner paddles usually get better spin. This just seems to be an anomaly
John, your reviews are fantastic! If only you could clone yourself to churn out more content! Do you think the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16 is a big upgrade over the Ronbus R1.16?
Those are both control paddles, so unlikely; in fact, the R1.16 beats the Vatic Prism Flash in spin. A better upgrade would be the Ronbus R1.Nova since it's thermoformed and an all-court paddle.
How you going to tease me with the Ruby when I can’t buy it. Sounds like the ruby is going to give my double black diamond a run for the money.
Kew, you’ve been killing it, great stuff! Question for you about forgiveness ratings in general. Do you think of forgiveness as the size of the sweet spot that returns an even response/the size of the area where the difference in deflection is minimal or do you think of it as how much power you get on balls hit near the side of the paddle? Or maybe as a combination of the two ha
Hey Braydon, thanks for stopping by!
Good questions - I haven't thought a lot about the technical meaning of 'forgiveness', but the way I've used it combines both the size of the sweet spot, the responsiveness of the paddle near the edges, and the stability of the paddle (less twisting in your hand on off-center shots).
In the same vein, I have an idea that I've been chatting about with Chris and Will, and I'd love to get your thoughts. I'll send an email to your Info account...
@@johnkewpickleballthanks, I like that way of looking at it. And yeah, please do! Would love to hear what you’re working on.
Love the Hudef viva pro gen2! 11:33
I 100% agree that edgeless paddles can chip easy. I get a lot of push back when I say that but its true!
Best lightweight paddle "Black Ace" prokennex should be on there. I have the Muvn Gruvn 13S and the Black Ace is better and has more power for a lightweight paddle.
John, have you tried the Neonic?
I see Pickleball Will there! That Ruby is great looking.
Wow , this video is gold and you deserve nothing but the best. The time and quality that goes in to this video is unmatched. Keep it up and thank you
Oh no! I love the Pro Line Energy but I just might have to get the Ruby as well. I'm becoming a paddle junkie...thanks John.
There are worse addictions, haha
PLE is my favorite bc of the longer handle which helps me shape the ball more and get more whippy leverage. Does the ruby do that? I'm assuming not since it isn't as long@@johnkewpickleball
What are you recommendations for paddles with handles 6" or higher?
Good choices for long handles would be the Apes Pro Line Energy, or the Speedup paddles (Fire and Ice)
@@johnkewpickleball I tried the paddle Zane uses, the handle was the longest one I've tried and it was magical for double backhand swings
thanks John, I bought the SixZero DB Diamond blind, just based off your review and a video with the founder of SixZero. I am happy with the paddle and look forward to a new SixZero paddle in the future. thanks for trustworthy reviews.
Great to hear!
Hey John, regarding the infinity, did you add .25oz lead total or per side?
Per side, so a total of 0.5 oz
@@johnkewpickleballdo you use 2g/inch lead tape?
bhahaha a ready John is a steady John...and a steady John is a dangerous one
Hahaha, sometimes the paddle just happens to be in the right spot
Will you be coming out with a review of the Ruby on the day of release?
Yes indeed, assuming I can finish it by then
Can you briefly explain the balance point measurement?
Balance point is the center of mass along the long axis of the paddle, as measured from the base of the handle. So if you balance the paddle on your finger, mark that spot, and then measure to the spot from the base of the handle, that's your balance point.
What's the purpose of balance point?
So, you splurged on Gearbox's deluxe paddle, expecting a Pickelball revolution, but all you got was a dud? Well, grab your gavel and prepare for a paddle showdown in small claims court! It's the ultimate match - you versus Gearbox, and no warranty loopholes can escape your serve. Let's turn this into a social media comedy special and serve up some justice, one paddle at a time! 🏓💼 #PaddleJustice
I see so many players playing with the Selkirk paddles (power air and luxx especially). I am tempted to try one but I can't afford to replace my paddle every month. Are they replacing it super often or are the concerns about grit deterioration valid and I should stay away from the Selkirks if I don't have unlimited budget?
Why did you not include the actual weight of the paddle in the spec's. I realize they vary a bit but an average throughout would help. What is a lightweight paddle?
Code 10JOHNKEW doesn't work at the Electrum paddle.
John I was wondering if you could say a few words on what you like about the Ruby v the Apes paddle. Thanks.
Now that the Black Diamond Infinity is out, where would you place it on this list for light-weight paddles?
I think you mentioned that the Zane paddle was thermoform but it is not it is just foam edged I believe
I was also wondering about this
Correct - I misspoke. The ProXR paddles aren't thermoformed, but they have edge foam.
Did you find a break in period with the RUBY, where it got even better after time? I'm liking it right away but wonder if it improves even more over time?
Curious on the Electrum Stealth series why did the Model E come in so much lower on spin over the other 2 models? At a 107 SW for elongates that should still come in over 2000 RPMs
Love you new videos thanks for doing what you do! How would you compare the stealth series paddles compared to the original versions of the same shape
Have you looked at any of the Engage paddles? I recently played in a tourney and I was surpsied at how many people were playing, maybe the top paddle being used
Are the thinner electrum stealth models a bit on the jarring side if you hit off center? I.e. more like a power air or what would you compare the feel to?
Did you try Braydons lead take set up? For the infinity, Is yours better? Might try yours after my tournament 🎉
Would love to hear your thoughts on the new Proton Sports paddles.. just ordered my 11mm today..
Under the budget category, there are better paddles not mentioned.. The #2 shouldn't be even in there
I wonder if the recently released Hudef Mage Pro would have been a winner in your budget list?
I’m surprised you thought the ruby doesn’t feel very still. It felt extremely stiff when I tried it. But maybe it’s because I’m coming from a relatively plush paddle in the gearbox
Why not promote the use of tungsten tapes instead of toxic led tape?
Have you tried the Cliff Pickleball Vauraus?
Just remember that most if not all paddles made these days are good! Very hard to make an objectively bad paddle. Get the one that works for you and keep that one. With that being said I love the pro energy.
Thank you for your time and posting.
Excellent channel thank you
Thanks for the great content as always! Do you know if your discount code will work for the Ruby when it's released?
Yes indeed
Thank you.
How would you compare the Ruby to the gearbox pro power?
The Ruby is more control-oriented than the Gearbox Pro Power. The Ruby has power, too, just not as much, and the pop is way more muted compared to the Gearbox
@@johnkewpickleball I've been doing research on what would be the best all court paddle and I'm excited to hear your full review on the ruby!
What is twist weight??
It's an approximation of the sweet spot. Check this out for more info: ua-cam.com/video/pNl46fNTRUA/v-deo.htmlsi=sGHDot12AWbZxopi
Great reviews for both Part 1 & 2. Curious to see where the Ruby ranks in your various categories. Can you consider adding a paddle leaderboard reflecting your current rankings for each category similar to what Joe N Tell does for home audio speakers. This way as new paddles are released throughout the year, at the end of your paddle video review you can rank the new paddle on your leaderboard. This is very helpful for viewers and will differentiate your content from the other pickleball channels. ua-cam.com/video/B4dIlF-mjNQ/v-deo.htmlm22s
I like the idea of a paddle leaderboard, thanks for the idea!