Pickleball Paddle Core Differences And Why I Stick With Only One
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
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There are tons of decisions to make when you're trying to choose a pickleball paddle. You've got the shape, weight, core, sizes, face among other considerations to worry about. But what about the core?
In this video I'll be explaining to you what the major differences are and which one you should stick with.
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One of the best and most informative videos about pickleball paddles around! Thank you very much.
Thanks!
Polymer is used because it’s easy to shape and is cheap, cheap, cheap. Yet they find a way to increase the price while using an extremely cheap core material.
Love my Gear Box solid, frameless, carbon fiber paddle
Yours is the best review on paddle cores I've heard.
Thank you and thanks for stopping by
My favorite core is unicorn hair
HAHAHHA niceeee
Potter fan
completely agree.. the balance is great... and its plenty powerful IF you need it, and its a great dink paddle, or the soft game...
I used to play with a Franklin Challenger paddle. I thought it would be lighter than wood as an aluminum paddle but in the specs, it is more like 9.0 - 9.5+ oz. So I think people need to still check out the weight specs of a paddle before buying it. But one thing I really learned from the paddle, (which I found to be mostly power and little control), was having to play really consistently. It was not forgiving if I did not hit the ball in the sweet spot so it forced me to learn to have better preparation for each shot. Since it was powerful, I had to have additional control to not hit the ball out when hitting at the baseline. Aside from the significant weight, I considered it to be a good beginner paddle.
You didn’t mention graphite paddles. I have a Prolite Cypher that I’ve “grown into” from beginner and love it . Being a neuroplasticity practitioner, I believe that if you are choosing a longer paddle for reach,sweet spot distribution etc as ex tennis player, then it’s best to get used to the dimensions & weight distribution right from the outset while you’re developing those neural pathways.
Graphite is the outer surface. He’s talking about the core material
I too study neuroplasticity. I understand and agree with your point. However, i also think mixing up shapes and paddles continues to sharpen our paddle awareness and accuracy over time. I think having a primary paddle is smart, but using other paddles actually improves my ability with my primary paddle as well.
Really enjoying uour videos. Thanks for sharing. Meanwhile, I played Table Tennis for a long time and now transitioning to Pickleball. Am in my early 70s with not a lot of strength on my left wrist and arm with which I play with. Looking for a lightweight/featherweight paddle recommendation that could help me with control, spin and finesse - Power is something I feel I could generate on my own. Thoughts?
Also coming from Table Tennis and would recommend the Joola Radius, lightweight, head-light and actually designed for Table Tennis players by a great TT brand.
Gear Box has a completely different construction from any of the poly cores on the market. They use Carbon Fiber applied as needed, then heated and melted together to achieve different results. It is stronger, thinner and edgeless with consistency across the entire face. Because it is a mold, it includes the handle which is all part of the same material, construction and mold. Ultimately you have a quieter paddle with torsional stability and integral strength which will never peel, bubble, crack or separate. Ever.
Yes, their paddles are truly unique.
Barrett - Thanks for sharing your insights. Any advice on adjustments for paddles going from singles to doubles.
Nah, there's no need to adjust. Some people will use a more elongated paddle for singles, but that's about it.
Not sure if you're still responding as this was 4 years ago, but how do Kevlar and carbon fiber compare to these materials?
Use some lead tape like the pros do to experiment with different weights.
Great job. Very informative and well presented.
Thank you!
Your video turned out great! Fun to watch!!
Thanks!
Always helpful information wished I lived closer so I could get someone on one training to improve my game
Such a great explanation and presentation (sound included) of the different types of materials. I have only owned one paddle, the Z5, which I've had for years, but feel that I need a new paddle to see if it will help me develop a softer more controlled game. I am so lost on this and have no idea what to choose. I am probably a 3.5 player. I am 5'8" and not a very big hand. A number of guys I play with (4.0) seem to have Selkirk paddles. However, visually I like the look of the Pursuit because it is a black paddle. There are soooo many paddle choices that it is overwhelming. Any thoughts/advice would really be appreciated. Thanks. And again, really good video.
Thanks for the most helpful informations.
It was my pleasure!
The paddles with a bigger service, are they less accurate due to the shape/size? I’m assuming they are more so for players with a defensive style. I play defensive, but want something that I can be aggressive with. Right now I’m just using a paddle the club has. Just started playing again today. I don’t want a beginner one because I know I’ll do tournaments down the road.
Do you recommend fiber glass or graphite surface material?
Informative review, thank you. Since 95% of paddles are polymer, I wish you would've touched on the playability differences of these polymer paddles with regard to (1) thickness and density of the paddle, and (2) paddle face material. Both of these factor in heavily on how the ball reacts. Also, given the inexpensiveness of the paddle materials, we can see the hefty mark up by their makers!!$
What are your thoughts on the ProKennex pickleball paddles?
They are great!
Hey another fantastic insightful video thanks! Quick question you mention weight being the most important factor in buying a paddle. I have only been playing for about a month. I’ve got the game down pretty good and apparently I’m not too bad. Definitely an intermediate. Should I use a lightweight or mid weight paddle? I have a gamma RZR and I just bought a Selkirk vanguard Epic hybrid 8.1 oz haven’t used it yet. What’s your thoughts on the 2 I have I’m leaning towards keeping the Selkirk cuz I’m a pretty tall guy at 6’2”
Thanks B-Man, I bought a Paddletek paddle. weight 7.8-8.1 oz. the surface is velvet-textured polycarbonate and the core is Polycore. It is for intermediate to advanced players. I really liked the feel of the grip. so far I have been pleased with it. The cost was like $70. It is Phonenix-G6. what is your take on this paddle?
My pleasure. Yeah, that's one of the newer Paddletek paddles. I have not tried any of the newer ones, but I'm sure it's fine. I do nearly as much paddle stuff as I used to. My co-host calls that time period of Pickleball Kitchen the "paddle geek days". Ha!
I know this video is a few years old and I was wondering what your take is with the new Selkirk Vanguard 2020-2021 line with the carbon fiber core? (S2-Mach6-Invicta)
Check out my recent review on the Vanguards. Also, I’ll have a review of the Mach 6 coming out soon.
Very very helpful Dr. !
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your help
Very informative
My pleasure.
I am a serious intermediate player looking to always improve my game. I play two hours 5 days/week and am looking at the Gamma Shard paddle. I have an all round game, setting up with soft dinks waiting to hit hard and absorbing power. I hit hard serves and hard returns. Would u recommend this paddle for me?
I've never played with that paddle. I would just try to get a demo you can and see what you think. I always recommend that people try out as many paddles as possible.
Best paddles polymer honeycomb, graphite or carbon fiber. Looking to differ from fiberglass surface. Any suggestions please don't break the bank!!
Thank you!!
Very helpful!
Onix claims their Sub-zero paddle has a carbon and foam “Ribtec” core. Is this in any way similar to Gearbox? I can’t find an explanation of this construction/technology anywhere and am wondering if they stopped promoting it due to infringement on Gearbox IP?
Very cool. I wonder if anyone is trying some off the wall materiels such as bamboo is kevlar lol.
Super great! Thanks again!
My pleasure, thanks!
I have a carbon fiber paddle. It has good control but I find it hard to top spin. I'm new to this game but apparently, I was told I'm a 4.0. Would you think the Selkirk Amped S2 would help me with top spin or a fiber glass face?
You'll get a bit more spin with a fiberglass face, but not much. At the moment, there's quite a bit of debate going around about what actually gives the ball spin in pickleball. Is it the face, or is it the swing? I wouldn't worry about it too much as the AMPED S2 is an excellent paddle.
I have quite a bit of top spin btw.... to me it ISN'T the paddle, its how you hit the ball, the paddle CAN'T apply top spin, it how you hit the ball
Very helpful. Thanks.
My pleasure.
Your best video so far
Thanks!
Hmmm, no love for Gearbox paddles? No mention at all here about their amazing carbon fiber tube cores.
I just started playing a few months ago and just got an upgraded paddle after trying different ones and I got a gearbox. The longer reach if your short is awesome. I don’t think its a beginner paddle though. I saw a more recent video that said more advanced players are starting to use the new gearbox more.
@@erinsglw i have been playing for 6 months and have tried several paddles from Head, Onix, and Prince. After demoing 4 paddles from Gearbox, i settled on the traditionally shaped GX5 Control series 8.5oz. I have definitely found the paddle for me, it offers amazing touch and has the most ridiculous spin I have ever witnessed from a paddle. Gearbox products have made a Believer out of me and the crew I play with
I made this video years ago so I’m not sure if I even knew about Gearbox then. Definitely great paddles though. Very unique.
The Selkirk AMPED/Lightweight AMPED Epic core uses X5 polymer. What is X5 polymer?
What is the difference between a $40 polymer cord paddle and a $140 polymer cord paddle that both have a composite face?
X5 polymer is Selkirk's proprietary trademarked material. It's plastic like the others but chemically different somehow. Unfortunately, I don't know the details. What I do know is that in terms of performance, the core is much softer, absorbs more force and is much thicker, but you don't lose much power.
I think the difference comes mainly from the construction quality and quality of the plastic itself. I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to visit some manufacturers and learn the details. Hope that helps!
The big difference is most likely the thickness. The X5 core is 9/16 of an inch thick. A typical paddle is only .5 inches thick. I think more companies are going to make thicker paddles. The paddles by Prince, which actually made by Paddletek are 9/16 of an inch thick.
@@PickleballKitchen I imagine that polycarbonate cores are all the same for most major manufacturers regardless of claims of proprietary chemical structure. The price of the paddle usually has little relation to performance. Glenn Lucey, a 5.0 player, recently reviewed the Oiosen pickle ball paddle and concluded that it played very similarly to the Selkirk Epic. The Oiosen costs $40 on Amazon while the Selkirk Epic costs $149
Barrett, this video along with your Pickleball Kitchen Podcast Episode 22 have been most informative. Thank you for your dedication to our amazing sport.
Thanks Jack and you're welcome! Welcome to this side of PK!
Hey do you still have that lime green Selkirk paddle? If so would you be willing to sell it? Thanks
No sorry.
I ended up ordering the prince response pro. the decision was influenced by a few things but including your video about the paddle specifically, and this video. I've only played with it once so far but am really enjoying it. my former 2 paddles did not have a polymer core and I really like the pop and feeling of support from my paddle. yay. I am really happy with the paddle
I love Prince. It may be a long time before I move to anything different.
You indicated aluminum core lacks a ton of power. Strange. I tried my friend's aluminum core paddle and it was powerful! I have never hit a power drive from the back of the court like it before.
I probably shouldn't have been so hard on aluminum core paddles. They're definitely not as powerful, but it's not by a huge margin or anything. If it works for you, then go for it! Do you mind telling me what paddle it is?
@@PickleballKitchen It was the Singleton T-bolt slim
@@PickleballKitchen There wasn't much info on this paddle but it seems it might be a nomex core on it.
Goid on paddle cores
So a composite paddle can have a core that is itself a composite.
You switched to Prince! Could you tell me why?
I've been using Prince for well over a year now. I love the sweetspot and the feel of it. It's just the paddle that I ended up landing on.
@@PickleballKitchen Awesome. I won't buy a Selkirk because of just that. The feel is missing that I have with my old Head Radical Elite. I can't drink as well with it, but my volleys have so much more punch and precision.
What about carbon fiber paddles
You see carbon fiber faces pop up every now and then, but honestly, it doesn't make a huge difference. I would focus on shape, weight and weight balance.
I have a carbon fiber core paddle from Pro Lite. It's great control by the net if that's what you are looking for.
I had earbuds in, and the Nomex paddle hurt my ears. On the bright side, but it's psychological warfare when you're competing.
Yeah they are quite loud.
Why not discussion about the surface? Graphite, rough, etc.
This video was about cores only. These days I don't focus on the paddles as much. I'm more about the technique and strategy.
I would think the surface would make a huge impact on playability from spin, touch, sound and to some extent power.
@5:30 you can hit a ball and you can get hit right in the face. What in tarnation is he talking about?
A ham sandwich? Really? You must really enjoy ham sandwiches. Haven’t laughed this hard.... Well.... in a day or two. Honeycomb ham is personally my favorite. If you ever tried to explain that to me in person your new name would be babe. PS Power is not near as valuable in doubles but in singles it’s the future of the game. PPS Remember the name Anthony C. I’m gonna be the number 1 player in the world.
Even at 2x speed he talks slow lol