One more thing I wanted to mention! If you are already decent/good at the game you will definitely have to ADJUST your play style to incorporate this level of power. In my opinion, IF you’re trying to compete, it’s probably for the best since the sport seems to be getting faster in the short term.
As a tennis player it is very disturbing to me that PB promotes targeting purposely the opponent body and even discussion which part is a better target. I think that with technology innovation making paddles more and more powerful it is clear that either ball material must be changed like to Gamma foam ball or rule has to be added to discourage hitting body or otherwise this game becomes unsafe for any reasonable standards. There are so many seemingly unnecessary rules limiting serve motion and rules that elevates respect to all players but there are no rule that makes game safe. Seems counterintuitive
It's generally not unsafe and not painful when a pickleball hits you. There's a small chance of getting a small cut if the ball grazes your skin the wrong way, but it's pretty much nothing a band-aid won't fix. So there's nothing wrong with body tagging as a tactic, especially below the head level. Aiming specifically for the head is greatly frowned upon. The only real hazard is the eyes, which is why players are encouraged to wear protective eye-wear. But with the new paddle technology, safety starts to become more of a discussion, but this is more on regulating the paddles (which is why the Gen3 was ultimately delisted), not so much on the gameplay. This is unlike tennis where the balls are heavier and reach much higher speeds
Great info, thanks for not being a fear monger! :) I just received the Anna Bright Gen 3 and got my first play with it today. I have been concerned about the "issues" being bandied about. But I'm happy so far with its handling and power -- just what I was looking for. I've already got a Gen 1 Anna that I like a lot, and Selkirk Power Air Invikta is another favor of mine, along with a recent Thrive Azul. The new Anna looks to be the best of the bunch so far -- I'm still cautious about break-in, but not really worried (yet!). I'm no pro and mostly do Rec play, but looking toward some local tournaments eventually.
Thanks for all the info. I'm a 43 y/o woman, unable to generate too much power on drives. I ended up buying the Magnus 16mm. I've played with it for about 10 hours and so far I really like it. I can feel a significant boost in power on my shots, but haven't seen my control affected much yet. I imagine it's because it will take me way longer to fully break it in due to my lack of power in general. I do hope I don't experience any core crushing and that I don't end up sacrificing too much control after the full break in period, but I'll just have to deal with that when/if the time comes (hopefully before the warranty expires).
Great question - I’ve hit with some paddles from others that feel significantly different. Mine have slowly started to feel more powerful as well it just wasn’t as noticeable when I recorded this
I went to a local retail outlet and the paddle grit was inconsistent from paddle to paddle. Even the same model. I’ve been selling some of my old ones to buy a new Joola. I’m really disappointed. I’m actually looking for a power paddle due to some lack of flexibility. It worked well for me in tennis. Now I don’t know what to do. I currently use a Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy I’ve got several Six Zero models as well. Had an EVA Rhombus but got so many complaints from other players.
@partezcroeso3713 Just bought a black diamond infinity. I've been using the DBD16 for a year, new paddles every 4 months. The black diamond infinity feels to me like a massive upgrade on the DBD16. Better pop and power. Much much better spin, I'm a wizard, now! And the control. So accurate. The added pop really makes resetting easy, which sounds strange, I know, but you don't have to swing at all. Counters are scary good, and much faster in the hand than the DBD16--I'm getting a paddle on balls I never would have before, and they don't pop up. An unlooked for bonus has been the lack of edgeguard. Shots off the edgeguard would always go wild, but without an edgeguard, I find those edge shots fly true. Six Zero has made changes to this latest batch of paddles, and they are heavier, with a better sweet spot and twist weight than when they were first released and reviewed. Plays great stock, doesn't need any weight at all.
The best power paddles I’ve tried that play most like a tennis racquet are the Gearbox Power Pro, OM Aero1, and the Magnus 16. I might even look into the Engage Pursuit MX Pro series. All that being said, companies like 6.0 and CRBN are on the verge of releasing new paddles you might like… so hold off if that interests you!!
Hi Rafa, Thank you for all your detailed videos-I really appreciate them! I have a question and would love to get your opinion. I recently had the chance to demo a Gen 3 Hyperion 14mm, and I absolutely loved it! However, since it's not approved, are there any similar products you would recommend? Thank you for your time and insights!"
I have the Collin Johns Gen 3 and there’s no grit on either side. When I say “none” I mean my Gen 2 has more grit. My local club has all Gen 3 models and each of them have a significantly more grit, except the Collin Johns. It’s night and day and not even close. Even the Anna Bright has as much grit as the other paddles - which is A LOT…so much grit you could sand a 2x4! My paddle has none, and it’s also the same as the club pro’s who plays the same paddle. Unacceptable for a $300 paddle (with no cover)!
They sell them at Dick's sporting goods here locally. So you can feel the grit differences on a stack of them. They are all over the map. Some have a lot, some have none. That was the same with Gen 2.
I have an AB 14 Scorpeus and it’s pretty smooth on both sides. It plays extremely well but the grit is pretty low on mine - seems similar to my Gearbox PPE
Side question, do you happen to know how the power/pop of the chorus shapeshifter compares to that of the proline energy s or double black diamond? Interested in getting that paddle but wanted to know how it compares to a few others I've hit!
Hey! So you’ll find the Shapeshifter has more spin, pop, and stability than the DBD in my opinion (without any lead tape adjustments) but honestly it plays pretty similar to the PLE-S. If you don’t have any of these paddles I would give a slight nudge to the Shapeshifter over PLE-S since the sweet spot feels to be a bit bigger and it’s only $20 more. My discount code RAFA actually brings them to about the same price. I also anticipate full reviews coming soon tho if you want to hold off until then! Thanks for watching!!
@@pickleballtechdude Even in rec play, players don't want to lose because their opponent is using an illegal paddle. It just feels bad. I'm personally in favor of upping the limits on spin but it should be universal.
Very comprehensive review. Joola needs you in their R&D dept. Floating core designs are going to fade out fast. SST tecnology is superior to PP honeycomb. I'm having no issues with my GB Pro Pwr.
The grit level metric measurement criteria of height vs low, is erroneous, but is number of bumps per sq centermeter,aka like sandpaper grit.Particle size, 100 course vs 400 fine is an example of this with the maximum allowed is approximately 320 grit. Grit is mostly a property of spin, not power. Materials effecting power are what the face and core are made of. I believe that pickleball paddle materials technology is way behind other industries such as, ping ping, aerospace, surfboard, and snow sports, and baseball bats. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg so far and in the coming years the rollercoaster ride has only just started.
2.E.6.d nd f mechanical trigger internally causing exponential increase in natural possible excelleration from movement within the core cavity against back of ridge surface of the paddle. It’s a revolver mechanism at impact.
@pickleballtechdude awesome. Thanks! I have chatted also with the pickleball.dude Dennis who been using that. Looking forward on your take on the Pro and All-Court version if you're also reviewing that
I've stayed away from Joola just because of concerns about grit wear. Looks like I am going to keep avoiding them. Currently playing with an Engage Pursuit Pro and thinking about getting the Pro1.
PPA could care less, about the players, or the sport. Do you really think PPA is going to do anything when most of their best pros are using JOOLA? I heard when Selkirk came out with a letter about the new Gen 3s, PPA terminated the player paddle challenge.
Would love to get one of these lightly used Joola paddles once you are done testing! I have been playing with an old generation Engage and can’t afford $280 in this new technology. Thanks!
@@pickleballtechdude thanks...I'll check that out. I got to test one out recently. Im not advanced enough to warrant buying one, but I did play better with it. It is surprisingly controllable. I don't hit hard enough to ever bring on the crunching people talk about.
I have two gearbox pro power paddles and I am a responsible player in that I will not hit the ball hard at people who have a less ability then myself when playing so I work on placement, instead, in that case when playing against them and I really like these paddles a lot and I am 65 and just started playing pickleball and I see no problem with the power or the speed of these paddles. if someone using these paddles scares you then don't play against someone who is using them. I am tired of these great paddles getting a negative review because of their power and people being afraid. Do not let fear control your life.
Definitely don’t see an issue with the power it’s just hard to adjust to! The only thing I have an issue with is if the power is generated by an unfair advantage…
@@pickleballtechdude if you are not sponsored by a company and have to play with their paddles then you can buy this same paddle and then their is no unfair advantage. I let people use my other one all of the time
@@pickleballtechdude Paddles could have other points of differentiation. Like golf balls/clubs. Baseball bats. But would just have to be smooth. But I understand what you’re saying. The sport just isn’t far enough along in its evolution
They got back with an order form which says order complete 00.00 no description for what it is and a return label so not sure what they are saying. Asked, will see.
the same thing happened to me when I got the GearBox pro and the ball was flying on me and I thought I was a pretty decent player...Ruby is best for me in control and power
Pickleball needs to decide if it’s a game or sport. Game, go back to wood paddles. Sport, let companies innovate within rules & stop whining. Also stop it w/ the safety nonsense… A wiffle ball is harmless w/ eye protection
Absolutely there’s way less risk with eye protection - but the fact that you would NEED eye protection when like you said the sport is played with a whiffle ball kinda sucks…
I don't worry about getting hit with the ball, but I wouldn't call the ball harmless. I've been struck several times in a way that left a bruise for days. One time I got tagged hard in the nerp by the edge of the ball hole. That hurt more than I thought it could. But I didn't pay much attention, because pain is mostly a mental thing. But I was ignoring a heck of a lot more pain that I expected to experience.
One more thing I wanted to mention! If you are already decent/good at the game you will definitely have to ADJUST your play style to incorporate this level of power. In my opinion, IF you’re trying to compete, it’s probably for the best since the sport seems to be getting faster in the short term.
As a tennis player it is very disturbing to me that PB promotes targeting purposely the opponent body and even discussion which part is a better target. I think that with technology innovation making paddles more and more powerful it is clear that either ball material must be changed like to Gamma foam ball or rule has to be added to discourage hitting body or otherwise this game becomes unsafe for any reasonable standards. There are so many seemingly unnecessary rules limiting serve motion and rules that elevates respect to all players but there are no rule that makes game safe. Seems counterintuitive
Great points!
It's generally not unsafe and not painful when a pickleball hits you. There's a small chance of getting a small cut if the ball grazes your skin the wrong way, but it's pretty much nothing a band-aid won't fix. So there's nothing wrong with body tagging as a tactic, especially below the head level. Aiming specifically for the head is greatly frowned upon. The only real hazard is the eyes, which is why players are encouraged to wear protective eye-wear. But with the new paddle technology, safety starts to become more of a discussion, but this is more on regulating the paddles (which is why the Gen3 was ultimately delisted), not so much on the gameplay. This is unlike tennis where the balls are heavier and reach much higher speeds
Great info, thanks for not being a fear monger! :) I just received the Anna Bright Gen 3 and got my first play with it today. I have been concerned about the "issues" being bandied about. But I'm happy so far with its handling and power -- just what I was looking for. I've already got a Gen 1 Anna that I like a lot, and Selkirk Power Air Invikta is another favor of mine, along with a recent Thrive Azul. The new Anna looks to be the best of the bunch so far -- I'm still cautious about break-in, but not really worried (yet!). I'm no pro and mostly do Rec play, but looking toward some local tournaments eventually.
Absolutely! My paddles play great my only concern is whether or not I’m in the minority or majority of experiences
Thanks for all the info. I'm a 43 y/o woman, unable to generate too much power on drives. I ended up buying the Magnus 16mm. I've played with it for about 10 hours and so far I really like it. I can feel a significant boost in power on my shots, but haven't seen my control affected much yet. I imagine it's because it will take me way longer to fully break it in due to my lack of power in general. I do hope I don't experience any core crushing and that I don't end up sacrificing too much control after the full break in period, but I'll just have to deal with that when/if the time comes (hopefully before the warranty expires).
Did you try the 14mm version of the Magnus?
This is amazingly well written.
Lack of natural power will help longevity of your paddle. Less chance of core crushing for sure.
These paddles are a great benefit to ppl that have trouble generating power so sounds like this was a great choice!
I am 71 yrs old and are looking for power paddle. Thank u this looks good for me too
How did you conclude there’s a break-in period if your paddles haven’t hit the break-in point?
There isn’t
some of the other big name paddle reviewers on YT have extensively tested these paddles and said it changes (hits harder) after several play sessions.
Great question - I’ve hit with some paddles from others that feel significantly different. Mine have slowly started to feel more powerful as well it just wasn’t as noticeable when I recorded this
@@Squaredot01 “subjectively”….these are regular Jo smos. Paddles are just plastic. No need to over think. Basic materials science.
I went to a local retail outlet and the paddle grit was inconsistent from paddle to paddle. Even the same model. I’ve been selling some of my old ones to buy a new Joola. I’m really disappointed. I’m actually looking for a power paddle due to some lack of flexibility. It worked well for me in tennis. Now I don’t know what to do. I currently use a Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy I’ve got several Six Zero models as well. Had an EVA Rhombus but got so many complaints from other players.
@partezcroeso3713 Just bought a black diamond infinity. I've been using the DBD16 for a year, new paddles every 4 months. The black diamond infinity feels to me like a massive upgrade on the DBD16. Better pop and power. Much much better spin, I'm a wizard, now! And the control. So accurate. The added pop really makes resetting easy, which sounds strange, I know, but you don't have to swing at all. Counters are scary good, and much faster in the hand than the DBD16--I'm getting a paddle on balls I never would have before, and they don't pop up. An unlooked for bonus has been the lack of edgeguard. Shots off the edgeguard would always go wild, but without an edgeguard, I find those edge shots fly true. Six Zero has made changes to this latest batch of paddles, and they are heavier, with a better sweet spot and twist weight than when they were first released and reviewed. Plays great stock, doesn't need any weight at all.
The best power paddles I’ve tried that play most like a tennis racquet are the Gearbox Power Pro, OM Aero1, and the Magnus 16. I might even look into the Engage Pursuit MX Pro series.
All that being said, companies like 6.0 and CRBN are on the verge of releasing new paddles you might like… so hold off if that interests you!!
Not many have reviewed the chorus shapeshifter I can't wait to hear from you
Thank's
Stay tuned! Coming very soon 😉
Hi Rafa,
Thank you for all your detailed videos-I really appreciate them! I have a question and would love to get your opinion. I recently had the chance to demo a Gen 3 Hyperion 14mm, and I absolutely loved it! However, since it's not approved, are there any similar products you would recommend? Thank you for your time and insights!"
I have the Collin Johns Gen 3 and there’s no grit on either side. When I say “none” I mean my Gen 2 has more grit.
My local club has all Gen 3 models and each of them have a significantly more grit, except the Collin Johns. It’s night and day and not even close. Even the Anna Bright has as much grit as the other paddles - which is A LOT…so much grit you could sand a 2x4!
My paddle has none, and it’s also the same as the club pro’s who plays the same paddle.
Unacceptable for a $300 paddle (with no cover)!
It’s crazy how it would be so easy to 100% recommend these paddles but these smaller issues hold me back :/
They sell them at Dick's sporting goods here locally. So you can feel the grit differences on a stack of them. They are all over the map. Some have a lot, some have none. That was the same with Gen 2.
My CJ Gen 3 also has almost no grit.
I have an AB 14 Scorpeus and it’s pretty smooth on both sides. It plays extremely well but the grit is pretty low on mine - seems similar to my Gearbox PPE
Great in depth paddle review keep up the content!!
Thank you so much will do 🫡
Great insight, and look forward to your full review. Thanks Tech Dude!
Any time! Thanks for watching and following along 👊🏼
Side question, do you happen to know how the power/pop of the chorus shapeshifter compares to that of the proline energy s or double black diamond? Interested in getting that paddle but wanted to know how it compares to a few others I've hit!
Hey! So you’ll find the Shapeshifter has more spin, pop, and stability than the DBD in my opinion (without any lead tape adjustments) but honestly it plays pretty similar to the PLE-S.
If you don’t have any of these paddles I would give a slight nudge to the Shapeshifter over PLE-S since the sweet spot feels to be a bit bigger and it’s only $20 more. My discount code RAFA actually brings them to about the same price. I also anticipate full reviews coming soon tho if you want to hold off until then! Thanks for watching!!
what are you using for the paddle hangers on the wall?
Straight up generic black hooks off Amazon
As a CN paddle manufacturer, you are correct about the legality.
I’ve never understood why recreational players cared so much about USAPA approval in the first place 🤷🏽♂️
@@pickleballtechdude Even in rec play, players don't want to lose because their opponent is using an illegal paddle. It just feels bad. I'm personally in favor of upping the limits on spin but it should be universal.
Very comprehensive review. Joola needs you in their R&D dept. Floating core designs are going to fade out fast.
SST tecnology is superior to PP honeycomb. I'm having no issues with my GB Pro Pwr.
Appreciate the kind words! Gearbox does seem to have less core crushing issues
The grit level metric measurement criteria of height vs low, is erroneous, but is number of bumps per sq centermeter,aka like sandpaper grit.Particle size, 100 course vs 400 fine is an example of this with the maximum allowed is approximately 320 grit. Grit is mostly a property of spin, not power. Materials effecting power are what the face and core are made of. I believe that pickleball paddle materials technology is way behind other industries such as, ping ping, aerospace, surfboard, and snow sports, and baseball bats. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg so far and in the coming years the rollercoaster ride has only just started.
100% agree
2.E.6.d nd f mechanical trigger internally causing exponential increase in natural possible excelleration from movement within the core cavity against back of ridge surface of the paddle. It’s a revolver mechanism at impact.
Is this from the 2024 version?
I see you have the Maverix bag. Have you tested the new Havik-15 yet?
Matt is getting that out to me ASAP but I’ve heard great things!!
@pickleballtechdude awesome. Thanks! I have chatted also with the pickleball.dude Dennis who been using that. Looking forward on your take on the Pro and All-Court version if you're also reviewing that
It's amazing that these paddles weren't put through a million ball test during development to see how they would react.
I believe they were… mass production has a really big impact on QC sadly
What time were you at cole? That place is always packed
😂 was there in the late morning to avoid the rush
shoutout to Cole Park!
Is there a such thing as an all carbon fiber pickleball paddle whose core is also carbon fiber? if so who makes them?
Not that I know of but doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or won’t soon haha
@@pickleballtechdude I wonder if the elongated gearbox pro power paddle is the closes to accomplishing that
I've stayed away from Joola just because of concerns about grit wear. Looks like I am going to keep avoiding them. Currently playing with an Engage Pursuit Pro and thinking about getting the Pro1.
If you’re looking for a lower SW that’s the only reason I would get the Pro1. If you do grab it my code RAFA at Spinwave also saves you 10% on that 😉
what did you think of the gherkin?
Full review coming in the next week or so!
this is the first time I came across your channel and I am now subscribed...great information and presentation
Thanks so much! Only going to get bigger and better from here 👊🏼
Can you please review the J2K?
Incoming very soon!!
PPA could care less, about the players, or the sport. Do you really think PPA is going to do anything when most of their best pros are using JOOLA? I heard when Selkirk came out with a letter about the new Gen 3s, PPA terminated the player paddle challenge.
That’s super interesting where did you hear that? I know PPA got rid of the testing short-term but not sure why
@@pickleballtechdude I heard it from one of the best podcasts (IMHO) out there. But it would be something PPA would do, IMO.
Would love to get one of these lightly used Joola paddles once you are done testing! I have been playing with an old generation Engage and can’t afford $280 in this new technology. Thanks!
Thanks so much for watching :)
@@pickleballtechdudeI forgot to mention I will pay for shipping! 😊
That looks like Dallas Park!
Cole Park in Dallas yeah!
Your videos are always so informative! Keep up the good work 🙂
That means so much! Thank you!!
Yeah the “trampoline effect “ is the thing that is illegal and that is just what is advertised in the Joola Gen 3 paddles. Weird.
I thought so too but technically it’s not illegal anymore? Not according to the 2024 rulebook
@@pickleballtechdude thanks...I'll check that out. I got to test one out recently. Im not advanced enough to warrant buying one, but I did play better with it. It is surprisingly controllable. I don't hit hard enough to ever bring on the crunching people talk about.
My co worker got one today and we warmed up then started playing after 6 swings his handle broke, I think it's a shit paddle
No way 😱😱😱
I have two gearbox pro power paddles and I am a responsible player in that I will not hit the ball hard at people who have a less ability then myself when playing so I work on placement, instead, in that case when playing against them and I really like these paddles a lot and I am 65 and just started playing pickleball and I see no problem with the power or the speed of these paddles. if someone using these paddles scares you then don't play against someone who is using them. I am tired of these great paddles getting a negative review because of their power and people being afraid. Do not let fear control your life.
Definitely don’t see an issue with the power it’s just hard to adjust to! The only thing I have an issue with is if the power is generated by an unfair advantage…
@@pickleballtechdude if you are not sponsored by a company and have to play with their paddles then you can buy this same paddle and then their is no unfair advantage. I let people use my other one all of the time
Great observations, well done.
Thank you so much for watching 👊🏼
Why not just mandate that all paddles have a smooth surface. Let players overall skill determine best player rather than the just best spinners
Because capitalism 😝
@@pickleballtechdude
Paddles could have other points of differentiation. Like golf balls/clubs. Baseball bats. But would just have to be smooth. But I understand what you’re saying. The sport just isn’t far enough along in its evolution
Great take
Thank you 🙏🏼
2, 3 hour training sessions and core crush……
Insane!
Going on two weeks and getting the run around from Joola…….
They got back with an order form which says order complete 00.00 no description for what it is and a return label so not sure what they are saying. Asked, will see.
Thanks for the review. I’m your newest subscriber!
Thanks so much!!! Lots more to come 👊🏼
Joola will not respond to my email or answer phone calls, been trying to get a refund for 2 week +
Horrible business practices and customer service.
That isn’t a great look for sure :/
I just want to point out I bought this paddle and I still suck; In fact, I’m probably worse now because they’re pretty hard to use.
Try out the GRUVN raw 13x paddle out thank me later. Also $150 cheaper than these gen 3s
Yeah if you were already decent/good there’s smth to be said about how you have to change your play style to accommodate this kind of power…
the same thing happened to me when I got the GearBox pro and the ball was flying on me and I thought I was a pretty decent player...Ruby is best for me in control and power
What or who is the big pickle?
Pickleball governing corporations aka PPA, USAPA, APP, etc who make all the “rules”
Pickleball needs to decide if it’s a game or sport. Game, go back to wood paddles. Sport, let companies innovate within rules & stop whining. Also stop it w/ the safety nonsense… A wiffle ball is harmless w/ eye protection
Absolutely there’s way less risk with eye protection - but the fact that you would NEED eye protection when like you said the sport is played with a whiffle ball kinda sucks…
@@pickleballtechdude fair point but I’m looking forward to seeing the data. There’s a lot of exaggerating and hyperbole going on
I don't worry about getting hit with the ball, but I wouldn't call the ball harmless. I've been struck several times in a way that left a bruise for days. One time I got tagged hard in the nerp by the edge of the ball hole. That hurt more than I thought it could. But I didn't pay much attention, because pain is mostly a mental thing. But I was ignoring a heck of a lot more pain that I expected to experience.
Trampoline affect.
Not explicitly in the rules anymore :/
Jesus christ, stop with this "being scared" stuff. It is a whiffleball dude.
You’ll be happy to find out I’m not really scared of the ball just don’t care for walking away with bruises 😂
oops, RAFA doesn’t work.
Can I ask where you tried to use it? Thanks for watching!!!
@@pickleballtechdude Your website