AND… JJ what about the INVADER!?!? Have you guys played it much, bc I am typically aligned with you on paddles and the Invader is like a lighter swingweight and more maneuverable Shogun IMO. It’s super stable wo weight and shapes the ball so well like ti/pet grips so nicely!
@ that’s exactly how I would have described it. Some are saying they can get a little more power out of the invader with the fiberglass sheet. I personally did not find this, but that could be more due to the longer handle and shape of the shogun and my technique
It was supposed to have already released. They got them delivered to Vietnam for their event and are now stuck in CA. Their hq in AZ should have them this week. I’m sure more info will come shortly, and I will be able to talk in more detail about the paddle.
I'm really enjoying your weekly pod and reviews! Just picked up a Chorus Fire and I really agree with your takes. I also think Reload should get more love, but I haven't had a chance to play with one yet. How would you describe the way it feels as well as the pop and power compared to some popular paddles? I'd love to support them but I just don't have enough pickleball fund to spend on a paddle I don't know much about.
I’d wait to see if they ever do a sale again. I bought my reload and got the sheets and the paddle for 150. I’m hoping they do some deal like that again. The reload is different because you do feel the feedback of the face not being permanent on the paddle, however if you hit it around the sweet spot with some room for error it plays pretty nice. The only other issue is the swing weight starts a little high. It may be 120 ish. Would love to see them do another iteration and lower that swing weight. It feels pretty soft as well which was nice for Dinks and resets but pop was fairly low.
How would your best budget paddle pick compare to the Ryu Aiso? Also for over $100 you can't overlook the Neonic line with their Flow prime and Flare prime.
I’ve played a few games with the ryu. I need to put some weight on it before I feel comfortable giving a ton of advice on which way to go. I can say it’s a very solid paddle, but it doesn’t feel how I expected it to feel. Neonic has amazing paddles and I’ll have some more content featuring their stuff soon. The jellybean won it for me because the paddle dropped to 64 dollars this year with code. It is very nice to see high quality options in a much more budget friendly price range.
Great choice on the Shogun for All Court Paddle! How would you compare the Shogun to the Invader which you recently reviewed? I also really love the Shogun and it just feels like “Goldilocks”. I’m also waiting for delivery of the Invader, which I’m very curious to try and see how it compares to the Shogun. Thank you for the great pods all year long and happy holidays! 🥊
In all honesty they are very similar in my mind. In theory you should be able to get more power with the invader because of the fiberglass, but with the shorter handle of the Invader I still get more power on my shogun. Bread & butter just keep nailing every release!
Maybe? 🤫😉. Couple things planned. Definitely a lot of new stuff in the pipeline. They have a new Gen 3 core that isn’t pushing the limit for being delisted and it may come to the rest of their lineup.
JJ would I be way off do you think if I said scaling back to the mod 14 mm for better control bc it feels to me almost similar to the 16 mm 3S, but at least mod is USAP approved
I would wait. 3s is getting USAP approval next year with both stamps. Legit just got word of this today. I loved the Mod but it’s hard to recommend with how fast it breaks.
@@JJPickleball curious if it will replace my Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper that I've got for a 30 day trial. Really liking that Hyper and it hasn't opened up yet.
i’m from vietnam hahaha. love the podcast. im indeed looking for a paddletek with a bigger sweetspot. playing with an olympus rn, but i still feel the sweetspot could be better
Well look out for the Proton Project Flamingo and some others coming to market in the coming months. Proton has been doing events in Vietnam all week I believe. I know a ton of people love the Olympus! Thanks for the view and comment!
1st one last 3.5 months and had a little left...its in my bag as backup. - for a power paddle I find it has alot of control. Drops/Resets are good..I am using 16mm.
I find it disappointing that power paddles are still being the scapegoat for eye injuries in PB. I’ve been hit in the eye just once and it happened exactly the same way as Bouchard’s injury. My partner deflected a ball off his paddle edge right into my eye from my periphery and I couldn’t avoid it. Deflections seem to be a common factor in so many PB eye injuries.
I completely agree it’s often deflections, but I often see the reason for a lot of deflections is the player not reacting quick enough due to a fast drive. However, still a very good point that there are some shots away from power that we all can do nothing about.
Whether the eye is hit directly by an opponent, or a deflection from your partner wearing protective eyeware can mitigate or prevent eye injuries. The bottom line is protective eyewear is a good idea.
@@grahammustoe6260 Completely agree, folks need to be responsible and wear eye protection. Since I got hit, I started wearing Gearbox glasses. They are excellent and only $40
Great pod, from to start to finish. Quite a bit Proton/home team bias, you just don’t see them on anyone else’s top lists. I have to say you’re persuasive, but Proton’s sky high price point is going to keep me away.
There definitely is some bias due to proximity. Only pushback I would share is that the proton I’m referring to isn’t out yet, and only the pros have it. I’d imagine it’ll generate some buzz, but there will be a lot of power paddles in the same performance range coming out shortly. I appreciate the comment, and thanks for the feedback!
I don’t see any Protons in the West valley where I play. Way too many good paddles for way less than Proton. Actually surprised how many Selkirk paddles I see…name recognition and too lazy to do even a little research.
Hi JJ & Graham, You guys are amazing. I love watching you & enjoy listening to your opinions. I am a paddle nerd. After watching this pod. Now very interested in Proton Flamingo release, and I'm super curious what Graham's favortite is that you couldn't discuss yet. Will it be a different shape than the flamingo? Thank you for everything! Have a blessed Merry Christmas! 🌞
Also... IMO.... the J2K/HPC would win worst paddle graphics. Not a fan of the sword & shield logo or the huge branding on the edge guard. I know it doesn't change the way a paddle plays, but I simply wouldn't purchase an ugly looking paddle. To each their own.
Graphics definitely can be improved. I would like to see a white edgeguard and more muted branding on the side. I personally love the sword and shield in the middle. Appreciate the comment!
The Proton project roadrunner was hot trash. I can't tell if youtubers were paid heavily to lie about it but anyone that says it has power is on crack. Aesthetically one of the nicer looking paddles but the spin is mid and the power was extremely weak. All the BNB paddles, Joola gen 2/3, and many more paddles hit way harder.
Well I haven’t been paid I can assure you that. I do however have a good relationship with Proton which I won’t hide. However I try my best to always be objective. I still stand by it being one of the best edgeless paddles on the market. Now the new holbrooks and new enhance pickleball paddles may be swaying me away from that opinion. I feel I hit the roadrunner harder than any of the bnb paddles other than maybe the shogun. The joola paddles are in another ballpark with power. Significantly more than both those brands. I do find it surprising how many series 4’s I see given the price tag, but I think people love the design, like how light it is, and feel it’s premium because of the price (whether it is or isn’t).
Really enjoyed this episode.
Appreciate the view and glad you enjoyed!
Another great content and podcast gentlemen, for the Fire series per reviewer adding lead/tungsten tape to bring the potential of the Fire paddles
Perimeter weighting is needed! The fire is a very fun and fast paddle!
I’ve obviously played with JJs but my fire came in today and I’m very excited to continue testing that paddle!
DAMMMMMMMNNNN! This made our night. About to pour a cocktail on a MONDAY!
Let’s gooooooo!!!
AND… JJ what about the INVADER!?!? Have you guys played it much, bc I am typically aligned with you on paddles and the Invader is like a lighter swingweight and more maneuverable Shogun IMO. It’s super stable wo weight and shapes the ball so well like ti/pet grips so nicely!
@ that’s exactly how I would have described it. Some are saying they can get a little more power out of the invader with the fiberglass sheet. I personally did not find this, but that could be more due to the longer handle and shape of the shogun and my technique
Ronbus ripple definitely is power paddle of the year, get your hands on it and drop a review :D
@@iFaMeMcFriez I did a review several months ago. You can give it a watch! :)
Will there be any information released about the proton? When is it coming out
It was supposed to have already released. They got them delivered to Vietnam for their event and are now stuck in CA. Their hq in AZ should have them this week. I’m sure more info will come shortly, and I will be able to talk in more detail about the paddle.
I'm really enjoying your weekly pod and reviews! Just picked up a Chorus Fire and I really agree with your takes. I also think Reload should get more love, but I haven't had a chance to play with one yet. How would you describe the way it feels as well as the pop and power compared to some popular paddles? I'd love to support them but I just don't have enough pickleball fund to spend on a paddle I don't know much about.
I’d wait to see if they ever do a sale again. I bought my reload and got the sheets and the paddle for 150. I’m hoping they do some deal like that again. The reload is different because you do feel the feedback of the face not being permanent on the paddle, however if you hit it around the sweet spot with some room for error it plays pretty nice. The only other issue is the swing weight starts a little high. It may be 120 ish. Would love to see them do another iteration and lower that swing weight. It feels pretty soft as well which was nice for Dinks and resets but pop was fairly low.
iIwas looking at buying a proton series 3 but is it worth waiting since it seems like a new paddle is coming out by them?
I would wait. Should be a couple more weeks only.
@@JJPickleball Do you have any idea if this is still planned to release soon???
How would your best budget paddle pick compare to the Ryu Aiso? Also for over $100 you can't overlook the Neonic line with their Flow prime and Flare prime.
I’ve played a few games with the ryu. I need to put some weight on it before I feel comfortable giving a ton of advice on which way to go. I can say it’s a very solid paddle, but it doesn’t feel how I expected it to feel. Neonic has amazing paddles and I’ll have some more content featuring their stuff soon. The jellybean won it for me because the paddle dropped to 64 dollars this year with code. It is very nice to see high quality options in a much more budget friendly price range.
Great choice on the Shogun for All Court Paddle! How would you compare the Shogun to the Invader which you recently reviewed? I also really love the Shogun and it just feels like “Goldilocks”. I’m also waiting for delivery of the Invader, which I’m very curious to try and see how it compares to the Shogun. Thank you for the great pods all year long and happy holidays! 🥊
In all honesty they are very similar in my mind. In theory you should be able to get more power with the invader because of the fiberglass, but with the shorter handle of the Invader I still get more power on my shogun. Bread & butter just keep nailing every release!
Hi! How do I contact you if I want to send some products for a review?
I believe I have my email in my bio, but if not my email is jjpbreviews@gmail.com
Liked. Is Proton coming up with a Gen 3 type paddle with their Nanotec surface? That would be 'da bomb!'
Maybe? 🤫😉. Couple things planned. Definitely a lot of new stuff in the pipeline. They have a new Gen 3 core that isn’t pushing the limit for being delisted and it may come to the rest of their lineup.
JJ would I be way off do you think if I said scaling back to the mod 14 mm for better control bc it feels to me almost similar to the 16 mm 3S, but at least mod is USAP approved
I would wait. 3s is getting USAP approval next year with both stamps. Legit just got word of this today. I loved the Mod but it’s hard to recommend with how fast it breaks.
This is sooo good to know! Does that mean they are planning to settle the lawsuit I wonder!?!?
Looking forward to the 11SIX24 Power Vapor that drops in Feb
Getting mine shortly! Very excited for them!
@@JJPickleball curious if it will replace my Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper that I've got for a 30 day trial. Really liking that Hyper and it hasn't opened up yet.
@@kylepickleballthe Hyper is a really solid paddle!
Really excited to start testing those!
How does the new proton series 3 u currently have compared to the power series from 11six24? I'm debating between them and proton power paddle
27:30 Any paddle that costs $275 and breaks in three months shouldn't even be in the running for an awards IMO.
Completely fair. Ironically for some reason his mod lasted 7 months. Now it still broke so point is more than valid.
i’m from vietnam hahaha. love the podcast. im indeed looking for a paddletek with a bigger sweetspot. playing with an olympus rn, but i still feel the sweetspot could be better
Well look out for the Proton Project Flamingo and some others coming to market in the coming months. Proton has been doing events in Vietnam all week I believe. I know a ton of people love the Olympus! Thanks for the view and comment!
con S3 mới Flamingo này okie đó bác ơi
The Flamingo is now on sale in Vietnam. ))
@@jgcavanaugh just got mine a few days ago. Love the paddle!
55:30 - Sorry guys, Filth and Loco came out 2023. Great video and lots of spot on stuff otherwise.
Second person to call him out! I told him that before the pod and google ai told him wrong information. Good catch.
TA-15....yes
1st one last 3.5 months and had a little left...its in my bag as backup. - for a power paddle I find it has alot of control. Drops/Resets are good..I am using 16mm.
I find it disappointing that power paddles are still being the scapegoat for eye injuries in PB. I’ve been hit in the eye just once and it happened exactly the same way as Bouchard’s injury. My partner deflected a ball off his paddle edge right into my eye from my periphery and I couldn’t avoid it. Deflections seem to be a common factor in so many PB eye injuries.
I completely agree it’s often deflections, but I often see the reason for a lot of deflections is the player not reacting quick enough due to a fast drive. However, still a very good point that there are some shots away from power that we all can do nothing about.
Whether the eye is hit directly by an opponent, or a deflection from your partner wearing protective eyeware can mitigate or prevent eye injuries.
The bottom line is protective eyewear is a good idea.
@@grahammustoe6260 Completely agree, folks need to be responsible and wear eye protection. Since I got hit, I started wearing Gearbox glasses. They are excellent and only $40
Thanks for the Reload Shoutout(s) guys.
Can’t wait to see what’s next! Love the product!
Pickleball Apes is releasing an elongated shape, in between the E and the S
I just got word of this today. Very excited for that next year!
Get a “Friday” paddle add some Tungsten tape and I’ll bet youll dominate all rec leagues up to 4.0 level or more
Very solid paddle. Especially the challenger.
I fully agree my weighted up challenger performs as good as most $250 paddles!
Great pod, from to start to finish. Quite a bit Proton/home team bias, you just don’t see them on anyone else’s top lists. I have to say you’re persuasive, but Proton’s sky high price point is going to keep me away.
There definitely is some bias due to proximity. Only pushback I would share is that the proton I’m referring to isn’t out yet, and only the pros have it. I’d imagine it’ll generate some buzz, but there will be a lot of power paddles in the same performance range coming out shortly. I appreciate the comment, and thanks for the feedback!
Price is also a big barrier which I am not a fan of personally.
I don’t see any Protons in the West valley where I play. Way too many good paddles for way less than Proton. Actually surprised how many Selkirk paddles I see…name recognition and too lazy to do even a little research.
Hi JJ & Graham, You guys are amazing. I love watching you & enjoy listening to your opinions. I am a paddle nerd. After watching this pod. Now very interested in Proton Flamingo release, and I'm super curious what Graham's favortite is that you couldn't discuss yet. Will it be a different shape than the flamingo? Thank you for everything! Have a blessed Merry Christmas! 🌞
Appreciate your support! Merry Christmas to you!
The Loco came out last year, just saying.
Also... IMO.... the J2K/HPC would win worst paddle graphics. Not a fan of the sword & shield logo or the huge branding on the edge guard. I know it doesn't change the way a paddle plays, but I simply wouldn't purchase an ugly looking paddle. To each their own.
See I said this! Graham was convinced it was this year. However? Shogun, Fat boy, and Invader is a big year.
Graphics definitely can be improved. I would like to see a white edgeguard and more muted branding on the side. I personally love the sword and shield in the middle. Appreciate the comment!
I googled it I swear! Google lied 😂
The Proton project roadrunner was hot trash. I can't tell if youtubers were paid heavily to lie about it but anyone that says it has power is on crack. Aesthetically one of the nicer looking paddles but the spin is mid and the power was extremely weak. All the BNB paddles, Joola gen 2/3, and many more paddles hit way harder.
Well I haven’t been paid I can assure you that. I do however have a good relationship with Proton which I won’t hide. However I try my best to always be objective. I still stand by it being one of the best edgeless paddles on the market. Now the new holbrooks and new enhance pickleball paddles may be swaying me away from that opinion. I feel I hit the roadrunner harder than any of the bnb paddles other than maybe the shogun. The joola paddles are in another ballpark with power. Significantly more than both those brands. I do find it surprising how many series 4’s I see given the price tag, but I think people love the design, like how light it is, and feel it’s premium because of the price (whether it is or isn’t).
What’s ur lead setup on Roadrunner?
I have 4 grams on the throat from 7-9 and 5-3