The Top 5 Control Paddles of 2023
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- Опубліковано 3 вер 2023
- The definitive list of THE BEST control paddles of 2023 so far.
Volair Mach 1 Forza
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Ronbus R1 Nova
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You can purchase it here: bit.ly/47y2a0Z
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Six Zero Double Black Diamond
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You can purchase it here: bit.ly/3OnS61F
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Diadem Edge 18K
Use code STSPICKLEBALL to save $23 on your order
You can purchase it here: bit.ly/3Pg3PBc
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GRUVN MUVN 13S
Use code STSPICKLEBALL to save $18 on your order
You can purchase it here: bit.ly/3R8C92u
#pickleball #pickleballfun #pickleballpaddle
Another great video. We need to get you on the tour Stephen!
Definitely going to have to pin this one. Count me IN!!!
Love my Ronbus 3 pulsar 16mm! Great control and resets awesome
Pulsar is a really great paddle. For me it could be just about interchangeable with the Nova, the nova just has that new tech built into the perimeter of the paddle so I put it on here. Pulsar is awesome!
Excellent, very helpful!
Glad this was helpful for you!! 🙏
Thanks for all of your thoughtful reviews. I consider you one of the best content providers on paddles. So, I have a Ronbus Nova R1 and love it for all the reasons you have provided. I especially love the touch and feel of the Nova and the power it generates for me. Does it make any sense for me to pick up the Muvn 13s? What would you say it would give me that the Nova doesnt? How do the two paddles compare in the power department?
Nova will definitely have more power. GRUVN MUVN 13S is just a super linear highly maneuverable control paddle. Insanely fast hands, and well placed shots over and over and over. Also thank you so much for the feedback! I really appreciate that a lot seriously.
I just ordered the Grubn muvn based on you recommendation!! Thanks
Let me know what you think! :) You're very welcome
Great video, very helpful! I was about to order a Muvn 13S, but saw that the Selkirk Luxx just dropped. Have you hit with one yet? I wonder where that would fit on your Top 5 list… any thoughts?
I have no hit with the Luxx yet! I am working on other reviews right now. I have heard good things though. Seems interesting. I'm sure I would like the 13S better but I cant say for certain quite yet! :)
great video, thanks
3:44 Six Zero Double Black Diamond 16mm
7:13 GRUVN MUVN 13S
Thanks for the time stamps!! Feel free to time-stamp any and all paddles. Also, thanks for the good vibes and feedback!
@@stspickleball thanks man. i just started a deep dive into inexpensive paddles and your videos are a GREAT resource. i am looking at A11N and Vatic.
@@olegyamleq7796 I think the top budget paddle right now for me is the Neonic paddle. Have you checked that one out at all? I have a video coming out on it very soon. It feels like a Ronbus Pulsar for $99, well $89 with discount code. Highly recommend it.
Have a DBD 14mm & love it 👍
Really just a great paddle!!
Thank you. Love your videos. How are the sweet spots/forgiveness on these paddles? What paddles have the biggest sweet spots? Are standard size paddles always going to be better than elongated? My ten year old wants to start playing. Can he just use these paddles?
Standard paddles will have bigger sweet spots than elongated for sure. Refer to my paddle spreadsheet on my website for all the info you are asking about! www.stspickleball.com
You have the voice to commentate PPA pro matches. Let’s go!!!
Damn thank you! That would be pretty cool hahaha. I appreciate the positive vibes :)
You do have a great voice! Are you a singer btw?
@@nadzoll haha I am not! But I really appreciate the sentiment ☺️☺️🙏
So I started with a Joola Vision 16mm and loved the control, but was looking for a bit more pop as it felt muted hitting it. I’m always looking for more control as I generate a lot of power with whatever paddle I use…. Purchased a DBD 16mm and I definitely see the appeal to it, but it’s has a bit too much pop for me and I’ve lost some of the control I had with the Vision….. I was thinking of trying the Ronbus R1 or R3 Pulsar as I hear they have a bit more control and slightly less pop. What do you think? Any other recommendations? Thanks!
Pulsars are going to be very relative to the DBD they do have a touch less pop but ultimately they are thermoformed and very relative. I think if you're looking for something very plush I would recommend a GRUVN RAW 16x or a GRUVN 16v. Neither of these are thermoformed so they won't be firm or poppy, the 16x is a very balanced paddle in all categories just super plush and soft, and the 16v is going to be insanely soft and plush. The MUVN 13S is my personal favorite control paddle just because it feels so fast in the hands and the feel off the face although a touch firmer just feels incredibly linear to where I want the ball to go. Something about it just works in every scenario for me ☺️ but if you want options that are incredibly soft and plush those two would be my picks.
Pickleball Apes Energy is my current control paddle. Has great spin and control for my game.
Thats a wonderful paddle indeed!
I’ve been using the Selkirk Luxx Invicta for 3 days. The control is incredible! My game is so much better. Unfortunately, I cannot spin my serve well or hit my serve for power, so I’m looking forward to the next step
Love this! Yeah the Luxx is a solid paddle but there are definitely better options for spin and power haha 😊
Hey STS, I just got into pickleball a few weeks ago at Lifetime using their Joola rentals and just recently ordered the DBD, R1 Nova and the Pro Line Energy after doing some research. Looking for a 4th paddle so I can have my family out and play doubles with but also have a good variety in my quiver for different scenarios and preferred taste after playing more. Was considering the CRBN2X 14mm (103 swing weight/6.85 twist weight/7.8oz/1843rpm) as the 4th paddle and adding some lead tape as it seems highly customizable with its low weight specs and already high power/pop. I just saw you have the Gruvn as your number one and it looks similar to the CRBN in shape and specs and $50usd cheaper. I was wondering if you have any experience with the CRBN2x and could offer some insight on comparing it to the Gruvn from first hand experience? I appreciate it.
That's awesome! I love that you're collecting a solid array of paddles to play with the fam and for your own game :). So in my experience GRUVN honestly makes better quality paddles than CRBN. The CRBN paddles tend to delaminate often and have some issues. I think I would go CRBN if you're looking for more power, and I would go with the GRUVN MUVN 13S if you're looking for a super fast hand speed control oriented paddle. :) It really is up to you how you want to round out your quiver, but I think I would go with the GRUVN MUVN 13S if it was up to me! It's a super cool paddle.
You've been playing for "a few weeks" and you have 4 paddles??
Dude, learn how to play, then change paddles.
As your game develops you'll find paddles that suit you better...
Save your $$$ for lunch n cocktails 🍸...
Love these. Killin it
Thanks man!! Any feedback or input is always welcome too!
I'd say the Original CRBN 1 and the Double Black Diamond are my most favorable Soft paddles with Great Control and spin. May have to try those 2 top models you've mentioned here to compare. Thx for the video! I'm more of a control/spin/sweet spot paddle lover over power. Does GRUVN make a 16mm that maybe even softer and more control?
Well I'd say the RAW 16V is going to be softer. But it's interesting. What I'm finding is that some 16mm that are really soft in this shape have a bit of a muted feel, and for me control also encompasses feedback off the face so I can kind of gauge over time and get to know the paddle more clearly. Personally I felt like the 14mm Scorpeus also felt like I could control the ball more than the 16mm as far as drops and dinks go because as I got used to the more direct feedback off the face it helped a lot. Gruvn is known for more of a plush feel off the face so that coupled with the 13mm aspect really works well I think.
@@stspickleball I've typically felt that thinner mm paddles are more powerful and less controlled to say a 16mm.
@@trosencrantz I agree overall for sure but I think there are nuances to the control game. I think the feedback you get from the MUVN 13S specificially given that GRUVN plushness you get along with the shape make it highly competitive for almost every aspect of the game. But for me it's just a weird anomaly that this paddle actually allows me to control my shots so perfectly. I feel like it's just exactly what my mind sees trajectory wise is what happens with the 13S. I feel like sometimes certain 16mm standard shaped paddles, although less poppy, feel almost too muted sometimes where it's hard to guage where your drop is going to go or your dink because it's just so soft. I think the 13S has this really incredibly feedback that isn't so muted where you really can pre guage your trajectory perfectly. Atleast that's been my experience! I could write a freaking novel on the theory behind all of this haha.
Let me know when you reveiw the Legacy Pro S.
I currently use the Selkirk Invikta Vanguard 2.0 does it make sense to shift to 6.0 DBD 16/14 mm? Is it any better than the one I currently have?
I think it depends on what you value. Personally, I would say a RESOUNDING yes, as the Vanguard 2.0 has really low spin and very low power. If all you are looking for is a control paddle and you don't value spin at all then you're fine. But if you want more power, double the spin, and more pop for hand battles etc. (this will take a bit to get used to from a paddle like that) then I would absolutely urge you to go to the 16mm DBD
Hi, I'm a 4.5 level player, and I'm debating between the Double Black Diamond and the Gruvn Raw 16X. How would you compare these 2 paddles? I like control, spin and power.
Honestly as much as I love GRUVN if you’re looking for a blend of control spin and power there really isn’t anything better than the Six Zero DBD 16mm.
I tried the Grvn Raw, the Gruvn Muvn and the Double Black Diamond. I bought the Gruvn Raw 16x, which was way more consistant control wise. Also, pretty good spin and power.
How do these compared to the Spartus Ballista v2 that you reviewed?
Spartus Ballista is right up there probably number 3-4 it’s a wonderful paddle. Hard to keep up with all the new releases!
How is the power of the Gruvn? I’m playing a 6.0 DBD and love the control, but really notice the drop in power from other paddles in that category
Being a 13mm paddle I think the power is solid! It has more pop and very relative power to the double black Diamond I'd say. With a huge sweet spot and wicked fast hand speed. It's a unique paddle and I honestly love it haha.
@@stspickleball thanks man, appreciate the reply. Love the reviews keep them coming!
I’m debating between a 14mm DBD or 16mm Forza I like that solid poppy feel to my paddles especially when Dinking and volleys and not that plush pillow feel which one would you go with ?
If you really prefer the solid poppy feel I would go 14mm DBD. Both of these are firm paddles but the 14mm DBD is going to be a good bit more firm and poppy ☺️
I feel like the forza is so lame around the kitchen, just not enough pop for me.
@@jovaknee even more so why I’m gonna go with 14mm DBD I’ve been seeing people go that route (pickleball effect) since they are making Gen 2 paddles more plush.
@@jovaknee interesting! What are some of your favorite paddles right now I'd love to know!
@@jovaknee What paddle has given you the pop you need so far?
Between the gruvn, diadem, six zero, vatic flash, which one has the larger sweet spot?
Gruvn and six zero for sure 😊
I’d go MUVN 13S if you want a unique paddle that has incredible control aspects but less power, and I’d go with the Six Zero DBD if you want more of an all around paddle with a bit more power. Both are top top tier.
I hope your reviews are not based on renumeration from the manufacturer. I say that because I just finished a review you did for the Volair Mach 1 Forza. Your words and praise for that paddle (which came in at #5) was similar to words used to describe the five paddles in the review. Players like myself relay on good, accurate, and unbiased reviews when looking for the newest technology to improve or enhance our game.
The whole point of this channel is the exact opposite of what you just mentioned. Actually kind of surprising you feel that way but I will analyze what may have lead you to this thought. The point of my channel is to provide accurate information to the pickleball community so we can navigate paddles to the best of our ability, and find the nuances that can best suite our specific games and enhance our play via the gear we use. Definitely provide me with any constructive criticism you may have and I will take it to heart and utilize it to better my videos for people like you. And I mean that fully, no ego attached.
Thank you for your response. I’m very glad to hear that you were trying to help players with your reviews. That’s all I was trying to be assured of. Best wishes for continued success and honest reviews.
@@donerunout thank you!!
Where would Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta land now on this list?
It would be around #3-#4 behind the Volair Mach 2 Forza, GRUVN MUVN 16S, 😊
What about CRBN paddles, any live there for control or not in your experience
I mean the CRBN 2x is going to be their best control paddle being a more standard shape and not elongated, I just think the price to performance ratio is better on the paddles I listed out in the video. The only other paddle I'd give some praise to in this category would be the Joola Scorpeus. I think it's a solid paddle, just not one I'd pick up over these 5! ☺️
@@stspickleball thanks for the reply! Do you have a review of the CRBN x paddles by chance?
@@stspickleball just saw your double black diamond review, so I wanna see how the 2x compares to it from the same tester 👌
@@Gwillis7 Thats a tough one. I think really that one is just going to come down to price and durability. And you can tell I'm being honest because I would love to tell you to go with the CRBN as I have a code for both and would make more off the CRBN cause its more expensive, but to be honest I think the Double Black Diamond is just a better paddle, more durable, made by better engineering. I think feel wise they are going to be very relative, if anything the double black diamond might feel a touch more poppy / firm.
@@Gwillis7 Just the Amazon paddle vs CRBN 3x video I did thats all I have up as of right now!
What's the spin rpm for gruvn
2008 rpm! ☺️
I feel I am probably out of my league here after reading viewing your video and reading all the comments and your reply. I will clarify why I feel this way. I am an 81 women and have played pickleball on and off for 12 years now. I would call myself an average player. My Selkirk paddle was stolen recently and my husband wants to get me a Christmas present. I usually would not pay more than $140 on a paddle but decided to see if I play with the best I may get better in my play. What are the dimensions on the handle of the GRUVN 13S? If I try it out and find it not suitable to my play can I return in?
Thanks for all the work you put into these videos,
GRUVN is pretty strict on returns sadly I’m so sorry to hear that about your Selkirk paddle. What are you looking for in a paddle more control? Do you think you’d want a larger face or a smaller faced paddle?
Thanks Stephen for your quick reply. I am looking for more control and a larger face paddle. I find the 4.2 -4.5 handle size works well for my sized hand. I am not much of a spinner but it's never too late to learn.@@stspickleball
I would recommend the GRUVN or the new Mach 2 Forza. Both are so good!!
So you play with a GRUVN MUVN and you love it. But who can you tell without sounding like a hip hop-infused sock hop?
😂😂😂 like because of the name? Hahaha I'm trying to wrap my head around this comment and I think I love it.
The Ronbus and the Volair look so similar ? Ant chance this coule be Same Manufacturer ?
Always possible these days! But either way they are both damn good paddles.
I’v honestly been torn between 18k and the R1. Now this video makes me even more split.
-I’m an athletic spin banger, so I can generate my own power with anything. So that’s why I have had the ideology of getting a control paddle.
I’m torn because the difference in RPM with these paddles is 446. You can really tell the difference in increments of 200-300. However i know diadem has heavy clunky feels.(tried the first warrior)
Is the 18k heavy like the warrior paddles?
I’m leaning Nova R1 but if the 18k isn’t heavy clunky than how can I pass up 446 RPM difference?
The 18k is not heavy or clunky. I didn't like really any of their original paddles but the 18k feels amazing. If I had to choose based on what you said above I would be considering either the 18K or the MUVN 13S 100% I think those are just the best control paddles available right now and feel freaking amazing man.
@stspickleball Paddles getting to 2k RPM was just insane, and the 18k to push a lil past 2300 RPM is just mind boggling. Do you think they are ever going to put a cap on RPM? At this rate paddles are climbing there has to be a threshold, right?
The reason I’m bringing it up is because public perception is everything. And the masses aren’t pro, I can just hear it now with all the complaints with this amount of spin to the point where the ball is going to act out of character. The pro scene as well could have outrage. I can totally see the public upset that this paddle (18k) has too much spin asking for the paddle’s ban?
What are your thoughts for the future of this seemingly hidden problem that no one is talking about?
@@adamjohnson3779 I think it's fine for now. The r1.16 tested at 2300 from John Kew a long ass time ago and it's been fine. I think if it gets too far out of hand something may happen but I definitely don't think the 18k will be banned. I think we are fine ☺️. I understand what you're saying though. It could happen! Manufacturers are doing some pretty interesting things to sort of get more spin under the strict parameters set for paddle face tech. But! I do think the 18k etc. will be fine for now. It's going to be very very hard for paddles to put spin this or the 1.16 or the original Six Zero Black Diamond. I think we are seeing a soft cap right now generally speaking.
I wouldnt spend $229 before code on the Diadem 18k. The spin numbers are higher than what anyone has and it’s not Thermoformed or unibody. Bigger question is you can get a Warrior Edge for $140 why spend another $70 for sane paddle with slightly more spin in 18k?
What happened to the Vatic Prism on your list?
I only have 5 spots, so seeing as it was number 5 it got bumped out!
@@stspickleball I haven't hit with the Gruvn paddle, but a 13 mm paddle with a 99 swing weight being your number 1 pick for control paddles seems like an unusual choice.
@@BWells5152 I wasn't expecting it man. It's a control beast. Insanely fast in the hands and feels rather plush for such a thin face. It's an awesome paddle to be honest.
Funny that their own website has it listed as a power paddle.
@@BWells5152 haha right! And pickleball studio has it as his number 1 control paddle! It's all fairly subjective. But I will say the shape of the MUVN 13s is much more forgiving / control oriented than elongated or hybrid paddles generally speaking. Something to keep in mind!
Gruvn Muvn 16X is not in the lot?
16X is such a solid paddle I just think the 13S edges it out in control but it will definitely make the power list top 5! :) Such a plush paddle.
@@stspickleball I love the control of my Gruvn Raw 16X + scared of reviews that the Muvn 16X has a much stiffer feel. Is it accurate to say the 13S is the in-between of these for power and control?
@@aconneen Yes, honestly if you love your RAW-16X and feel you have enough power in your game already I would just skip over the 16X and look into something a bit more unique like the 13S. The 13S will be a bit stiffer of course, being 13mm and a smaller face, but the standard face shape, 99 swing weight for super fast hand speed, and the overall feel of the 13S I really love. Feel wise I would say it is in between if we are comparing just feel off the face, but it has quite a bit less power than the MUVN 16X of course.
@@stspickleball Well, your secret is now thoroughly out and the 13S is backordered until late Oct. :-) Have you heard anything about the CliffPickleball Vauraus? Was hoping that would be out + reviewed this month.
Not that I disagree that GRUVN makes awesome paddles, but comparing elongated paddles to short ones in control does not make much sense. Almost every decent short paddle would beat every elongated one in control.
Also I would not call Edge 18k control model. It has power that is hard to contain. But this is more of a personal preference.
Fair enough my friend! Thanks for the feedback :)
Just curious if you think the R1 Nova is better than the R1 pulsar?
I do, but I would take a double black diamond or a MUVN 13s over both personally :)
I just returned my R1 Pulsar. It felt stiff and heavier than advertised and the sweet spot felt small while the rest of the face was unforgiving. I prefer my new Vatic Pro Prism Flash. The sweet spot feels awesome and it still has plenty of power. For $90 It's got to be the best value on the market! 4.5 + in Portland, ME
@@stspickleball Thank you!
@@jeffbaerpickleball1346 I've got a Vatic Pro Prism Flash and a Diadem 18k. Both seem to be great paddles. Vatic Pro price is unbelievable.
@@jeffbaerpickleball1346 Also a solid paddle. For the price it's great. I would still take a DBD or MUVN 13s but for the price its solid.
Your top control paddle is a 13mm??
Yeah kinda blew my mind too man. My ability to place shots is insane with this paddle. I think that sort of GRUVN plushness they have with their paddles coupled with the shape and at 13mm just works. Also it's not overly cushy like a lot of standard shaped 16mm paddles so you get a lot of direct feedback off the face which I feel helps in gauging trajectory and with consistency. It doesn't feel overly muted.
If youre talking pickle ball paddles youre taking it way too seriously!😂
😂 honestly I love the differences between paddles and have always been into gear. Sort of a gear head and an optimizer. It’s just who I am!
Which double black diamond is in this review because there is a power and control paddle…
The power version is called a “black diamond” and the control version is the “double black diamond” this review is specifically speaking of the 16mm control double black diamond 😊