Hudef Viva Pro Gen 2 Review | Top Tier Power For Only $117
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
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In-depth analysis of the Hudef Viva Pro Gen 2 Pickleball Paddle. Accurate spin numbers, power rankings, sweet spot analysis, and control rankings. I hope you enjoy the passion I put into my reviews! If so, please consider subscribing for more detailed analysis, just like this!
Good for Hudef and other such manufacturers who have figured out how to provide a quality paddle without gouging the consumer.
100% agreed. Companies like Hudef are innovating and creating some High quality paddles at extremely affordable prices and they deserve praise for this.
Man, it must be tough to stay current on the glut of new seemingly noteworthy paddles to try! Recent reviews of the Dymon Mayhem and Vaurus caught my eye. How do you narrow down the field in deciding what to try and review!
Just wondering is it more common for you to request one from a company you are interested in or do they more often come to you?
You shouldn’t be spending your time reading and answering this as there are paddles waiting to be tried and reviewed!
Keep up the excellent work and know that is is appreciated muchly by the paddle geeks out here.
@@robertbenjamin5230 heck yeah man!! Sometimes I feel like I need to review some paddles that aren’t great so not every review is positive. But the reality is that these days most paddles are good if not great and it’s really up to me to make sure I describe the nuances between them so you can navigate what will be best for your game.
As far as what to review. Honestly quality brands / hype are number 1 priority, and then for me finding paddles that have an incredible bang for the buck is priority 2. So that’s how I like to navigate what to review 😊. I’m also always in discords / forums / anywhere I can find current info or general info on new paddles and making sure I stay as current as possible 😂. Luckily I’d be doing this anyways even if I wasn’t reviewing paddles cause I’m a paddle need and I just love gear and optimization. It’s in my blood. I just hope the way I have my videos laid out works for people. Always analyzing that too. I wonder if my ranking system is better than just giving MPH / objective results for power / pop etc.
@@robertbenjamin5230 oh and I forgot to say THANK YOU for the very kind and thoughtful comment. Always 10/10 appreciated for the good vibes.
Thanks for the quick straightforward response.
I don't know if you noticed but they are claiming spin rates of over 2,800 on the Vaurus!! And as far as your ratings go, I personally am not that interested in comparisons to the higher priced well known paddles.
Thanks again @@stspickleball
I hope you’ll be doing a review of the new Gen 3 soon!
This is absolutely the very best paddle at this price! I compare it to the Engage Pursuit Pro which I love at $250+. They are almost equal and I think the Hudef is slightly better. It blows away that piece of garbage made by Gearbox which I wasted $300 on a few months ago. If money is an issue or even if it isn't you should DEFINITELY BUY THIS PADDLE!!! Did I mention that it comes with a very nice carrying case as well for only $117.
I agree 😊
I would think singles players would be all over these types of paddles…since singles is turning into basically mini tennis anyway….hitting bombs and playing pure power.
100% agree here
Like others would love to see a review on 14mm Legacy. With all the new paddles coming out doesn't seem that any are better? What i mean by better is not enough difference to switch from my Legacy 16mm. Thanks for your help and time.
I’d say if you love your paddle just focus on playing and enjoying the game. When the time comes where you feel your spin is decreasing or if you want to amplify a specific part of your game then I’d look into getting a new paddle for sure. And I used the 14mm legacy and didn’t care for it at all. So I decided not to put the time into a review for it. Happens a lot haha.
What’s nuts is the spin it gives off coupled with top tier power. And it’s cheaper! Lol. Deadly combo
100% a deadly combo indeed!
@@stspickleball I’m looking into my first paddle. Thinking of this one or the Loco. I like having control but I want power with amazing spin. Any suggestions?
lol well you can’t have control and power really. You can have a good middle ground which would be the Mark Pure or the BALLR Heat 😊 if you want to skew more control I’d go Mach 2 Forza and if you want to skew more power I would grab the Mark Kinetic.
Which one to buy hurache x control or hudef viva 2. What would be your opinion? Thanks
I’d get the Honolulu J2K or the Volair Mach 2 Forza!
Bought this as my first “big” pickleball purchase and frankly it is fantastic. A lot to get used to because it so powerful, but honestly I love it. I am tempted to maybe get the Gearbox Power Pro bc of the hype but apparently this power is pretty close to that one. I recently put on a hesacore grip which is awesome (don’t love the default grip it came with).
I’d love to ask if you have any suggestions for where to put lead tape (if anywhere) if I am looking to help out the soft touch dinking game.
I would skip the lead tape on this paddle and just run it stock. Try to take your wrist out of drops and dinking and use your shoulder as a hinge and just be patient with it. I’m super glad you love the paddle!!
@@stspickleball awesome, great tips! And thanks for the response. Subbed and liked!
How would you say this plays to the Double Black Diamond (current paddle)? How does the power and dinking touch compare?
Hudef is way more powerful and poppy. But has less control. But some people enjoy dinking more with a more poppy and powerful paddle because you don’t have to put much effort into it and sometimes get less dunks into the net, but also more pop ups potentially so it’s a trade off.
Ive had this paddle for about 2 weeks so far..Im really enjoying it and appreciate the extra drive and top spin serves. I have tried maybe 8 different paddles and this one does most everything I need it to. I play a little more like a tennis player so I like to drive and serve...short dinks however have been surprisingly good..sweet spot really good with minimal mis hits. Spin also above average however I utilize top spin more than any other spin. Took me a few games to dial this paddle in. Adjusted and now painting the lines more consistently.
I love the Viva Pro Gen 2 😊 thank you for the comment I appreciate it!
How would you compare this to the neonic force 16mm? If you could only use one of these two which you choose ?
It’s more powerful for sure and has more pop. Quite a bit more. If I had to choose one I would choose the Hudef and just abbreviate my swings a bit to control the power and win more hand battles and speed ups 😊
@@stspickleball thank you so much man! Your channel is awesome! Keep it up 🤙🏼
The legacy velocity too
Curious how the Legacy Velocity compares to the Legacy Pro? I gave up on them because of quality issues with the first two I bought from them and the poor experience in returning it, etc. At the beginning of the year (2023) they where the new shiny toy for all to buy, but now, there are so many other equally good options. In the end, I believe what will allow paddle manufacturers to survive at the top (once we get through the current "wild west" of paddles) is customer service and innovation. Legacy was an early innovator, but everyone caught up to them and some have surpassed them.
Another great video.
I’m have the Viva Gen 2, and really like what they did with it Iver the original. I prefer a more of a standard shape paddle, so as a Hudef Ambassador I’m trying to talk to them about getting the same thing in a more standard shape, like 7.85” wide w/ 5.2” handle, however their next step is a hybrid coming out soon.
Love that I’d be very interested in a hybrid version of this that would be cool!
I look forward to your review of the Viva Pro Gen3!
Who taught you how to hold a paddle? Your big thumb position is way off. Look into the continental grip. Consider getting a opinion from a real certified pickleball coach with some tennis experience to correct this matter :)) FYI Hudef sent me a Gen2 as a replacement due to a few of my Gen1 paddles having issues with delamination and core crush. So far so good, though I notice it's a tad head heavy / swing weight increase over Gen1, possibly due to the added plate(s) underneath. For sure the sweet zone has increase making resets feel solid. I'll wait and see how this Gen2 turns out over time ...
Yeah that’s weird I was doing that here! Must be a funky habit that creeped in or something. Good catch! I’ll move my index finger back up a touch and my thumb down.
Grip is a personal thing. Whatever works for you is good.
What's the spin numbers on this paddle?
3:09
Made in China. Reason price so reasonable. But I still bought one, to use for singles, that I rarely play. So we'll see about durability and quality 👍
Fair enough I mean 95% of all paddles are made in china even more expensive paddles 😊 I hope you enjoy it! I think it’s more premium than slot of the $160+ paddles made in china
The comment “made in China” yet 9/10 major paddle brands get their materials from China and/or import their inventory from China manu.
Very true
For me this paddle is the best value on the market and compares favorably to paddles double the price. I love the stability and power but the pop is not overwhelming allowing for control in the soft game. The 5.5 inch handle feels even longer and I can comfortably get 2 hands on the handle. The foam makes for a plush feel but does take away from the direct ball feedback.
100% agree man the Hudef Viva Pro Gen 2 is just a crazy value for how solid and premium it feels overall :)
Where's your link located for this paddle? I definitely want you to benefit from my purchase. I currently play the Vatic Pro V7 16mm with 4x 3gr weights at the corners, but hope to not need 12 gr of weights for this paddle? Any FB between the two is appreciated.
You very likely won't need to add weights or maybe just very little to this paddle and it will have more power 100% than the Vatic. My link is in the description right below the video :) and make sure to get your 10% off using the code STSPICKLEBALL at checkout! :) Cheers my friend!
I bought this not sure why 🤷🏼♂️. Played several times with it. Couldn’t get used to the power or something. Was hitting everything long. Like they colors/style of it tho. Went back to Filth
The power on this is insane. You have to tone down your shots to about 70% and it allows you to hit more abbreviated shots that way. You should take it back out and think 70% energy on every shot and report back what you think.
I would also say that many are obsessed with 'power' (replacing the obsession with spin - Winter and Spring 2023). Manufacturers have caught hold of that and are marketing the crap out of 'power'. Personally, while power is needed at times, pickleball is not tennis. If you plan to play doubles, the majority of hits require finesse and control to set up put-aways. For most of those shots, an average Gen2 paddle will do. However, 'power' seems to be the new shiny toy for many boys and girls.
100% agree on this and it’s something I am back and forth on in paddle selection for my game
Have been playing a month, 4 times/week with this Hudef paddle. I just love it. Great power, big sweet spot, good control for 3rd ball drops and dinking. I highly recommend👍🎉🌈
Could not agree more! Thank you for the comment it helps everyone who watches the video choose their next paddle and learn more from extra unbiased information :)
One of the videos that convinced me to buy this paddle. Only two games with it…feel the power but right know I’m using more the Six Zero DBD that also came in the mail the same week
Hudef being quite a bit cheaper and also much more power oriented is what makes that paddle standout from the rest. Sounds like you landed on realizing you love an all court paddle and the DBD definitely fits that bill :)
How does it compare to the new Gearbox Pro Power? Also… how does it handle vibration? And is it maneuverable at the kitchen??
It's less maneuverable at the kitchen, but not horrible so. It plays like an average thermoformed elongated power paddle for sure. It handles vibration very well. And it's right up there with the new gearbox pro power as far as power goes. I think the gearbox pro power edges it a bit for sure, but then you take into consideration the price and you could buy almost 2.5 Viva Pro Gen 2's for the price of 1 new gearbox
I just ordered one of these new paddles. I can not wait for it to get here.
Report back and let us know your thoughts! I hope you love it as much as I do it’s a power machine!!!
Nice video, well-done review!
Hey thank you so much! Love the positive vibes and comments like this always make me smile.
Have you tried the latest GearBox Pro for power? Thanks. Liked. UPDATE - I just checked and you did test them. Curious why you did not list them for power and such as they are even higher. Thanks
I have yes I have a video on them. Although I can’t recommend them right now as they are having some massive quality control issues. Huge weight variances and people reporting the power paddles feel like control paddles. All really odd. I’d go with the hudef right now for power for sure. 😊
@@stspickleball Thank you for the explanation! 5 stars. :)
How would you compare the power/control to the Gearbox power pro? Very close in power?
The swingweight is high. Any problems with playing defense at kitchen with it?
I just don’t add lead tape to this at all so it’s been solid for me at the kitchen. It’s not necessarily fast at the kitchen but I do love the power for sure. It’s close honestly yes and over time I’ve moved away from the gearbox as it’s just too uncontrollable for me I’d go with the Hudef. Also way freaking cheaper haha.
I used your code recently and ordered one. Do you think I should request one on the lighter side to bring down the swingweight a little?
Also, what editing software do you use?
Another great video!
Thank you! I appreciate that. With all these super expensive paddles coming out I have to highlight the cheaper ones making really good quality paddles also. This one is a solid one for sure.
Just asking, from your two reviews of the Hudef Viva Pro gen 2 and the BallR Heat, would it be a toss up or lean to one or the other?
As of now I’d take the BALLR Heat unless you really need a ton of power. The Hudef is for someone who really needs amplified power but the BALLR Heat is an awesome all court paddle that plays just as good as the Mach 1 Forza or any Ronbus paddle for $126 so I’d just recommend to grab that as it’s a better all around paddle in my opinion 😊
@stspickleball awesome, thanks for your reply, I'll be making a purchase very soon, have a great weekend!!🤜🤛
how would u compare the Viva Pro Gen 2 16mm and DBD 16mm?
Viva pro is elongated and has quite a bit more power and pop off the face. The DBD has less power, a bit more spin, and has a better all around game including a better soft game. If you want any other specific info let me know! If you want power though the Viva Pro Gen 2 is the most powerful paddle on the market right now until gearbox figures their quality control issues out.
Do you have a technical method for arriving at your power, control, etc., numbers or are you going by a sense of feel? I can't see how the numbers can be compared if not through a set method of measurement.
Yeah so for these numbers it is feel based. I have an MPH gun but a lot of these paddles like you’ll see in John Kews videos have only a .1 mph difference but have a much different feel off the face. So I’ve opted to share more of a feel based number for these categories to try and express to you the viewer how it plays in real life. I’ve been curious if it would be better to share some objective measurements like MPH but when I watch other reviewers videos I am left wondering what it really feels like ultimately.
@@stspickleball Fair enough .... the MPH differential is not that important to most of us (I would say) ... how can I tell the difference between a ball coming off my paddle at 51 MPH vs 52 MPH? The reality is that ,any of these technical tests (unless performed by a machine) are not 100% consistent. Still, I think we as consumers can combine technical reviews like John Kew, Chris (Pickleball Studio), others, and yours to get a well-rounded idea of a paddle.
I agree with this 100% although I would love to be a one stop shop for analysis so if you have any recommendations I am always open!
Are you gonna review the Engage Pursuit Pro line up?
Yes I have those! They are solid paddles for sure. Little pricey and a thick circumference for the grip but solid for sure spin with and quality wise.
Hopefully you’ll review the engage soon. Which Engage do your prefer?Yes, they’re expensive but I wanna buy something made in the USA, any suggestions? Gearbox were tempting but No. Thanks.
@@chitoburo8024 fair enough man! My code for engage is up and I have them in my bag I’m still a bit torn on the engage paddles I think I prefer the elongated 6.0 right now but I’m still doing in game analysis to see what my favorite is 😊 the standard shaped one is nice but feels a little clunky. Trying to gauge it. I’ll have an answer by the end of the day today I’m going to play a ton today with them.
how do you compare this to bread & butter filth in terms of power and pop?
It has more power and pop than the bread and butter filth it also feels like a much more premium paddle to me. The filth for me is just another firm power oriented thermoformed paddle but it never really wowed me. This paddle feels extremely solid through and through and outperforms the filth for power and pop for sure.
@@stspickleballidk man I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and I respectfully disagree I’m a 4.5 player and have a strong tennis background with good strokes and can generate power well. My B&B Filth is very very soft almost like my old Electrum Model E 1/2nd gen. It’s a soft paddle. You are saying the filth is a power oriented paddle and I just don’t see that. Power oriented is more like the GB Power Pro, Engage Pursuit Pro, and Legacy Pro for example. Those are very power oriented. The filth is night and day compared to those.
After my playtest and owning the 1x and filth I stay away from them as I like a faster playing more resilient surface.
@@NawImNate interesting. It’s been widely accepted and compared to the 1x which is also a power oriented paddle. Also my BnB Filth video came out before the GB Pro paddles. I agree the GB Pros have quite a bit more power to them it mostly comes down to timing of videos here. Things changed rather rapidly last year power wise.
Thanks for this. I thought I was crazy thinking this, but this is what I found on the Filth as well. I am returning the Filth as I did not get the power I wanted. Glad to know another person more advanced than me sees this!@@NawImNate
I love this paddle, debating between getting viva2 again or neonic, would I notice a huge difference in power between this and the neonic? Would love to save the cash
It is less power yes! But better control 😊
Thanks man! Appreciate your insight
@@stspickleballthe neonic is less power?
Than the viva pro gen 2 yes 😊
How's the dwell time? Does it just fly off; or is it possible to but good shape on the ball?
Spin is solid! Dwell time not so much. But the textured surface is there for sure. You can get shape but no dwell time really at all 😊
@stspickleball Thanks. out of all the paddles you've tested. Which ones would you say has good dwell time creates the best shape on the ball? 🙂
The Mach 2 Forza, Mach 1 Forza, BALLR Heat, and the new Mark Pure are my top picks for dwell time and shape in that order 😊
Hey, any thoughts or pending reviews of the Hudef Mage?
The mage is really solid. Hudef had really upped their quality since the Viva Pro Gen 2 it’s really a safe bet getting a paddle from Hudef these days as long as it’s a newer version 😊
@@stspickleball Thank for the reply. I did take you're review into consideration and everything you mentioned was spot on. Looking forward to more reviews as this game really has my attention.
just ordered❤
If you’re looking for power you chose the right paddle!
Please do legacy next lol
Haha it won’t be next but I will be working on it soon!
Can you do the legacy pro air ? They have 3 new ones the 14mm and the velocity and the pro air
Yeah the Legacy Pro Air is what I really want to hear about 🙌
Neonic or viva?
So when I receive questions like this I always want to make sure you understand how to navigate a decision like this. These days there are so many great quality paddles releasing it’s not that one will necessarily just be better than another. It’s what works for your game. The Neonic has a lower swing weight and also has a better soft game. The Viva Pro Gen 2 has insane power and is extremely firm off the face. You need to assess what you want from your game and from your paddle and make a decision based on what you like and want 😊😊. But! They are both incredible for their price point that’s for damn sure. If you want something a bit more all court and does everything well Neonic. If you want a ton of power and don’t want to spend a ton of money to achieve a ton of power I would get the Viva Pro Gen 2. 😊
how does this compare to the cheaper neonic? thank you
there are already a few similar questions and comments below.
The Neonic is just going to be more of an all court paddle. Softer off the face, less power, less pop, but very balanced and better with control and touch. The Hudef is a power paddle through and through. Extremely firm and poppy with tons of power and a solid construction. Actually both paddles have a really solid construction so I’d make a decision based on if you want something that does everything well or if you want something very power forward to amplify a power oriented play style.
hmm@@stspickleballthank you for the inputs, I actually just started playing last week, haha, newbie here, but I am shifting from another racket sport, badminton & I was a varsity player of table tennis so it was an easy transition, and first time I tried, I loved pickleball, honestly I have not yet established what game I have, but I may consider myself as a patient, defensive player and when opportunity opens up, go in for the kill on offense
in the long term, it seems that the viva pro gen 2 might be a better choice as it already has the power if I do need it, right? Not sure too, since the power that neonic has, might even be more than enough for me too, so tough decision there huh?
@@stspickleball, hmm, hudef came out with another new paddle, the mage and my guess is, it might be same or a better all around paddle in comparison to neonic, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this soon, kind regards
Yeah I’d go viva pro gen 2!
128 swingweight pretty much explains all the benefits you're describing. It would be better if it was light and had room to add weight
The swing weight is 124. But yeah higher swing weight will generally help create power on drives and serves but the face on this thing really packs a punch I have to say. Whatever they did adding the reinforcement plate in the core definitely adds power and stability.
thanks man!!!
Of course 😊 thank you for the comment and the support of my channel!