I went with the J2Ti based much off your reviews, and really like it! I was playing the Apollo prior to it, and will likely get another one. Thanks for your great reviews, giveaways, and insight. You are my go to channel for paddle reviews, keep up the great work and wish you a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year and an amazing start to 2025!
@ totally agree and is probably the biggest thing I had to get used to coming from the Apollo. The amount of energy you have to put into the paddle for hands battles is crazy, on the other hand drops and resets are absolutely buttery smooth!
I had both Apollo and j2ti and love them both. I used to play Crbn 2x and joola Perseus and can’t be compared to those two. Never look back . Apollo and j2ti are imho the best control paddles in the market. Period.
Olympus!!!! I watch a bunch of paddle reviewers but I mainly bought it off your recommendation and I think yours was the first review I saw. Took a week to adjust to it but I’m loving it. Still playing around with a few set ups and I like all of em lol. I think I just need to stop because I’ve waisted so much tungsten tape lol.
Great video as always man. TKO-C ftw!!! maybe not paddle of the year but definitely a super fun paddle to play if you like to be a menace at the net lol.
Excellent list! I have several of the paddles you mentioned and I agree with where you ranked them. I have not played with the Chorus Shapeshifter SX, but I think the 11SIX24 Pegasus (formerly Monarch) All Court is another good all-court widebody option. Thank you for all of the helpful and fun paddle reviews and podcast episodes. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi Jacob, Love your haircut very nice. I'm a hairstylist, good job. Because of you I bought the J2KTi. I love it❤ Also bought a Shogun to unwrap for my Christmas present. Thank you for giving us the best reviews. I look forward to all your pods. I am curious about your thoughts on the new Proton paddle not out yet? I hope you & you're family have a blessed Christmas😊🎄
I will be getting the new Protons early January so I will have some thoughts on those soon. Thank you! Shoutout Jen for cutting my hair. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Another great content and Best Paddles of 2024, I do have the Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm version and Bantam TKO-CX 14.3mm version, just arrived Neonic Flare Prime X and soon to arrive Spartus Olympus, looking forward for another great content and reviews from you Jacob for 2025
Thanks for this! I've yet to try some anything from Honolulu or Olympus, but for my budget and current level of play the crown goes to the Roore Solana paddle! Would love to get your take on anything from Roore (or Astes) - and all the best for the Christmas holiday season to you and yours!
Great vid bro! I’m new to the game and haven’t gotten my own paddle yet but will be getting one soon and playing A LOT! What do you recommend for beginners that’s a good price point, that’s good all around to start with so I can see what parts of my game I need to emphasize (e.g., power, spin, control, etc.) Thanks!!
Your 3 2024 top paddles are my 3 mains. ALW 12.7/TKO-C 12.7/Olympus. I have the J2k but never been a fan of it, not sure why I don’t like it, but I play terrible with it. I’ve even thought if I have bad one, because everyone loves the J2k 😢.
I got the Invader and I’m Gonna try some tape because I agree. It doesn’t have the power the Filth has. Thanks for all your great reviews. Merry Christmas
Great reviews and loved the breakdown by category. Just received and played with the Invader coming from the Jellybean. Man the Invader is so smooth and the sound when you hit that sweet spot is awesome! Everything from my control, spin and power went up a notch. My playing partner specifically noticed. Still new and have been a stock paddle player from my 1st paddle the Hisk Ravpro to the Jellybean and now Invader. I think though I'm ready to play around with some weight. Thanks for the tips all year and this end of year review!
Great list! I’ve been using the Honolulu J2K Pro since April and I just can’t find any reason to switch to something else. I kinda want more power/pop but I think I’m gonna wait for the new 11six24 power paddles to come out if I move on from the J2K Pro
I'm currently using the Ronbus R1 Pulsar thermoformed. I saw a huge boost in my spin with this paddle. Despite having a 117 swing weight I would prefer something lower, and I wanted to know which types of paddles offered more spin or dwell time. Do you have any recs?
I see that you used to write for Selkirk yet none of your "Best of" reviews include Selkirk paddles. Are they not as good as the ones you recommend? I was about to get a Selkirk for $250 but now I think I'll try the J2K instead based on your review. Thanks.
Yeah, I used to write for them but not about paddles. They have sole good paddles but if we are talking strictly performance they fall behind and have higher prices. They do have a lifetime warranty which is awesome. The J2K is a great one to get and it it comes at an amazing price.
Doesn’t get in the way for me. If you like to put both hands on the handle with no overlap and no finger on the paddle face then yes but if not it is fine.
Can you recommend any paddle which feels similar to scorpeus Gen3s. I love the trampoline feeling little slow on the net and little poppy so trying to find similar feel paddle but more control. I tried pulse V and Gearbox Hyper but they are not the same. Thanks
Unfortunately there isn’t anything quite like the Gen3 S at the moment until the Ripple is released. There are some other paddles on the rise. The Vatic Pro Sagas do have a good softer feel with great dwell time and power but less than the 3s.
@ I would check out the Chorus shapeshifter SX for a good all court, the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C for a power or Neonic Flare Prime-X for something between
@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Based on this video and your others I am curious why you suggested the chorus instead of the J2k or Olympus. I appreciate the advice tho. Been playing in a few tournaments and just trying to level up
Was the new Gearbox standard shape paddle considered as a power paddle? I know they don’t have discount codes. I’m a 75 year old female and need power for serves and returns, but I need a maneuverable paddle to help compensate for old age loss of quick reflexes. I have an “illegal” Gen3 Anna Bright Joola which offers plenty of power, but is a little too poppy. I loved my old Gearbox for control, but it had no power at all. So I’ve been thinking about the ALW Paddletek or the new Gearbox. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
ALW-C 12.7 definitely a good option. I haven’t tried the new gearbox yet in the standard shape. It is on the way. Sounds like new 11Six24 power paddles will be good options too.
I'm 70 and want the same things. I play the Gearbox Pro Pwr E and it really takes time to adjust your swing pattern to control out balls. When returning a hard serve, I just have to barely put the paddle out for it to go all the way back to the baseline.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball This whole "break in" component on making a decision on a paddle is really discouraging. How much, and how long will the changes take and last are still unknown.
what are your thoughts on Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control. I keep seeing on websites its the best paddle but havent found a yt review saying that
@ if you know you love them and you’ll be playing them for a while I think it’s worth it…especially because the top of paddle starting coming off after I played with it for a few months and I’ve heard the same happen to others.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Interesting seeing the different perspectives. Chris Olson in his Flare Prime X review said it was a draw for power and pop between the two with maybe even a slight edge for the Flare Prime X, and it has a significantly larger sweet spot.
Just received my J2K in the mail today. Looking forward to trying it out tomorrow...can't wait! Your earlier review was most helpful in making my decision. 👍
@ I have J2Ti, it has everything but lacks a bit power for me. What would be your recommendation for something with but more power but same feel as J2Ti?
Great list, Jacob! I didn’t even realize that the “ESQ” was for Koop but it makes total sense now! The J2K is definitely a great paddle and deserving of top honors. It’s nice to see a smaller company do so well!
@ understandable. It is the paddle I’ve been using the last month or so. Wondering whether I should look to get the new one or get the power version instead.
You're the best dude. Love how real you are. Happy Holidays!!!!!!
Thank you! Happy Holidays!
I went with the J2Ti based much off your reviews, and really like it! I was playing the Apollo prior to it, and will likely get another one. Thanks for your great reviews, giveaways, and insight. You are my go to channel for paddle reviews, keep up the great work and wish you a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year and an amazing start to 2025!
J2Ti doesnt have good pop
@ totally agree and is probably the biggest thing I had to get used to coming from the Apollo. The amount of energy you have to put into the paddle for hands battles is crazy, on the other hand drops and resets are absolutely buttery smooth!
Appreciate it, and glad you enjoy the J2Ti! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, have an awesome 2025!
I had both Apollo and j2ti and love them both. I used to play Crbn 2x and joola Perseus and can’t be compared to those two. Never look back . Apollo and j2ti are imho the best control paddles in the market. Period.
Olympus!!!! I watch a bunch of paddle reviewers but I mainly bought it off your recommendation and I think yours was the first review I saw. Took a week to adjust to it but I’m loving it. Still playing around with a few set ups and I like all of em lol. I think I just need to stop because I’ve waisted so much tungsten tape lol.
You can always use some electrical tape to tape over the old tungsten and reuse it. That has saved me some money.
Great video as always man. TKO-C ftw!!! maybe not paddle of the year but definitely a super fun paddle to play if you like to be a menace at the net lol.
Thank you, super fun paddle
Appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into these reviews!! Looks like J2K will be on my Christmas list 🔥
Fantastic video! As I’ve said in the past, I really appreciate you taking us through your weight setups for each paddle.
Thank you, appreciate it!
Monarch all court is amazing ! Favorite wide body
For sure, great paddle!
Excellent list! I have several of the paddles you mentioned and I agree with where you ranked them. I have not played with the Chorus Shapeshifter SX, but I think the 11SIX24 Pegasus (formerly Monarch) All Court is another good all-court widebody option. Thank you for all of the helpful and fun paddle reviews and podcast episodes. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank you cardinals! Always see your comments appreciate the support. Merry Christmas and happy new year.
Thank you for all the great reviews. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year thank you!
Great job Jacob. Looking forward to more great content in 2025!
Let’s go Matty Rut! Appreciate all
The support this year
Love the shirt!
Thank you!
Hi Jacob, Love your haircut very nice. I'm a hairstylist, good job. Because of you I bought the J2KTi. I love it❤
Also bought a Shogun to unwrap for my Christmas present. Thank you for giving us the best reviews. I look forward to all your pods. I am curious about your thoughts on the new Proton paddle not out yet?
I hope you & you're family have a blessed Christmas😊🎄
I will be getting the new Protons early January so I will have some thoughts on those soon.
Thank you! Shoutout Jen for cutting my hair.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I bought the Olympus because of you and I love it
Let’s gooo
Great list👍
Another great content and Best Paddles of 2024, I do have the Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm version and Bantam TKO-CX 14.3mm version, just arrived Neonic Flare Prime X and soon to arrive Spartus Olympus, looking forward for another great content and reviews from you Jacob for 2025
Thanks Ernest have an awesome New Year!
J2K and it's close relative the J7K are spectacular!
Thanks for this! I've yet to try some anything from Honolulu or Olympus, but for my budget and current level of play the crown goes to the Roore Solana paddle! Would love to get your take on anything from Roore (or Astes) - and all the best for the Christmas holiday season to you and yours!
First time I have heard of Roore. I will check them out. Happy holidays best to you and yours as well!
Damn, I'm 3 for 3 on the hybrid choices you made, great minds think alike 😂
Let’s gooooooo!
Great vid bro! I’m new to the game and haven’t gotten my own paddle yet but will be getting one soon and playing A LOT! What do you recommend for beginners that’s a good price point, that’s good all around to start with so I can see what parts of my game I need to emphasize (e.g., power, spin, control, etc.) Thanks!!
Honolulu J2Ti would be a great all around paddle to start your paddle journey.
Thank you sir, I appreciate the recommendation!!
Yayyyyyyy happy new year
Let’s gooo happy new year bring it in strong
Your 3 2024 top paddles are my 3 mains. ALW 12.7/TKO-C 12.7/Olympus.
I have the J2k but never been a fan of it, not sure why I don’t like it, but I play terrible with it. I’ve even thought if I have bad one, because everyone loves the J2k 😢.
Let’s go seems like you are just a power paddle player by looking at your favorites
I got the Invader and I’m
Gonna try some tape because I agree. It doesn’t have the power the Filth has. Thanks for all your great reviews. Merry Christmas
Thank you Lucy! Merry Christmas
Very nice categorization.
Thank you! I received a lot of feedback that this style is very helpful
Great reviews and loved the breakdown by category. Just received and played with the Invader coming from the Jellybean. Man the Invader is so smooth and the sound when you hit that sweet spot is awesome! Everything from my control, spin and power went up a notch. My playing partner specifically noticed.
Still new and have been a stock paddle player from my 1st paddle the Hisk Ravpro to the Jellybean and now Invader. I think though I'm ready to play around with some weight. Thanks for the tips all year and this end of year review!
Thank you! Yeah, just start trying weight setups and you will find what you like.
Thanks for the great breakdown. Where would you put the new Shapeshifter HX hybrid in the 2024 list?
It could have been in the honorable mentions for sure. A good all court hybrid
Torn between the j2k and the ruby. I'd love a 6" handle and prefer the softest touch.
Neither has a 6” handle. If you want the softest touch the Honolulu J2Ti would be the best choice if you add it to the list
J2k Pro is the best all-court hybrid paddle!!! I swear
Good job!
Thank you!
Great job…all drive no drop in 2024…lets go…2025! By the way J2k…..PRO….all day every day…monster drive no drop!
Year of the Drive!
Great list! I’ve been using the Honolulu J2K Pro since April and I just can’t find any reason to switch to something else. I kinda want more power/pop but I think I’m gonna wait for the new 11six24 power paddles to come out if I move on from the J2K Pro
Honolulu might have something coming for you to increase that power in a J2 shape
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball oh shoot okay!
I'm currently using the Ronbus R1 Pulsar thermoformed. I saw a huge boost in my spin with this paddle. Despite having a 117 swing weight I would prefer something lower, and I wanted to know which types of paddles offered more spin or dwell time. Do you have any recs?
The new Chorus Shapeshifter EX will give you great spin and dwell time at a lower SW.
I see that you used to write for Selkirk yet none of your "Best of" reviews include Selkirk paddles. Are they not as good as the ones you recommend? I was about to get a Selkirk for $250 but now I think I'll try the J2K instead based on your review. Thanks.
Yeah, I used to write for them but not about paddles. They have sole good paddles but if we are talking strictly performance they fall behind and have higher prices. They do have a lifetime warranty which is awesome.
The J2K is a great one to get and it it comes at an amazing price.
Great video! Thanks for all you do!
J2Ti vs Invader? Quick compare? Thank you much! More power w TI?
More power with the Ti and a little more spin. Similar pop and both have a good soft feel.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball What about the maneuverability? They feel similar to me and I keep changing my mind about which feels more maneuverable.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Softer than the OLYMPUS after break in??
I’d love to see a comparison between the Invader, j2k j2ti
For sure!
What are your thoughts on the Holbrook Meltaic
Haven’t hit it. It seems good from what I have heard but can’t give any takes on it.
How is the J2kTi for 2 handed backhand? Does the taper get in the way?
Doesn’t get in the way for me. If you like to put both hands on the handle with no overlap and no finger on the paddle face then yes but if not it is fine.
Can you recommend any paddle which feels similar to scorpeus Gen3s. I love the trampoline feeling little slow on the net and little poppy so trying to find similar feel paddle but more control.
I tried pulse V and Gearbox Hyper but they are not the same.
Thanks
Unfortunately there isn’t anything quite like the Gen3 S at the moment until the Ripple is released. There are some other paddles on the rise. The Vatic Pro Sagas do have a good softer feel with great dwell time and power but less than the 3s.
Thanks, any recommendations on a paddle similar to Silkirk Luxx epic?
@@bikerz555 Volair Mach 2 Forza 16mm has a huge sweet spot and is a very soft control paddle like the Luxx but better IMO
Wise to avoid the Gen3 / break-in disclaimers!
How does, if any change in "feel" to the OLYMPUS when it breaks in? I prefer a plush, soft feel on ball impact.
Thanks for great year.
It doesn’t change too much but does get a little softer
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball yes the Olympus could use some softening, but it’s also very solid!
I currently use the SLK Halo 16mm and have enjoyed it. Looking for a paddle thats a level up from that. I was curious what paddle you recommended?
Which shape are you using on the Halo?
@AllDriveNoDropPickleball It's the Max not the XL
@ I would check out the Chorus shapeshifter SX for a good all court, the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C for a power or Neonic Flare Prime-X for something between
@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Based on this video and your others I am curious why you suggested the chorus instead of the J2k or Olympus. I appreciate the advice tho. Been playing in a few tournaments and just trying to level up
@ sorry I thought you wanted to stick with the widebody shape. If you want to go hybrid J2K or J2Ti for all court all day and Olympus for power.
Where did you get the stick on wall hooks?
Amazon
What about the Maverix all court? Pretty solid paddle
Very good paddle
As well. Have to make those tough cuts for the best of the best.
Best spin paddle, and paddle with most dwell time
Where were you before I made the video haha? Maybe a new one for 2025
What are your thoughts on the Pickleball Apes Pulse series? I’ve had my eye on the Pulse V
Good series, just depends if your paddle breaks in or not and if they fix the production.
Was the new Gearbox standard shape paddle considered as a power paddle? I know they don’t have discount codes. I’m a 75 year old female and need power for serves and returns, but I need a maneuverable paddle to help compensate for old age loss of quick reflexes. I have an “illegal” Gen3 Anna Bright Joola which offers plenty of power, but is a little too poppy. I loved my old Gearbox for control, but it had no power at all. So I’ve been thinking about the ALW Paddletek or the new Gearbox. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
ALW-C 12.7 definitely a good option. I haven’t tried the new gearbox yet in the standard shape. It is on the way. Sounds like new 11Six24 power paddles will be good options too.
I'm 70 and want the same things. I play the Gearbox Pro Pwr E and it really takes time to adjust your swing pattern to control out balls. When returning a hard serve, I just have to barely put the paddle out for it to go all the way back to the baseline.
hi, which paddle has the best spin? Holbrook metallic?
All the paddles on the list have amazing spin. I believe the Saga V7 had the highest but J2Ti and others are super close
I think the PickleballApes Pulse V should’ve been in there…
Understood, had to hold off until the break in situation gets sorted out
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball This whole "break in" component on making a decision on a paddle is really discouraging. How much, and how long will the changes take and last are still unknown.
You like chorus fire sx more than pulse v?
Yeah, because my pulse hasn’t broke in
How's the Bodhi overgrip compared to the Yonnex overgrips (tackiness and durability)
Haven’t used the yonex ones in a bit I will see if I have any around
what are your thoughts on Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control. I keep seeing on websites its the best paddle but havent found a yt review saying that
It was one of the best a year ago but just has been passed up by other paddles
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleballwhich paddles passed it up? J2K or J2Ti?
@ both
OLYMPUS!!!!
Olympus crew
Team Olympus!!!
I have 2 Olympuses (Olympi?) already. But with the buy 1 get 2nd 50% off I'm really tempted to get 2 more. I don't know 4 paddles might be too much.
@ if you know you love them and you’ll be playing them for a while I think it’s worth it…especially because the top of paddle starting coming off after I played with it for a few months and I’ve heard the same happen to others.
@@christoskoci2875the edge guard is also detaching a little bit on mine, but it's only in one spot and don't see if affecting play.
Why did the Paddletek ESQ-C beat the Neonic Flare Prime X for best power wide body?
More power and pop while still being controllable. It just offers more offense and that is why.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Interesting seeing the different perspectives. Chris Olson in his Flare Prime X review said it was a draw for power and pop between the two with maybe even a slight edge for the Flare Prime X, and it has a significantly larger sweet spot.
@ I am guessing he was talking about the 14.3mm version. For the 12.7 the pop advantage is significant.
Yay I am the first viewer of this awesome video
Sorry but I was viewing while you were typing that comment. Next time!
Just received my J2K in the mail today. Looking forward to trying it out tomorrow...can't wait! Your earlier review was most helpful in making my decision. 👍
Guys let me settle this, my wife was first to see it haha. Appreciate the support!
Is the Invader more powerful than J2Ti ?
Invader is a little bit below in power for me
@ thanks 👍
@ I have J2Ti, it has everything but lacks a bit power for me. What would be your recommendation for something with but more power but same feel as J2Ti?
@ Vatic Saga Flash
Great list, Jacob! I didn’t even realize that the “ESQ” was for Koop but it makes total sense now!
The J2K is definitely a great paddle and deserving of top honors. It’s nice to see a smaller company do so well!
Thank you for the support this year Two Dubz!
What about Joola Hyperion S3, MOD-TA-15?
MOD-TA breaks too fast I can’t recommend it to people but great before it breaks. 3s lineup is good and breaks slower
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Is it core crushing or delaminating when you say "break"?
What about Joola Perseus 3S?
@@kimleith1378 Core Crushing
@@hawhiasoo9351 Good paddle as well has less core crushing problems but still some. Not USAP certified if it matters to you.
what about OG shapeshifter ??
Love the OG shapeshifter and the new one
I don’t like the j2k Very much. I bought the spartus Olympus and the j2k. I feel like j2k control for anyone under 4.0
I hear you, definitely not the same juice as an Olympus
No pickleball apes pulses???
Mine still haven’t broken in, without that they are good but nothing that sets them apart
Tragic that you didn’t mention monarch all court for all court widebody 🥲
Haha well I did in my best widebodys but they are changing the paddle so I am waiting to try the new all court
@ understandable. It is the paddle I’ve been using the last month or so. Wondering whether I should look to get the new one or get the power version instead.
Name change is coming.
It’s my current favorite paddle.