Just got the Apollo, the spin is great! Getting used to different shape. I hope it last longer than my previous paddle Volair mach 1 Forzda which lasted 6 months , before the raw carbon surface wore out.
This paddle would have come in 4th place on my analysis for paddles with best SW to TW ratios. This paddle's ratio value was 14.30 (107 divided by 7.48) and it was only beat by the CRBN 2x, Gruvn Raw 13V, and the Gruvn Raw 16R. The Gruvns come in at $ 139 so they're very comparable. CRBN is $ 230 so that's out. Mach 2 Forza ratio is 15.23 (PB Studio data source) but another pricey model at 180.00 (180 is the industry median price). R2 Pulsar FX ratio is 16.40 and 180 dollars. Good job there Farmer - nice paddle esp for beginners too
Great value and specs! I got the Mach 2 Forza 16mm on sale recently and I'm loving the wide body shape. Is the wide body your current favorite to use as well?
I currently use Kennex Ovation Spin, but it is worn out with chips on the face. My strength is my fast hands and very quick topspin speedups. Particularly low back hand flicks I can hit for winners. Will I loose this with a control paddle? For example I found the Gearbox CX14 too soft, and cannot drive with enough pop with it as well. Thinking of trying a Forza 2 or 6.0 BDB. It would be nice to have a bigger sweat spot than the Ovation Spin.
In terms of controllability, does it feel more like the M2F 16mm or the 14mm? Because I could control M2F 16mm very well, but 14mm was way too poppy for me.
I don't think I described the power levels clear enough in the video. I'm sorry. The Ronbus is the most powerful followed by the Apollo and the least powerful is the mach 2 Forza 14/16mm
@@FarmerLankyPickleball Is there any reason to consider the Mach 2 forza over the Apollo? Mach 2 forza is on sale for $129. Which is more durable/quality built paddle?
Got mine yesterday. I like it, but I'm surprise at all the reveiws I watched and no one mentioning that it feels hollow when taking forehand and backhand drives. When the ball hits the paddle the vibration goes down all the way into the handle and into the hands. I'm really, really surprise this wasn't pointed out. I'm going to add a hexacore grip and maybe some tape to see if this changes the feel. Someone I practice with today and just met said the same thing about the hollow feeling on the drives.
What do you prefer about the Apollo and the other two you are considering compared to the GRUVN muvn 16s? Just curious as to why you ruled out the muvn 16s which is also in the same class
@@tkutler sorry to butt in (cuz it's not my review etc) but it seems the Gruvns don't have the same pop and the twist weight isn't as good. I tried looking for a farmer review on the 16S but he did some other gruvns. maybe that helps a little.
@@FarmerLankyPickleballI have a Ruby, and love that softer trampoline effect and gritty surface for spin, but the swingweight is too much for me at the net. I'm trying to find a better match. I'm waiting for the Apollo, but now I'm thinking it'll be too poppy? I'm wondering if the M2F would be a better match. I do love a good drive coming from a tennis singles background.
Thanks for the review!! I’m torn between the Apollo and the Ronbus R2 FX. Do you think the spin on the Ronbus will last longer due to a higher quality carbon fiber layer with peel ply? I’ve heard the Apollo starts out with very good spin but wears down quicker similar to the Ruby. My Ruby doesn’t get nearly the spin it did when new after two months, and it is unforgiving on off center shots. So looking at these two wide bodies for better spin and sweet spot. Thanks!!
@@HowieB-isMe3885 Actually several reviewers have mentioned the grit wearing off in a couple weeks of play with the Apollo. They get paddles early for review before they are sold. This is the same thing that happened to my Ruby. Before that I had a Ronbus 2.16 and I never noticed any reduction in spin over several months. I’m wondering if the Ronbus process has more durability so I’m attracted to the new Pulsar R2 Fx. But it is quite a bit more expensive than the Apollo.
@@lazyhusband the power + control the paddle gives. The ball goes where you want it. I've played with the filth, gen3 Perseus, neonic force, and gen 2 hudef. The j2k pro was better in my hands than any of those paddles.
Handle construction still hasn't been fixed. It is awful. There are gaps on each side of the handle running down the entire length - the gaps are now filled in with separate material that looks like a 3rd grade art project. The poor construction in my experience is leading to strange vibrations and other issues. I have raised this with Spartus without resolution. I would stay away from this paddle and this company!!!
Avoid This Paddle! Poor Quality and Terrible Customer Service I bought this paddle, and it's an absolute piece of crap. After just one match, the surface is completely destroyed. I had a group of professionals, who regularly use SLK and Vatic paddles, test it, and they all confirmed: the surface was totally gone after a single session. When I reached out to customer service, they told me it's a "factory second" product, which means no returns, as stated in the description. Their warranty is also a joke. It says: No warranty for normal wear and tear, which basically covers anything. No shipping covered, meaning they'll make you pay for any repairs or replacements-if they even decide your issue qualifies. In short, expect zero support and extra charges if you try to return or get a refund. Save yourself the frustration and go with a more reputable brand.
Just bought this paddle and used your code :) Appreciate you!!
Thanks Farmer!!! Got one on order.
Please let me know what you think of it!
Just got the Apollo, the spin is great! Getting used to different shape. I hope it last longer than my previous paddle Volair mach 1 Forzda which lasted 6 months , before the raw carbon surface wore out.
This paddle would have come in 4th place on my analysis for paddles with best SW to TW ratios. This paddle's ratio value was 14.30 (107 divided by 7.48) and it was only beat by the CRBN 2x, Gruvn Raw 13V, and the Gruvn Raw 16R. The Gruvns come in at $ 139 so they're very comparable. CRBN is $ 230 so that's out. Mach 2 Forza ratio is 15.23 (PB Studio data source) but another pricey model at 180.00 (180 is the industry median price). R2 Pulsar FX ratio is 16.40 and 180 dollars. Good job there Farmer - nice paddle esp for beginners too
Which 2X the 14mm or 16mm?
@@123BV8 16mm. (I had to dig for that one)
@@PKB-AG Thank you!
Thanks, for the review. Going to order one.
I appreciate the comment! Let me know what you think of it please!
Great value and specs! I got the Mach 2 Forza 16mm on sale recently and I'm loving the wide body shape. Is the wide body your current favorite to use as well?
I currently use Kennex Ovation Spin, but it is worn out with chips on the face. My strength is my fast hands and very quick topspin speedups. Particularly low back hand flicks I can hit for winners. Will I loose this with a control paddle? For example I found the Gearbox CX14 too soft, and cannot drive with enough pop with it as well. Thinking of trying a Forza 2 or 6.0 BDB. It would be nice to have a bigger sweat spot than the Ovation Spin.
In terms of controllability, does it feel more like the M2F 16mm or the 14mm? Because I could control M2F 16mm very well, but 14mm was way too poppy for me.
I'd say it's closer to the 14mm to be honest
How hard was it to adjust to the wide body were you missing some shots cause the face isn’t as long as a hybrid?
How would you compare this to the Gruvn 13S?
Great question!
Nice review. was it a lot less powerful on serves than the Mach 2 Forza 14mm?/16mm?
I don't think I described the power levels clear enough in the video. I'm sorry.
The Ronbus is the most powerful followed by the Apollo and the least powerful is the mach 2 Forza 14/16mm
@@FarmerLankyPickleball Is there any reason to consider the Mach 2 forza over the Apollo? Mach 2 forza is on sale for $129. Which is more durable/quality built paddle?
@@juansantiago1441 very good point
I’ve been playing with mine for 6 months
@@HowieB-isMe3885 I ordered the Apollo to give it a try.
Got mine yesterday. I like it, but I'm surprise at all the reveiws I watched and no one mentioning that it feels hollow when taking forehand and backhand drives. When the ball hits the paddle the vibration goes down all the way into the handle and into the hands. I'm really, really surprise this wasn't pointed out. I'm going to add a hexacore grip and maybe some tape to see if this changes the feel. Someone I practice with today and just met said the same thing about the hollow feeling on the drives.
glenlee5409, did this help your paddle feel?
How does it compare to the Ruby?
Debating between the Ruby and volair Mach 2 forza 14mm.
The ruby is a lot softer than this paddle is and the ruby has more power than this paddle does but this paddle has more pop and maneuverability
Word on the street is that the Ruby is overrated and people tend to go back to other paddles or something else. I'd go Mach 2.
What do you prefer about the Apollo and the other two you are considering compared to the GRUVN muvn 16s? Just curious as to why you ruled out the muvn 16s which is also in the same class
@@tkutler sorry to butt in (cuz it's not my review etc) but it seems the Gruvns don't have the same pop and the twist weight isn't as good. I tried looking for a farmer review on the 16S but he did some other gruvns. maybe that helps a little.
@@FarmerLankyPickleballI have a Ruby, and love that softer trampoline effect and gritty surface for spin, but the swingweight is too much for me at the net. I'm trying to find a better match. I'm waiting for the Apollo, but now I'm thinking it'll be too poppy? I'm wondering if the M2F would be a better match. I do love a good drive coming from a tennis singles background.
Thanks for the review!! I’m torn between the Apollo and the Ronbus R2 FX. Do you think the spin on the Ronbus will last longer due to a higher quality carbon fiber layer with peel ply? I’ve heard the Apollo starts out with very good spin but wears down quicker similar to the Ruby. My Ruby doesn’t get nearly the spin it did when new after two months, and it is unforgiving on off center shots. So looking at these two wide bodies for better spin and sweet spot. Thanks!!
Already we have information on how to wear out the paddles just out there recently
@@HowieB-isMe3885 Not sure what you mean
I mean that the Apollo just came out. So how can anyone judge its durability?
@@HowieB-isMe3885 Actually several reviewers have mentioned the grit wearing off in a couple weeks of play with the Apollo. They get paddles early for review before they are sold. This is the same thing that happened to my Ruby. Before that I had a Ronbus 2.16 and I never noticed any reduction in spin over several months. I’m wondering if the Ronbus process has more durability so I’m attracted to the new Pulsar R2 Fx. But it is quite a bit more expensive than the Apollo.
Wanting to try these kevlar paddles should I get the Hudef gen 3 or the Apollo? Im more of a defensive based player that likes playing back.
Singles - Hudef. Doubles - Apollo.
@@lazyhusband I bought the j2k pro...... absolutely amazing paddle.
@@DownTownBrown11 In what way?
@@lazyhusband the power + control the paddle gives. The ball goes where you want it.
I've played with the filth, gen3 Perseus, neonic force, and gen 2 hudef. The j2k pro was better in my hands than any of those paddles.
Is this close to the unicorn we were discussing tonight 😂
😂😂😂 I have yet to find the unicorn paddle. The hunt continues lol
@@FarmerLankyPickleball lol
Can decide between this (apollo) and mach 2 forza 14mm which is currently on sale. Any suggestions?
This. More pop is better.
How about the Maverix Havik-15
I haven't gotten to play with it.
Is it true that we need to use a software rubber racer for Kevlar paddles?
Tbh I'm skeptical on using erasers on kevlar paddles. I've been using a semi-damp micro fiber towel to wipe it off.
Handle construction still hasn't been fixed. It is awful. There are gaps on each side of the handle running down the entire length - the gaps are now filled in with separate material that looks like a 3rd grade art project. The poor construction in my experience is leading to strange vibrations and other issues. I have raised this with Spartus without resolution. I would stay away from this paddle and this company!!!
Avoid This Paddle! Poor Quality and Terrible Customer Service
I bought this paddle, and it's an absolute piece of crap. After just one match, the surface is completely destroyed. I had a group of professionals, who regularly use SLK and Vatic paddles, test it, and they all confirmed: the surface was totally gone after a single session. When I reached out to customer service, they told me it's a "factory second" product, which means no returns, as stated in the description.
Their warranty is also a joke. It says:
No warranty for normal wear and tear, which basically covers anything.
No shipping covered, meaning they'll make you pay for any repairs or replacements-if they even decide your issue qualifies.
In short, expect zero support and extra charges if you try to return or get a refund. Save yourself the frustration and go with a more reputable brand.