My go-to paddle currently is the Thrive Azul. The combination of power, spin, and control is unmatched IMO. To each their own, but hybrid paddles will always be my preference.
I like the Engage Pursuit Pro much more than the Pusuit Pro 1. Pro 1 at 8.3 ounces swings fasts but is not nearly as stable as the 8.3 ounce Pursuit Pro. I have no problem with hand speed with the Pursuut Pro.
Honestly I played a good portion of these and for me the Ruby 16mm was up there in power with the Bantam TKO-C and Engage Pro1 6.0, and slightly ahead of the Shogun. All incredible paddles on their own and you could have success with each. I want to try the gearbox but Chris’s recap video had me a little hesitant. I’m sure it comes down to me being more confident to swing bigger with the Ruby.
Playing in 95 plus weather in the Midwest the extra pop is a must for me. BD 14 fits the bill very well. I think a lot of folks will love it. It’s not for a lower level player though. Requires soft hands on resets and dinks. Weapon at the kitchen though for volleys and flicks. Drives are great too, no surprise.
Just got a PPE summer edition after using the GB Demo program and loving the paddle. I have to say it feels like this new paddle has more pop than the demo I had for a week
Feels like players still using the Joola Gen 3 Magnus McGuffin paddle have a huge advantage. A woman on my intermediate pb league is using that Joola paddle, and between the power and spin, it's annoying to watch her opponents struggle (including myself) to play against her.
It’s ancient and they fell behind. The good news is their new ones may be coming out this July; depends on what they made them with though especially give the debacle with joola gen 3/foam.
I currently play with DBD 16mm and wanted to switch to a power paddle. Cant find BD 14mm reviews anywhere and its about to release. You think its a good switch to BD 14mm?
@pbstudio just released his first look on it. I personally would look into either the Black Diamond or the Azul if you still want that hybrid shape and coming from DBD 16mm
Shoot man if you think the TKO-C lacks spin I don't know what to recommend since i think it's one of the more spin friendly paddles. The Engage is on par with the Bantams and I would say the only paddle on this list that maybe bets crazy spin is the Black Diamond 14mm
Rush 13 in a 117ish swing weight maybe less if you like the maneuverability of the power air. The ALW Bantam 12.7mm from PaddleTek and 14mm Black Diamond are also good options
The STRK is pretty much a better Selkirk Power Air in my opinion. I do like the WZRD and think thats one of the better control paddles out there. Not a huge fan of the BALLR for whatever reason (i think the trajectory my shots come off the face is a bit too high for my taste)
@@PickleballWill Absolutely. That thing is a power monster. John Kew also said in his podcast that the J2K Pro (not to be confused with the J7K Pro) is pretty much indistinguishable from the Azul. And the J7K Pro has even more plow through and leverage with a higher swing weight and a longer handle.
I have a 14. It’s a good mix of the 16 and infinity. Almost as much power as the 16 but with way more pop. Not as easy to control as the 16 but not that difficult. Add some tungsten on the throat and it feels like a faster 16. New core has serious juice. My favorite 6.0 to date.
If you talking bout the original Hurache X 16mm, it def does not have more pop than the Ruby 14mm imho. It’s probably on par with the Ruby 16, but the Ruby 16 did no make this list
@@PickleballWill the names are confusing, I meant the control+. I think the control+ has a 14mm version now. Both PB Effect and Chris both compared directly to Ruby and said it had more pop.
Yeah the X+ is hella poppy and powerful. Don’t expect much dwell time though. Pretty stiff with that fiber glass sheet in the middle of the carbon fiber.
Why do I hear that there's a lot of people returning the triple black? Will love to purchase the return paddle? From 6.0. Any idea how I can get my hands on returned triple black! (I see it a one-time release...would love to stock up)
You going to have to message 6.zero for that one my friend. I only have 1 right now and once its gone I don't know how I will get my hands on another haha
Nah none of them are. If you are looking for power around the $100 mark your best bet would be some of the Vatic Pros, Hurache X, maybe the Hudef Viva Gen 2, with a code
Will, love your videos, but you need some sort of intro. Rather than just diving into the video (it always sounds like I just jumped into the middle of your video), you need a catchy intro. Something like “Welcome to the show”. Or “Welcome to Will’s World”. Or even “Welcome to The Real Host of Pickleball Studio”. You need a catch-phrase, something to grab our attention at the start of your shows.
It’s actually nice to have a TH-cam just get straight to the content. The intro for any video is self-contained in the title. The intro is what got you to click. There isn’t really a need to recap what they are going to talk about when the title states it already. Straight into the content is great.
I do have a little animated logo that will sort of act as an intro soon. I'll try to make a lil different catch phrase every video to keep yall smiling 🙂
I’m not reviewing them I’m just giving you my list and some quick thoughts about them. But the length of most of these is 16.5in except for the Azul, Ruby 14, Black Diamond 14
Ok. I never play with anything shorter than 16.5 inches because I have lightning fast hands. I don't like any of the 6.0 paddles because they are too short.
@@bart1476 SIx Zero's Triple Black Diamond has a 6.25 in handle though. That should be long enough for your preferences. But the elongated shapes tend to have very high swing weights. Yet you want those shapes because you have fast hands? Elongated shapes typically don't complement fast hands well.
please do a control paddle version of this video!!! your insights are on point, thank you for sharing!
My go-to paddle currently is the Thrive Azul. The combination of power, spin, and control is unmatched IMO. To each their own, but hybrid paddles will always be my preference.
I like the Engage Pursuit Pro much more than the Pusuit Pro 1. Pro 1 at 8.3 ounces swings fasts but is not nearly as stable as the 8.3 ounce Pursuit Pro. I have no problem with hand speed with the Pursuut Pro.
Just got my Shogun. Definitely has a longer dwell time and plenty of power and spin. But my Nexus Phaze 1 Shroud (13.5mm) is a power and pop BEAST!
Honestly I played a good portion of these and for me the Ruby 16mm was up there in power with the Bantam TKO-C and Engage Pro1 6.0, and slightly ahead of the Shogun. All incredible paddles on their own and you could have success with each. I want to try the gearbox but Chris’s recap video had me a little hesitant. I’m sure it comes down to me being more confident to swing bigger with the Ruby.
Thanks for sharing!
Playing in 95 plus weather in the Midwest the extra pop is a must for me. BD 14 fits the bill very well. I think a lot of folks will love it. It’s not for a lower level player though. Requires soft hands on resets and dinks. Weapon at the kitchen though for volleys and flicks. Drives are great too, no surprise.
Just got a PPE summer edition after using the GB Demo program and loving the paddle. I have to say it feels like this new paddle has more pop than the demo I had for a week
What is “GB Demo program” ? I haven’t been able to find any pickleball demos like I can tennis racquets
@@AustinLNale directly through gearbox they'll let you Demo four of their paddles for 20. Just need to ship them back within a week
Feels like players still using the Joola Gen 3 Magnus McGuffin paddle have a huge advantage. A woman on my intermediate pb league is using that Joola paddle, and between the power and spin, it's annoying to watch her opponents struggle (including myself) to play against her.
Even amongst the Joola Gen 3, I think that Magnus is a step above the other in terms of power and spin especially in the right hands
Crbn 3x power 14mm
Yes!!! Like a cheating
Great list. Hudef Viva Pro Gen 3 is my top one.
Me too
Nice list, Will! Good to see the Rush getting some love
The Thrive Rush is slept on hard!!!
the 002 the GOAT power paddle, minus it not being raw carbon
the OG power paddle, still slaps tbh
Would you say the control version of the gearbox has a good amount of too
Yes definitely. It would probably be around #5 or 6 on this list
That voice crack on the “Thrive” got me dead 😂
what about the Hudef Viva Pro Gen 3 ?
That one would probably make my TOP 10 all court paddle list
Nice!!! Thanks Will! Finally I know what’s my next paddle 🙂
Love the inputs, thank you Willinator!
P.S. my favorite power paddle is the number 1 paddle you mentioned.
When will gearboxes pro line be taken off and made illegal...it's obvious it plays like a delaminated paddle
Yes they need to test a broken in one.
@@gg80108💯
What happened to the CRBN1x?
It’s ancient and they fell behind. The good news is their new ones may be coming out this July; depends on what they made them with though especially give the debacle with joola gen 3/foam.
@@Dy1pickel In what way is it dated?
@@CyberSonic157spin. It still has power but it needs updates in spin compared to newest generation.
IMO the 12.7 TKO feels the closest to the Gen 3 in pocketing, spin and power.
Does it pocket more than the 14.3? I would have thought 14.3 pockets more....?
@@2musiclover534 I haven’t tried the 14.3 but I would imagine you’re correct but trading spin for power
Where does the Hudef Viva Pro Gen 3 fall on your list?
I don’t know maybe mid teens or 20? I’d put it more as an all court paddle
LOL the description for the Shogun had be rolling
Just for you bro
Hudef?
I currently play with DBD 16mm and wanted to switch to a power paddle. Cant find BD 14mm reviews anywhere and its about to release. You think its a good switch to BD 14mm?
@pbstudio just released his first look on it. I personally would look into either the Black Diamond or the Azul if you still want that hybrid shape and coming from DBD 16mm
@@PickleballWill What would you prefer between the two?
Well I currently play the Azul if that helps sway your decision
What are the best alternatives to the Luxx Invicta shape? Having spray on grit problems need carbon fiber or Kevlar.
I think the 11six24 Hurache Kevlar or even the CRBN 3x are good alternatives
@@PickleballWill ordered the 3x. Appreciate the info!
Have fun out there!
Of the top ones here what would you say has the best spin? I like my Bantam tko-c but I feel like it’s lacking in spin compared to the Magnus
Shoot man if you think the TKO-C lacks spin I don't know what to recommend since i think it's one of the more spin friendly paddles. The Engage is on par with the Bantams and I would say the only paddle on this list that maybe bets crazy spin is the Black Diamond 14mm
I've been playing with the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta for a year now. Need something new. What would you recommend for something similar?
Rush 13 in a 117ish swing weight maybe less if you like the maneuverability of the power air. The ALW Bantam 12.7mm from PaddleTek and 14mm Black Diamond are also good options
Lead tape recommendation for the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0?
I personally have it at 9 and 3 o’clock positions for more stability (3g each side)
No Legacy Pro?
Enjoy watching your video, Will.
How about Hudef Viva Pro Gen 3
I thought you tried the j7k and pro version. Surprised it’s not on this list if I’m not mistaken
I have and those paddles are All Court paddles in my opinion
4.0 player.....still need to get better.....looking for top pop and control.....double black diamond 6.0 or gear box 6.0 pro....?
Gearbox pro control or original Black Diamond imho
what about the babaolat STRK? I am curious your opinions on the WZRD, STRKR and BALLR
The STRK is pretty much a better Selkirk Power Air in my opinion. I do like the WZRD and think thats one of the better control paddles out there. Not a huge fan of the BALLR for whatever reason (i think the trajectory my shots come off the face is a bit too high for my taste)
Gearbox Pro Power Elite is my fave. And I’m a gal.
I'm surprised the J7K Pro didn't make your list. That thing is very powerful.
You think so? I think the J2Kpro is an all court paddle but its a solid paddle nonetheless
@@PickleballWill Absolutely. That thing is a power monster. John Kew also said in his podcast that the J2K Pro (not to be confused with the J7K Pro) is pretty much indistinguishable from the Azul. And the J7K Pro has even more plow through and leverage with a higher swing weight and a longer handle.
You got me nervous Will! I’m planning on getting the BD14mm anyway! I’ll let you know if the 14 is the new 16 😎
I have a 14. It’s a good mix of the 16 and infinity. Almost as much power as the 16 but with way more pop. Not as easy to control as the 16 but not that difficult. Add some tungsten on the throat and it feels like a faster 16. New core has serious juice. My favorite 6.0 to date.
It's a solid paddle for sure, I just personally like the 16mm versions more
How come no Huarache Control X+? Chris said it had more pop than the Ruby.
If you talking bout the original Hurache X 16mm, it def does not have more pop than the Ruby 14mm imho. It’s probably on par with the Ruby 16, but the Ruby 16 did no make this list
@@PickleballWill the names are confusing, I meant the control+. I think the control+ has a 14mm version now. Both PB Effect and Chris both compared directly to Ruby and said it had more pop.
@@PickleballWill only mentioning it cause I’m torn deciding between the two right now 😅
@acedlap7 that’s great but I didn’t really play with that one and it just didn’t make my list
Yeah the X+ is hella poppy and powerful. Don’t expect much dwell time though. Pretty stiff with that fiber glass sheet in the middle of the carbon fiber.
What is your honest choice for top 3 for advance 4.0 up level
Among these paddles in this video, Rush 13, Bantam TKO-C (14.3mm), Engage Pursuit Pro 1
@@PickleballWill sometime we wonder your high top personal choice
Man it changes with the weather and how I’m feeling. Right now I’ve been playing a lot with Thrive Surge, Honolulu J7K, and Reload paddle
Thin paddles hurt my arm!
Great Vid, Bro!! Thanks
Great video! Will.
Why do I hear that there's a lot of people returning the triple black?
Will love to purchase the return paddle? From 6.0.
Any idea how I can get my hands on returned triple black!
(I see it a one-time release...would love to stock up)
You going to have to message 6.zero for that one my friend. I only have 1 right now and once its gone I don't know how I will get my hands on another haha
Nitpick, but I don’t think there’s any MX or EX terminology on the Pro 1s.
You right you right. At least not yet 😉
Hurachae x control +?
Nah that’s an all court paddle to me
Are any of these under $100?
Nah none of them are. If you are looking for power around the $100 mark your best bet would be some of the Vatic Pros, Hurache X, maybe the Hudef Viva Gen 2, with a code
@@PickleballWill Thanks for the quick reply Will!
Viva gen 3?
Nah I think the VIVA Gen 3 is more of an all court paddle
I haven't stopped using my gen 3 😂
As long as you out there having fun!
@PickleballWill I was having fun but finally returned it due to some peeps making comments at the courts. Just got a Paddletek bantam
Joola Gen 3 banned, or is it gen 2?
Joola Gen 3 still banned. The gen 2 are still good to play
Great video
Still some Shillkirk in here, but still a good video from the host of the PB Studio Podcast.
Reading these comments is obvious people don’t know what qualifies as a power paddle nowadays lol
Will, love your videos, but you need some sort of intro. Rather than just diving into the video (it always sounds like I just jumped into the middle of your video), you need a catchy intro. Something like “Welcome to the show”. Or “Welcome to Will’s World”. Or even “Welcome to The Real Host of Pickleball Studio”. You need a catch-phrase, something to grab our attention at the start of your shows.
It’s actually nice to have a TH-cam just get straight to the content. The intro for any video is self-contained in the title. The intro is what got you to click. There isn’t really a need to recap what they are going to talk about when the title states it already. Straight into the content is great.
I do have a little animated logo that will sort of act as an intro soon. I'll try to make a lil different catch phrase every video to keep yall smiling 🙂
Hey Will. You need to put length and width of paddles. Listened to the first one and no information. Terrible job on information.
I’m not reviewing them I’m just giving you my list and some quick thoughts about them. But the length of most of these is 16.5in except for the Azul, Ruby 14, Black Diamond 14
Ok. I never play with anything shorter than 16.5 inches because I have lightning fast hands. I don't like any of the 6.0 paddles because they are too short.
@@bart1476”I have lightning fast hands” lol.
@@bart1476 SIx Zero's Triple Black Diamond has a 6.25 in handle though. That should be long enough for your preferences. But the elongated shapes tend to have very high swing weights. Yet you want those shapes because you have fast hands? Elongated shapes typically don't complement fast hands well.