This has been my main for a month. I have a college tennis background, but don’t consider myself a banger. I’m a hybrid of a QD style (for big drives) but mix in a lot of soft drops and try to have an more of a Ben Johns complete style of play. The greatest thing about this paddle is that while yes, it’s in the 75% for power and pop (per pickleball effects), you DO NOT HAVE TO MODIFY YOUR SWING MECHANICS. With all these other “power style” paddles, you really have to dumb down your mechanics, and with this paddle you don’t! So no it’s not a 90% percentile power and pop paddle, but it is top tier and you get that without sacrificing the time to change your game…that’s HUGE to me. No core crushing or anything like that in about a month of play 3-4x a week. Love this paddle. I have the weight in the same location and and started with .5g but then double it up on each side and put some weight in the handle, and I’m still at around only 8.4…
More power and pop than the shapeshifter. Control will be easier for most with the shapeshifter if you don’t like pop. Both have great spin, the Olympus get a little more.
Another great content and review Jacob props to you being the first paddle reviewer to review the Spartus Olympus that paddle is fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥, will be there a 16mm version
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleballI'm so intrigued with the Olympus, while the Bantams TKO's series increased in price is no brainer to go for the Olympus and is under $200.00
i find 5.75" is perfect. My 6" hurache control was a little too long, but the 5.75" monarch all court was perfect. the all court and spartus apollo are my two favorite paddles depending on my mood, conditions, and ability on a given day, so i think this paddle may be a winner for me. just wish it was 5.75"
The Apollo was my very first upgrade, and the Olympus is my current main paddle. I didn't run any metrics like you did, but compared to paddles with established power/pop readings, it's definitely around 75-90th percentile power/pop like but it still has a great amount of control for a 14mm (i.e. it has the control of a 16mm). Truly a unique hybrid paddle. The spin feels top-tier, and I agree that the paddle feels very stable despite its advertised twist weight. With that being said, my paddle came with a stock swing weight of around 114, so while it's light, it isn't nearly as manuverable as my Apollo, and I can't help but shake the feeling that my Olympus could have been that much better (i.e. had a SW of 110) if I had just waited to get an official release paddle instead of pre-release. Regardless, I currently play with 3g at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions, and it's been an absolute monster. It took me around 3 weeks to get used to playing with it (coming from the Apollo), but it's so worth it. So far we have a top-tier widebody all-court and a top-tier hybrid all-court (or power) paddle. Spartus knows what they're doing, and I can't wait to see what they have in stock for us next.
Thank you for the detailed breakdown! I prefer the higher stock SW. I understand wanting the lower SW to modify it more but I like starting higher because I think it just performs better stock out of the box. Going too low in SW can be bad sometimes for power and stability. That being said 114 is still great for a hybrid.
I really enjoy your videos. You have a very relaxed style of speaking but you impart a ton of useful information. Very easy to listen to and very informative. Thank you.
Great review on this! How is the control/pop compared to the Pikkl Hurricane Pro 14mm? I currently use Hurricane and I'm considering buying the Olympus. Is the amount of pop/control close to between the 2 or I'll have to adjust a bit with the Olympus? Thank you!
Hi Jacob, you’ve got me excited about this paddle. Ever since you showed a glimpse of it in one of your videos I thought it looked really cool. I’ve played with elongated paddles and hybrid paddles and I think I like hybrids better. How would you compare the Olympus to the Thrive Azul? With your enthusiasm on this paddle I might have to buy this one. Great review as always!
I like it a lot more than the Azul. You get more pop and power than the Azul with a less stiff feel. Sweet spots are pretty similar and the Olympus gets more spin. The Olympus is already coming in at a lower SW then the lowest SW you can choose for the Azul.
Great paddles comparison video and lesson on tungsten tape! I think the “ball dust” theory has been the best indicator of what shape paddle one should use and where to put weight. Thanks for another great review!
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball I have found the dust pattern on my Apollo covers the entire face (including edge guard). Where should I put the weight? 😂 Should I quit? My theory is I hit a very tight dead center pattern 😁from the baseline, and the entire paddle in firefights. My theory and I’m sticking with it … don’t judge.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Good thinking … if I put weight everywhere it will be where I need it, and the electrical tape will hide my glaring inadequacies (and edge guard ball dust). Did you hear Titanium is polyester? 🤣
Good to know seems like I need to measure my hands. It was fine for me no handle issues, I’m over gripping right away for every paddle because most stock grips get slippery.
Heard about this one not long ago. The performance looks good in the play video but at this price range, it's not the investment I'd make at this point in time even if it looks like will work for the double back hand. All the best for the tournament.
How is the maneuverability compared to the Apollo? I love the little flicks and rolls I can get off with the Apollo and at just 110 swingweight I’m excited this can do something similar but am wondering if the hybrid shape prevents it from being as maneuverable as the standard shaped Apollo
I think you’ll always sacrifice a little maneuverability moving from the Apollo to a hybrid shape that is just the pros and cons tradeoff you get with shapes. For me the pop and power difference is big enough for the tradeoff to be worth it and your shots can be more compact with the paddle doing more of the work.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball I play with Apollo weighted to 8.6 oz (3g at 4,8,12, replaced stock grip and overgrip). Wife’s paddle is Vatic Pro Flash 16mm … no added weight except overgrip … 8.2 oz. I would take my Apollo all day long on return of serves (I don’t want pop assistance, I want control), but her Flash on flicks and rolls (effortless point and shoot, pop huge asset). The problem with pickleball paddles in doubles is the tradeoffs aren’t just between player types, they are also shot tradeoffs for a player. Want the best overhead and forehand drive … head heavy elongated. Want best kitchen play … lose that head heavy elongated. Very frustrating mystery. I keep intending to pull my V7 back out and immediately after getting to kitchen play with choked up grip (which in my mind turns it into a fast low swingweight standard paddle 🤪).
So many paddles, so little time.. lol.. looking forward to getting mine. I've turned lots of players in our area on to the Apollo and I think this is really going to fit the bill for the power hitters
Would you say these play a lot better ? Coming from a 4.0 player looking for something with more power and quicker hands at the net. Currently playing with the neonic flow
@@karensermersheim9110 The core is giving it the power and pop here. Some of the stiffer kevlar/carbon fiber paddles have good pop and power but not power at this level
CoreTek has entered the chat. I believe they were first to fill the entire honeycomb with foam. What I’m curious to see is how this compares to the Kiwi Labs upcoming paddle that went with a foam square pattern versus filling all the cells.
It went not as planned haha but that is on me for sure not the paddle. It performed very well and honestly did everything I could hope for. I’ll continue rotating between it and the J2K/J2Ti
So I own the J2K. I prioritize control but feel like I could use a little more maneuverability, spin and maybe power. I like the dynamics of Kevlar but not sure if there is a better hybrid out there for me. Some say the Ruby is the slight bump I’m looking for but other recommend the DBD, a power paddle, etc. I don’t want to lose control too much and still want to be quick. Your thoughts?
You could go with a Chorus Shapeshifter which has more power but isn’t as hard to control as the Olympus. I think the Olympus is one of the easier power paddles to control and when you get adjusted to it the control is really good. Just depends if you can get adjusted to the pop which isn’t as much as some other power paddles.
This has been my main for a month. I have a college tennis background, but don’t consider myself a banger. I’m a hybrid of a QD style (for big drives) but mix in a lot of soft drops and try to have an more of a Ben Johns complete style of play. The greatest thing about this paddle is that while yes, it’s in the 75% for power and pop (per pickleball effects), you DO NOT HAVE TO MODIFY YOUR SWING MECHANICS. With all these other “power style” paddles, you really have to dumb down your mechanics, and with this paddle you don’t! So no it’s not a 90% percentile power and pop paddle, but it is top tier and you get that without sacrificing the time to change your game…that’s HUGE to me. No core crushing or anything like that in about a month of play 3-4x a week. Love this paddle. I have the weight in the same location and and started with .5g but then double it up on each side and put some weight in the handle, and I’m still at around only 8.4…
That is a great background and breakdown. Yeah, I’ve been loving the weight setup really boosts the paddle even more.
How does the paddle compare to the chorus shapeshifter since they both are hybrid with that fiberglass layer
More power and pop than the shapeshifter. Control will be easier for most with the shapeshifter if you don’t like pop. Both have great spin, the Olympus get a little more.
Another great content and review Jacob props to you being the first paddle reviewer to review the Spartus Olympus that paddle is fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥, will be there a 16mm version
Thank you, no 16mm version planned to my knowledge but anything is possible.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleballI'm so intrigued with the Olympus, while the Bantams TKO's series increased in price is no brainer to go for the Olympus and is under $200.00
good review. I’ll keep using my Paddletek’s. More of what I want.
i find 5.75" is perfect. My 6" hurache control was a little too long, but the 5.75" monarch all court was perfect. the all court and spartus apollo are my two favorite paddles depending on my mood, conditions, and ability on a given day, so i think this paddle may be a winner for me. just wish it was 5.75"
I'm happy to hear that this paddle is as good as I hoped it would be. Thanks for the great review!
Thanks for watching!
The Apollo was my very first upgrade, and the Olympus is my current main paddle. I didn't run any metrics like you did, but compared to paddles with established power/pop readings, it's definitely around 75-90th percentile power/pop like but it still has a great amount of control for a 14mm (i.e. it has the control of a 16mm). Truly a unique hybrid paddle. The spin feels top-tier, and I agree that the paddle feels very stable despite its advertised twist weight. With that being said, my paddle came with a stock swing weight of around 114, so while it's light, it isn't nearly as manuverable as my Apollo, and I can't help but shake the feeling that my Olympus could have been that much better (i.e. had a SW of 110) if I had just waited to get an official release paddle instead of pre-release. Regardless, I currently play with 3g at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions, and it's been an absolute monster. It took me around 3 weeks to get used to playing with it (coming from the Apollo), but it's so worth it.
So far we have a top-tier widebody all-court and a top-tier hybrid all-court (or power) paddle. Spartus knows what they're doing, and I can't wait to see what they have in stock for us next.
Thank you for the detailed breakdown! I prefer the higher stock SW. I understand wanting the lower SW to modify it more but I like starting higher because I think it just performs better stock out of the box. Going too low in SW can be bad sometimes for power and stability. That being said 114 is still great for a hybrid.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Totally makes sense now. I see where you're coming from, and I appreciate the insight!
Kinda weird that there's no comparison with the MOD TA-15...
Super strange
I really enjoy your videos. You have a very relaxed style of speaking but you impart a ton of useful information. Very easy to listen to and very informative. Thank you.
Thank you appreciate it!
This is my #1 paddle of 2024!!!!
🔥
Great review, Jacob! I just got my Olympus. Have you ended up preferring this over the J2K?
Back and forth for me
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Thanks, Jacob!
Great review on this! How is the control/pop compared to the Pikkl Hurricane Pro 14mm? I currently use Hurricane and I'm considering buying the Olympus. Is the amount of pop/control close to between the 2 or I'll have to adjust a bit with the Olympus? Thank you!
Pop is more and control is going to be less. You’ll have to adjust a little but it will be a huge power upgrade.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball - As always, I appreciate all the help. Thanks for responding to all the questions here.
How does the power/pop compare to the Engage Pursuit Pro-1's?
Limited testing of the Pursuit Pro 1s. I’d say pop is similar and the Olympus has the edge in power.
I've been waiting for this one! Thanks Jacob!
I don’t know how I can take this review seriously. Not ONE image of the Olympus with a rice cooker nearby? C’mon, man…
😂
Wasn’t sure how to work this one in 😂
Hi Jacob, you’ve got me excited about this paddle. Ever since you showed a glimpse of it in one of your videos I thought it looked really cool. I’ve played with elongated paddles and hybrid paddles and I think I like hybrids better. How would you compare the Olympus to the Thrive Azul? With your enthusiasm on this paddle I might have to buy this one. Great review as always!
I like it a lot more than the Azul. You get more pop and power than the Azul with a less stiff feel. Sweet spots are pretty similar and the Olympus gets more spin. The Olympus is already coming in at a lower SW then the lowest SW you can choose for the Azul.
Another great paddle. Love your effort.I hope the grip thickness is a mistake. 4 1/8 would be better for us smaller hands
I’ll measure, but I believe it is 4.25”
Great paddles comparison video and lesson on tungsten tape! I think the “ball dust” theory has been the best indicator of what shape paddle one should use and where to put weight. Thanks for another great review!
For sure, I like the name the ball dust theory!
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball I have found the dust pattern on my Apollo covers the entire face (including edge guard). Where should I put the weight? 😂 Should I quit?
My theory is I hit a very tight dead center pattern 😁from the baseline, and the entire paddle in firefights. My theory and I’m sticking with it … don’t judge.
@@65atBestPB doesn’t hurt to add some weight along the edges then wrap it with electrical tape to add a little weight all around
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Good thinking … if I put weight everywhere it will be where I need it, and the electrical tape will hide my glaring inadequacies (and edge guard ball dust).
Did you hear Titanium is polyester? 🤣
@@65atBestPB I did haha but it still looks cool 😎
Been seeing solid reviews on this thing, may need to check it out...
Disagree with handle length. Really disliked this handle, Couldn't comfortably fit two hands at all. Also squishy.
Good to know seems like I need to measure my hands. It was fine for me no handle issues, I’m over gripping right away for every paddle because most stock grips get slippery.
Check out the Nexus ProStar, we got you with a 5.5 inch handle🛸👽
@@NexusPickleballUSA hey bro gonna need you to chill with the shill
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball let’s get you a ProStar for review!
Super thorough take, Jacob! Awesome work as usual! Is that the same amount of weight you did with the TMPR?
I believe it is but don’t quote me haha
Would you recommend this over waiting for ronbus ripple?
Unless you really want widebody or elonagted the Olympus is still my pick.
great review.. i couldn't find what the warrenty was anywhere. Do you know what the warrenty is for the Olympus?
3 months it says on their site
Heard about this one not long ago. The performance looks good in the play video but at this price range, it's not the investment I'd make at this point in time even if it looks like will work for the double back hand. All the best for the tournament.
Fair enough the the price is getting up there these days with the power paddles
If I only have precut 3g lead stickers instead of a long strip, what would you recommend?
I’d try putting one in the middle on each side
Thanks for your review. How does it compare to HUDEF Mage Pro Gen2 in the kitchen?
Great question stay tuned for the Hudef review
How many inches of .5 gram per inch tungsten did you add per side?
About 9”
How is the maneuverability compared to the Apollo? I love the little flicks and rolls I can get off with the Apollo and at just 110 swingweight I’m excited this can do something similar but am wondering if the hybrid shape prevents it from being as maneuverable as the standard shaped Apollo
I think you’ll always sacrifice a little maneuverability moving from the Apollo to a hybrid shape that is just the pros and cons tradeoff you get with shapes. For me the pop and power difference is big enough for the tradeoff to be worth it and your shots can be more compact with the paddle doing more of the work.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball
I play with Apollo weighted to 8.6 oz (3g at 4,8,12, replaced stock grip and overgrip). Wife’s paddle is Vatic Pro Flash 16mm … no added weight except overgrip … 8.2 oz.
I would take my Apollo all day long on return of serves (I don’t want pop assistance, I want control), but her Flash on flicks and rolls (effortless point and shoot, pop huge asset). The problem with pickleball paddles in doubles is the tradeoffs aren’t just between player types, they are also shot tradeoffs for a player.
Want the best overhead and forehand drive … head heavy elongated. Want best kitchen play … lose that head heavy elongated. Very frustrating mystery. I keep intending to pull my V7 back out and immediately after getting to kitchen play with choked up grip (which in my mind turns it into a fast low swingweight standard paddle 🤪).
Good job. Do you think you feel better after add weight?
Yes
So many paddles, so little time.. lol.. looking forward to getting mine. I've turned lots of players in our area on to the Apollo and I think this is really going to fit the bill for the power hitters
I know once you find one you see another shiny new one
And the HUSH..lol
Great review. I have a HUDEF Mage Pro, which is a purple edge. Now its gold edge also attracts me to buy.
Yeah, report back to HuDef HQ
What about a paddle made by aliens?👽🛸 Nexus ProStar
the 14mm ripple is coming and its an approved paddle
Yes, many paddles are coming every month.
Is the power curve exponential or more linear?
It is more linear than exponential until you get to the harder swings at like 80% and above effort
Sounds awesome! I can’t find the link for to win it though. 😢
It is on the Spartus website you win it for $180 😂
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball 😂😭
What is the volume level of the Olympus? I have tko-c 12mm and it is super loud. Was looking for something quieter. Thanks.
Quieter than the tkos
Would you say these play a lot better ? Coming from a 4.0 player looking for something with more power and quicker hands at the net. Currently playing with the neonic flow
@@shalooom Yes, for sure a power upgrade over the flow
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball good to know! Would you go with these over there TKO-C 12.7??
@@shalooom Yes, I would go with the Olympus over those
First like!😊
First reply!
Handle is too short unfortunately
Sorry to hear that, need a few 6” handles for the big hands team
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball LOL i have 5.5 but olympus handle looks too small in your hand. doesn't look like even 5.5
@@gauravpatel2005 Thank you? Haha
how does it compare to 14mm j2k?
More power, pop, and spin. It is a better 14mm for sure just price is where the J2K 14mm would be better
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball what about this new core...Ascension core 14mm vs. 100% Kevlar or Kevlar/Carbon Fiber mix?
@@karensermersheim9110 The core is giving it the power and pop here. Some of the stiffer kevlar/carbon fiber paddles have good pop and power but not power at this level
wow, what a nice review. are they not thinking about 16mm?
I think this is the only planned shape and thickness for now
Because the ProStar comes in at 16mm🛸👽
@@NexusPickleballUSA Are they built with the same core?
@@novubrown2780 very similar core
They delisted Coretek???
Yes
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball unreal. I just got one for a review. Doubt USAP reimburses me like they should lol.
@@cmay3s well maybe they have new ones I don’t know about I haven’t been following them lately
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball ah okay gotcha. I have the alpha that is currently listed on their website. Thanks for the info.
@@cmay3s best thing is to just check the approval site
Very interesting, looks like a very similar core to our ProStar…
Very interesting 🧐 send one over and I’ll cut it open to compare
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball I’d hope you’d test it out first before you cut open our alien tech😂👽🛸
CoreTek has entered the chat. I believe they were first to fill the entire honeycomb with foam. What I’m curious to see is how this compares to the Kiwi Labs upcoming paddle that went with a foam square pattern versus filling all the cells.
How did your tournament go
It went not as planned haha but that is on me for sure not the paddle. It performed very well and honestly did everything I could hope for. I’ll continue rotating between it and the J2K/J2Ti
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Do you use the 14mm or 16 mm j2k?
@@philiphuston6167 16mm
So I own the J2K. I prioritize control but feel like I could use a little more maneuverability, spin and maybe power. I like the dynamics of Kevlar but not sure if there is a better hybrid out there for me. Some say the Ruby is the slight bump I’m looking for but other recommend the DBD, a power paddle, etc. I don’t want to lose control too much and still want to be quick. Your thoughts?
You could go with a Chorus Shapeshifter which has more power but isn’t as hard to control as the Olympus. I think the Olympus is one of the easier power paddles to control and when you get adjusted to it the control is really good. Just depends if you can get adjusted to the pop which isn’t as much as some other power paddles.