I find the Ace Heart paddle to be a great paddle once broken in a bit. Initially I found it to be really awesome for control and the short game, but needing a tad bit more power. After playing with it a bit more and adding tungsten strips from 3 o’clock down to the handle, this paddle really has come to life for me! It now has great spin, superb control and there is power available when I need it on drives. I have 7 paddles in my stable…DBD, J2K, Shapeshifter, Ronbus FX.R1 and a few others, but today the Ace Heart with it’s great touch and accuracy never left my hands for the duration of my playing session today. I like it!!
Olympus has been my main for the last couple months. It’s not for everyone, but for higher level players who have good swing mechanics or ex tennis players, this paddle is fantastic. Players who have very fast swing mechanics will like this. This isn’t one of the power paddle that you have to modify your swing or baby your swing. You can absolutely swing freely with this paddle. Serves, drives, volleys, overheads, returns all have become much more dangerous than with my previous 14mm more control oriented paddle. Previously in all of those areas, I would be consistent, but always felt like I wasn’t making my opponents uncomfortable. With the Olympus, that’s changed. My only issue is traditional drops (not hybrid/topspin) aren’t quite as consistent as I would like or I have had with other paddles. With other control paddles I would typically be 9/10 drops in, and with the Olympus, it goes to 7/10. It’s just been a harder paddle for me to dial in my drops for some reason and not have them be short and into the net. And after playing 2-3 times a week with mine over a couple months, I’d agree that it does slightly break in.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I like your observation that you can swing freely with this, compared to others like the Gearbox PPE or similar paddles. The Olympus does seem to hit the optimum power level for my taste, similar to the PaddleTek Bantams. And I agree that it's better suited for more advanced players. I think it ties into the issue with drops - it does seem slightly more difficult to control drops, and to me it relates to the different power output you get across the face. It's not necessarily that the sweet spot is smaller, but it kind of feels that way because you get a lot more power hitting right in the center of the sweet spot, versus off-center. So if you're 3 inches off the center, the ball might come off like a normal Gen-2. But if you hit the center, the ball comes off much hotter
My experience with the Olympus so far is that it feels MORE Gen 3 foamy than the Joolas, as it should considering the Joolas have a perimeter of foam you don’t hit off of and the Olympus has a foam filled core in which you do. It also has that softer foam dense feel rather than the Joolas hollow feel. Much prefer Olympus I play mine up at 8.8oz and it hits like a Gen3 and has a bigger sweet spot. 0.5oz in handle and 3 grams on each cheek. Brings balance point down and feels incredible.
Love your paddle talks! I had a totally different experience with the ProStar, and it seems like a lot of other reviewers are having a totally different experience. I think like you said before, you have been using a different shape. That can definitely throw off the balance and feel when going back to an elongated paddle.
@@kabob21I saw your reddit Alecto3 post (good review btw), and it is on my list as potential. I put feel and spin ahead of full MOD power. I don’t like to have to back off full drive and return swings. We (wife) will demo the MOD at our Lifetime for a comparative reference. I won’t buy a $280 paddle for me, but wife bypasses my ban list. ❤
Thanks for another great video! Love the pickleball science info, I’ve nerded out on their site quite a bit. Also, I’m super glad you like the Paddletek ESQ! From the little bit I’ve used it, I was REALLY impressed. I’m thinking of switching from my TKO-CX 12.7 to the ESQ, but can’t decide if I want to stick with the 12.7 or get the 14.3 🤷♂️ I love that it’s a true to their roots Gen 1 paddle with fantastic feel and raw power.
Additionally, the ITF produced a couple of compendiums titled "Tennis Science & Technology" that discuss test rigs, equipment, and human performance. You may have an interest in the publications. The second compendium I have is version 2, dated 2003. There is a version 3, dated 2007, and there may be more -- I don't know as I'm now retired.
Curious how you'd stack the Apes Pulse V against the Ripple R2. I know the Ripple is still in prototype mode but you've played with it and can speak to its features.
The Apes and the Ripple are in very different power categories, but in terms of dwell time and sweet spot, they do feel similar. The Apes starts out heavier than the Ripple though, so you don't need to add as much tape
@@johnkewpickleballi hope the Apes is not too heavy a swing weight as I stopped playing with the s because of elbow strain. Also hope they start making smaller grip size. 4 1/4 is a little big for me. If not- is there a way to make grip smaller that you can recommend?
@@johnkewpickleball thanks, you mentioned you prefer the Pulse V. Do you now lean towards the standard shape paddle vs. a longer face such as a Ronbus R1? If so, what got you to switch?
John, you might consider a better interface for your paddle database at some point as you get rich and famous. 😉Drop downs boxes at the top for selection and sort criteria, and drill down for more information on a paddle would be easier to navigate than spreadsheet interface. Just a suggestion from a retired software developer who doesn’t want a job. ;) How about a drill down from serve and spin numbers to the video of you wearing your arm out getting us this info. We can all critique your technique … improve your results and force you to retest your entire database. Win win rinse and repeat. Not all of my ideas are good ones. 😂
@@johnkewpickleball Just think what your subscriber base could do to your forehand … you would never clear the net again. 😜 Do the new interface … but skip that “Kew at work” part. I will be following your “you can’t handle this power” reviews. We are definitely getting his and hers power paddles before year is over … it’s an arms race at our Lifetime. Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 with clear XL lenses was a wise choice on my part. Have a good weekend … may all paddle reviewers feet heal.
Super enjoy your reviews. The J2k is my first paddle, I am very comfortable with it, but I am tired of getting blasted by bangers at the net. I really want to try the wider body paddles, with a larger sweet spot, decent power and more pop. Based on your reviews, I am debating on either the 11six24 Monarch call court, BnB Fat Boy, or Apes Pulse V. Based on your comments the Ripple 2.14 may be too power oriented though I am tempted. Of the three I am leaning toward the Pulse V (available 10/25 per vendor), but I haven't seen swing weight or other specs. Based on your early testing, which would you suggest? Keep up the quality and informative pods. Thanks!
Your reviews make me wanna keep buying new paddles 😃 I just got the Chorus ShapeShifter and got thinking about the Ronbus Ripple. Now all of a sudden I’m lusting after the Ape Pulse V (I like the logo too). I need help. Or else, lots and lots of extra money. I watch your reviews. Love the vibe. You guys are great. But every time I see a new one, I’m like “damn! Now what?!”
Every time you guys rave about standard or wide body paddles I tell myself I ought to give them another shot. For whatever reason I have never been able to get along with those shapes 😭 the monarch all-court was the only one I kind of liked but still can’t justify it over elongated shapes. I feel like having more weight in the head (usually elongated) actually makes it easier to drive the ball. Especially if you learn proper mechanic and swing at only 70-80% power then it’s much easier to accomplish a solid top spin drive with elongated vs standard. Thoughts?
I know what you mean about drives being better with longer paddles (and more top-heavy paddles). Especially if you're coming from tennis. But in terms of the whole game, the forgiveness of a widebody paddy just has me hooked. And if I can get top-tier power in a standard/widebody, I'm there
Interesting. This also brings up another thought ive been chewing on…you’ve mentioned on separate occasions “leverage”, once pertaining to the length of the paddle but another time in reference to the length of the handle (specifically of a standard/wide body shape). Does having a 5.5 inch handle on a standard shape make it “feel” more like an elongated d/t leverage that just the handle length alone creates? For reference, I took Chris’s advice on the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C (5.25” handle, he says felt like a 5.5), and while I had just enough room for a 2-hander, I did feel what I thought was a “loss of leverage” on shots…could also be the lower sweet spot. Thoughts on this?
In doubles, I want a higher swingweight 9 oz paddle from baseline, a 8 oz hybrid for flips and rolls at the kitchen, a 8.4 oz standard for blocks and firefights. A riddle that can’t be solved that leads to a bag full of paddles. 😂
@@nolanethridge9714 Yes, I think a longer handle on a widebody does make it feel a little better to people coming from elongated paddles. It raises the balance point and sweet spot, in addition to giving it more leverage. It won't make it feel like an elongated paddle, but it mitigates some of the 'short paddle' feel
When do you notice “pop”? Slow speed shots? Mid? Resets? High speed like serves and counters? Or when does it matter most? Is it defined by dwell or COR? Or something more subjective? I get the sense COR is more of a curve than linear (perhaps depending on material and impact speeds encountered in pickleball as well as material construction. ) multi-speed tests of several paddle constructions would be interesting to see if it bears out.
@@zachcarmichael699 I checked the John Kew glossary. He uses a moving scale of rebound ball speed of punch volleys relative to other paddles. Removing some of the subjectivity.
53:18 Gen 2 became a thing at the end of 2022. The Vatic, Legacy, etc., were being sold around October/November; they were under the radar and kind of dismissed until people told Chris.
Here's my suggestion, Waves. Wave 1 paddles consisted of wooden paddles and near the end those glue sandwich paddles, wave 2 consists of thermoformed and edge foam, wave 3 ushered in a more creative use of foam. As far as the gen terminology you can still use it to refer to specific technologies to specific companies. Idk if it'd really work that well though
It's no different than generations though. The issue is that it shouldn't have numbers at all -- there's a natural inclination to think that the higher the number, the better the paddle, when that's not the case. Just do Construction instead.
Dear John: Here is what I came up with for naming the Different Generations of paddles; What do you think; To redefine the classification of pickleball paddle generations without using numerical labels like Gen 1, 2, or 3, I suggest more descriptive titles that highlight the technology or unique features of each phase. This approach can convey the benefits of each type without suggesting that newer is always better. Here are my suggestions: --- ### **Pioneer Series** **(Formerly "Gen 0")** These paddles mark the origins of the sport, featuring traditional wooden designs. Durable and classic, Pioneer Series paddles still serve as a staple for beginners and those looking for a nostalgic playing experience. ### **Classic Composite Series** **(Formerly "Gen 1")** The first shift away from wood introduced composite materials. Fiberglass-faced paddles, known for their power and versatility, fall under this category. The Classic Composite Series offers great performance at a reasonable price, ideal for all-around play. ### **Carbon Control Series** **(Formerly "Gen 1.5")** Paddles in this series use carbon faces, prioritizing precision and control. The stiffer carbon material provides players with more accuracy and finesse, catering to those who want to focus on placement rather than pure power. ### **Thermo-Tech Series** **(Formerly "Gen 2")** The Thermo-Tech Series represents a significant technological evolution, featuring paddles made using thermoforming techniques. The unibody design and foam-injected edges reduce vibration and add to the paddle's power and durability, making it a favorite for competitive players. ### **Hybrid Weave Series** **(Formerly "Gen 2.5")** These paddles incorporate innovative weaved faces (like Kevlar/carbon or titanium/carbon) and hybrid shapes. The Hybrid Weave Series is all about enhancing flexibility and power, providing a unique feel and performance for advanced players who seek both spin and strength. ### **Power Core Series** **(Formerly "Gen 3")** Focused on boosting core power, the Power Core Series uses cutting-edge materials and engineering to maximize energy transfer. Technologies like propulsion core or grid technology increase power while maintaining a refined touch, offering an explosive yet controlled playing experience. This series is ideal for those who want to dominate with speed and spin. --- These new titles emphasize the qualities and advancements of each type without suggesting that newer is inherently superior. Instead, they present each evolution as a tailored solution for different playing styles and preferences.
Think about contacting a local university with an ME program. An undergrad senior may want to help with some aspect of the testing process and turn it into a senior project.
Loved the show! Pertaining to the percentile values in your database, do you think it would be helpful at some point to not include values for paddles that are obviously outdated and no longer used by the pickleball community? That might give a better representation of how a paddle stacks up against other paddles in active use.
Thanks, and I like your idea, but I'm also thinking that it's good to have a broad diversity of paddles in the database to make the percentiles more meaningful. For example, if we separated out only the 50 paddles with the best spin results and recalculated percentiles based on those paddles, the 1st percentile would be around 2,200 RPM. And that's really good spin. My database is already skewed toward raw carbon fiber (and other peel ply surfaces) with good spin, and thermoformed paddles with good power, so it might actually be improved by adding more grit paint paddles with less spin and Gen-1 paddles with less power
Tagging AB after the "ball search" was pretty weak. Anxious to hear more about the "new testing" and possible "non-approvals" pending for foam in the cores. I'm a bit disappointed in the sweet spot size of my NEXUS. Had hopes the foam fill would expand it as John described. Can't a "chronograph" used for measuring bullet velocity, be use for pickleball speed?
As a student trying to make my own genuinely new paddle, this UPAA news is devastating, no way I can afford it. Why can’t they just make a rule saying you can’t copy paddles, and not do this 20,000 plus 5k each paddle cash grab?
I'm definitely interested in the Alecto3 vs the Pulse S. Will you be putting up your paddle data onto your website for both of these paddles? If so, when can we expect both of them to be up there? I'm curious to see what the radar chart looks like both of them :)
sandwiched sandwiched + split shots framed framed+tubed framed+tubed+foamed +gridded cell filled post plastic … a guy can dream These can be search criteria in interface drop downs … Steady Eddie drill down videos with Eye of the Tiger blaring in the background will be next level. 😜 pickleball Iron Byron -> Steady Eddie
As of November 1, 2024, USAP will raise their approval fee to $4,500 and $1,000 to re-approve paddles already approved before the new power restriction. Starting May 2026, paddles will need this new power restriction approval for USAP sanctioned tournaments.
John, in one of your podcasts you mentioned replacing the butt cap on a paddle. Can you please post a link where you purchased it. BTW, love your show. I really appreciate all of the info you provide on the show and your database. Please keep up the good work.
Gen 3 is crazy power - Gearbox, Ripple. Joola, Paddls Tech, even Engage because the focus is on power not the foam Gen 2 thermoformed with or without foam but no extreme power since even the original G2's had foaming injected in the edges
Hey John, it seems your opinion on the Nexus Prostar is very different from other reviewers. The consensus with several others is that it is a very impressive paddle and essentially a better version of the BnB Shogun with better power and pop. I have been told this by several people who even mained the shogun and have since swapped to the prostar. You also mentioned the sweetspot being hard to find but other reviewers have raved about how big the sweetspot is because of the edge-filled foam. Given how positive the reception for the shogun in general was, it seems strange that your impression of the Prostar was so poor. Could it have been a defective model?
It's possible there are some issues with my particular paddle, but like I mentioned in the pod, I've only hit with it for a couple of games, so I need more time with it to judge it fairly. I would say that the sweet spot is objectively smaller on it than the other paddles we discussed here. Not by a huge amount, but it's noticeable
MOD paddles multiplying like rabbits at our Lifetime (they sell them). I’m against the power and greed arms race, but it has been nice to see many of ladies games improve because of it. It actually makes play/games more fun. The problem is when the one guy with hitting skills has the only one on the court. I have beat my share of guys with MODs with a Prism Flash, but it feels like a knife in a gunfight. Eventually you want a gun. I think it is a very good thing that paddles are coming out to dent that $250+ paddle power arms race. It would be even better if we kept seeing feel/spin/propulsion improvements without the JOOLA power level, and that level of power delisted. Problem is it’s already here … no quick way to fix it now. Gen 3 for us soon. I showed my wife the pic of Eddie holding the monkey V paddle (monkey virus? 😛), and not sure we sold her that one. It didn’t help I told her that monkey/ape was a pic of her in the morning. 😂 It’s too bad they didn’t come out with a Pulse hybrid (both of our preferred shapes).
I just got the pickle ball apes pulse S. I have a spartus on the way. I’ve been playing with the modta 14mm. Love the power, but don’t like the spin. Pop can be a bit much too. Really interested in comparing spartus and apes. Trying to find that sweet spot of control vs power. John do you have any info for us on the vatic pro saga that is releasing soon? Compared to the Olympus or apes?
Wanted to know your thoughts on the control aspect of the olympus vs ripple. I'm a control player for the most part but love getting to the kitchen to try and win hands battles. Cant decide between the two paddles and would love for your input! I'm currently maining the Ruby 16mm.
It's tricky to compare the control of the Olympus and Ripple, especially if we're talking the R2 shape. The R2 has a really great sweet spot (after adding perimeter weighting), which goes a long way for control. But after it breaks in, the Ripple gets Gearbox-level power, which becomes harder to control than the Olympus.
John and Eddie, is there any thought as to how to measure sweet spot vertically on a paddle? Horizontally it seems like twist weight is a good measurement, but something that doesn’t show up on the metrics is the vertical loss of sweet spot. For instance, I went from the 6zero DBD to the ESQC 14.3, and while the twist weight is better on the ESQC, the sweet spot is much better too to bottom on the DBD. Your thoughts?
That's a good point and one that I've thought about too. Swing weight is a rough approximation for sweet spot length, but it's very rough because the handle also comes into play in swing weight. Versus twist weight, which is mostly measuring the paddle face. Materials and construction also come into play. The thermoformed construction of the DBD gives it more liveliness at the neck and head than Gen-1 paddles
Location of the center of the vertical sweet spot should be near the Center of Percussion (COP) which is generally around 3" north of the balance point. So higher balance point generally means higher vertical sweet spot location to start with. Length of the vertical sweet spot, top to bottom, is correlated to Recoil Weight (RW), much like horizontal sweet spot size is correlated to Twist Weight (TW). I don't believe COP or RW are widely shown on any of the paddle databases, however they can be derived if you know the math. Without getting into the weeds on COP or RW, look at balance point and swingweight to estimate vertical sweet spot location and size respectively. And, of course, paddle construction matters a lot too!
Why is the Ronbus Ripple not on this list? I think it easily crushes all of these. Also, I think instead of generations, just call it construction. So in a product listing, it could say "Construction: Traditional", "Construction: Thermoformed" or "Construction: Foam-enhanced".
I'm leaning toward something similar for the naming system, involving construction techniques. We did discuss the Ripple a bit, although it did get unintentionally glossed over
you need to make the pickleball equivalent to golf's "Iron Byron" to test pickleball paddles...out of most people's budgets though but very repeatable results
For my paddletek esq-c 12.7, i put 0.5g per inch on the sides, 6 inches on each side, and i put 2 inches at the center of the top of the paddle. That got rid of the dead spot at the top. Love that paddle. My wife and i used your discount code twice for paddletek. Thanks for your reviews. About to buy another esq-c using your code again. Love that paddle.
@@MrPanthers23 I've got 3g on the top as well, which really helps with the dead spot. Even with that and 9g on each side, I'm only at 113.6 swingweight! Wanna guess at the twistweight?!? It's crazy!
My guess is 9 for twist weight. Can't believe it's only 113 with that much weight. I only have 1 gram on top and 3 grams on each side, so I'm sure mine is much lighter swing weight.
Megan Dizon isn’t using the series 1 anymore either. I think it may have something to do with the series 1 being delisted soon. They were given the 18 month window I think in April or March.
Hey guys, how is the feel of the handle length for the Apes Pulse V? The flare looks stockier than the Scorpeus, making me think it’s going to be slightly more cramped feeling than the scorpeus. When using a two handed backhand.
@@johnkewpickleball thanks! Unfortunately the scorpeus feels pretty cramped to me. I can only get one and half hands on that handle and I have small hands.
As John said, the length and 'flare' of the Pulse are practically identical to the Scorpeus. I can get three fingers on the handles pretty comfortably.
@@EddieK-PB I can’t wait for a wide body with a true long handle. Like paddletek TKO-CX long. I know there’s the chorus supercourt, but I’d love one of these new tech wide bodies with a handle where you can really get both hands on.
@@douglasmurdoch7247 5.75" handle and 8"wide is what I'm liking best right now... but the SuperCourt is a blast. The smallish face makes for a fun training paddle.
@@EddieK-PB Did you get to hit Alecto3 since video? I was like … “crap, we needed Eddie to hit it also”. ;) It really showed how much the Pulse impressed both of you. I will watch for reviews from John, hopefully on both. Judging by your face you pick Pulse V over Alecto3 by a mile. The thing I keep asking myself regardless of upping the power … “polypropylene peninsula or not?”. 😛
I hope the new Apes widebody has a low swing weight- less than 112. I hope their grip size is smaller- it was 4 1/4 on their older paddles. Is there a good way to make grip size smaller?
most stock grips tend to be soft and thick IMO. I take them off, then add a layer or two of athletic tape (the kind you wrap a hockey stick with), followed by a thin overgrip. My long time favorite is the Yonex Supergrap.
Did Eddie go back to the shapeshifter...isnt he flying the Chorus hat? Wrt the exit velocity test, using a standard pickleball is not a great idea because the point of all this core tech is to actually engage the core, if a 26g pb with a swing drop to the paddle face can actually impart enough force on the paddle face to actually engage these cores, I would be surprised. I do think a heavier ball would be better at giving results from the core actually doing its job, not just a very slight compression from the 26 gram ball moving so slow .
Thank you, how would you characterize a level gap among pro players between genders in PB vs ping-pong, badminton and tennis ? Where PB completion on a scale from being gender neutral to male amateur 5 vs female top 10 pro?
AL's attitude is protected and coddled by the PPA. She trash talks her opponents but, a while back, during a MLP match, when someone talked back at her, they were attacked for picking on a teenager. She delights in body bagging both male and female opponents - a tactic I'd like to see others use on her. As the face of the PPA, AL and her mother are treated like royalty and it's time for a coup. When she and BJ play mixed, the guys need to start lighting her up, just like she tries to light the guys up.
yep … apparently a pissed off vengeful biaaaatch 😛 from the Pickln website FAQ “Why is it called "Alecto"? We're glad you asked! Alecto is one of the three Furies in Greek mythology, generally associated with vengeance. She's also a winged and unrelenting sister, along with Tisiphone and Megaera. So get out there and punish your opponents' popups with a vengeance!”
Is there a single one of those that is not actually being produced in China? I really wish you guys would try and push the companies that actually are making the paddles in the USA. We need to promote our own countries products for a change. Paddletek, Selkirk (upper line), Engage, Thompson Most of these paddles here are made in the same couple of factories making Juicaio and Niupopo paddles which go for $30-40. Same paddles.
Selkirk even upper line are not made in the USA. They are “assembled in the USA” meaning they wrap the handles here. Smart marketing move that makes people think they’re made here
@@BJJandBS agreed. I just don’t think Selkirk should be getting credit all the time when they literally just wrap the grips here. Btw, another way to tell is if a paddle is thermoformed it’s made in China. You will never see a paddletek or engage thermoformed in the USA.
![เปิดบ้าน โคตรสวย ป๋องกพล รู้จักตั้งนาน เพิ่งรู้ว่ารวย!!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tmgCF_2HfYI/mqdefault.jpg)
Eddie and John thanks so much for mentioning me and my son Eli. You absolutely made his day. Keep up the amazing work you two!
I find the Ace Heart paddle to be a great paddle once broken in a bit. Initially I found it to be really awesome for control and the short game, but needing a tad bit more power. After playing with it a bit more and adding tungsten strips from 3 o’clock down to the handle, this paddle really has come to life for me! It now has great spin, superb control and there is power available when I need it on drives. I have 7 paddles in my stable…DBD, J2K, Shapeshifter, Ronbus FX.R1 and a few others, but today the Ace Heart with it’s great touch and accuracy never left my hands for the duration of my playing session today. I like it!!
Good to know that the Heart breaks in a bit. It must be a good one to out-compete that excellent list of paddles you have
Love the nerdiness you guys get into. I guess we're the ones that benefit.
Hi John, Appreciate the clarity you used in defining the percentile usage! Keep up the great work. It's super appreciated.
Olympus has been my main for the last couple months. It’s not for everyone, but for higher level players who have good swing mechanics or ex tennis players, this paddle is fantastic. Players who have very fast swing mechanics will like this. This isn’t one of the power paddle that you have to modify your swing or baby your swing. You can absolutely swing freely with this paddle. Serves, drives, volleys, overheads, returns all have become much more dangerous than with my previous 14mm more control oriented paddle. Previously in all of those areas, I would be consistent, but always felt like I wasn’t making my opponents uncomfortable. With the Olympus, that’s changed. My only issue is traditional drops (not hybrid/topspin) aren’t quite as consistent as I would like or I have had with other paddles. With other control paddles I would typically be 9/10 drops in, and with the Olympus, it goes to 7/10. It’s just been a harder paddle for me to dial in my drops for some reason and not have them be short and into the net. And after playing 2-3 times a week with mine over a couple months, I’d agree that it does slightly break in.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I like your observation that you can swing freely with this, compared to others like the Gearbox PPE or similar paddles. The Olympus does seem to hit the optimum power level for my taste, similar to the PaddleTek Bantams. And I agree that it's better suited for more advanced players. I think it ties into the issue with drops - it does seem slightly more difficult to control drops, and to me it relates to the different power output you get across the face. It's not necessarily that the sweet spot is smaller, but it kind of feels that way because you get a lot more power hitting right in the center of the sweet spot, versus off-center. So if you're 3 inches off the center, the ball might come off like a normal Gen-2. But if you hit the center, the ball comes off much hotter
@@johnkewpickleballso power level wise, Olympus would be similar to the ESQ-C but with the paddletek more consistent with drops/control shots?
Do you put lead/tungesten tape? If so, what’s your setup?
@@rouisrao Yes, that's my impression
My experience with the Olympus so far is that it feels MORE Gen 3 foamy than the Joolas, as it should considering the Joolas have a perimeter of foam you don’t hit off of and the Olympus has a foam filled core in which you do. It also has that softer foam dense feel rather than the Joolas hollow feel. Much prefer Olympus I play mine up at 8.8oz and it hits like a Gen3 and has a bigger sweet spot. 0.5oz in handle and 3 grams on each cheek. Brings balance point down and feels incredible.
Love your paddle talks! I had a totally different experience with the ProStar, and it seems like a lot of other reviewers are having a totally different experience. I think like you said before, you have been using a different shape. That can definitely throw off the balance and feel when going back to an elongated paddle.
The Pickln Alecto3 is fire! My main.
Love mine, got it for $109 with Farmer as a $20 discount…
I bought one but don’t play it as much since I got a 14mm Mod TA-15. The Alecto3 ironically just doesn’t have the same feel and control as the Mod.
@@kabob21I saw your reddit Alecto3 post (good review btw), and it is on my list as potential. I put feel and spin ahead of full MOD power. I don’t like to have to back off full drive and return swings.
We (wife) will demo the MOD at our Lifetime for a comparative reference. I won’t buy a $280 paddle for me, but wife bypasses my ban list. ❤
I picked up the Alceto3 as one to try, I thought the price point was too good not to give it a shot.
Thanks for another great video! Love the pickleball science info, I’ve nerded out on their site quite a bit. Also, I’m super glad you like the Paddletek ESQ! From the little bit I’ve used it, I was REALLY impressed. I’m thinking of switching from my TKO-CX 12.7 to the ESQ, but can’t decide if I want to stick with the 12.7 or get the 14.3 🤷♂️ I love that it’s a true to their roots Gen 1 paddle with fantastic feel and raw power.
Always look forward to your podcast
Additionally, the ITF produced a couple of compendiums titled "Tennis Science & Technology" that discuss test rigs, equipment, and human performance. You may have an interest in the publications. The second compendium I have is version 2, dated 2003. There is a version 3, dated 2007, and there may be more -- I don't know as I'm now retired.
Thanks! Are you Phil Hipol?
First I’ve heard about a negative reaction to ALW. I love her drive and passion and have never thought anything negative:)
lol she’s an amazing pickleball player and athlete, but if you really pay attention, she is also a weird brat
Always enjoy your podcast
Curious how you'd stack the Apes Pulse V against the Ripple R2. I know the Ripple is still in prototype mode but you've played with it and can speak to its features.
The Apes and the Ripple are in very different power categories, but in terms of dwell time and sweet spot, they do feel similar. The Apes starts out heavier than the Ripple though, so you don't need to add as much tape
@@johnkewpickleballi hope the Apes is not too heavy a swing weight as I stopped playing with the s because of elbow strain. Also hope they start making smaller grip size. 4 1/4 is a little big for me. If not- is there a way to make grip smaller that you can recommend?
Have you tried taking off the standard grip and adding two thinner over grips?@@HowieB-isMe3885
@@johnkewpickleball thanks, you mentioned you prefer the Pulse V. Do you now lean towards the standard shape paddle vs. a longer face such as a Ronbus R1? If so, what got you to switch?
The detail and nerdiness is great. Thanks
John Kew “I felt like it’s was going fast in the 20’s and going slow in the 30’s”. Amen brother… and the forties, forget about it.
John, you might consider a better interface for your paddle database at some point as you get rich and famous. 😉Drop downs boxes at the top for selection and sort criteria, and drill down for more information on a paddle would be easier to navigate than spreadsheet interface.
Just a suggestion from a retired software developer who doesn’t want a job. ;)
How about a drill down from serve and spin numbers to the video of you wearing your arm out getting us this info. We can all critique your technique … improve your results and force you to retest your entire database. Win win rinse and repeat. Not all of my ideas are good ones. 😂
Hahaha, I love it! But yes, making the database better is next on our agenda, after getting the analytics dashboards functioning better
@@johnkewpickleball Just think what your subscriber base could do to your forehand … you would never clear the net again. 😜 Do the new interface … but skip that “Kew at work” part. I will be following your “you can’t handle this power” reviews. We are definitely getting his and hers power paddles before year is over … it’s an arms race at our Lifetime. Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 with clear XL lenses was a wise choice on my part.
Have a good weekend … may all paddle reviewers feet heal.
Super enjoy your reviews. The J2k is my first paddle, I am very comfortable with it, but I am tired of getting blasted by bangers at the net. I really want to try the wider body paddles, with a larger sweet spot, decent power and more pop. Based on your reviews, I am debating on either the 11six24 Monarch call court, BnB Fat Boy, or Apes Pulse V. Based on your comments the Ripple 2.14 may be too power oriented though I am tempted. Of the three I am leaning toward the Pulse V (available 10/25 per vendor), but I haven't seen swing weight or other specs. Based on your early testing, which would you suggest? Keep up the quality and informative pods. Thanks!
Most reasoned response on the Proton 4….if it holds up it is reasonably priced..if it doesn’t it isn’t….
Your reviews make me wanna keep buying new paddles 😃
I just got the Chorus ShapeShifter and got thinking about the Ronbus Ripple. Now all of a sudden I’m lusting after the Ape Pulse V (I like the logo too).
I need help. Or else, lots and lots of extra money.
I watch your reviews. Love the vibe. You guys are great.
But every time I see a new one, I’m like “damn! Now what?!”
I hear you, there are so many good options out there right now!
Every time you guys rave about standard or wide body paddles I tell myself I ought to give them another shot. For whatever reason I have never been able to get along with those shapes 😭 the monarch all-court was the only one I kind of liked but still can’t justify it over elongated shapes. I feel like having more weight in the head (usually elongated) actually makes it easier to drive the ball. Especially if you learn proper mechanic and swing at only 70-80% power then it’s much easier to accomplish a solid top spin drive with elongated vs standard. Thoughts?
Following. Trying to decide between Ripple shapes, have only played elongated…
I know what you mean about drives being better with longer paddles (and more top-heavy paddles). Especially if you're coming from tennis. But in terms of the whole game, the forgiveness of a widebody paddy just has me hooked. And if I can get top-tier power in a standard/widebody, I'm there
Interesting. This also brings up another thought ive been chewing on…you’ve mentioned on separate occasions “leverage”, once pertaining to the length of the paddle but another time in reference to the length of the handle (specifically of a standard/wide body shape). Does having a 5.5 inch handle on a standard shape make it “feel” more like an elongated d/t leverage that just the handle length alone creates?
For reference, I took Chris’s advice on the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C (5.25” handle, he says felt like a 5.5), and while I had just enough room for a 2-hander, I did feel what I thought was a “loss of leverage” on shots…could also be the lower sweet spot.
Thoughts on this?
In doubles, I want a higher swingweight 9 oz paddle from baseline, a 8 oz hybrid for flips and rolls at the kitchen, a 8.4 oz standard for blocks and firefights.
A riddle that can’t be solved that leads to a bag full of paddles. 😂
@@nolanethridge9714 Yes, I think a longer handle on a widebody does make it feel a little better to people coming from elongated paddles. It raises the balance point and sweet spot, in addition to giving it more leverage. It won't make it feel like an elongated paddle, but it mitigates some of the 'short paddle' feel
When do you notice “pop”? Slow speed shots? Mid? Resets? High speed like serves and counters? Or when does it matter most? Is it defined by dwell or COR? Or something more subjective? I get the sense COR is more of a curve than linear (perhaps depending on material and impact speeds encountered in pickleball as well as material construction. ) multi-speed tests of several paddle constructions would be interesting to see if it bears out.
Pop is when the ball hits the paddle when the paddle is not moving OR if it's a short stroke.
@@zachcarmichael699 I checked the John Kew glossary. He uses a moving scale of rebound ball speed of punch volleys relative to other paddles. Removing some of the subjectivity.
53:18 Gen 2 became a thing at the end of 2022. The Vatic, Legacy, etc., were being sold around October/November; they were under the radar and kind of dismissed until people told Chris.
Here's my suggestion, Waves. Wave 1 paddles consisted of wooden paddles and near the end those glue sandwich paddles, wave 2 consists of thermoformed and edge foam, wave 3 ushered in a more creative use of foam. As far as the gen terminology you can still use it to refer to specific technologies to specific companies. Idk if it'd really work that well though
It's no different than generations though. The issue is that it shouldn't have numbers at all -- there's a natural inclination to think that the higher the number, the better the paddle, when that's not the case. Just do Construction instead.
Dear John:
Here is what I came up with for naming the Different Generations of paddles;
What do you think;
To redefine the classification of pickleball paddle generations without using numerical labels like Gen 1, 2, or 3, I suggest more descriptive titles that highlight the technology or unique features of each phase. This approach can convey the benefits of each type without suggesting that newer is always better. Here are my suggestions:
---
### **Pioneer Series**
**(Formerly "Gen 0")**
These paddles mark the origins of the sport, featuring traditional wooden designs. Durable and classic, Pioneer Series paddles still serve as a staple for beginners and those looking for a nostalgic playing experience.
### **Classic Composite Series**
**(Formerly "Gen 1")**
The first shift away from wood introduced composite materials. Fiberglass-faced paddles, known for their power and versatility, fall under this category. The Classic Composite Series offers great performance at a reasonable price, ideal for all-around play.
### **Carbon Control Series**
**(Formerly "Gen 1.5")**
Paddles in this series use carbon faces, prioritizing precision and control. The stiffer carbon material provides players with more accuracy and finesse, catering to those who want to focus on placement rather than pure power.
### **Thermo-Tech Series**
**(Formerly "Gen 2")**
The Thermo-Tech Series represents a significant technological evolution, featuring paddles made using thermoforming techniques. The unibody design and foam-injected edges reduce vibration and add to the paddle's power and durability, making it a favorite for competitive players.
### **Hybrid Weave Series**
**(Formerly "Gen 2.5")**
These paddles incorporate innovative weaved faces (like Kevlar/carbon or titanium/carbon) and hybrid shapes. The Hybrid Weave Series is all about enhancing flexibility and power, providing a unique feel and performance for advanced players who seek both spin and strength.
### **Power Core Series**
**(Formerly "Gen 3")**
Focused on boosting core power, the Power Core Series uses cutting-edge materials and engineering to maximize energy transfer. Technologies like propulsion core or grid technology increase power while maintaining a refined touch, offering an explosive yet controlled playing experience. This series is ideal for those who want to dominate with speed and spin.
---
These new titles emphasize the qualities and advancements of each type without suggesting that newer is inherently superior. Instead, they present each evolution as a tailored solution for different playing styles and preferences.
Think about contacting a local university with an ME program. An undergrad senior may want to help with some aspect of the testing process and turn it into a senior project.
Loved the show! Pertaining to the percentile values in your database, do you think it would be helpful at some point to not include values for paddles that are obviously outdated and no longer used by the pickleball community? That might give a better representation of how a paddle stacks up against other paddles in active use.
Thanks, and I like your idea, but I'm also thinking that it's good to have a broad diversity of paddles in the database to make the percentiles more meaningful. For example, if we separated out only the 50 paddles with the best spin results and recalculated percentiles based on those paddles, the 1st percentile would be around 2,200 RPM. And that's really good spin. My database is already skewed toward raw carbon fiber (and other peel ply surfaces) with good spin, and thermoformed paddles with good power, so it might actually be improved by adding more grit paint paddles with less spin and Gen-1 paddles with less power
I thought braydon said that the Pickleball Apes Pulse paddles were a control paddle...
The prototypes were much more control oriented than the production models that were just sent out
Proton Series 1 Type A 11mm Elongated actually has pretty good power. I think I’d put it in more of an all court rather than control.
Tagging AB after the "ball search" was pretty weak. Anxious to hear more about the "new testing" and possible "non-approvals" pending for foam in the cores.
I'm a bit disappointed in the sweet spot size of my NEXUS. Had hopes the foam fill would expand it as John described.
Can't a "chronograph" used for measuring bullet velocity, be use for pickleball speed?
😂Karma? Maybe? AB sure seemed disgusted after retrieving the ball. I think the ball wanted to escape and paid AB back.
As a student trying to make my own genuinely new paddle, this UPAA news is devastating, no way I can afford it. Why can’t they just make a rule saying you can’t copy paddles, and not do this 20,000 plus 5k each paddle cash grab?
Why in the world would you want to make your own paddle?
Were you really looking to get UPA-A certified? Why? USAP certification is still just $1750/paddle.
I'm definitely interested in the Alecto3 vs the Pulse S. Will you be putting up your paddle data onto your website for both of these paddles? If so, when can we expect both of them to be up there? I'm curious to see what the radar chart looks like both of them :)
sandwiched
sandwiched + split shots
framed
framed+tubed
framed+tubed+foamed
+gridded
cell filled
post plastic … a guy can dream
These can be search criteria in interface drop downs … Steady Eddie drill down videos with Eye of the Tiger blaring in the background will be next level. 😜
pickleball Iron Byron -> Steady Eddie
Noticed the Chorus hat. Had a chance to try their Fire yet?
As of November 1, 2024, USAP will raise their approval fee to $4,500 and $1,000 to re-approve paddles already approved before the new power restriction.
Starting May 2026, paddles will need this new power restriction approval for USAP sanctioned tournaments.
There could be FEP and FEC class paddles. Foam Enhanced Power and Foam Enhanced Control.
John, in one of your podcasts you mentioned replacing the butt cap on a paddle. Can you please post a link where you purchased it. BTW, love your show. I really appreciate all of the info you provide on the show and your database. Please keep up the good work.
Gen 3 is crazy power - Gearbox, Ripple. Joola, Paddls Tech, even Engage because the focus is on power not the foam
Gen 2 thermoformed with or without foam but no extreme power since even the original G2's had foaming injected in the edges
Hey John, it seems your opinion on the Nexus Prostar is very different from other reviewers. The consensus with several others is that it is a very impressive paddle and essentially a better version of the BnB Shogun with better power and pop. I have been told this by several people who even mained the shogun and have since swapped to the prostar. You also mentioned the sweetspot being hard to find but other reviewers have raved about how big the sweetspot is because of the edge-filled foam. Given how positive the reception for the shogun in general was, it seems strange that your impression of the Prostar was so poor. Could it have been a defective model?
It's possible there are some issues with my particular paddle, but like I mentioned in the pod, I've only hit with it for a couple of games, so I need more time with it to judge it fairly. I would say that the sweet spot is objectively smaller on it than the other paddles we discussed here. Not by a huge amount, but it's noticeable
MOD paddles multiplying like rabbits at our Lifetime (they sell them). I’m against the power and greed arms race, but it has been nice to see many of ladies games improve because of it. It actually makes play/games more fun. The problem is when the one guy with hitting skills has the only one on the court. I have beat my share of guys with MODs with a Prism Flash, but it feels like a knife in a gunfight. Eventually you want a gun.
I think it is a very good thing that paddles are coming out to dent that $250+ paddle power arms race. It would be even better if we kept seeing feel/spin/propulsion improvements without the JOOLA power level, and that level of power delisted. Problem is it’s already here … no quick way to fix it now.
Gen 3 for us soon. I showed my wife the pic of Eddie holding the monkey V paddle (monkey virus? 😛), and not sure we sold her that one. It didn’t help I told her that monkey/ape was a pic of her in the morning. 😂 It’s too bad they didn’t come out with a Pulse hybrid (both of our preferred shapes).
Any info on the core of the 11six24
4 Hurache alpha?
Testing the alpha now. So far so good
I just got the pickle ball apes pulse S. I have a spartus on the way. I’ve been playing with the modta 14mm. Love the power, but don’t like the spin. Pop can be a bit much too. Really interested in comparing spartus and apes. Trying to find that sweet spot of control vs power. John do you have any info for us on the vatic pro saga that is releasing soon? Compared to the Olympus or apes?
Wanted to know your thoughts on the control aspect of the olympus vs ripple. I'm a control player for the most part but love getting to the kitchen to try and win hands battles. Cant decide between the two paddles and would love for your input! I'm currently maining the Ruby 16mm.
It's tricky to compare the control of the Olympus and Ripple, especially if we're talking the R2 shape. The R2 has a really great sweet spot (after adding perimeter weighting), which goes a long way for control. But after it breaks in, the Ripple gets Gearbox-level power, which becomes harder to control than the Olympus.
John and Eddie, is there any thought as to how to measure sweet spot vertically on a paddle? Horizontally it seems like twist weight is a good measurement, but something that doesn’t show up on the metrics is the vertical loss of sweet spot. For instance, I went from the 6zero DBD to the ESQC 14.3, and while the twist weight is better on the ESQC, the sweet spot is much better too to bottom on the DBD. Your thoughts?
That's a good point and one that I've thought about too. Swing weight is a rough approximation for sweet spot length, but it's very rough because the handle also comes into play in swing weight. Versus twist weight, which is mostly measuring the paddle face. Materials and construction also come into play. The thermoformed construction of the DBD gives it more liveliness at the neck and head than Gen-1 paddles
Location of the center of the vertical sweet spot should be near the Center of Percussion (COP) which is generally around 3" north of the balance point. So higher balance point generally means higher vertical sweet spot location to start with. Length of the vertical sweet spot, top to bottom, is correlated to Recoil Weight (RW), much like horizontal sweet spot size is correlated to Twist Weight (TW). I don't believe COP or RW are widely shown on any of the paddle databases, however they can be derived if you know the math. Without getting into the weeds on COP or RW, look at balance point and swingweight to estimate vertical sweet spot location and size respectively. And, of course, paddle construction matters a lot too!
Great podcast. How is Spartus Olympus compare to HUDEF MAGE Pro GEN2?
51:18 I bet you John is referring to the CRBN TruFoam paddles.
Why is the Ronbus Ripple not on this list? I think it easily crushes all of these.
Also, I think instead of generations, just call it construction. So in a product listing, it could say "Construction: Traditional", "Construction: Thermoformed" or "Construction: Foam-enhanced".
I'm leaning toward something similar for the naming system, involving construction techniques. We did discuss the Ripple a bit, although it did get unintentionally glossed over
you need to make the pickleball equivalent to golf's "Iron Byron" to test pickleball paddles...out of most people's budgets though but very repeatable results
Man that would be sweet. What would we call it? The Nickel Pickle...Steel Dill
For my paddletek esq-c 12.7, i put 0.5g per inch on the sides, 6 inches on each side, and i put 2 inches at the center of the top of the paddle.
That got rid of the dead spot at the top. Love that paddle. My wife and i used your discount code twice for paddletek. Thanks for your reviews. About to buy another esq-c using your code again. Love that paddle.
That's almost exactly what I landed on too for my perimeter weighting. Just a bit of weight up top really rounds out the paddle
@johnkewpickleball ha! Awesome. What is the swing weight with that set up? Just curious what my specs are, man it feel so light and powerful.
@@MrPanthers23 I've got 3g on the top as well, which really helps with the dead spot. Even with that and 9g on each side, I'm only at 113.6 swingweight! Wanna guess at the twistweight?!? It's crazy!
My guess is 9 for twist weight. Can't believe it's only 113 with that much weight. I only have 1 gram on top and 3 grams on each side, so I'm sure mine is much lighter swing weight.
@@MrPanthers23 8.3! Good guess! Have you tried the 14.3mm? It's really good and slightly more forgiving than the 12.7. Been using it a lot lately!
John, do you have a code for Pickleball Apes? Going to give that Pulse V a shot.
Have you tried ALPHA paddles?
Megan Dizon isn’t using the series 1 anymore either. I think it may have something to do with the series 1 being delisted soon. They were given the 18 month window I think in April or March.
Interesting - do you know what paddle she switched to?
@@johnkewpickleball it looked like she was using the series 4 to me.
Hey guys, how is the feel of the handle length for the Apes Pulse V? The flare looks stockier than the Scorpeus, making me think it’s going to be slightly more cramped feeling than the scorpeus. When using a two handed backhand.
It feels like a true 5.5 inch handle to me. No different than the Scorpeus
@@johnkewpickleball thanks! Unfortunately the scorpeus feels pretty cramped to me. I can only get one and half hands on that handle and I have small hands.
As John said, the length and 'flare' of the Pulse are practically identical to the Scorpeus. I can get three fingers on the handles pretty comfortably.
@@EddieK-PB I can’t wait for a wide body with a true long handle. Like paddletek TKO-CX long. I know there’s the chorus supercourt, but I’d love one of these new tech wide bodies with a handle where you can really get both hands on.
@@douglasmurdoch7247 5.75" handle and 8"wide is what I'm liking best right now... but the SuperCourt is a blast. The smallish face makes for a fun training paddle.
Does the Pulse and Alecto3 paddles make the JOOLA hollow thud sound?
The alecto has a soft, deep sound, closer to the Joola than the Pulse. The pulse is somewhat higher pitched.
@@EddieK-PB Did you get to hit Alecto3 since video? I was like … “crap, we needed Eddie to hit it also”. ;) It really showed how much the Pulse impressed both of you. I will watch for reviews from John, hopefully on both. Judging by your face you pick Pulse V over Alecto3 by a mile.
The thing I keep asking myself regardless of upping the power … “polypropylene peninsula or not?”. 😛
Describe rackets by grouping their unique construction methods, techniques, etc. instead of generations.
I hope the new Apes widebody has a low swing weight- less than 112. I hope their grip size is smaller- it was 4 1/4 on their older paddles. Is there a good way to make grip size smaller?
I tend to take the original grip off my paddles and use two thin over grips instead
@@emerdaly6040 which ones?
@@HowieB-isMe3885 I use udrippin
most stock grips tend to be soft and thick IMO. I take them off, then add a layer or two of athletic tape (the kind you wrap a hockey stick with), followed by a thin overgrip. My long time favorite is the Yonex Supergrap.
Any thoughts on the Kiwi lab paddle "The Circuit"?
Not yet, but they're sending me one to test
@@johnkewpickleball Thank you. I'll be watching out for your input. Love the channel and the podcast
Did Eddie go back to the shapeshifter...isnt he flying the Chorus hat? Wrt the exit velocity test, using a standard pickleball is not a great idea because the point of all this core tech is to actually engage the core, if a 26g pb with a swing drop to the paddle face can actually impart enough force on the paddle face to actually engage these cores, I would be surprised. I do think a heavier ball would be better at giving results from the core actually doing its job, not just a very slight compression from the 26 gram ball moving so slow .
Did you ever find out the Apes Pulse release date/price?
Release date is October 24 2024
What are some great pickleball discords? Thanks.
Pickleball Studio discord is my favorite. There's also a big one on Reddit
Thanks
Thank you, how would you characterize a level gap among pro players between genders in PB vs ping-pong, badminton and tennis ? Where PB completion on a scale from being gender neutral to male amateur 5 vs female top 10 pro?
AL's attitude is protected and coddled by the PPA. She trash talks her opponents but, a while back, during a MLP match, when someone talked back at her, they were attacked for picking on a teenager. She delights in body bagging both male and female opponents - a tactic I'd like to see others use on her. As the face of the PPA, AL and her mother are treated like royalty and it's time for a coup. When she and BJ play mixed, the guys need to start lighting her up, just like she tries to light the guys up.
Agree. She's got eye pro so fire away.
Why weren't the Ripple paddles apart of the comparison?
$20k is ridiculous for a small company just starting out like me. :(
Kiwi Circuit??
Wasn’t Alecto one of the Furies?
yep … apparently a pissed off vengeful biaaaatch 😛
from the Pickln website FAQ
“Why is it called "Alecto"? We're glad you asked! Alecto is one of the three Furies in Greek mythology, generally associated with vengeance. She's also a winged and unrelenting sister, along with Tisiphone and Megaera. So get out there and punish your opponents' popups with a vengeance!”
Is that a compressed ape? 🤔
Is there a single one of those that is not actually being produced in China?
I really wish you guys would try and push the companies that actually are making the paddles in the USA. We need to promote our own countries products for a change.
Paddletek, Selkirk (upper line), Engage, Thompson
Most of these paddles here are made in the same couple of factories making Juicaio and Niupopo paddles which go for $30-40. Same paddles.
Selkirk even upper line are not made in the USA. They are “assembled in the USA” meaning they wrap the handles here. Smart marketing move that makes people think they’re made here
Lol! Ironic since the device you used to type this comment is more likely made in China.
@@draingang4lif3 yea I don't know about that. Either way, lets support American manufacturing.
@@samuraistabber good job missing the entire point.
@@BJJandBS agreed. I just don’t think Selkirk should be getting credit all the time when they literally just wrap the grips here. Btw, another way to tell is if a paddle is thermoformed it’s made in China. You will never see a paddletek or engage thermoformed in the USA.
trufoam crbn update?
I wish I had an update...
Ahh, the Kiwi Labs Circuit got left out of the Gen 3 paddles.
I don't have the Circuit yet, but I did reach out to them, so we talk about them on a later pod
@@johnkewpickleball that scoundrel. He needs to get on it.
No, Eddie, ALW will always win. Parity is not in the horizon. Worse case scenario, ALW will switch partners and continue to dominate.
First!
Stop promoting crappy China paddles
All but a handful of pickleball paddles are manufactured in or sourced from China