I've said this before and I'll keep on saying it. The only reason I'm not a paddle reviewer is because I know I couldn't do a better job than John Kew. Best reviews you can find.
Bought this paddle based on this review and definitely do not regret it. Very forgiving and high maneuverable paddle. Gives you lots of confidence at the kitchen.
I added a 1oz Slyce speed cap to my FB. 3grams at 4&8. 1st 2 weeks I played it stock and it played amazing. For my playing style adding the Slyce 1oz has elevated the maneuverability. I also think offensive shots at the kitchen are elevated as well. I’d recommend at least experimenting with the speed cap.
@@HeavyAndLow I chose the control version as I already the the Hurache-X Control+ and wanted to add a Kevlar paddle to my bag. Just trying to get it dialed in.
Just got this paddle 2 days ago. John’s description is dead on. A beast at the kitchen for counters, great control from the back of the court on 3rds. I think it’ll take a while to get used to the pop but overall, great paddle for my play style.
@@cheevang9806 for example, on a return from a fast dink with top spin on it (from your opponent), if your paddle angle is slightly to open, the ball will pop up easily. However, for counters on drives received at the net, the punch volleys are lethal. Basically, if you shoot a ball at a static paddle, a poppy paddle would ‘return’ the ball faster and further than a less poppy one (softer paddle).
Absolutely love this paddle. And the look is truly amazing. Have Shogun and FatBoy in my bag…and love going between the two paddles. Bread & Butter is truly on fire.
Nice review. Just confused why you keep calling it a kevar paddle when its a combo of carbon fiber and kevlar. Interested to see how this plays vs the apollo and thebnew monarchs, but wondering how it fairly matches considering this is the only widebody with a combo face.
Hi @Johnkew Pickleball! First off, I cannot commend you enough for the quality of your videos and reviews. Your work is unparalleled in the paddle reviewing space. Second, I was hoping you could help me choose my next paddle. I am currently playing with the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S. I like the paddle, but my main complaints are that it is somewhat lacking in power and pop and the sweet spot is not as large as I'd like it to be (off center shots just die off the paddle). I am a more control oriented player (I'd rather drop than drive on my third shot etc.) but I play with a number of bangers who have wicked fast drives, requiring me to be really fast at the kitchen. The qualities I would most prioritize in a paddle are (in descending order of importance) hand speed, control, pop, spin, and then power. I come from a table tennis background, so I like the shorter handles and do not use a two handed backhand. The paddles you have reviewed that I am most interested in are the Thrive Azul, Volair Mach 2 Forza, and now the Bread and Butter Fat Boy. What are your recommendations? Do you think any of those three paddles would best suit my preferences? Or is there a better alterative? Thank you so much in advance!
I play with the PIKKL Hurricane Pro 16mm. I bought it based on your comments and its rating on your chart. I really like it. But I’m a bit confused because other reviewers like Pickleball Effect Braydon and Farmer Lanky say the Hurricane is much softer than the Fat Boy or Monarch All Court. But that isn’t what your database says. Are the other reviewers wrong or do you think you over rated the power and pop of the Hurricane? I’m now considering buying the Hurache Monarch All Court, but don’t want to if it’s less powerful than my Hurricane. Thanks!!
In terms of conflict of interest, as soon as a reviewer takes a cut with a discount code, the inbuilt incentive is to defocus paddle durability. I trust John, but that's how it works. Why take your cut once on a paddle that lasts two years, when you can take your cut four times on paddles that become worthless after six months of hard play? Or eight times on paddles threading the space needle of the day on the fleeting edge? I've noticed this consistently with all the reviewers fronting a discount code. Durability is often the last and least point of discussion, if it gets discussed at all.
how do propose reviewers assess multi-year durability with a week or two of testing? Reviewers regularly address aspects of build quality (thermoforming, top sheet material, core etc), an in a review this is pretty much what you could expect --- it's an initial quality assessment. If you are worried about durability, get something with a a decent warranty. But paddles wear out, it's just a fact of how they are made. Only exception to that might be reload paddle's RLD-1, which is a great direction to take things and hopefully more makers will start licensing their top sheet system. Then it will be more like table tennis where you can stay with a blade for years. But paddles have quirks, and if the RLD-1 doesn't fit you there's no other option yet.
Adding Slyce Cap? Any thoughts? I’ve experimented “wit” and “wit out” the Slyce Cap. For my playing style I prefer “wit” Slyce Cap 1 ounce plus 3 grams tungsten at 4&8. Anyone’s thoughts or opinions are welcomed!
No stipulations. Paddle companies just send me paddles to test/keep, and I review the ones that stand out, have interesting/novel technology, or public interest
