Gearbox CX14 Ultimate Review 

Great review Chris! As someone who uses the current CX14E almost exclusively, I was anxious to hear your thoughts on the new 'Ultimate' line. My ONLY gripe about the current CX14 is the relatively small sweet spot and I'm sad to hear they haven't really improved upon that. The only saving grace of the older model was the fact that the swing weight is so light, you can add lead tape around the perimeter to help balance the sweet spot out (I currently have tape running from 2 to 6 and 6 to 10). Also the tiny handle circumferences are an issue as I have to use 3 overgrows currently, which shifts the balance back even more. On one hand, I do really like the fact that the old CX14 is so modifiable in terms of adding overgrips, lead tape, etc., but the sweet spot HAS to improve IMO. I'll probably demo the new 'Ultimate' version (elongated), but I wasn't really a fan of the Hyperion paddle, due to the swing weight being so drastic-I did love the Hyperion for singles though, so maybe the new CX14 makes for that. At $250 though, to use it just for singles, I'm likely going to be a hard pass on it. Like I said, I'll demo it and we'll see, but I was hoping for more from Gearbox on this one in terms of improving the sweet spot.

So to summarize the CX14 Ultimate after watching the review twice already: Plays good, Looks great, Yours forever (minus the top coat grit surface) for only $250

I love my CX14H, and had a little bit of FOMO when I heard about the release of this new paddle. The more I think about it, the less I feel like an upgrade is needed. I ended up putting .3oz of lead tape on mine from the 10 to 2 position, but ended up deciding I didn't like the balance as I didn't add any to the grip. I'm thinking about putting one strip of the tourna brand lead tape around the entire perimeter now, and seeing how that feels, but I may try it the way you have yours set up. The good thing like you said is that at least its light enough to make it modifiable. Thanks again for the great videos, and great podcast.

Would love to see gearbox come out with a hybrid shape of this paddle somewhere between the h and the e shape.

My credit card hates that you liked this paddle 😂😂. I tried the original and the only thing that held me back from purchasing it was the lack of power, especially on serves and returns

I just played with this today. The “H” version. I’ve been playing with the original CX14H since it came out. I like everything about the Ultimate better except the slightly slower hands caused by the higher swing weight. And I liked the original quite a bit. Better drives. Better sweet spot. Less movement/effort for dinks. Same for volleys. Unless the swing weight tweaks my tennis elbow or I really miss the slightly faster hands I’ll stick with the Ultimate.

Lmao Lob Gang wreaking havoc on the courts 😂

I can attest to that lead setup on the original cx14. It really helps that paddle

Great video! If I used one of these, I would choose the CX14H myself. Don't think it's worth the $50 dollar increase.

funny I have the CX14 E and have NO problem driving the ball past opponents or up the middle!! Power issues??

Great review. I bought my original CX-14e as an upgrade to replace my Selkirk Invicta Amped light weight paddle. Mostly for the quality/longevity carbon adds over a polymer core paddle that will break down over time. I've always preferred a lighter paddle for the hand speed, so lighter weight was a consideration. A smaller sweet spot, lower power, and balance were my issues with this paddle, so I originally added a weight to the bottom of the handled to give it better balance. To improve the sweet spot I added some weight to all the corners. This had the effect of more side to side stability and power at the cost of giving up some hand speed. The ball all of a sudden flew off my paddle. I had to dial back some of the lead tape to find a happy medium. I was interested in what the new CX-14e paddle would be like, but if the upgrade is mostly in the weight , I'm already there, so I'm sticking with my original CX-14e paddle.

I think the $250 mark is explainable simply, albeit pessimistically. They did it because they could. It’s what followers will do in a market. Stay with me, but look at the power-air, it was something the market hadn’t seen in terms of innovation, so they set the new price point of $250. What that’s led to is companies like Engage, CRBN, and now Gearbox simply trying to realign their flagship models with the upper threshold of pricing that they believe the market can withstand. Does that mean they have $250 worth of innovation in their paddle, no, not by any means. That level of innovation was Selkirk’s cross to bear when they first released the power-air. Now the market is used to seeing that figure and other brands can just piggyback.

Thank you for a first class review that is informative and to the point.

The lob sequence for the win. I need work that into my game. Haha

Damn it, I had literally just talked myself out of preordering the E when this video showed up in my feed. Now I’m a bit more tempted again but I think I can hold out for a few more months w/my Vatic Pro.

Fantastic review as always and from what I know as a former Gearbox user and owner of multiple models, you hit the nail on the head with this. I was originally drawn in by their sleekness and tech-forward design. That and their durability sold me as a new pickleball player. I will say I got along better with the CX11E's than most who tried them, but I think that's the table tennis background and lack of experience with polymer cores. However, even with the control model of the elongated version, I couldn't hit soft shots very consistently. I purchased an original CX14H and found it to be much softer and better in that department, but now lacking in oomph when I wanted to play aggressively. So needless to say, I eventually switched paddle brands... NOW, all this being said, THIS is the combination of attributes that entices me to try a Gearbox again. If anything, I'd like to have it in the bag just to occasionally cycle through in rec play. The lack of sweet spot improvement is a bummer, but that's edgeless for you. And with some lead tape, I still think it would be a great addition. Thanks again for the timely and well-put review!

I’ll take the CX14e but I got to be honest my GX6 power heavyweight is powerful just lacks a bit in touch or softness. I have no problems hitting the sweet spot. I’ll have to check it out for myself, otherwise I may need the Black Ace elongated for power.

Starting with comparing the CX line to the CX ultimate line, I suggest you start adding a Power (Average Topspin Drive Speed) to Weight Ratio to your spreadsheet. I have my old CX14e completely wrapped in 1gm/in lead tape with 4 grips total bring the weight to 9.8oz. Swing weight still feels less than Hyperion CFS. Wonder how the power would compare to the Ultimate stock or with your setup and if I could gain some power and hand speed by upgrading.

Since I just got the 1x, and I am happy with it, I will pass on this...plus the $250 is a lot more than I would want to pay....now the real question, How do you decide you want tape on your paddle???....Does it not feel powerful enough or heavy?... I can see the physics involved because I go through this with endloaded and balanced bats when I get a softball bat but just wanted to know how and why you decide to add weight...great video!!!!

I have a used H ultimate for sale for $175. Used about 10 times. I want to try a different style

Hey Chris, Can you tell me some of the bigger differences in play between this new CX14H Power and the CRBN2x 16mm paddle you tested? I'm kind of torn between the 2 now. I have the older version CX14H now which as most state lacks the power I'm looking for. Thanks Chris! Well done as always!

Something never covered is that my BJ CFS and other similar paddles seem to slowly DIE! Who wants have to have to get a new paddle every year? Like BJ said himself he is lucky if they last more than a couple tournaments. (He went through two Franklin paddles EVERY tournament!)

Bummer to hear about the "sweet spot". This review was very comprehensive as all of them are. Was considering the CXH Ultimate. but now?????? I have a CX14E and a CX11E so I'm good.

Is this an almost positive Gearbox review? lol. I really think it's key to understand that gearbox is targeted toward people with past racquet sports training. These are the kinds of players who've always customized their racquets with lead tape/extra grips, use traditional racquet mechanics to hit the ball (i.e. with their body instead of just with their arm), and can hit the sweet spot consistently. Gearbox paddles are essentially the control or "player's racquets" of the pickleball world. So they're only good for more advanced players who can generate their own pace and consistently hit the sweet spot.

I just cannot get over the small grip diameter of these Gearbox paddles. No way that can feel natural and not cause problems unless you have small hands.

With the original cx14, why not just add enough lead to tune it to your desired power out level?

I was excited about this paddle, but the grit face texture wearing off is a deal breaker for me. bummer!

Hey I been watching your quality videos, but I noticed looking at the brand Joola there are like 30 of them. By any chance you can rank them?

I'm here for 5:32 👀

Can't wait to try this

Which do you prefer these gearbox cx14 or selkirk power air paddles??

Great review .. I see you are beginning to like cilantro a little more, lol.

I can't believe the big pricetag these days.

I thought a lower swing weight was better? Am I wrong? I thought Laura swing weights provided better hand speed at the nets. Someone please clarify.

How would you rate the control of this paddle on a 1 through 10 scale?

Is the CX14 E a good paddle for a beginner?

What’s up guys

How was the power control vs the GBX?

Video starts of by saying it has more power you’ll be happy then I see you have three big strips on lead tape on it so I already k ow it’s not balanced out if the box and doesn’t have enough power 😂

what is all over your windscreen? haha

No discount code for a % off?

Their paddles used to be made in the US. Now they are made in China and cost even more.

Too expensive for my taste. I like the durability and innovation of Gearbox, but you know it doesn't cost that much to manufacturer these paddles.

The price was increased because so much was lost on the crummy previous new batch with lack of sales due to lack luster performance.

Second

Who’s the hilarious black guy lol

2 handed backhand is for girls & Ryan Newman. 😂

Eyy @thepickleballstudio that’s my lead tape setup 😁