Thanks for reviewing the Rav Pro! It's such a good paddle at an incredible price. I've been playing them since last December. Even though I have several more expensive paddles (a few way more expensive) I keep pulling this one out of my bag. It just feels right and has the right balance between control and power.
I offered $40 for one on eBay and the seller accepted. I thought it’s too good to be true that I could get a quality paddle for that price. I have now played with it several weeks and this paddle is an incredible deal. Plays better than my $100 paddles
this is a GREAT paddle....when it's full functional. The price is amazing, as is the package, as is the customer service BUT - and this is a big but - I'm on my third paddle within 6 months and the edge guard (white, black or green) rips and starts to separate after only about 10-20 hours of use for me. Each time! Usually around 10 and 2 on the surface face. Am I that unlucky? Once they fix this issue it's hands down the best paddle out there for under $100, let alone under $60. I'm a 3.5-4.0 player with USTA tennis background. This paddle new plays better than Vatic Prism Flash 16mm IMO as well. Again, just wish it didn't have the fatal edge guard issue. Oh, and the handle at 4.5 inches circumference is misleading. it's really more like a 4.25". I applied an overgrip and still felt like my ideal 4 3/8 handle grip. The original grip is terrific too, with contour grooves. Much better than Vatic grip.
The HISK is not unibody, so the Prism would def have a leg up on durability. With that in mind, I think I would stick to recommending the Prism to former tennis players coming into pickleball since they hit so hard, and then the RAV PRO for folks coming into pickleball that don’t have paddle sports background. Also, I haven’t heard stories about the RAV PRO breaking at the neck like the old Joola’s.
