@pickleballeffect I'm a little late on this but since you recently discussed the Slyce SpeedCap I thought I would contribute to this review. I have a Blue J2K with a 28g Slyce SpeedCap installed. After experimenting with lead tape, I settled on 1.5 grams on the 4 O'Clock and 8 O'Clock corners(3 grams total) which added a little more twist weight stability without sacrificing the increased hand speed that the SpeedCap creates. I'm really liking this setup but you do need to adjust your swing if you like to hit a topspin drive. The SpeedCap is like adding weight to the heel of your driver in Golf. You will naturally close the toe much easier. Translated to Pickleball, I found myself hitting my topspin drives in the net because I was over-manufacturing topspin and getting too aggressive with the balance point lowered. The SpeedCap allows you to hit more of a natural topspin if you focus your swing path and ball contact at the lower right quandrant(I'm righthanded) of your drives. It creates more of a right to left looping topspin effect that can be challenging to return, especially at lower speeds. The flickability at the Kitchen is fantastic with the SpeedCap J2K combo. I would highly recommend taking the money you save with Braydon's promo code and investing in a SpeedCap for your J2K.
What I find amazing with these "smaller" channels is the video quality is stellar, good HD resolution. In contrast, the PPA Tour videos are horrible. Maybe we should get these "smaller" channels to cover Pro Pickleball events.
Been waiting for this review! Bought one a couple of weeks back and have been loving it. Switched from a control paddle to the J2K and didn’t miss a beat. Didn’t lose any control but also didn’t feel too powerful
Thanks for the comment, that's good to hear about your experience with the transition from a control paddle. I bet a lot of people here are in a similar position.
@@usa3105I have been loving it. Easily the best paddle I have ever used! The spin is pretty incredible and the power has an in demand feel. People are always curious about my paddle and usually after I let them play with it they get one.
@@usa3105 yea this is a paddle you will be able to stick with for a good while. The kevlar makes it rather easy to get spin/shape on the ball with less manipulation than carbon face paddles require. The high twist weight is going to help your shots stay a lot more stable. I will say the company is amazing and the people are truly passionate about what they are doing and it shows in quality and value.
I agree, it's up there in my book too. I've hit the J7K some but need to spend more time with it. I like HPC's shape lineup in general though I'm not convinced the Pro versions are that different ha.
@@pickleballeffect Honolulu does a great job tweaking and improving IMO with each batch they do. So, I think the J2K keeps getting more powerful as new batches get produced, so that gap has been closing between it and its Pro version. I will say I think the differences between the J7K and J7K Pro are pretty pronounced--especially for soft-hitters and control-oriented players that don't have big swings. But that could definitely change as they continue tweaking. Regardless, a great line-up! Glad you were able to hit with them!
I just got my J2K on the 10th . Asked them to select a low swing weight for me and got 112.37 SW and overall weight of 8.17 oz. Very happy. Plays very good. Powerful flicks and good serves. I added 2 oz on each side just above the handle to lower the balance point. Now it feels very very easy to flick. Thanks Branden and JK for the idea. Haven’t played with it yet.
Can you expand on this comment? It sort of sounds like you asked them to pick out a good apple for you lol. Is there variance in weight between different copies of the J2K?
@@aceofspades627every paddle out there has a weight range, 7.9-8.2oz for example, and it sounds like HPC takes requests if you prefer a lighter or heavier one.
@@aceofspades627 you can request different ways in their weight range of 113 to 115. But they just started production so they realizing that they can actually get slightly lightweights. You have to ask them.
I've been playing with this paddle now for a week, and I love it! it is exactly what I want in a paddle. I was using the Legacy Pro, but on off days had trouble controlling the soft game. I then transitioned to the Ronbus 3.16, but lacking that pop made putting away points in more competitive matches a little harder, not to mention hand battles were harder. I find this a perfect paddle in between these. It has more pop, I find myself quicker in hand battles, and over all feel that this is the most complete paddle I have ever used. Also, the price point (especially with discount codes) is perfect for a premium paddle.
@@pickleballeffect Great reviews Brandon! I been watching all your reviews and loved your tungsten tape. I was also coming from the Legacy Pro last year. Been trying to find a replacement paddle. I liked the Joola Gen 3 Perceus 16mm, but it got banned. So I bought the Paddletek TKO-CX 12.7mm (based on your review on the replacement for gen 3 paddles). Loved the put away power and the drive on the TKO-CX 12.7mm, but I have trouble controlling the forehand dink with that paddle. I am a 4.0 player. Do you think I should practice more and get used to the TKO CX 12.7mm, or get the J2K? I played with the Hurache X control before and it wasn't too bad. I had rotator cuff shoulder surgery last year, so I need my paddle to do alittle more work for me. I find the Ruby too under powered for me. With the Ruby, I would have to swing harder to compensate for its lack of power, and by end of the session my shoulder would be sore. What paddle would you recommend for me? Thanks in advance.
I can definitely confirm that it’s more stiff than the Ruby, which was a little annoying at first. However, I’ve learned to appreciate it when playing with Franklin balls (especially on hot days).
I like your thoughts on how weather affects the feel cuz when you're outside and it's hot, these stiffer feeling paddles start to feel like softer control paddles but when your indoor and have control temperatures you can feel the stiffer impact more.
Noticed on drives it was staying a decent amount lower cus I hit the top of the net a lot more… idk if it’s because the Kevlar is grabbing the ball more or what…and even though the swing weights low it does for some reason still feel a little heavy to me as well. Maybe I’ll try to move my lead tape lower like you did. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who recognized both of those things. 🤙🏽
Nice, glad to hear we had a similar experience. I think higher twistweight paddles can have that effect were it moves a little slower than its swingweight suggests and is a small drawback to super stable paddles that isn't talked about much. I’m not sure why the launch angle was lower, but it is noticeable.
Just got mine and used it for the first time today. I´ve been using the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm for the past ten months. The Vatic has been a great paddle but I wanted something with just a touch more pop and power. It seemed to do that and at the same time it seemed very familiar and I don´t think it will take much of a transition period. I would prefer less graphics and could do without the religious references on the paddle but I think I am going to really like this one. Great review and from my limited experience, I think you are spot on in your evaluation of it. I did not request a weight but mine came in at 8.1 oz.
Have you tried a thinner paddle for that touch more pop and power? I got the same paddle in 16mm & 14mm and found that the 16 required more force to get the same drive and distance (less pop) and the 14 had a more predictable rebound off the paddle face.
@@seangoff9578 I did not. It depends upon the paddle, but, from what I understand, going from a 16mm to a 14mm version of the same paddle typically means more pop, faster hands (lower swing weight) but a bit less power.
@pickleballeffect, I have had mine since end of April. I love the paddle but feel the spin has really decreased and the surface has smoothed out. What has your experience been regarding this?
Great video!! I agree with the red/gray and branding comment but the J2K is also available in dark blue/gray which is way more appealing. They were also very responsive when I sent an email after my order requesting the lightest weight in their inventory.
That's true, I should have mentioned the blue version but didn't for some reason. I agree, that color scheme looks better than the red one. And glad to hear their customer service is good, I don't really experience that part with companies so it's valuable to hear that from you.
Yes, their customer service is great and responsive. Just an FYI, I asked for a weight between 8.0 and 8.1oz and got 8.16ox. When I asked about it, they said they didn't have anything lighter in that production run. So weight requests seem to be hit and miss, still great service though.
Been using J2K for 2 months and love it. Bought a red and a dark blue. The red version is about .2 oz heavier and for some reason is noticeably more plush! I'll buy a red 8.1 - 8.2 oz version next time
Thanks for the Vid,,,,,very informative....Is it possible to let HPC know you want a lighter J2K sice the latest batch seems heavier and I have a bit of a tennis elbow issue......Also how would you compare the j2K to the Rombus R1 Nova......Thanks for the great reviews
Forgiving is a term used in golf and it makes sense that people would start talking about paddles as being "forgiving". I think the Selkirk Luxx is forgiving but I haven't tried the Sword & Shield yet. Thanks for the info!
I played a lot of golf before pickleball and that's where I got that term from. I wonder if people understand my meaning behind it though, maybe I should use the term sweet spot size instead or something.
I appreciate the use of forgiving also when describing paddles. To me it describes more than just the sweet spot, but overall playability of the paddle’s surface. I’d expect a forgiving paddle to have a generous sweet spot with the edges toward the top, sides and throat area still being predictably playable. The LUXX Invicta for example didn’t seem that forgiving to me. It had a wonderfully plush sweet spot, but off center shots felt significantly less powerful and had a dead feeling. All that to say, B I don’t think it would hurt to let folks know what YOU mean by forgiving too! Love your reviews and presentation. Thank you.
While they are two different technologies and styles, do you prefer this or the Perseus 16mm (Ben John’s)? I’ve been playtesting the J2K and the Kevlar is nice, but at times I feel the power/spin isn’t optimal. Would like to get an expert opinion. Thanks
The Perseus offers a little less power than the j2k so if the j2k wasn’t giving you enough power at times then take a look at the Thrive Azul. It’s a similar shape and weight as the j2k but with more power.
My J2K was delivered a few weeks ago as part of the end-of-May batch. It was marked as 8.4 oz and I confirmed on my scale. I'm recovering from an injury so can't play now, but it feels head-heavy in my hand. Wish I knew I could have requested a weight since 8.4 oz doesn't give me any room for customization. Hopefully it will turn out OK.
Hmm, that is outside their spec. You may want to reach out to them and ask about it. Max weight should be 8.2oz. Yeah I know they are soft on these numbers, but still it may help you get a replacement. Good luck.
@@terraXR You know what's crazy?? Honolulu changed the spec!! Yep! Upper limit was definitely 8.2 before. I bet their prod run could not make paddles below 8.0, so they changed it to prevent returns like yours. I promise it was 8.2. Got mine as 8.16 at the "old" upper limit. Old range was 7.9 to 8.2
I’ve been playing a year with a Joola Ben Johns Pro Series (Gen 2) and like it but it’s losing its grit. Would the J2K be a comparable or better paddle?
Great review!! How would you say the power of the j2k stacks up against something like the prism v7? I know you included the ranking with the prism flash in the video, I’m just curious to hear how they compare directly
Thoughts on whether the J2K pro is stiffer than the thrive? I love the Azul but roll volleys and flicks can sometimes come off hotter and less forgiving
Yeah, the 11Six24 one is elongated so it has a little higher swignweight, isn't quite as forgiving and has a little less power and pop in comparison to the J2K.
I like your comparison chart with the Prism Flash as that is my current paddle. However, I'm kinda wondering how the Prism stacks up against the new wave of Standard Shape paddles ...
On your website perhaps you could add a terminology page … or add it to your “Definitive Guide” page … forgiving… plush … stiff … I’m assuming you, John, and Chris are already in agreement with the use of these terms.
That's a good idea. I started putting a glossary at the bottom of my review pages but don't have all those terms in there and could add that pretty easy.
Tough to answer. Kevlar doesn't have an identity to me like fiberglass or carbon fiber does. Some kevlar paddles feel soft and muted while others are stiff and responsive. What we don't see is what layers of material are underneath the kevlar which has a big impact on how the paddle plays too.
@@pickleballeffect Interesting. I've seen other reviewers claim that Kevlar dynamically plays softer on short swings and stiffer on fast ones - sounds like a best of both worlds in theory but who knows how true that is.
You can get the Azul as low as a 115 Swingweight and the high Twistweight of the j2k made it a little slower in the maneuverability department despite its Swingweight being lower.
I think the paddletek TKO paddles are closer to the Gen 3 joolas in terms of power and pop but if you're okay with takin a little step down in power and pop then this is a good option.
Forgiveness relates to the size of the sweet spot. If you miss the center of the paddle the ball doesn't die on you as quickly as other paddles so it's more forgiving and doesn't punish you on mishits. Control is the paddles ability to control the pace of play and slow the ball down when you need to.
@@pickleballeffect thanks for the explanation. I always thought control had to do with placement but pace makes sense too. So would you say that “pop” runs counter to control?
I could expand my definition of control to be pace and placement. I like that. And yes, more pop means it’s harder to control because the ball jumps off quick and it’s more difficult to key the ball down when you’re under pressure.
Got my J2K yesterday... sticker said 8.23 but my scale said 8.4 same as my R1.16 with 12G's lead and over grip. Like the way if plays and the amount of ball plastic it picks up is nuts. Maybe a little more spin than my 12 month old Ronbus but not game changing.
Oh, you're right. They did bump up their numbers on the J2K, that's too bad. The J2K Pro still has the lighter weight average so that's probably the route to go then.
I personally don't mind the design and and graphics. That can be very subjective depending on who you ask. I would stick to the way the paddle plays as you mentioned the looks twice in the beginning and end of the review. Good review otherwise.
I have j2k, and quite enjoy it. it hits plenty hard whe you put some oomph in it, but feels soft when you dont. almost a dynamic feel. one thing, it is surprisingly loud though. does not bother me at all, but just a thing to be aware if impact noise is any issue
Thanks for the comment. I didn't feel like it was loud but I've also been playing with very loud paddles the last couple of months like the Paddletek TKOs and the JOOLA Gen 3s. Everything seems more quiet compared to those ha.
@pickleballeffect indeed. I game from VP flash..and I was like..wow this (j2k) is loud! has the reverse effect as through quet paddles. makes everything sound like a really hard hit
@@skelthouser2730 I like to see how much people are paying for fancy paddles and then I can let them know what mine costs and how they over paid. I could loan them mine and they would have the same results.
The Bible verse kinda creeps me out. I’d rather have a trump quote like “it’s a good paddle, since paddle, your going love this paddle, other paddles not so much”.
