Pickleball Paddle Core Differences And Why I Stick With Only One 

Polymer is used because it’s easy to shape and is cheap, cheap, cheap. Yet they find a way to increase the price while using an extremely cheap core material.

One of the best and most informative videos about pickleball paddles around! Thank you very much.

Love my Gear Box solid, frameless, carbon fiber paddle

My favorite core is unicorn hair

Yours is the best review on paddle cores I've heard.

I used to play with a Franklin Challenger paddle. I thought it would be lighter than wood as an aluminum paddle but in the specs, it is more like 9.0 - 9.5+ oz. So I think people need to still check out the weight specs of a paddle before buying it. But one thing I really learned from the paddle, (which I found to be mostly power and little control), was having to play really consistently. It was not forgiving if I did not hit the ball in the sweet spot so it forced me to learn to have better preparation for each shot. Since it was powerful, I had to have additional control to not hit the ball out when hitting at the baseline. Aside from the significant weight, I considered it to be a good beginner paddle.

You didn’t mention graphite paddles. I have a Prolite Cypher that I’ve “grown into” from beginner and love it . Being a neuroplasticity practitioner, I believe that if you are choosing a longer paddle for reach,sweet spot distribution etc as ex tennis player, then it’s best to get used to the dimensions & weight distribution right from the outset while you’re developing those neural pathways.

Gear Box has a completely different construction from any of the poly cores on the market. They use Carbon Fiber applied as needed, then heated and melted together to achieve different results. It is stronger, thinner and edgeless with consistency across the entire face. Because it is a mold, it includes the handle which is all part of the same material, construction and mold. Ultimately you have a quieter paddle with torsional stability and integral strength which will never peel, bubble, crack or separate. Ever.

completely agree.. the balance is great... and its plenty powerful IF you need it, and its a great dink paddle, or the soft game...

Always helpful information wished I lived closer so I could get someone on one training to improve my game

Barrett - Thanks for sharing your insights. Any advice on adjustments for paddles going from singles to doubles.

Use some lead tape like the pros do to experiment with different weights.

Really enjoying uour videos. Thanks for sharing. Meanwhile, I played Table Tennis for a long time and now transitioning to Pickleball. Am in my early 70s with not a lot of strength on my left wrist and arm with which I play with. Looking for a lightweight/featherweight paddle recommendation that could help me with control, spin and finesse - Power is something I feel I could generate on my own. Thoughts?

Not sure if you're still responding as this was 4 years ago, but how do Kevlar and carbon fiber compare to these materials?

Informative review, thank you. Since 95% of paddles are polymer, I wish you would've touched on the playability differences of these polymer paddles with regard to (1) thickness and density of the paddle, and (2) paddle face material. Both of these factor in heavily on how the ball reacts. Also, given the inexpensiveness of the paddle materials, we can see the hefty mark up by their makers!!$

Such a great explanation and presentation (sound included) of the different types of materials. I have only owned one paddle, the Z5, which I've had for years, but feel that I need a new paddle to see if it will help me develop a softer more controlled game. I am so lost on this and have no idea what to choose. I am probably a 3.5 player. I am 5'8" and not a very big hand. A number of guys I play with (4.0) seem to have Selkirk paddles. However, visually I like the look of the Pursuit because it is a black paddle. There are soooo many paddle choices that it is overwhelming. Any thoughts/advice would really be appreciated. Thanks. And again, really good video.

Your video turned out great! Fun to watch!!

The paddles with a bigger service, are they less accurate due to the shape/size? I’m assuming they are more so for players with a defensive style. I play defensive, but want something that I can be aggressive with. Right now I’m just using a paddle the club has. Just started playing again today. I don’t want a beginner one because I know I’ll do tournaments down the road.

Great job. Very informative and well presented.

Do you recommend fiber glass or graphite surface material?

Thanks B-Man, I bought a Paddletek paddle. weight 7.8-8.1 oz. the surface is velvet-textured polycarbonate and the core is Polycore. It is for intermediate to advanced players. I really liked the feel of the grip. so far I have been pleased with it. The cost was like $70. It is Phonenix-G6. what is your take on this paddle?

Very very helpful Dr. !

Best paddles polymer honeycomb, graphite or carbon fiber. Looking to differ from fiberglass surface. Any suggestions please don't break the bank!!

What are your thoughts on the ProKennex pickleball paddles?

Thanks for the most helpful informations.

Hey another fantastic insightful video thanks! Quick question you mention weight being the most important factor in buying a paddle. I have only been playing for about a month. I’ve got the game down pretty good and apparently I’m not too bad. Definitely an intermediate. Should I use a lightweight or mid weight paddle? I have a gamma RZR and I just bought a Selkirk vanguard Epic hybrid 8.1 oz haven’t used it yet. What’s your thoughts on the 2 I have I’m leaning towards keeping the Selkirk cuz I’m a pretty tall guy at 6’2”

Barrett, this video along with your Pickleball Kitchen Podcast Episode 22 have been most informative. Thank you for your dedication to our amazing sport.

Thank you!! Very helpful!

I am a serious intermediate player looking to always improve my game. I play two hours 5 days/week and am looking at the Gamma Shard paddle. I have an all round game, setting up with soft dinks waiting to hit hard and absorbing power. I hit hard serves and hard returns. Would u recommend this paddle for me?

I ended up ordering the prince response pro. the decision was influenced by a few things but including your video about the paddle specifically, and this video. I've only played with it once so far but am really enjoying it. my former 2 paddles did not have a polymer core and I really like the pop and feeling of support from my paddle. yay. I am really happy with the paddle

Very cool. I wonder if anyone is trying some off the wall materiels such as bamboo is kevlar lol.

Thank you for your help Very informative

Onix claims their Sub-zero paddle has a carbon and foam “Ribtec” core. Is this in any way similar to Gearbox? I can’t find an explanation of this construction/technology anywhere and am wondering if they stopped promoting it due to infringement on Gearbox IP?

I know this video is a few years old and I was wondering what your take is with the new Selkirk Vanguard 2020-2021 line with the carbon fiber core? (S2-Mach6-Invicta)

Hmmm, no love for Gearbox paddles? No mention at all here about their amazing carbon fiber tube cores.

Your best video so far

I have a carbon fiber paddle. It has good control but I find it hard to top spin. I'm new to this game but apparently, I was told I'm a 4.0. Would you think the Selkirk Amped S2 would help me with top spin or a fiber glass face?

You indicated aluminum core lacks a ton of power. Strange. I tried my friend's aluminum core paddle and it was powerful! I have never hit a power drive from the back of the court like it before.

Very helpful. Thanks.

So a composite paddle can have a core that is itself a composite.

Goid on paddle cores

The Selkirk AMPED/Lightweight AMPED Epic core uses X5 polymer. What is X5 polymer? What is the difference between a $40 polymer cord paddle and a $140 polymer cord paddle that both have a composite face?

Hey do you still have that lime green Selkirk paddle? If so would you be willing to sell it? Thanks

You switched to Prince! Could you tell me why?

I had earbuds in, and the Nomex paddle hurt my ears. On the bright side, but it's psychological warfare when you're competing.

What about carbon fiber paddles

Why not discussion about the surface? Graphite, rough, etc.

@5:30 you can hit a ball and you can get hit right in the face. What in tarnation is he talking about?

A ham sandwich? Really? You must really enjoy ham sandwiches. Haven’t laughed this hard.... Well.... in a day or two. Honeycomb ham is personally my favorite. If you ever tried to explain that to me in person your new name would be babe. PS Power is not near as valuable in doubles but in singles it’s the future of the game. PPS Remember the name Anthony C. I’m gonna be the number 1 player in the world.

Super great! Thanks again!

Even at 2x speed he talks slow lol