The ULTIMATE 2023 Pickleball Paddle Tier List! Part 1 | Rackets & Runners 

Outstanding! Fully on point. When requesting guidance in choosing paddles to demo (and inevitably to buy) R&R's paddle recommendation game has been steadily climbing. I've been super impressed lately, and feel grateful for the generous support and knowledge of the staff. Finding these videos feels like tapping into the source, the main vine! Each time I think I've got it narrowed down to a favourite after trying multiples, I invite the staff to offer me something comparable or better. "Since I really like this, what else should I try?" This has led to developing a solid top 3 (with room for a couple more) that I'm considering (after trying close to 20+). Since it turns out my top 3 are looking like they're going to be reflected in your top three - five (eagerly awaiting part 2), and so far every detail you report resonates with my own court experience (THANK YOU for being so astute and articulate)... I'm coming to realize a previously unthinkable scenario could play out: Can see myself making future purchase choices directly from your recommendations (without having to demo a dozen or more candidates). If my top 3 - 5 through committed trial and error so closely/exactly (!?) matches your personal top 3-5 ... phwaaah.... this means you're like the golden compass of trusted paddle divining!! I was appreciating your other videos but after this one, I'm shifting my thoughts from holding out for the 'one perfect choice' to investing in 2 or 3 and extending the life of all through rotating them, and I'll feel confident in making the final brand choices in the flurry of options because you've laid it out so clearly and so reliably. Everything checks out 100%... and it's beyond theory, it's evidence based. It has to be said that this is a masterclass, a pragmatic masterstroke in paddle divining, convenience, confidence and commerce, and that you are a SAGE. I love and am deeply grateful for the demo program, but let's be real... the ever expanding universe of paddle options can be so overwhelming as to become tedious. The only way through it is to try paddles (best first world problem I've ever had), but then potentially eventually risk running out of patience/grace/time for that. Knowing that I can jump the cue dozens of brands at a time, just by trusting and acting on your solid guidance, and that the paddle mongers at my favourite local PB market are clearly echoing your recommendations... this is a game changer for me. TAKE MY MONEY. No seriously... I'm thinking if there was something like a Paybright option (which I've never used before but now see the value of), I could see myself more easily committing to multiple paddles and more frequent shoe purchases. PB saved my life this year, and R&R has given me an outstanding first-class no-pressure golden-keys concierge ride into the world of gear, a realm I used to firmly resist but which now floats my boat. Respect.

Great videos. I love seeing all the paddle side by side and appreciate your perspective. I got the Ronbus R3 Nova but I was having second thoughts that there may be another better paddle out there. This confirms what I've experienced on the pickleball court. It's an awesome paddle and I'm super happy with it.

100% agree on the Ronbus reviews. Best paddle I’ve ever played! Thanks

What modification did you make on your FH stroke for pickleball? I see that you still have your Rafa style takeback. Is your contact point different? Flicking your wrist quicker at contact? My ball is going out to right field, and WAY out. Which paddle would you suggest for a tennis player (played D1, still playing local tournaments so i don't want to mess up my game with a big modification for my pickleball FH). Mahalo

Would you say the Vatic pro flash or the DBD has more power/pop?

Okay I use the 14mm flash should I switch to 16mm?

Hmm. I’m not sure how I felt about that comment about the prism saying it’s awesome and fantastic but it’s too cheap and you’re a retail store so you want to sell and make money. lol.

Have you tried the 6.0 ruby?

Have you tried the Gearbox GBX?

Very curious if DBD Infinity and DBD Ruby going to show up in Part 2 of this series (along with original DBD 14mm/16mm of course)

cool vid

Love the videos. Not including value in the proposition is actually pretty weak. Makes it harder to make a decision. Comparing a $300 paddle to a $120 paddle without mentioning a huge value difference is a disservice. If someone were in your showroom you would take budget into account. Just say it. If you want the absolute best performance buy x. But if you want something almost as good for half the price check out Y.

Need a God Tier