This is how I'd choose a pickleball paddle in 2023 

What do you guys think of the new studio setup? The days of the blank white wall are OVER!

Walker Gary Martinez George Jones Patricia

Gonzalez Daniel Harris Melissa Davis Shirley

Robinson Sharon Harris Linda Lee Melissa

Johnson Sandra Lee Michael Lewis Steven

Hall Jose Allen Ruth Martin Mary

Don’t agree the SLK Halo is a beginner paddle! It’s the same paddle Parris Todd used to win the Triple Crown at the US Open in Naples 2023 😮

Basic question: what about thickness of the paddle head, i.e., thicker versus thinner? Thanks.

May 4th 2023

This video totally explained why my game improved by just using my new paddle. I bought a Gruvn 16H Raw with 5.75" handle and my power game (and accuracy for down the line shots) improved right away - I could never explain fully why but now I can, thank you.

The advantage of an elongated paddle is not aerodynamic. The lesser widths means that it is allowed to be longer, according to the 24" total length + width rule. That longer, narrower shape makes the center of gravity and sweet spot further out, which improves power.

Carbon Fiber doesn't give more pop and explosiveness than fiber glass. It gives a more plush, soft, controlled feel - as well as improved spin.

I just started playing and fell in love with pickle ball. I bought a set off Amazon from Amaron. I want to upgrade but can’t afford even $100 paddle. What do you know about The Mountain from Bison Paddles?

I am watching this a year after this has been posted. Hello from the future! Also If you have a longer handle don't you lose some space on the face of the paddle? There's a maximum length paddles can be right?

I currently have a beginner paddle (Onix Z3) and I enjoy the feel. Can you please recommend an upgrade with similar characteristics?

You are very credible and if I had a product I wanted out on RU-vid you would be the guy I would ask first,

Just add an over grip if you want more weight 😉

The new studio is killer! Great analysis of what players should be looking at when purchasing a paddle. Every paddle company makes claims about power, control and spin, but in reality, technique and swing mechanics are what actually determine a player's results with those variables.

What are your thoughts on the CX14 Power?

Going to demo the new GBX cx 14 ultimate tomorrow. How are you liking it?

🙏

love the editing!

Thanks for your help!

was waiting for a paddle review like the one on the thumbnail, very disrespectful You add it and not even talk about it, all basic information here

The court to paddle interface is the weakest part of my game.

I'd enjoy a new paddle but hate to spend $130 to discover that I don't notice much improvement. I don't want to be a paddle collector.

The best way to narrow em down, if the wait is over 8 oz, move on. If it had a hybrid round shape more on. If its got a narrow size grip only move on.

Very helpful, thanks.

With that backdrop, you've moved into Darth Vader mode ... I like it .. very professional and sage like .. mirrors the contents, well done.

If grip shape is important to you; you can take the grip off and build it up with thin athletic take that you apply longitudinally. After that you can add or replace with a grip wrap that works for you.

I didn’t think 4” was small 😢

Good video

Does the thermal forming or injected paddles have a bigger sweet spot?

What do you think of the filth paddle by bread and butter?

Very thorough, thanks!

Thank you for this video. I have 5 paddles and all of them are useless! Maybe it is me that is the issue!

This was another excellent video thanks for this awesome content, you are super awesome and I love the information you give. Thank you for doing these :)

Thanks!

Love the new studio! What is your current favorite paddle for yourself? Did you notice much difference with the newer CX14 Ultimate? I’m hoping for a little bigger sweet spot and power.

I've never played, except a half hour with my young nephews, but had a great time. The idea of spending that kind of money on a paddle definitely turns me off to the game though! I was thinking $25 or so. Its crazy that they are so expensive!

I'm the guy who just bought an Omni LOL

Are you sponsored by Selkirk and Gearbox now?

Got the Onix Evoke Premier ($150) to replace a cheaper paddle So far it’s incredible it’s got great power for overheads and speed ups at the kitchen and has great control for spin

Enjoyed the video! I have been playing less than a year, come from a tennis background, and your videos always have something that I take away that help me become a better player.

Thanks, fantastic deep-dive into paddles. Played my first ever pickleball game today using a rental, feeling like getting my own so I can start playing more and be more consistent. Absolutely agree with the last point - at the end of the day, a paddle is just the tool, what matters more is the player. I come from badminton, and I can play just as well with a $5 racquet or with my $20 racquet - there's hardly any reason to even go past $20 unless you're going for tournaments. For pickling, I think I'll start with a $20 paddle as well. Thanks for the really, really informative deep-dive into paddles.

I use a Tempest Wave Pro (on my second) since I’m more about control and hand speed at the net (7.6 oz.) I got the larger grip option plus an over grip with the idea that there should be space between the fingertips and the pad of the hand. Is that still the guideline? (PS - I publish a list of web sources for members of a 500+ club and Pickleball Kitchen leads the list. Thanks!)

what really matters is the player behind the paddle

Your conclusion statements are dead on or rather hit the sweet spot (I know I know silly pun). But seriously, true ! Thanks for an awesome video.

I just started but with a Tennis background and this video is really helpful! To get more practice I bought a Gamma Quest on sale from Big 5, but after watching this, I'll know what to look for and the comments are a big help too. Thanks!

Excellent explanation and I also appreciate the context of the paddle within the whole game. Thank you.

Love it!

Very helpful video

When my Prince Response’s interior core started to deteriorate a few years ago I had to make a quick decision on a new paddle. Not being able to pick up and “feel” many paddles in my area, I went with the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro. I like a thicker core and I bought his one blind. As Paddletek was making Prince paddles and I hoped for some similarity of feel, which I got, so I was happy with it and adjusted accordingly. It’s nice to see someone define the parameters like you did. I’m curious about your use of two hands. In 40 years of tennis I ONLY used a two hand (Conners-style) backhand but as soon as I started using a one-hand backhand, facilitating the tennis approach of “chip and charge” on the service return. I had to make a conscious effort to use a two-hand backhand a few times and was unimpressed with the results so I use a one hand approach to everything: ground strokes, volleys, overheads on my “off” side. I don’t remember seeing one, do you have a video showing when you feel a two-handed is appropriate? It felt so awkward with the short pickleball grip I just dropped it immediately.

Do you have discount codes with various manufactures?

Ping pong meets speedminton racket and you get a pickelball racket.

It's unfortunate that manufacturers are all moving toward smaller grip circumference. For those following your information keep in mind, if you buy a paddle with a small grip circumference (

Nobody

Hey fantastic video thanks I’m new to the sport and bought the SLK latitude what’s your thoughts as a new player