Can’t miss hard enough

They are overrated, and anybody that got the paddles and used them understood that..... and a big part of that misunderstanding rest with the reviewers going on ad nauseam about power paddles. I understand the need to generate views/traffic..... but own it..... all of you guys are at the core of making power the big thing that has really turned into a mess. Of course, all of us that watch and listen bought a ticket for the ride!

I’m an avid Volair Mach 2 Forza user. I definitely play better but hits like pillow unless your technique is on point. I’m probably going to upgrade to an all court paddle. What I realized is you just have to slow down in general. Let the opponent commit errors…

Would love to see a graphical presentation of paddles on a spectrum from Control -> All Court -> Power along the x-axis with possibly some other relevant parameter along the y-axis (maybe price, or some other paddle performance spec). That way you could get a quick general comparison between a lot of different paddles in an easy to interpret format. For example, I'd be interested in where you currently put the Ronbus Pulsar R1 on the Control-to-Power spectrum and how it compares to a lot of the newer paddles. Maybe you already have something like this on your web page??? I'll have to look. Definitely agree with your premise in the video.

I’ll take an elongated, heavy, 15-16mm paddle ANY day…

You mentioned filming. What kind of camera do you use ?

I agree with you Chris. I bought the PIKKL Hurricane Pro 16mm a couple weeks ago and am really liking it! It was initially lighter than I prefer, so I added some weight at 4, 8 and 12 which was great for me. I’m older (72) and don’t swing that hard so needed a bit more weight for drives and serves. With the added weight, it now has a great blend of control and decent power. Hard for me to pick up my Ruby now.

About a year ago we went through a spin frenzy with everyone wanting the paddle that generated the most RPM. Currently, we are going through a power frenzy but I could not agree more: for the average 3.5-4.5 player, control is what will win games. Control sets up opportunities to use power to put away rallies. Power without control is a losing formula. Still, many like their shiny power paddles.

I fully agree with Aizec's brother. I went down the rabbit hole of changing paddles every month, always looking for hotter paddles. Turns out I play my best (~4.0) with an all-court paddle that I've had since last year (DBD 16mm.) I also think we underestimate the benefits of sticking to one paddle to really get the feel for it and improve consistency on all shots.

Do you like that Forza more than your old DBD?

As you move to the higher level (4.5+), you will have better hands and will control better the more power paddles. (Still don't think the gearbox will allow you to do that no matter how good your hands are. You still need some balance) I learnt the game with control paddles and appreciate the more power paddles, at the expense of a smaller sweet spot and control for better reach, put away power at the kitchen. Also if you are a right sided player, you may favor a control paddle no matter what level vs the left sided player who needs to be more aggressive.

Now insert all court hybrid paddles …

Thanks for doing this video but more importantly thanks for using one of these paddles. I think you using a paddle like the Volair gives you some cred on the subject.

Top 3 paddles that I am playing with right now: Power - Engage Pursuit Pro | Control - Selkirk Luxx Jack Sock (With lead tape at the top) | All Court & Affordable - Hudef Gen 3. I realize nobody asked but these 3 paddles are so great for so many different reasons!

Makes total sense why it’s easy for me to use the PPE in Florida with the Franklins. I just added even more lead to mine.

Chris, great job. Loved watching the clips of your match. Think about doing a breakdown of one of your matches commenting on the qualities of the paddle. Thanks

Sounds like we will just always see the same type/style of players on the court the game we can say has evolved enough that this is good enough. And before I hear another crap about maintaining integrity of the sport, go back and re-read how the paddles and even the balls have evolved to how fast the game has gotten.

No doubt. Most people should not use a power paddle.

I know "Power" and "Control" are the two buzzwords in pickleball and these buzzwords are used extensively to sell paddles. In my humble opinion, REFLEX is far more important. To win more games, it is all about how quick your footwork and how fast your hand speed, especially at the NVZ lines.

PLEASE REPLY - In my instance. I’m a very passive player, love the control game, love to dink, work a point and break peoples with angles. I’ve ALWAYS used 14mms but can’t seem to put a ball away as hard as others because I simply don’t want to exert that much effort because when people do, it leads to errors. Im a scrawny guy, used to have wrist issues but now I don’t. I really feel I play better when I can let the paddle do the work. Of course, I’ll pop some stuff up every so often. Is it worth it to try and dial in a new paddletek? I’m a paddle addict so chances are, I won’t stick for long lol.

I started with a LUXX and won several tournaments with it but I used some other paddles and enjoyed the extra power and pop I was able to get with them. I may be wrong but I feel that I will be able to end points earlier with a more powerful paddle. When I switched from straight control to a hybrid I was still able to have a good reset and drop game.

I’m not an amateur so power paddles are great for me. I can control them with spin thanks to tennis. I actually still use the joola gen 3 Magnus aside from the controversy around them. It’s by far my favorite paddle Iv ever played with. I have a one handed backhand so the shorter handle doesn’t affect me at all.

Adding lead or tungsten tape to a control paddle can also provide that edge and extra boost that players may be looking for without having to switch completely to a power paddle.

Did you put any lead tape on your Volair Mach 2 Forza? Looking to buy it based on your recommendation for control. Great video.

I am torn between Hurrache Control + and Volair Mach 2 Forza - which one would you recommend?

Your points are valid because they're well proven in Tennis. Advanced players who can generate their own power use control racquets. Power racquets (with big head size and are head heavy) are usually good for new players.

I wanted to love the DBD 14mm but instead I love the Mach 2 Forza 16mm!! Honestly wish I would have discovered it before I bought the DBD. I can drive the ball just fine with the Volair.

Yes, absolutely, one hundred percent. Power paddles in the amateurs are overrated. HOWEVER, the danger involved with power paddles continuing to get more and more powerful is not overstated.

First of all, I kinda hate power paddles they are so hard to control. However, i dont think they ruin the game at all and i think that sentiment is from bitter people. Theres always a trade off with power and thats control. Most people who use power paddles that i know cant even hit hard than me with a Selkirk S2 just cuz i can take a much larger swing at the shot and keep it in. We honestly should just let the market decide what is optimal. If people cant control the power, it will naturally go out of favor. With that said, the Joola Gen 3s werent even that powerful and people were way over exaggerating. The only thing unfair about it was that it had really good dwell time and flex. It resulted in a paddle with top tier power and top tier spin and control. It was unheard of how balanced the paddle was. But all this sentiment about it being dangerous for the game was just bitterness from bad people. I had a much easier time controlling that paddle vs anything ive used before just because of the spin and flex.

Turning my GBPro into a "all court" paddle is for sure taking time. Just a "3.5" at best Rec guy. I own and play all types of paddles. Your take is spot on with what paddle for what area and player. Currently using control paddles more and putting the ball "where they ain't" style of play. Have the new THOMPSON in the mail to add to my quiver of paddle styles.

Using a power paddle is like going back to a dirty ex… yes she does all the fun dirty things you love but she’s hard to control and ultimately not good for you 😅

I watched all my videos and realized that the reason i was losing games was not because of lack of power. More for lack of control. I went back to my vatic prism flash and my game has increased drastically.

Paddles Paddles Paddles

Everyone I saw and knew who got a gen3 played worse, but they were just beaming about their new paddle. Personally I didnt think they were coming off that hot, but alot more spin.

Which face material retains its spin the longest?

Chris, you and I just became best friends. This is all I've been preaching to my local court players for several months now. Control over power makes one more consistent and grow as a player. Control gives a player to way to string a combo together that in many cases ends in an error for the other side or a super satisfying put away for yourself. Now, get Ryan, Eric or Julian to put that $142 sale back up!

Im just starting to find that hitting the weight room gives you more power. Has anyone else had a similar experience or is this just a new discovery I figured out?

Chris give me your top 3 control paddles -Great freaking take!!

It would be nice if they take the power away from all paddles, so more dink rallies and skill

Angles win Pickleball. The real question should be, what paddle allows you to hit better angles? I also agree with Chris that there's a honeymoon phase with any new paddle. But, probably because your focus level is higher as your really focused on getting used to a new paddle, thus your technique is probably also better. Then after a week, your back to your old bad habits and that's when you can really see how the new paddle compares to your previous.

Great perspective Chris. Speaking like a true 3.5. Am very curious to please ask you, 2 questions ? First what you think about the new Fat Boy ( with regards to the Mach 2 Forza 16mm ) and second, the Mach 2 Forza 16mm vs the Joola Scorpeus CJ 16mm Gen 2 or 3. I also love 16x8 standard paddles, I wish Engage would put a 5.5 inch handle on the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0. Your thoughts ? Thank you and saludos from Panama.

As a beginner I started out with the neonic force & couldnt keep the ball in play. Just now bought a j2k, and man did my game improve drastically. I dont hit nearly as many balls out with the j2k vs the neonic.

I recently upgraded from a gearbox cx14 (complete control paddle) as I felt I lacked put away power when needed. So I demoed the new pro series from gearbox, both control and power and both shapes. Even though it didn’t get the “best” review (😉) I chose the control elongated as it gave me enough power when needed, while maintaining the control I wanted to have the confidence in my shots without having to readjust my entire game to accommodate the power versions. I agree that for anyone 4.0 and below, your consistency will win you the most points!

👏

Just this morning I’ve been thinking about getting a more powerful paddle for playing in the summer here in GA. The last few weeks we have been in the 90s and I haven’t felt right with my drops. I’m using the same swing and it feels perfect but my 3rds have been just short. Using a ruby and x40 ball. It just seems like the soft ruby, with soft x40, in this heat is not a good match.

“Not hitting the ball hard enough, isn’t your problem.” There’s some wisdom right there! The content of this one will bring controversy maybe, but I think it’s thought provoking and many should feel seen!😜

What do you think can better handle the speed/power of a Gen 3 Joola coming at you, another power paddle like the TKO-C or a control paddle like the volair?

Couldn't agree more with this! I don't think the Gen3 paddles (GB PPE, Joola Gen3, Vatic Oni) are good fits for anyone under 4.5 and are some of the last paddles I would ever recommend for the masses. Good video!

But… didn’t Chris win 2 4.5 tourneys with power paddles? Gearbox and Gen 3 Hyperion? All jokes aside I agree, being able to sacrifice your soft game for more power seems like a huge disadvantage for most people for sure. It did for me big time. That’s why I switched to the mach2 forza

Anyone who disagrees with this is crazy. I went from the gearbox pro power to the new paddletek (still a power paddle) and the control difference is night and day and my game has elevated so much from making this switch