2024 Paddle Awards and Podcast Recap

[@MattyRut2922]

Giveaway Entry: My favorite part is that you guys never waste my time talking about pro pickleball. You talk paddles and technology. I also LOVED Justin’s evolution from Mark employee to crazy free agent, mad paddle scientist. Justin comes up in so many other pods. Grip: I remove the stock grip and run a single over grip on my paddles. No forehand vs backhand side. People’s Choice: Trend = Core Experiments. Best Nerd Town = Titanium (when Justin’s star was born). People’s Choice = Paddle Queue #1 Want: Cap the power. Don’t turn the sport into Tennis. Great job in 2024! The best pod in the business!!!

[@65atBestPB]

I want to cap the power and add more tennis. 😁 Sorry, really miss tennis. I will let myself out.

[@SarahSunKim]

Giveaway Entry + your chemistry, humorous banter & NERD TOWN deep-dives!! (Please show videos of you guys' playing for Net Gains)

[@shumanlau3899]

Like all the information through out the podcast. However,my favorite part is the lovely response of the wine pouring!

[@jarsace]

Giveaway Entry + new week new main is my fav part bc it shows paddles are ever evolving and theres so many options out there to pick out of to be our main !!

[@DavidSanchez-px3wc]

Giveaway entry - My favorite parts of your show are Nerd Town and New Week New Main!

[@cmaden]

Best looking paddle: 11six24 Monarch Jellybean Royal Burst colorway

[@9DeezzDinkDrop]

Giveaway Entry + you guys have great chemistry on screen. Even though you totally geek out every now and then, you still know how to laugh and make cracks occasionally, lightening the mood. Besides that, the new week new main segment is my fav segment.

[@dustinbschwartz]

Giveaway Entry: Y'all have had some great standout moments throughout this year's episodes. My favorite moment is less a funny one and more a serious one, but it was Justin's epic rant about overcompressed cores in the JOOLA paddles. I find that some of the other leading podcasts in the space are soft on anti-consumer behavior, and it was absolutely refreshing to hear someone with skin in the game take a hardline stance.

[@aaronsegal1682]

Absolutely and indisputably one of the best podcasts out there. Never bored listening to you both. And yes: I have normally been simpatico with you both on your NewWeek, New Main paddle selections.

[@darrellsampsell9612]

Giveaway entry:: I watch a lot of podcast and yours by far is my favorite. Love nerd town and jumping right into talking about padddles. And not boring us about the pro players and the PPA. And maybe one of these times you should both be drinking wine or Justin’s choice of an adult beverage. Keep up the great work in 2025. We all appreciate what you do.

[@honlam6681]

vino 🍷 made a subtle appearance, happy holidays, glad I have some of the paddles y'all named for the awards

[@tagman12]

Love you guys! The wine pour was fantastic and makes me feel better about myself! Justin - I love your highly cerebral take on everything!

[@RTJ-PB]

New Week New Main is the best because of the insight into what you both use and your weight setup - Nerdtown is a close second!

[@86309]

Blown away that the Pulse V didnt get the vote .

[@huddy025]

Great pod boys. Nerd town, 1. Fiberglass 2. Titanium/poly 3. Nerd town. Merry Christmas

[@mykobaer818]

Giveaway Entry: My favorite part of the podcast is Nerd Town. I truthfully think you guys effectively teach me something new without boring me to death about it. Paddle knowledge is on 10 these days because of y'all.

[@JovanniG678]

Love this channel, yes I am subscribed to other channels but this is the only one I have set for notifications. You guys give great info and make me laugh every episode with the banter back and forth. This pod is also the reason why I started wearing a 5 panel hat 😂!!!😂

[@Pickleballetc]

Hell yeah! Thank you. 5 panels for life.

[@ryan72371234]

Actually enjoy all your segments but if I had to pick one it would be nerd town. You guys have great banter and it's very entertaining. Probably my favorite pb podcast.

[@mwfielder]

I do not have a forehand/backhand side of the paddle. But I can use the Ethos grip either side. Funny, but it feels fine either way. Giveaway! I could always use 3 more.

[@michaeltull5298]

My favorite moment of the year is when new week new main became went from a joke to a segment.

[@CK3CK3]

Gents, it would be nice to know your CURRENT & OVERALL best 5 paddles regardless of when they came out or what shape they are. Can you add this for us? For instance, the way you love the ESQ-C. I would guess that's on your top 5 of all-time.

[@wmalinak]

Giveaway Entry: Nerd Town is the most anticipated section. I must say that I've been hooked since Ep.3 back in June 2024...the variety of topics (from Kevlar to Playing with Wife) are thought provoking and spot on. I want my paddle to maintain its specs (especially spin) until I run over it or lose it.

[@lucydoyle9010]

First giveaway entry: my fav part is your relationship together, how u both jive so well and the ideas I get from u on what my next paddle will be to buy, because of your honest opinions and reviews! Merry Christmas!🎄

[@gpkicks90]

Giveaway entry. New week new mainnnnnn easy

[@rogerfernandez4839]

FOREHAND VS BACKHAND PADDLE SIDES: I feel having a forehand vs backhand side is probably mostly in your head. HOWEVER, I think it is dependent on how you wrap your handle. If your grip lands differently on the opposite sides of the handle, then you might favor one way of gripping. I, am also a chronic spinner, so both feel good on my paddles. I spin between point. I even spin mid rally, between shots. So my wrap feels the same on both sides. The only issue is if the silicone ring that covers the tape at eh top moves and i feel the edge where the tape end is. I have a paddle that has no silicone ring and tend to hold it way ay even when spinning.

[@kendo888]

Giveaway entry! Nerdtown absolutely is awesome and my favorite, but your banter (especially when you disagree) is great throughout!

[@E.Fudd56]

Giveaway entry. Very entertaining podcast, well done guys. Favorite segment is nerdtown, not only for Justin's insights but watching Louis trying to maintain a straight face is hilarious. Happy holidays guys and good luck in your quest for a medal!

[@stymeron]

Great pods guys. I like all the segments

[@Gdon1991]

Giveaway entry + new week, new main and the self deprecating humor.

[@ryrysinger]

Giveaway: I Thoroughly enjoy the net gains - As much as I love paddle talk, it’s great to hear how you guys are pursuing your improvement. New week - new main will never get old tho haha! Nerd town is the most underrated segment :)

[@SpeakPickleball]

My favorite part of the pod is when the pickleball wife joke became canon and you guys adopted me as my pickleball dads

[@Jalyals]

giveaway entry- my favorite part so far was when you all uncovered the myth of “Titanium”. I was skeptical of it as well and it was nice to have clarity even though it didnt change playability.

[@mwfielder]

Favorite segment is nerd town.

[@parksgarner3264]

Giveaway Entry + new week new main being transitioned as a bit to being a legit part of the pod is the best part of the podcast

[@lee-kt5zt]

Giveaway entry. My favorite part or should I say parts of this podcast is nerd town. I love how Justin describes things and goes into deep detail. Very informative.

[@paxavery]

Giveaway entry: my favorite part is the tech/deep dive on paddles.

[@HeavyAndLow]

Preach! Better handles for sure!

[@dbackjoe9]

GIVEAWAY ENTRY + Loved Justin's "Cutesy" comment on the Neonic paddle. Very demure, very mindful lol. Also, I have a forehand/backhand specific side to my paddle solely determined by how my over grip lines up on the handle and where my index finger wraps.

[@bernarddang926]

I like the conversation/segment new week new main to get more input on why you selected your paddle.

[@SeekTheOpen]

Becoming my favorite pickleball pod

[@lynnew09]

You guys are great. Thanks Happy Holidays

[@nathaando]

Giveaway entry - favorite part is the new week new main because i love seeing the new paddles y’all get into!

[@dv3347]

GIVEAWAY ENTRY + MY FAVORITE PART IS NERD TOWN - Second favorite, the ANGRY POUR wine lol.

[@bundan5]

Giveaway Entry: favorite part was watching you guys play your tournament and Justin's nerdtown!

[@RTJ-PB]

Biggest change id like to see, unification of paddle regulation, no more you can use this paddle in this event and this other paddle in that event - that’s tomfoolery and until that gets fixed and we have one functioning body/set of rules, we will never have PB in the Olympics. How in the world can we have an international sport if we can’t agree on a common set of standards/rules? Folks way more in the know than myself have echoed these sentiments. Get rid of all this bureaucracy and have one set of rules/regs that are objective and transparent. Do other sports have different golf clubs or tennis racquets or baseball bats… No way, the current setup is just way too trash to regulate the sport! Love this pod and community - look forward to 2025!

[@lasunga]

Giveaway 2 entry. Favorite part is NEW WEEK NEW MAIN!!!!! Always like to see the new flavor of the week paddle and what you like about it or if you stay with the same paddle for a while

[@spydercane23]

Giveaway Entry: My favorite parts of the podcast is how you guys dig on each other for various things and New Week / New Main. I also really enjoy the smart dialogue breaking things down like exposing Titanium was great.

[@ernest4483]

another great content and podcast gentlemen, new week new main, more widebodies, nerdtown

[@Dcpickleball]

Giveaway Entry - like your discussions and differences. Example on grips. I personally never gave a thought on using one paddle side for the forehand. I just win.

[@kylepickleball]

Giveaway Entry: Favorite part of the podcast is the dialog you two have with one another. You gel together even when you disagree. Good stuff!

[@paullin2844]

Giveaway entry 🎉 Thank you for your detailed review! My favorite part are your different categories with different shapes in review paddles.

[@neoutdoors1764]

GIVEAWAY ENTRY + You texting the wife for a refill - genius

[@RTJ-PB]

Of course I don’t have a forehand and backhand side of the paddle - paddle twistin son - Louis, you strange little man 😂

[@kamanhalim]

New tech trend: fiberglass and core size Best nerdtown segment: titanium/polyester Favorite segment: nerdtown

[@aznflamel3oy]

That's crazy that you have one specific side that is always your forehand and one side is backhand. That means you probably have uneven wear of the surface grit if you generally prefer your forehand vs backhand or vice versa. I honestly do not pay attention to which side is which and I adjust and change my paddles from one side to the other on my forehand and backhand. I don't discriminate on my paddle sides 😂 they get equal loving. Louis, you're probably one of the rare people who do that. Great podcast episode! I agree that the Hurache-X Control Kevlar is a great paddle. Only gripe I have about it is that the surface grit isn't that great. After a few weeks of use, my paddle becomes buttery smooth. It still performs well, but if I had extra grit for more RPMs, I would definitely perform better on my drops, slices, and drives. My best podcast segment is the NerdTown topics and the Paddle Queues.

[@Weiho]

Giveaway Entry: Favorite part of the podcast is the back n forth dialogue between you two! Makes an easy listen! Hybrid shapes segment is my favorite

[@Wongsquared]

Giveaway entry + I like how you guys cover new tech and really expand on things I don't see a lot of creators doing right now.

[@AlaricBishop1993]

Giveaway Entry + Hope to see video of you and Justin playing pickleball next year.

[@LoudBrownCloud]

Nice list and it makes me feel good about myself, I am hitting some winners! Can you guys let us know the paddle weight setups on your mains during that segment? Very curious on your paddle config. Bought a few of the Ethos grips already, can't wait to try them out. 1. Best new tech - Fiberglass layups 2. Best Nerdtown - Titanium/PET 3. Best segment - Nerdtown

[@DanMai-e6i]

giveaway entry - y'alls microjabs at each other are the best part of the pod for me haha

[@princetonnguyen9984]

1. Best new tech/trend: Fiberglass in creative lay-ups 2. Best Nerdtown Segment: Titanium/Polyester 3. Best Segment: Nerdtown

[@scooterreviewsstuff]

I gotta be honest…I almost bought the 007 10mm just out of curiosity. The Power Air was my first “real” paddle, so I have a bit of a soft spot for it. I also seem to be in the 1% of people that don’t mind the feel… Also I’m with Justin. I spin my paddle wayyyy too much to have designated sides. Nerdtown awards. 1. I love the new cores, but I can’t live without a fiberglass layer now. 2. Gotta be the “titanium” fiasco 3. Love those trips down to Nerdtown!

[@Kodaiko]

Giveaway entry - all the nerd town segments are great. Loved the peel ply segment

[@kolbybixler7574]

My favorite part of the pod is the new week new main. I switch like every week so like I relate to the "new week new main"

[@kjc5117]

Give away entry - favorite moment of 2024 - Louis’ reaction to Justin teaching us about the warp and the weft

[@PickleballPursuit]

Still can’t get over how big of a NERD he is after hearing that

[@tylerhilgers8196]

Giveaway Entry Not original but my favorite part is definitely just both of you being authentic with your wild personalities haha.

[@Foxx_Choco]

Nerdtown awards= 1.Titanium 2.Titanium nerdtown segment 3.Nerdtown

[@Houjixful]

My favorite part is the new week new main followed by nerd town

[@Dy1pickel]

Underrated paddle of the year is thrive surge. No one mentioned or reviewed it. I’m an ambassador and everyone loves it

[@Dy1pickel]

Also, I guarantee the new main he is talking about will be the crbn Trufoam.

[@el_hosh]

My favorite need town topic was the maneuverability talk cuz it made me think about my paddle weighting. My favorite segment is NEW WEEK NEW MAIN!!!

[@TooColdHands]

GIVEAWAY ENTRY + MY FAVORITE PART IS NERD TOWN - PLEASE NERD OUT MORE

[@darleneblair5254]

Giveaway Entry. I personally like the classic look of the Honolulu Pickleball J2TI.

[@ArianaWilson-]

Giveaway entry + My favorite part is nerd town and MAGE Pro Gen2 is my favorite paddle.

[@eddiezarate8246]

1st Giveaway Entry - my favorite part was the dislike for the Six Zero TBD. I had purchased this right after the delisting of the Gen 3 (had the Magnus). I disliked the TBD so much since it was so head heavy, I starting having issues with my wrist and went back to my DBD back then. I was going to add it to my wall for display, I’d say it’s one of the best looking paddles of the year. Recently sold it for $200 (2 months ago) and bought the ESQ 12.7

[@JeffandHali]

Giveaway entry. NERDTOWN is the defining segment for me. It feeds my true nerd nature. And what do you mean you have a forehand and backhand side of the paddle?! I can't believe there's a forehand side to a paddle! NO!

[@cardinals5516]

Best New Tech or Trend - fiberglass in creative layups. Honorable mention - "titanium" faces. Best NERDTOWN Segment - "titanium". Honorable mention - maneuverability rating. Favorite Podcast Segment - NERDTOWN. Honorable mention - NET GAINS.

[@terogan]

Triple Black Diamond made my jaw drop. There are at least four locals playing it and playing well.

[@roguegaston]

GIVEAWAY ENTRY + Nerdtown baby

[@terogan]

Poll answers: 1. Using fiberglass (and all combo layups) 2. Titanium/Poly because it broke open the whole thing and even caught company owners off guard (though I link to the Kevlar segment the most often as bad info is still stated as fact) 3. Nerd town - hands down (and Kew said he should get yous on his show)

[@timothyngo933]

Giveaway entry + favorite part was the anticipation every week of new week new main

[@MrSpynaldo]

Giveaway entry. New week new main + the invader invasion 😂. Looking forward to play with mine

[@dinryu]

Giveaway entry. Nerdtown is the favorite.

[@BennyBeemo-s9x]

Favorite part was when you hyped up the Invader after I bought it!

[@ehong123]

1st giveaway entry: my favorite part for the padcast is the new paddle reviews.

[@JasonDeats]

Giveaway Entry: Favorite Moment: When y'all came back from Bastrip (Bastrop) Lost Pines tournament having been humbled. I'm not alone apparently in finding tourney play so challenging.

[@drewhuang5264]

Giveaway entry. NERDTOWN is my favorite segment

[@et8665]

Giveaway entry - the best part of course, nerd town!

[@JasonDeats]

(1) Favorite Segment: It's a tie: Net gains and New week new main (and Honorable mention Nerd town). (2) Number One Thing I Want to See in Pickleball Paddle Regulations: Lower Exit Velocity permitted and Higher Spin Rate Materials allowed.

[@nosyjoe]

Giveaway Entry - I enjoyed today's discussion of honorable mention paddles of the year. Kevlar / Nerdtown.

[@lynnew09]

Giveaway entry.... I love your honest reviews on paddles

[@vupac3000]

Giveaway entry + my favorite part of the podcast without a doubt is trips to NERDTOWN with Justin while Louis constantly yawns into the mic 😂😂😂

[@HM-gm1kn]

my right ear loved that intro

[@PickleballPursuit]

It plays in both ears dog?!

[@HM-gm1kn]

@@PickleballPursuit one side a lot louder than the other. Its just for a couple of seconds at the beginning and i thought it would be funny

[@DianSusiana98]

Giveaway Entry + the nerd town was the clear winner.

[@Foxx_Choco]

Giveaway Entry: learning the truth about TITANIUM 😭

[@JonBye]

can you discuss the difference between indoor and outdoor balls in a future nerd town. Seems like PPA uses the same ball for both

[@JonBye]

can't pick a best podcast section, they are all good

[@b-mc2801]

Giveaway entry, best episode was the uncovering of “titanium” paddles.

[@yummysuimai]

Giveaway entry + nerdtown is my favorite moment

[@b26cards27]

1st giveaway entry my favorite part is new week new main segment

[@lynnew09]

Using fiberglass in paddles

[@jameslim2133]

Giveaway entry. Nerd town is my favorite.