6" handle?! Should you use a long handle pickleball paddle?

[@jimkono4100]

You answered my question on transitioning from my first paddle to next. Thank you. Staying standard size handle.

[@Alan_Kirby]

Based on your earlier video I just upgraded from an Onix Z5 to a Prince Spectrum Pro. It’s totally transformed my game. The control is amazing, with plenty of power for my skill level. I considered the longer handled Prince Response Pro, but figured at this point it would be better to sacrifice power for the larger sweet spot on the Spectrum. If my skills continues to progress, and I gain accuracy and desire power, I’ll reconsider the trade off once again.

[@PickleballKitchen]

It's amazing isn't it? And yes, that's the proper logic to have with this stuff. Well done!

[@fredstuebe4018]

I've played for a number of years with Paddletek's Tempest Wave Pro and find it's ability to help me "soften" shots, absorb pace and reset the point excellent. Now that I'm over 70, I have looked for a paddle that helps me in singles play. So far, Paddletek's Sabre has been helpful. I get a little extra reach and as the paddle feels, to me, a little head heavy allows me to feel more comfortable in using more topspin off both sides. The Sabre, however, doesn't have the same feel at the kitchen as does the Tempest Wave Pro. I find I have to be very mindful of using an easier grip pressure with the Sabre on third drops and as I work in getting to the kitchen and dinking. So, I think that there are paddles that are more helpful in singles that in doubles play, especially as we get older. Anybody have any comment on Engage's Encore MX 6.0?

[@jinaallen5117]

I played with the Tempest Wave Pro and although I loved the dinks and resets, my my drives and put always had no power. I use the Bantam and is a huge difference. I’m trying the Vulcan V550 and so far is a great paddle but in the kitchen doesn’t perform as well. Is give and take with most I thinkz

[@PickleballKitchen]

Basically the more slender and "power-based" the paddle is, the less touch you have it seems. That's not always the case, but it can be a general rule. I haven't tried the 6.0 yet.

[@jeffw3776]

I took a hacksaw to mine. Feels great...I got the Simone Prince paddle just like you. I want control. Power is not an issue for me and not hitting a two handed backhand

[@Thejoeb]

This is why the vanguard invikta paddle is such a game changer. It has the extended length without an extreme long handle and the sweet spot is MUCH bigger than the standard invikta vanguard amped, so you are getting the benefits of the extra attack power, and also maintain a solid sweet spot which helps on quick defense plays. Ive never played with a extended paddle that has the sweet spot the vanguard has due to that double layer of carbon fiber. I was curious to try the quantum, because I love the response pro, but 6 inch handle is just too long for me.

[@PickleballKitchen]

Yeah I agree.

[@gaviii30]

But still theirs an issue with the two handed backhand because the grip of Vanguard invikta paddle is short although the sweet spot is extended.

[@Di771000]

This was soooo helpful. Thank you!

[@PickleballKitchen]

My pleasure.

[@robertharless3304]

Prince in the past in tennis, made a racket for Michel Chang that the handle was longer ands the racket was around an inch longer.

[@danjamper]

I remember that!

[@mlee9049]

Thanks. It would be interesting to know your insight of a 6-inch handle with the latest paddle technology. For example, thermoforming. In theory, this should make the sweet spot larger for a blade type paddle.

[@PickleballKitchen]

At this point, I think paddle handles like this are a bit too long. 5 ot 5.5" is plenty to get two hands on there, so the extra.5 or so just isn't worth it.

[@benjaminleavitt3666]

Will you show us how to replace our paddle handles? Thanks to you, I already know how to overgrip mine, but I’d like to know how to modify the actual handle.

[@PickleballKitchen]

Replace the handle entirely? I've never done something like that before. I could try I guess.

[@kaym6945]

When playing singles, since I am only 5'4, I find myself sliding my hand down to the tip of the paddle to reach for some of the balls. I haven't tried the longer handle, but I would think it would be helpful.

[@tonybell5043]

I'm looking for a longer handle but not very heavy. I switch hands a lot and I think the extra handle length will help since I tend to drop the paddle more with my shorter handle paddle. At least, thats what I can tell from the 2 entry level paddles I have now.

[@csinclair4577]

Switching hands is one of the worst things you can do... I would work on a backhand before switching hands... Just not a good habit to get in to.

[@stephendann8495]

Nice vid. If your serve is legal - but only just - maybe a longer handled paddle helps to get the top of the paddle below your wrist?

[@Tummie39]

After you use the long handle paddle for sometime, Don't you get used to the new sweet spot? Hence it will be the same amount of sweet spot?

[@frankcasale4322]

I have big hands. (For example, I take a XX large in glove size) I’ve played tennis in the past, and take a lot of two- handed back shots. A five(5) inch paddle doesn’t do it for me. I’m losing accuracy with the five(5”) inch paddle. Moreover, I play doubles. What six(6”) paddles do you recommend? Or, what web site can you refer me to?

[@LukeLarsen]

Thanks so much for the video! I’ve got a quick question for you. I have a Gamma Compass LH and a Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro. Both advertise to have a 6.25 inch handle. When you hold them together there is about an inch difference in handle length. The Paddletek paddle is shorter! I love the 6.25 inch handle but the Paddletek paddle isn’t that long. When I measure then the Gamma paddle is 6.25 while the Paddletek is 5.75ish. Since you have a Prince long handle paddle and it advertises to be 6 inch could you measure it for me? I don’t want to order one and have it be shorter than advertised like the Paddletek one. Especially since Prince and Paddletek partnered up to get Princes paddles made. Thanks again for your videos.

[@jinaallen5117]

Recently I swap from the tempest to the bantam. I could notice right away how much more power I had on my drives and put away shots. My dinking and reset shots weren’t as great but I rather have the power. My husband made me try his Vulcan V550 which is the elongated paddle type. What I found out is that the drives are even greater, is easier to put top spin with it, my digs are great and the serves are awesome. The big but is I can’t seem to make it work at the kitchen. Do you think these paddles are trickier at the kitchen because of the sweet spot?

[@PickleballKitchen]

I do think that yes. I think the general idea is that if you can't use the power to put away the shot, then you're going to have a rougher time at the net.

[@TubeYouTakashi]

I would like to know the regulation of different length or even surface of paddle acceptable, I am beginner just start a few month ago, but I used to play Tennis and ping pong a lot. If I can change the surface of paddle like a Ping Pong, I can convert as rubber surface. I think, I am surely like long length of paddle

[@MRRAYCLASS]

So helpful. Thanks :)

[@lemontree4097]

No i dont think there is a singles only paddle mabye a paddle that might give you a little help but i don’t think one paddle is FOR singles that gives you a notable advantage. Great vid

[@PickleballKitchen]

Yeah, makes sense! And thanks!

[@gopstench1883]

I started playing a few months ago and my first paddle is a cheap one with a small handle. Recently, I bought the Gearbox GX, and paid 140 for it. The handle is long, just like Gearbox racquetball racquets, so I thought it was a good idea. However, after playing with it for a while, I went back to the cheap paddle, and I think what you said explains it: the lack of a sweet spot on the Gearbox. The sweet spot is better on the cheap paddle. I went ahead and re-gripped the Gearbox so I can feel the elevated tape on the back of my hand, hoping I can more comfortably choke up on it. I'll see how it works out this morning. Thanks.

[@PickleballKitchen]

Thanks for the comment! Sometimes a more expensive paddle just doesn't work out!

[@e.doctorsmith7766]

I'd also be curious to know how the Prince compares to both the Selkirk Invikta Vangaurd and the Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro used by Scott Moore. They also have 6" to 6.25" long handles. Have you tried them? I actually own a Sabre Pro and really like it.

[@PickleballKitchen]

The Quantum should be very similar to the Sabre, but certainly different than the Invikta.

[@sanchayjain373]

I m playing since 2years with selkirk s2amped should i go for franklin ben johns paddle?

[@meganbell5291]

I’m curious if my hand placement will be more comfortable with the extra length. I do not do two handed backhand shots. Basically I would rather not have the thick end on the bottom of the grip. Do you know why they design them that way? Before pickleball when I played tennis I must have never gripped the racquet very low because the thick part never bothered me. Any recommendations for paddles with grips that are the same circumference on the entire length of the grip? Is this something players ever talk about?

[@PickleballKitchen]

Yeah people often talk about those knobs and I personally can't stand them. Some manufacturers, like Selkirk, have those knobs at the bottom of the paddle. But from what I've noticed, those knobs are common with thicker handles. If you get a lower circumference handle, the knob shouldn't be on there. Check out my Prince Response Pro review video to check out what I mean.

[@zachcarmichael699]

Is it weird to keep your index finger on the bottom of the paddle (think ping pong)? I've found myself unable to hold the handle normally now and usually put my finger on the paddle instead.

[@PickleballKitchen]

I typically discourage people from doing this. It reduces the flexibility that you have in your wrist. But if it works for you then that's fine. I would definitely try holding the paddle from the very bottom of the handle at least for a full session and see what happens.

[@danjamper]

@@PickleballKitchen I recently took a lesson from a reputable instructor and he told me he recommends using the finger behind the paddle like in ping pong even though it isn't natural for me I have found some benefit and it's made my currently average handle feel longer while I choke up to make room for the finger. I tend to agree with you about wrist movement although it seems there is a common teaching to limit wrist action....I come from a tennis background and trying to decide between the quantum pro and response pro....thanks for this video it has been helpful I'm still leaning towards response pro as a better all around choice

[@jamescowling2824]

WINNING MOAR!!!!!!!!!!

[@PickleballKitchen]

:)

[@lizlemon9632]

Would it be a good paddle for those with limited mobility? How does it compare to Selkirk Invi at Amped?

[@PickleballKitchen]

Long handle paddles like this one and the Sabre have more in common with the Invikta than the Amped Epic and S2. However, the handle on paddles like these are 1" longer than the Invikta. Any kind of elongated paddle will be better for mobility-limited people, but it's not going to make a massive difference. The big thing for mobility-limited people is to focus on strides and proper footwork on the court.

[@lizlemon9632]

@@PickleballKitchen A slight edge may indeed be significant.

[@nicksparrow2792]

Hi great video

[@advancedpickleballbro5787]

So bros.... now that time has passed, who is currently still using a long handle paddle ??

[@pkonyoutube]

Hi there, big fan of you and your videos. I recently got a prince response pro and it does everything better than my cheap gamma except top spin. In dink rallies I used to be able to step back and take a big swing that got the ball up and over the net and importantly back down before going out. With the prince i seem to hit into the net or long as it doesn’t seem to lift the ball or dip it back down. I’ve completely lost this weapon. The gamma fusion I had has no texture at all in the face, but seems better for top spin. What gives paddles more top spin potential? The gamma seems lower powered and generally puts more action on the ball. The gamma weighed 7.8 and the prince response pro weighs 8.2. I asked tennis warehouse to send me the heaviest in stock due to you saying it was head light and another player I respect saying they felt it was too light Would love a response before my 30 day return window runs out! Thanks!!

[@PickleballKitchen]

Hey there, thanks for watching the videos! This is a tough question to answer because I can't see your play and I've never played with the Gamma Fusion before. Overall though, your topspin comes from your technique. However, it sounds like you've got a pretty clear contrast between the two paddles. So it's probably that you're just not used to the paddle yet. Personally, I get plenty of topspin with my PRP. Here's what I would do: record video of yourself doing these topspin shots with both paddles. Try to slow the video down and watch what's going on. Compare the two. The PRP is definitely more head light and that can make a difference when it comes to spin depending on the way you swing at it. How long have you been using the PRP for?

[@pkonyoutube]

@@PickleballKitchen Thank you Sir. I've been using the Prince for a couple weeks now. My technique on the two should be the same. I think maybe the difference is the heavier weight of the prince -- it probably doesn't whip quite as fast and it also as more power. When I switch back tot he Gamma, it feels like I have more spin control and I notice it is definitely less powerful. Am thinking maybe asking for a lighter Prince and see what happens. maybe I was too used to 7.8 oz. What do you think? Any other ideas why?

[@lizlemon9632]

BTW: what is the weight of paddle?

[@PickleballKitchen]

7.7, but feels like an 8.0

[@lizlemon9632]

@@PickleballKitchen So do they have a lighter version?

[@PickleballKitchen]

Don't think so.

[@gregrishel4283]

Or save the earth , ....hmm., what to do?