Are Expensive Paddles Worth It? & Thoughts on New Paddles

[@PickleballStudio]

Don't forget to check out the new clips podcast channel in the description!

[@Camilles_YT]

Is the Volair machine 2 still your go to?

[@SN-95]

I come to Mega minnetonka quite often … is there any chance i can meet you or play together?

[@picklepractical]

100 episodes is huge! The content hasn’t taken a dip - keep it up, y’all!

[@wensdaypickleball]

Met Will in Chicago! I think I looked at him like 4 times before asking if he ran a KZbin channel. Couldn’t believe it was actually him haha. It was fun to get a game in together with him and his brother! Also I was told to comment Issac ain’t cutting it, we gotta get the real co-host back 😂

[@ernest4483]

the Ripple just got approved by USAPA for both tournament and rec play 👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥

[@MichaelLuft-o4b]

Based on your episode earlier this summer questioning if us rec players play better or make more errors with expensive paddles, I went out and purchased a Vatic prism almost half the price of my Ruby and the results were shocking. I had fewer errors, our points lasted longer and it has been more fun. I switched back for a single game after a month and was shocked how stiffer the Ruby was and less fun it was. I immediately went back to my Vatic and was happy with the results. Keep up the good work!

[@El_Guap]

Love Dong getting some love. He’s been working on the Ripple for like two years now. He’s a really good guy and a really smart guy. It’s nice to see him getting some attention.

[@Scotticus07]

More expensive paddle brands also contribute more to pickleball. They sponsor players and tournaments. They sponsor ambassadors and local events. They have more robust customer service and can handle more inquiries. In short, they have a significant presence in pickleball. Other companies like six zero and CRBN do all their own R&D and are investing in infrastructure to not be in the same pool of Chinese factories as other brands. Because they actually have these expenses, they also charge more for their paddles. Brands that slap a logo on a chinese paddle dont have R&D, marketing, customer service, and sponsorship expenses and can "race to the bottom" with their pricing. So from a micro view, it doesn't make much sense to buy a $200+ paddle when it comes to personal use of the technology. If you take a more macro view, some people might be willing to shell out some extra money to support the flagship brands. Different strokes for different folks!

[@PickleballStudio]

Definitely! The larger brands contribute a very significant amount to growth areas of Pickleball. That would have been a good topic as well. Our main focus was on value for consumer, but if you are talking value for the entire sport, those larger brands contribute quite a bit.

[@rickyfurukawa5047]

I was wondering y everything is about safety for the pro’s with today’s power paddles when they’re more skilled than us rec/competive players. I understand the financial implications but if the paddles r banned at the pro level y not carry it over at all levels. Yeah there is the debacle with that too 1:09:14

[@rusty935]

what is blud yapping about all bothered an all

[@twodubz2280]

Young and Townsend have been awesome to watch in mixed doubles. I’ve had fun watching them kick butt at the U.S. Open.

[@Mrscottyboy4]

101:35 “anything less than 5 inches in not particularly fun for me” that’s what she said!!!

[@dh317]

The camera angle in Vegas sucked. They showed a side view of the court most of the time. But the camera panned slightly left and right and zoomed in and out a bit. It was a recipe for sea sickness.

[@Fernaggio]

Donald Young and Taylor Townsend are in the Mixed Double finals!!

[@jaycohen5482]

Studio is Pro Level!!! Well done guys.

[@jerryw9303]

Hey Jay. Ru the guy they call Crazy Legs that plays in Ohio? That dude is a Class A guy.

[@jaycohen5482]

@@jerryw9303 No, but he's a good friend of mine.

[@PhoenixRugerRedBird]

Chris said " Anything under 5 inches isn't particularly fun for me". Pickleball Memes.....where you at? LOL

[@HeavyAndLow]

Great episode guys!

[@Zooweebob903]

I walked into my park with my new 11six24 control+ and had so many people laughing at it and thought it was a joke. The perception matters to most people like you both said. They were very surprised that it performed better than their big brand paddles that were twice as expensive.

[@HeavyAndLow]

I main the Monarch all-court. 11six24 is great.

[@tihollis]

I just ordered the Hurache x Control Kevlar to try out. Really excited about it, interesting there’s some snobbery toward it

[@kabob21]

Why would “so many people” be laughing at an 11six24 paddle? Never had anyone comment negatively on mine.

[@sam-yau]

I was there and played at the Font PPA event, the lighting was actually perfectly fine, arguably more pleasing and more uniform than needing to wear a hat to deal with sun glare. Playing in air conditioning was GLORIOUS. The event space is enormous, you could lob as high as you want and not worry about hitting the ceiling. Shot selection itself was much higher level because players can be that much more precise without conditions like wind. Now for the cons - the courts were atrocious. Bounces were low and fast, there were obvious seams between the big plastic square blocks underneath the sandpaper surface itself, and the ball simply wouldn’t bounce if it hits those gaps. The surface, like you mentioned, had wrinkles that would also completely ruin bounce. Luckily it seems like the two center courts had better quality control, but definitely room for improvement. The court surface was so high grit and rough that it ate balls alive. Overall, it was actually quite a pleasing event, they just need to solve for the court surface itself for future events.

[@Syndrome88]

The hudef comes in a limited lifetime warranty. For 170 I think it's a steal

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

I know the Maverix Havik line with its hexagon shape doesn't get any love and I didn't like it at first until I got tennis elbow from another elongated paddle and when I switched back to the Havik, that really help with my tennis elbow. I been using the Havik 15 and just recently went back to the 16 and wow I fell in love with it again because of the control & still maintain the power & spin.

[@brentnguyen4931]

@PickleballStudio did you guys like the r1 version or r2 version more for the Ronbhus Ripple?

[@fratersol]

Honolulu pickleball company should win best paddle company of the year!

[@Pickleballdad]

Great update on Donald Young US Open Mixed double semifinal go Donald and Taylor Townsend!!

[@steveolivares8746]

Love the podcast guys. I enjoying hearing your insight on the paddle topic. With that being said, I used to think that paddles don’t make that much of a difference. That was until I played with the Joola MOD. I’m a 2.5 at best and this paddle had great pop and it was significantly easier to add top spin. Totally changed my game.

[@HeavyAndLow]

I hate playing against that freaking paddle. It's a bazooka. What throws me off is you can take a soft swing and I'm expecting the result to be a slower ball and then it comes at me like a bullet. Took one to the forehead recently. Scary paddle.

[@steveolivares8746]

@@HeavyAndLow What a relief. I was seeing the same thing with that paddle. Totally threw me off when I was playing against people using that paddle. I thought it was my eyes for a sec lol. I totally agree with you. This paddle is nasty!

[@steveolivares8746]

@@HeavyAndLow I’m glad I’m not the only one who is experiencing that. I thought my eyes were bad, but it looks like that’s not the case lol.

[@joem6010]

I just ordered some more Jet Mach 3s for 20% off and then another 25% off over the Labor Day weekend. $89/pair. They are still on sale for just a bit longer.... probably ends today sometime.

[@silverdc5]

what tge code?

[@HM-gm1kn]

Good to see the main host back

[@josephdragotta1485]

You guys should try Montis shoes. I play very frequently and also have a tendency to break through shoes. These shoes have lasted me and they’re only $109

[@noahsugarman8434]

watched ALW score 20 straight points in atlanta recently, after going down 7-2 in singles semis. She's also one of the youngest and can continue to evolve even when the field gets better

[@Iam4lpha]

I love the content, one thing I noticed this pod. Every time you guys touch the desk there’s a huge “thud” being captured by the mics… keep up the good work.

[@vito3845]

You can control your own cold plunge by filling up your tub using frozen water bottles

[@El_Guap]

One last thing since you guys know the people at Melin. Tell them to bring back the cream colored gum, special edition hats. They did it with the black ones. But I lost one of my cream ones and I need another one. They are the most sought after color on eBay.

[@donnatillman8034]

Experienced the "Rec Royalty" syndrome this week. Walkin' in with that new Selkirk. Avoiding the open stacks with our 'plebian paddles.' Bro got stomped...

[@bryanyee7]

How is the soft game (dinking, drop shotting, resetting against hard shots from the transition zone) with the Ripple? Asking as a 4.0 ish player.

[@theoniii]

Will picked up on this... Your content is making many people ball player (rec Level) sad and or nervous will all the paddle and rule drama. Wish you the best of luck.

[@BitsofLife2]

Can you talk about which paddle is the most used by the pros and why? It seems like the Selkirk power air is used the most but I am not totally sure.

[@foot_fault]

Still using Vatic Prisms! Price is great, paddle is great, Owner is great!

[@TroyWilliamsYouTube]

Same here!

[@apers5do]

You can try Huarache. Similar price, better paddle imo

[@modified93tc]

Which one? I like the hybrid shape and the 11six24 control ➕ is too powerful for me. Love the prism flash

[@apers5do]

@@modified93tc if you’re happy, then no need to change. I personally like the control+ because its power. But Monarch All court looks like a beast for control

[@zeruth467]

@@apers5doyou have to take into account swing weights when saying a paddle is “better” than others. Ideally if all pros could have crazy low swing weights, with outstanding TW and power, they would go with that but they have to have a trade off

[@kimleith1378]

Gotta say the black background took away form the paddles. The black/pink on Chris's side looked odd to me. Lighting and clarity was great on you guys. I'm looking forward the the Nexus ProStar with the TI face and foam filed cells. Like the segment on cheap vs expensive. I play with a guy who plays with the first Franklin that Ben Johns came on the scene with. The guy is a beast

[@sam-yau]

59:08 What a cool idea for content! A "blind taste test" for paddles would be incredibly fun to watch!

[@SimoneFan-c9b]

I may be late to submitting my comment, however.... When considering how great Ben John's is/was, I think that one very important fact to consider is that playing with Simone for those first years when Ben was transitioning into the player that he became. Simone is/was not only. a great player but remember she is also a great coach.....

[@El_Guap]

One thing I would say is that as you get older and have more injuries, you look for paddles to fill out those deficits. Have you have a chronic shoulder injury and can’t generate power, a power paddle is nice. You learned to have soft hands. If you can find a paddle that does both amazing.

[@jekpapa]

Are you telling me the VP V7 carbon fiber elongated will play as well as my Engage Pursuit Pro 6.0 elongated? If so I’ll try it but I’m skeptical.

[@jesturcastillo]

Isaac is pretty cool. glad he's doing the pod with you Chris. Soo why do you have the Adidas paddle up on your wall, i thought you hated it lol

[@lee-kt5zt]

I was wondering if you could tell me the difference in your opinion on the new Annalee waters, paddle with the long handle and engage pro s1 paddle when comparing power and control. I am looking at the new ALWC paddle, but won’t power and control. With the a LWC paddle be a good all court paddle that still has good control, good power and pop, ? PS I am currently playing with the Honolulu Pickleball Company J2 carbon fiber paddle.

[@kabnis2022]

Been playing with the Vatic Prism V7. No plans really to stop anytime soon.

[@ernest4483]

Another great content and podcast gentlemen, I was interested in Versix Vector XL but I like the blue colorway it's the Genie Bouchard signature

[@AustinBWH]

HEY! Whats the status on the proton series 3? Where the review? -is the core really proprietary? what carbon face do they have? is it not the T700? What aerospace carbon is it?

[@alexandercochran806]

Did yall play with the 14 or 16mm ronbus? R2 shape played against last night and it was nice. Key with the joolas mod is 16mm was hard to control. 14mm much more natural. Wondering if ripple is the same.

[@Zooweebob903]

Your recent reviews pushed me to switch from the Ruby to the Hurache Control+ 14mm. Needless to say I have zero regrets. At $50 less!

[@fjg8340]

Great choice, the 14mm is tough at times though. Better hit sweet spot every time 😅

[@Zooweebob903]

@@fjg8340 added 3g at 4 & 8 o’clock and it feels so much better while staying quick in the hand.

[@TheCrimson7272]

How long have you had it? Im concerned after core breaking my Joola after 3 months

[@Zooweebob903]

@@TheCrimson7272 I’ve only played about 5 hours with it and haven’t had any issues. I’m not a pure banger so I’ve never run into core crushing issues. I believe many of the newer paddles out now don’t run into those issues as much. I know JOOLA has a track record of poor QA so it might just be that. I’ve yet to hear anyone have real gripes with 11six24.

[@ShadyGemini]

In your vanguard invikta review you mentioned hisk rav pro. I picked one up for $50 I think it's pretty good, but it would be cool to see a review through your process, because I have so little experience using other paddles and I'm really curious where its performance sits in comparison to all the expensive paddles that I have on my wish list after watching so many reviews.

[@splendidbugle]

Question for the mega pod coming soon. How would you compare the gen2 Perseus against the gen3s/mod ta-15 Perseus?

[@matts2287]

Hype channel I been using the Temu Perseus. Been a good paddle so far

[@Whoareyou654]

Some time a new paddle that comes out have a bigger effect in the category, like 2022 joola Hyperion 16 csf Ben johns , there was a big step in paddle touch,and still improved pop, but these big improvements are not common. So some times it worth he money but most the time not.

[@Thanhphong]

How's the versix compare to the hurache?

[@jcsirls]

Cracked up at “PP updates”

[@AustinLNale]

I have small hands (thanks mom!) & am very sensitive to grip shape. Are there any particular paddles that have a more rounded (bevels are less noticeable) handle? Thanks! Looking at pictures of the Hudef Viva Pro, their grip looks possible rounder

[@KC-th2sb]

You didnt mention that Hudef paddles have a lifetime warranties. Even on their sub $100 paddles.

[@PickleballStudio]

Ah you are right! Good catch.

[@MrSupersayian777]

As far as durable shoes ive been using the way of wade fission 9's . Very light. but feels like tanks on my feet.

[@gkillmaster]

Great discussion! Thanks so much. Maybe you all can do a top 3 paddles this year? (since I heard a mention of it :) )

[@El_Guap]

I just want to tell you guys you guys do such a good job explaining why people shouldn’t be spending a lot of money on paddles. Sadly, nobody who doesn’t wanna spend too much on a paddle is probably not gonna listen to this podcast or on discord It’s just us nerds and we have to share the information you give us with other people we play with. Somebody in my club the other day asked if I was the pro, because I’ve learned so much about paddles from you guys and I’m just trying to disseminate good information. Like I told her “ I’m just single and bored so I spent too much time on Pickleball and technology and I like to tinker”

[@beewear122]

Where can we find this golden pickle vid?

[@Instalou]

24:21 after working with PPA reps at our own site visits, they do their due diligence on sites, lights, and surfaces. They’ve learned a lot from a couple bad experiences.

[@shawnwsl]

what are the companies that are jumpingg on the titanium surface?

[@kris2fur64]

Congrats on the house and the studio. Something about the background is throwing me off. The wooden closet doors paired with the pink lighting on the white slated wall is odd.

[@andystar2736]

So is the ronbus ripple a elongated paddle? I thought it was a hybrid shape

[@jedhayes8856]

Which hats are you wearing and do you have a new Melin code?

[@deaconbleus8396]

My wife and I really enjoy your channel and watch it all the time., and l especially when you do paddle reviews. We have purchased paddles based on your testing recommendations and we have not been been disappointed. We have a couple of questions we would love to hear your thoughts on. Back when you tested the Legacy paddle you really liked it. My wife LOVES hers. We are older (50+) and 3.5) but my wife is a pretty big hitter, so the Legacy was perfect for her. She will probably get another but they seem to have dropped of the map. I cannot find anything on them regarding new paddles or really any news. Are they going out of business, developing new paddles? Could you give us an update? Also I would dearly love to see you do a test on the Diadem's Hush paddle. I am considering it for myself, I currently using a Selkirk Vangard (power) which was good at the start, but after 8 months of steady play it has lost power and grit, very disappointing. Thank you very much, and keep up the good work, its not just kids (nothing personal lol) who watch your channel.

[@alanpranke3299]

Get the Hush. I have tested many, many paddles, and the Hush is the most unique paddle I've ever used in 7+ years. John Kew described it as dangerously powerful, But especially for us older, slower players, power has benefits. I have found that many shots that are outside of my comfort zone (reaches, late motion) now make it over the net. The control is phenomenal. I do not find it overpowering on serves.

[@ocelotarmory]

@PickleballStudio If i were to come up to Minnesota to play some pb near you, where would be the best place to play some 4.5+ pb?

[@SN-95]

Staring Lake Eden Prairie for open free play… gud players come there Or Mega Minnetonka..

[@svenjorgensonjorgenson709]

So are the new Halo Power/Control gen 3’s? Or just good gen 2’s?

[@Bilbojackson]

Halo Control is still gen 1. Halo Power is gen 2 thermoformed.

[@dasurfr131]

We need another melin code please!

[@El_Guap]

Dude; I "lent" one of my paddles ($280 retail... hesacore $25... $10 of tungsten... Prolite edge guard tape $4... fresh overgrip) and she was like "can I keep it a couple more weeks?" Bro! That was my main paddle! I am just worried she might leave it somewhere or someone will steal it!

[@billkennedy401]

Unfortunately, the 16mm Ripple won't be seen till October-ish

[@doubletee2546]

I think we need an upgrade to the podcast graphic!

[@domdomayee]

I think companies like bread & butter make their prices worth it with packaging, presentation customer support etc. vs I saw someone on reddit get a proton ($250+) that showed up bubble wrapped in an envelope 😂😭

[@craigb3922]

How do we get the discount on the Versix?

[@shawnwsl]

i am thinking if i should get BnB loco/shogun or filth

[@MJDGator]

My ankles and wrists hurt for about the first 2 to 2.5 minutes. Then it mostly goes away. I usually do 5 minutes.

[@terogan]

Shogun is $190 and $161.50 with ambassador code.

[@zachcarmichael699]

Best bang for the buck overall is the Garye Pro XL. Gen 2, T700 carbon fiber, edge foam, etc. for $50. No warranty, but most of these companies only give you like 3-6 months anyway and thermoformed paddles typically are built like tanks. I'd be comfortable going into a tournament with it if that's what I had to play with.

[@jppbkm]

Is it approved for tourney play though?

[@DipenPatelPB]

Hope cap discount code coming back with 100th episode!

[@Natedavis4444]

Minimum of 11 min a week 👍🏽 doesn’t matter how many days out of the week you do it as long as you hit the 11min mark…Sauna min 58 min a week.

[@YesSir-hk9ys]

After buying the Pro Power, never going back 🕺

[@NJCheenz2388]

Quick question, would you guys have the next CRBN review come out on release day? Whenever it comes out lol I feel like we'll have GTA6 before the next CRBN lol

[@MattyRut2922]

You’re not going to give away 100 of the new CBRN paddles during the next episode… got it… wink wink. (I can’t wait to win the new ‘not’ CBRN paddle!)

[@panamaslim595]

Thoughts on the Head Radical Nite paddle

[@crestnut]

When is the ripple coming out??

Big fan of the channel and podcast. I'm an authorized Sony and Samsung dealer and I would sell you a TV at my cost if I could get a plug!

[@BlGSac]

I think a lot of people don't realize that Pro Tennis Players who play pickleball or switched to pickleball can still hang in Tennis. Sam Querrey rarely wins in Pickleball but he will crush anyone in Tennis, Jack Sock, Donald Young, we love to shit on Genie Bouchard but she's still pretty good.

[@WhatTheFPS]

replacing shoes after 3 months is crazy, maybe it's because he's tall and puts a lot more force on the shoes compared to shorter people.

[@alphabike]

How about a review of the Neonic flow

[@keeeystone]

How does the Halo Power compare to the Power Air?

[@Bilbojackson]

I have used both. I am a 4.5 player. Both have really good power. The Halo is a lot easier to control though because it is thermoformed carbon fiber. I love the counter punch ability they both give me, but I feel like I get more control and placement with my halo. I can reset much better with it also. If you play with the power air you will love the additional things above I mentioned that the halo gives you!

[@DrDinks-po8jr]

When she asks you what you're packing: 36:21-36:28

[@Dy1pickel]

I buy the best because I want the best. I don’t necessarily care about cost; I care about what the company is contributing to the space as well as the looks and quality of the paddle. I could sit on my ass and say it’s free but at the end of the day a nice expensive chair is preferred. Spend money on what matters to you; it’s relative and different for everyone.

[@lealyk5815]

The best is not necessarily the most expensive

[@Dy1pickel]

@@lealyk5815 true, same can be said for the cheapest with exception that it is never the best.

[@zinzander2978]

The thing is you could be paying twice as much and not getting the best. Then you’re just a brand whore / chump who buys into a few colours.

[@kabob21]

@@lealyk5815 Fr, look at the Selkirk Labs paddles, $333 for yesterday’s tech

[@SN-95]

Best doesnt mean Costly. That philosophy wont work most of the times

[@kevinrogers304]

So gruvn lazrx or the brb shogun

[@zaf7819]

Obviously you guys can play with any paddle you want regardless of retail cost, what paddles do you guys play with and why?

[@PickleballStudio]

@@zaf7819 I hit so many recently that I don’t really have one. But ones I’ve been enjoying: Volair Forza Mach 2 16mm Spartus Olympus 11six24 Monarch All Court 11six24 Jelly Bean 16mm.

[@mikeshapiro74]

@@PickleballStudioi have the Jellybean as well. Can I ask how you set it up or arev you just playing it as stock?

[@DianSusiana98]

In general, the high price of the paddle has irreplaceable, such as core or lifetime warranty and so on, if you want that you need to spend money. Otherwise you can buy a lot of paddles of the same type.

[@ocelotarmory]

Im an avid listener on Spotify, is there a way I can support you from there?

[@dinkly_rex]

Selkirk is not 100% made in US for sure. They just assembled the paddles in US.

[@lazyhusband]

Dude. Which Melin hat is that?

[@jedhayes8856]

Wondering the same thing and do you still have a savings code?

[@PickleballStudio]

Both of us are wearing one that came out a month or two ago. Should be the Odyssey Rope Bulls Icon. I don’t have a code active right now, but should in the near future.

[@trihan1]

Guyz, There are currently over 1,800 paddle brands with USAP-approved paddles. Consolidation in the market seems inevitable. My questions are: when do you anticipate the number of brands will begin to decline, and what catalysts do you believe could accelerate this process? Thank you, and kudos on the podcast.

[@fratersol]

Next year due to the pricing change to get paddles certified. 150k plus 15k for each paddle will drive 90% out the market.

[@dh317]

CRBN....damn!😂

[@BH-qd4yb]

CRBN is da best! 3X is my fave! 🥊

[@JSTN17_]

Did yall switch hats in the thumbnail 😂

[@theBattungFamily]

The kitchen is closed 🤣