Vatic Pro Prism Flash & Prism V7 Review: Competes With The Best

[@spacegazette4781]

This is a great video. Unlike 99% of other videos you had actual audio of how the prism flash sounds when hitting the ball. It definitely has a muted sound, more then I think some people expect when they buy the "control" paddle.

[@stspickleball]

Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback. Thanks for the good vibes and taking the time to comment 😊😊

[@gaiusgracchus7475]

We had a Vatic Prism Flash 14mm. It started out great - really responsive and nice spin. Control was fine originally. However, after about 3 months it started to go dead - the sound even changed to more of a thud and the ball started to go everywhere but where you want it to go. I am seeing why the warranty is only 90 days. Switched to a Six Zero Double Black Diamond 14mm, which has been a fantastic paddle. Hopefully it will last longer.

[@stspickleball]

Six Zero is a much higher quality brand. Yes Vatic paddles are known to have delamination issues. You made a wonderful choice!

[@lazyhusband]

I thought these are non-thermoformed and can’t delaminate?

[@ralph7077]

@@lazyhusbandgood question

[@ashevillescarborough]

Nice! Wish there was a bit more comparison with the ronbus paddle line as well..good work!

[@stspickleball]

Thank you very much! I'll note that down I appreciate the feedback!

[@timothynguyen1282]

Best channel for analyses and production in Pickleball, hands down.

[@stspickleball]

Wow thank you so much I really appreciate this! 😊

[@FlowJunkie65]

Awesome review of an awesome paddle offered at an awesome price. Love my Prism Flash 16mm.

[@ginjavision4058]

I’ve had a totally different experience with the sweet spot in the Vatic prism flash. A friend agrees, and he’s a Vatic rep. But my previous paddles were more forgiving with contact errors - CRBN2, CRBN 1x and Engage Pursuit MX Pro 6.0. Cross-court dinking has not been great with this paddle. But I love the relative softness and low swing weight. I need to try adding lead tape to the neck and see if that improves things.

[@stspickleball]

Yeah I think lead tape really helps on the neck with this paddle for sure. And that's very interesting! I found the prism flash to have a slightly better sweet spot. Particularly side to side not a huge difference vertically.

[@ThomasVMan]

Comments about the large sweet spot on the Vatic Prism Flash was one of the main reasons I bought it. But my experience is much like yours, I didn't feel the sweet spot was anywhere near as good as the Paddletek Wave Pro I'm currently playing. I'm not sure if the Vatic needs a break-in period? I will continue to use it, hoping that I adjust to it, but the first day I played with it, I have to be honest, I wasn't very impressed.

[@stspickleball]

@@ThomasVMan Dang man how interesting either a solid breakin (always helps) or contact them and get another. Their customer service is solid.

[@ginjavision4058]

@@ThomasVMan 4 weeks later, the paddle seems better now. I guess a break-in period was needed. But I can’t say the sweet spot is amazing.

[@ThomasVMan]

@@stspickleball I've been using the Flash exclusively for the past 7 days (about 5 hours per day) and the Flash has really grown on me. I'm playing so much better with the Vatic Flash that I'm making it my go-to paddle. I do think that it is playing better with some break-in. 👍

[@KhaotiXPro]

How would you compare the Prism to the original Ronbus R1.16 offerings?

[@stspickleball]

Prism flash is going to be more powerful and a bit poppier off the face. V7 is very similar to the 1.16. I think the sweet spot for me in my testing was a bit better on the prism flash out of the 3, I have a video on the 1.16 on my channel if you wanna check it out! It's the first video I did if you go to my channel! If you have any other questions please let me know!

[@jamesguiab7453]

@@stspickleball what spin, control, power, and sweetspot score would you give for the ronbus R1.16

[@ArunasLatvenas]

Do you recommend little bit of lead tape on the flash version? If yes where would you placed it. Thanks

[@stspickleball]

I do! I think 1 5 inch strip of 1g/in lead tape placed on the bottom two corners is awesome! Adds some stability and a little weight. Enhances the sweet spot and doesn't deter hand speed like it would on the top. I would start the tape right before the curve and have the majority of it come up the sides.

[@calvinkan133]

Did you test the 14mm or the 16mm for the Prism Flash? Thank for the review. Especially like the comparisons to the Joola paddles as reference.

[@stspickleball]

Thank you! Yeah being able to compare them helps alot. I try and think about when I was a viewer the things I would have wanted to understand. I reviewed the 16mm! I much prefer the 16mm over the 14mm for sure.

[@danpiedra3910]

I find it interesting how everyone thinks the GEN2 RCF paddles that are unibody, thermo-formed, etc, are the solution to taking one from 3.0-5.0. There seems to be too much emphasis on power and spin when what most recreational players need is control, particularly for resets at the net and at the transition zone. That being the case I find GEN1 RCF paddles like the Flash, CRBN 1, etc., are perfect for that. However, each to his own. If power is what you want, look elsewhere. If control is what you want, this is a great paddle and the price could not be better.

[@stspickleball]

100% agree here I could not have said it better myself. I think there are alot of people that do need more power in the recreational scene. But If you have power I think the thermoformed craze is a bit overhyped. They are both just different tools and have their pros and their cons.

[@danpiedra3910]

@@stspickleball Exactly ... watch any 6.0+ level pro and it is evident that you don't win with power. You win with resets, blocks, and dinking. Many winners come from setting up pop ups and from well positioned shots on angles that do not require power. Pickleball is not tennis - you don't win by overpowering your opponent with drives from the baseline.

[@halohawkxx]

​@danpiedra3910 this is very true! I've been steadily drilling to better my game, especially due to a newer paddle I'm currently using. My only power shots are either cross court passings, if I (or my partner) get my opponent in a bad spot. Thanks to a lot of singles and tennis, I've developed a nice cross pass as necessary. The other option I use for power is my serve for one specific reason; it very much so generates a lot of advantage for the entire point. Granted, i don't do it every time since if they adjust to it midgame, then it loses its oomph factor. But when I pull it out now and again, it's an extremely powerful threat that can either: End Points on the Return (even against some 5.0s), or force a very bad return to dictate pace and angles for the entire point. Thus forcing the opponents into a defensive game most of the time.

[@danpiedra3910]

@@halohawkxx agreed! If you look at the pros, they rarely win points on outright power. They set up plays with control to put away shots.

[@adamjohnson3779]

The power is in the arm.

[@komplex7564]

Your thoughts on the prism flash 14mm? Right now I have the R1 pulsar. Do you think the 14mm is better for singles?

[@stspickleball]

For singles I would grab a 14mm forza. Check out my video on that! That is an incredible singles paddle.

[@kimleith1378]

Love my Flash 16mm. Got it on Pre-Order after they "tweaked" the molding process, not knowing the Prism would be coming out. My loss. Curious on if you've found a big difference between the Prism and Flash.?

[@stspickleball]

I'd say the original flash has more pop and more power and the prism is that sort of in between of gen 1 raw carbon fiber and thermoformed so it will have just a bit less pop and power. So if you're having a hard time with resets or popups I think it's a great choice. If not I think you can stick with your original flash :) Spin is pretty much the same too! Just cheaper and less pop / power :)

[@760Piper]

Any comparison to the Ronbus offerings? Thanks!

[@stspickleball]

V7 is going to be almost the exact same as R1.16 just a little more power and pop. Prism flash is sort of an in between of the pulsars and the 1.16. I'd go pulsar if you want a bit more power, 1.16 if you want more feel and soft shots off the face and the flash if you want something in between. I'd say about the same thing with the v7 but it has a bit more feel than the flash, and flash if you value something that's basically solid at everything and has a solid sweet spot. If you have any other questions let me know! I'm

[@scotttesar7156]

I gave away my Ronbus R1.16 after hitting the Prism Flash, and then bought the Prism V7 to compare against the Prism Flash... the P-Flash feels more like a singles paddle and P-V7 feels more like a doubles paddle, for me personally... I "tip" more balls with the P-Flash into the net, but the larger sweet-spot of the P-V7 has it ranked as my favorite paddle.. both feel solid, controlled, power-on-demand, and SPIN OUT THE WAZOO, though....one can't really go wrong with either, it's a matter of your game and personal preference as to what one prefers... At the price-point, one can comfortably buy BOTH and enjoy them for their respective "performance personalities", but for me, I prefer the forgiveness of the P-V7 shape and extra defensive capabilities it affords.... Haven't hit the Selkirk Labs 006, but at just under $100 compared to just over $300, my money is on the Prism V7, with the Prism Flash as my backup paddle.... but BOTH Vatic Pro Prism models are GAME-CHANGING WINNERS and HUGE values for the money.....

[@760Piper]

@@scotttesar7156 Thanks man. Appreciate your insight into both paddles and thanks for taking the time to respond.

[@EaglesXsandOs]

Just got my second paddle ever, upgraded from a Head Extreme Elite to the Prism V7. What do you think are the biggest differences I will see?

[@stspickleball]

You will notice around 700 more rpm of spin, it's going to have a higher swing weight so might be a touch slower at the kitchen and for hand battles but it's going to drive the ball harder and it's going to have much harder serves. I think you're going to love it! Thats a huge upgrade for not alot of money I think you're going to be very happy.

[@EaglesXsandOs]

@@stspickleball That's awesome, just subscribed! Wondering if you do only equipment videos or actual gameplay/training tips too?

[@stspickleball]

@@EaglesXsandOs If that's something you wanna see I can start doing that for sure!

[@bellazoe1]

Would you highly recommend the prism flash for singles which is what I mostly play? If not what’s your top singles paddle

[@stspickleball]

What's your power game like do you value power over anything else? What's your top priority right now in singles?

[@bellazoe1]

@@stspickleball power isn’t important I can generate it on my own and I’m a location player I’m skilled

[@stspickleball]

@@bellazoe1 what do you prioritize the most what are you wanting out of a paddle?

[@bellazoe1]

@@stspickleballfeel location. Hand speed important. Don’t like long handles

[@stspickleball]

@@bellazoe1 honestly yeah I'd go with a prism flash or a double black diamond then. I want to recommend an R3 pulsar but it might be a little soft for feel location for you.

[@matthewrmelgar]

can you so a review on the pro model?

[@stspickleball]

I will eventually but there’s a ton of new paddles to get to first 😂 mainly the difference is going to be more power and pop, but! Keep in mind Vatic has had some issues with delaminating and crushed cores pretty consistently. I’d check out my new top 5 power paddle video if you’re looking for more power / pop and skip the Vatic Pro models personally

[@pelton21]

Usually people say the V7 has a bit more pop and power due to the slightly higher weight, it seems you are saying the opposite in this video? I ordered the Flash though and excited to check it out

[@stspickleball]

The V7 does feel a bit more head heavy so I could see that being why. I see it as if I want to play around with weighting I can always add lead tape. For me the pop and the power comes down to how hot it feels off the face when I'm applying force and when I'm stationary on defensive plays / resets and only taking that into account the flash just felt a bit more powerful and poppy to me. If you want to add a bit more head weight you can add a little lead tape to the top for that extra swing weight!

[@basanth599]

Thank you for the info... Ordered flash prism

[@stspickleball]

You’re very welcome!

[@YellowRice101]

What are the differences in the 16mm vs 14mm prism flash?

[@stspickleball]

16 is going to be more forgiving and a bit more plush off the face, 14mm will be a bit more rigid off the face, have a touch more power, and will be a bit less forgiving :)

[@jdrumz321ify]

Currently I have an Onix Z5 Graphite and it’s just too loud…my ears have been ringing. I also don’t feel like I have great control with it. Is the Prism Flash going to be an improvement in both departments being that it’s thicker?

[@stspickleball]

It will be but as of recently I've been really enjoying the Ballr Pro. Check out my review on that one. Incredible control paddle.

[@Woopigmavs]

Great review! How do you feel the prism flash compares to more expensive paddles like the 11six24 hurache x or DBD? I’m in the market for a control paddle and trying to decide if the other paddles are worth an extra $50-100 over the prism flash.

[@stspickleball]

Only certain paddles are worth more money. In my opinion the prism flash is a little outdated, I do prefer the Monarchs, J2K, J2Ti, and even the Versix Vector XL are all great options at lower more affordable prices 😊 and they have a more premium experience than the prisms in my opinion.

[@Woopigmavs]

@@stspickleball Thanks I appreciate the response! I ended up choosing the monarch jellybean over the prism because it seems like a bit more updated of a design with the multi material layered face. Big fan of it so far - so quick in the hand and big improvement in control over my old Franklin signature paddle.

[@stspickleball]

@@Woopigmavs love this! Great decision. Enjoy your new paddle!

[@Rawrlene91]

Did the Vatic prism pro hood up or delaminate like some people say online?

[@stspickleball]

I would go with a Neonic personally watch my video on that at this price point!

[@mbmb8397]

Hi ! By the way i love your chanel ! Between a Vatic flash 14mm and 16, wich one is better ? Thank you

[@stspickleball]

I’d skip both and grab a Honolulu J2K or a Spartus Apollo go watch my reviews on them! Much more current and better all around.

[@mikecheung4670]

Just discovered pickle ball and doing my research on YT when I stumbled on your channel. Production of your vids look top notch btw. Quick question as a beginner which is a better all round paddle, the Vatic Pro Prism v7 16mm or the CRBN2 16mm square. Looking to buy one today and there’s a lot of people saying Vatic is great value for money but I can only get the Prism v7 in the UK but slightly worried about the elongated shape and heavier paddle.

[@stspickleball]

I think the prism v7 is solid but if I was a beginner (and honestly even now I'm experimenting a lot with more control shaped paddles) I'd go with a more square shaped paddle for sure. I have a code with CRBN you can save a little with STSPICKLEBALL there too. So elongated paddles are going to be more power oriented, hybrid paddles will be a bit of a blend of power and control, and more square paddles or standard shaped paddles will be more control oriented. Standard paddles have a massive sweet spot and don't feel nearly as rigid or punishing as elongated paddles. I actually use a GRUVN MUVN 13S right now a ton and am loving it. It's a 13mm standard shaped paddle and GRUVN is known for their really plush feel. They also have a GRUVN RAW-16V which will feel alot like a CRBN 2 but just quite a bit cheaper. I think I'd recommend not getting the V7. I would recommend if you like the look of the CRBN and money isn't an issue you could go that route, if you like the look of the RAW 16V and want to save some money I'd go that route, and if you want something a bit more unique that has some fast hand potential and power potential but also maintains some insane control potential I'd snag a GRUVN MUVN 13S. And if you're still confused on what you should get between the 16V and the 13S I would just analyze if you like something more plush and soft (16V) or something a touch more firm (13S) and then make your decision there.

[@DavidAmbrico]

I’m a new player and wondering if 16mm or 14mm flash would be a better choice?

[@stspickleball]

16mm but I would say to check out my new video on the Neonic paddle. I think that's the best paddle you can get for this price right now for sure.

[@DavidAmbrico]

@@stspickleball bummer. Last night I ordered the Vatic 14mm flash. because of your enthusiasm for it. I just watched your review of the neonic and wished I had gotten that instead.

[@LAToro187]

Great review. I´ve been researching paddles that I can grow into (I consider myself advanced beginner to intermediate player) without breaking the bank. The Vatic Pro Prism is at the top of the list, but after seeing some of your other reviews, would the Hudef Viva Pro Gen 2 be a better option for $20 more? And would you recommend the Prism line over the non-Prism line from Vatic given the same pricing difference?

[@stspickleball]

Prism line is better than non prism in my opinion. Vatic does have a lot of delamination issues though. I would definitely recommend the Hudef Viva Pro Gen 2 over the vatic prism series. It’s fully thermoformed and a gen 2 paddle, something that you can grow into for sure 😊

[@LAToro187]

@@stspickleball Thanks for the reply. I went down the paddle ¨rabbit hole¨ and decided on a Ronbus Pulsar R1. Given the similar price point as the Hudef (due to Black Friday deal), and the reviews (yours inclusive), it was a no-brainer.

[@stspickleball]

@@LAToro187 love it that’s a wonderful paddle you’ll be very happy with it!

[@hatchpickleball4147]

Hey dude, would you rather play with the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm or the Volair Mach 2 Forza 16mm? I am a control-oriented player and I have always enjoyed plush and spin with my paddles. Which one would you say is better and why?

[@stspickleball]

Volair Mach 2 Forza no questions asked

[@jimjarvis1600]

Great content you're putting out! Much appreciated. BTW, what is the name and location of that pickleball facility you're playing in?! That place is LEGIT nice !!

[@stspickleball]

Pickleball Kingdom in Chandler, AZ :) Thank you so much! I really appreciate that. I put a ton of time and love into all of it so that really means a lot to me.

[@peggymorrissey4559]

Heard they may be coming to New Jersey!

[@najib19nawas]

Just got my vatic pro prism flash today - one side is rough to the touch while the other side is smooth… is that normal?

[@stspickleball]

No that is not normal I'd email them!

[@paulngo143]

What should be normal? Both sides rough?

[@najib19nawas]

@@paulngo143 rough on both sides

[@suechan9063]

wheres the link for the discount?

[@stspickleball]

In the description use discount code STSPICKLEBALL at checkout ☺️

[@ShakkN]

What do you think of this compared to the Volair Mach 1? What paddle are you currently using?

[@stspickleball]

For me right now it's a rotation of the Forza, Double Black Diamond, and MUVN 13S. I am still analyzing what I would choose if I had to pick one. It's a tough decision man.

[@LSUfan]

How do you determine your so in four figures?

[@stspickleball]

?

[@budmidgett3812]

Used your discount code and have a flash on the way. Thanks for the video and the discount.

[@stspickleball]

Heck yeah!!! Enjoy my friend 😎

[@stspickleball]

Also thank you!!

[@EricShapiro-wx5ju]

Did I miss the code in The video?

[@stspickleball]

@@EricShapiro-wx5ju if you did it’s always in the description too! STSPICKLEBALL is the code

[@devinneuweiler8961]

Another great video!

[@stspickleball]

Thanks homie!

[@HowieWowie424]

Just subbed to your channel. Great content in your vids with all the important info. Do you prefer the Prism Flash over the original higher tier Flash? Aside from being “Thermo-Formed vs Thermo-Foamed” and the original costing $40 more, are there any differences performance wise between the two? I’m debating which version to purchase. Thanks

[@stspickleball]

Original flash is gonna be a bit more powerful for sure. I honestly prefer this one. I think the balance of control without being specifically thermoformed is awesome man. I'd highly recommend the prism flash 100%

[@jdurrant421]

Would you recommend the flash or should I go with the v7 as a beginner. Great content. Thanks for putting out learning videos.

[@stspickleball]

@@jdurrant421 hmm I'd either go with the flash (less head heavy and better sweet spot) or I'd go with the new GRUVN MUVN 13S. I'm going to be recommending this one a lot as the sweet spot is amazing and it's super fast in the hands and just feels amazing overall. If I was just starting I'd choose one of those two.

[@tagTEAM53]

I’ve essentially decided the first paddle I’m going to buy to get into the sport is a prism flash. Do you reccomend 16 or 14mm and why?! Thanks!!

[@stspickleball]

I would definitely recommend a Spartus Apollo or a Honolulu J2K over these now days! I’d say if it’s your first paddle go with the 16mm 😊 but definitely check out my review of those other paddles!

[@tagTEAM53]

@@stspickleball thanks will do!

[@notouchycompanyllc8865]

The promo code is only $10 off not $20?

[@stspickleball]

Thanks fixed! Typo in the description

[@robedwards6926]

Are they uni-body?

[@stspickleball]

It is indeed! But I think I would recommend a Ballr Pro or a Double Black Diamond over it right now!

[@robedwards6926]

@@stspickleball Really, what in your testing makes you recommend the Ballrpro over it?

[@stspickleball]

@@robedwards6926 Mostly just the feel of the ball off the face. The Ballr pro feels a bit softer off the face which has been really nice for the soft game etc. But the longer handle gives it a really solid ripper feel for drives and serves etc. :)

[@saiantraining7937]

Hey there, amzing review again! I am just curious how do you guys measure the RPM for these shots?

[@stspickleball]

So I hit 10 legal serves on my 120fps camera. I take the footage and slow it down and then count how many frames it takes for the ball to make 1 full revolution. I input that information into a program that actually calculates RPM based on how many frames it takes an object to make one full revolution and boom! We have the RPM tested.

[@saiantraining7937]

@@stspickleball Awesome thank you! I have always wondered how RPM tested and the mystery has been solved! Have a good day!

[@brianr14190]

Thank you for the review. Just ordered the flash with your code

[@stspickleball]

You'll love it!!

[@billb1048]

Really good review! I have the Head Extreme Elite and ordered the VP Prism V7 (Before seeing your review). What are the key differences between the two that might effect my game? Also, if you regularly strength train, do you think the heavier V7 will slow hand speed down enough to warrant getting the Prism Flash? I'm still learning all the nuances of this game.

[@stspickleball]

Great questions. So the main differences between an elongated paddle and a hybrid paddle is that elongated paddles tend to be more power oriented and hybrid paddles are a blend of power and control. Also like you noted the V7 has quite a bit more swing weight so it will be noticeably a bit slower for hand speed. I think the V7 is solid, but it is a bit harsher around the edges and a bit less forgiving (as all elongated paddles are). It just comes down to if you feel like you value power and drive aggression over some extra hand speed / control potential. That's really it!

[@Gdon1991]

This or the ballr pro?

[@stspickleball]

Hmmm it's tough. I have a review for the Ballr coming out soon. What are you looking for in a paddle? Are you looking for more soft game / control?

[@Gdon1991]

@@stspickleball I was debating on either getting the vatic prism flash, r1.16 or ballr pro. Hard to decide haha. Any suggestions would be great!

[@stspickleball]

@@Gdon1991 Well tell me about your game, are you look for more power? Less pop ups? More spin? Better dinking and control? And then I can give you a better answer. One thing too is if you like a long or a short handle.

[@Gdon1991]

@@stspickleball Id like more control overall, I think I generate pretty good power already. Looking for something durable that will last me a while as well. I usually play an average of around 7 hours a week. Thanks!

[@stspickleball]

@@Gdon1991 I think for you I would recommend the Prism Flash man you're going to freaking love that paddle. It's INSANE for the price.

[@stewartpress8586]

Fantastic review I may just buy one and dis my Selkirk

[@stspickleball]

😂😂😂 yeah this paddle and the Ballr Pro are trending really well right now! You can see a mini review of the Ballr pro on my top 5 spin video

[@stewartpress8586]

Hey I’m thinking of the prism flash since I’m not a huge power hitter and want to improve my soft game and avoid the dreaded pop ups any suggestions Also are you based out of Scottsdale I just got back last month and coming again for business in December

[@stspickleball]

@@stewartpress8586 I live in Scottsdale yes! I play mainly at the Pickleball Kingdom in Chandler :) Prism flash is a great paddle, Ballr Pro might be a little softer off the face but they really are both great choices for a value paddle :)

[@stewartpress8586]

@@stspickleball thanks I’m going to check out Pickelball Kingdom in December maybe I’ll see you there 👍

[@stspickleball]

@@stewartpress8586 I'd love to man!

[@halohawkxx]

These Unibody Paddles that arent thermoformed, I affectionately nicknamed them: The Gen 1.5 paddles. Since they're at a very gorgeous sweet spot. I recommended this to a friend ^.^ (aka a woman I'm tryna date haha). Now my question is, unsure if you've hard of the Pro Line Energy line from Pickleball Apes. Wanna see what your stance is on those, as I just got one and I'm loving it so far (but likely is a VERY high skill cieling to utilize effectively)

[@stspickleball]

Insanity power huh? One of the few paddles I haven't tested yet as I have a long line right now of reviews coming out. But I've heard a lot about them from other reviewers.

[@halohawkxx]

@@stspickleball I may attempt to start doing reviews on my end truth be told😅 just unsure how to go about it

[@stspickleball]

@@halohawkxx haha fair enough man! Have fun with it!!

[@ModernCult]

Hey @stspickleball! Is there any way to reach you directly? Would love to pick your brain on paddle related things! Hope to hear from you soon!

[@stspickleball]

You can use the contact page on my website www.stspickleball.com 😊

[@ModernCult]

@@stspickleball I actually did already! Haha Talk soon

[@ModernCult]

@@stspickleball just in case I emailed from stellapaddles ✌🏼