The 2023 Pickleball Paddle Awards

[@lazyhusband]

Top pickleball channel on KZbin in 2023 - Pickleball Studio

[@miq2240]

You know you’ve been watching too much PB Studio when you can guess almost all of these (with the surprise pick of most improved company).

[@Cade467]

I guessed that one. After using a Pro Power Elongated, i think their company has come a long way

[@jonathanedwards8032]

in 2023 I got bit by the bug and invested in a paddle. Used PB Studio as my guide and ended up with the DBD. Absolutely love it. I rave about it and the channel to anyone and everyone that will listen. Thanks for the content.

[@ValueRobot]

What a year for pickleball and the Pickleball Studio. Congratulations to all!

[@chanpickleball]

Video production is epic! Thanks Chris for spending so much time for the pickleball nerds!

[@CyberBears87]

Agree! Great job!

[@ralphbrinley472]

Thanks Chris for all you do to keep us informed on all the paddles and new tech! Happy & Safe 2024!

[@jerrywilliams8950]

Great video, 6.0 DBD is my favorite paddle as well. Hoping the prototype 43 gets a release this year.

[@danabeta8519]

@Pickleball Studio, could you create a video like this one before Black Friday this year? With only two months left in the year, it's unlikely that new paddles will be released before then

[@marcusmartinez1584]

Bro! Well done with all of this production value with the broll! Haha loved the dry ice smoke!! Well done. Oh! And your reviewing as always is top tier. Thank you for leading the charge in all things pickleball reviews. Hope to meet you some day on the courts!

[@okiepatriot6643]

Just started w my new Six Zero DBD have to say I love it.

[@gavinmwilson]

After playing pickleball for a few weeks on vacation, I fell in love and decided to invest in a paddle. Based on your review I picked up the Double Black Diamond and absolutely love it. Glad to see it got POTY. Great video and looking forward at what’s to come in 2024!

[@johnsonch7292]

Should picked its nwere version the ruby.

[@bobabraham1128]

Good information, graphics were outstanding. Thanks for your time.

[@JB-ys8mj]

Had the Six0 DBD in the cart pressed buy at the end of the video using your code. Living the 3.5 life

[@LedesmaFamilia]

What is the code? I didn’t hear him say it and I watched the whole video.

[@jamesmack3122]

I don’t know what your background is, but this video and channel quality is so far beyond the ~20k subscribers it currently has. I have a bbq channel with 100k+ and this production quality puts mine to shame. Outstanding job and I wish you the success this channel very much deserves.

[@crmrenyer4276]

Predictions: Value: Prism Flash Spin: Volair Mach 2 Forza Power: Gearbox PPE All-Court: DBD 16 MM Control: Selkirk Luxx Control Air Flop: Engage Ultras Most Improved Company: Ronbus? Paddle of the Year: DBD 16 MM

[@ThiccBoi23]

Agree except the Ruby came out too late and I'd put that over the DBD for an all-court paddle and I'm a big fan of the DBD

[@danpiedra3910]

Got them all!! Most of these were predictable but watching Pickleball Studio throughout the year helped.

[@gunnr-pkle]

Thank you for the content you provided all of us in 2023 Chris…Happy New Year!

[@Bombavalusica]

Paddles of the year from the paddle nerd of the year!

[@EricShapiro-wx5ju]

Yes!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@PickleballPoker]

We are coming hard for Value Paddle of the Year in 2024!

[@willjameshamilton6385]

Thanks for great content across the year. As to paddles, I own 5 bought mostly on your reviews. That said I have 5 already. I am interested more in what is new and different in paddles more than what has been released. For me the podcast themes and discussion is the most interesting and I have watched all of them. I like when you expand your focus to cover the full sport and culture of the sport (player interviews, play tape of you and friends, reviews of ball, ball machine, tournaments, leagues, and trends). I offered some ideas i would love to know about in the last video. Thanks for a great 2023 !

[@gregweinman7640]

Funnest paddle. Bread and Butter, Loco. Awesome video

[@BobbyHTTC]

Really agree with you with most the categories. Thanks for all the reviews. Happy New year 🎉

[@PickleballPoker]

We are just trying to grow our game and offer the PB community high end low cost options!

[@PKB-AG]

Congrats - hopefully the mention here gives you the bump you deserve - (I'd love to know the increase in your website traffic.)

[@buildingpickleball]

So cool. Talking head color and lighting looks real nice.

[@brianporter2806]

Great video! You should add a category for the "Paddle that just won't go away...". Winner is: Joola Hyperion! Even though I've bought many of these new paddles, I keep going back to the Hyperion and you'd be surprised how many I keep seeing in the wild. I think they'll be making this paddle for years to come. :-)

[@kimleith1378]

Great pod Chris as always. Thanks for taking the time to get it out since you're so busy. Looking forward to 2024 and reviews of the next round of paddles hitting the market.

[@LedesmaFamilia]

Six zero double black diamond BEST PADDLE OF THE YEAR!

[@rjal6528]

Do you prefer the 14mm or the 16mm double black diamond? Why?

[@seegarsmkr]

Chris, amazing intro and the rest was solid! Thanx for amazing videos and see you in February. Enjoy your time off , you deserve it!!

[@800over]

You have outdone yourself Chris! Well done.

[@dougniwa8886]

Chris, thank you for all of your 2023 videos ... I did watch them all too.

[@TennisObsessed]

Amazing video. So glad that I have a DBD on the way, although I ordered the 14mm. Looking for an all-court paddle and sounds like this one will be great.

[@MaverixPickleball]

You are a true craftsman of the game, Chris!

[@MrDude2237]

New to the channel, thanks for the in depth info! Excited to watch some more content.

[@Mriamrody]

I'm surprised no EVA foam paddles made the power list. The power from these paddles are phenomenal. I understand that they can't be used for tournaments, but not everyone plays in tournaments, and they're great for players that can't hit hard due to physical problems, and they absorb a lot of vibration for those that have issues with their arms. For those that have figured out how to control them, they are extremely fun to play with.

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

hate EVA foam cuz it's so muted who ever is playing against it either gets body bagged or hit in the eye literally. If u can use Eva foam, I should be able to use my tennis racket? lol

[@digitalwithjohn]

Amazing video! DBD has been my favourite paddle for awhile now 🎉

[@vincentszymborski359]

Great video and commentary. Trust your recommendations. All the best in 2024!

[@matthewrmelgar]

thank you for posting your content. you educated me on me on the vatic line which remains my favorite. i love watching your content and hope you enjoy your time off in the beginning of 2024. you will be missed!

[@pickleball.kate.]

Honestly, 005 is my absolute favorite paddle ever 😅

[@roybodien6927]

Thank you! Awesome information.

[@joshkerns479]

Exceptional production Chris…and virtually no surprises 🤣. I wonder if the drastic spin variance w/ ProXR Zane and generic is the paint or printing they are using since they are identical paddles (the Connor Garnett signature too)? Or just poor quality control. Thanks for all you do and looking forward to your coverage of the great Gearbox ban in 2024!

[@petercalomeris7971]

21:04 I bought 6 zero control off your recommendation and love it. My wife's paddle was fine but after 7 months I thought around the tip it developed a dead spot. A pro told me paddles don't hit there anyway but we bounced a ball on my wife's and he felt a difference. Out of warrenty 6 zero gave me 50% off so I bought a Ruby. I hated it. Especially didn't like the added weight so sold it and ordered a dbd control.

[@johnlemma5407]

Your reviews are top notch. Have you thought of an additional metric -measuring the actuall htting area of the paddle in square inches? Although many players seem to want a longer handle, they need to realize that longer handle comes at a price: less hitting area.

[@btreese7]

I got my ruby last week and absolutely love it. My serves are smoking with amazing top spin. Great touch on top spin drops, and my counters have more pop. On the flip side, the paddle also deadens the ball when I want to reset. I like it better than the DBD. I thought it lacked feel when dinking, but the ruby has great feel.

[@wallyhustad3686]

Very informative - thank you!

[@theBattungFamily]

Rewatched this because I miss watching your videos! 💯

[@acepickleball]

ACE Diamond ♦️ only paddle to win a both a PPA and APP singles title in 2023. We are biased but think it’s top paddle on the singles court.

[@Adroyo]

Just started pickleball, got myself a double black Diamond then watch this and it wins lol

[@robertbenjamin5230]

As a paddle geek wannabe this was a breakout year and IMHO you are paddle reviewer of the year, followed closely by John Kew. Honorable mentions go to STS Pickeball and Pickleball Effect. What an interesting time for paddle development. Thanks for keeping it real, relevant and fun. Can’t even imagine what 2024 will reveal. 0-0-2

[@Contrakt1810]

The 005 lol. I used it for literally 15 minutes in a drill session and returned it. The 006 is better in every regard for me. I, too, have never seen a 005 in the wild.

[@logical333]

Returned the Ruby paddle and will continue playing with the DBD. The DBD is more dense and plush feeling, the 8.1 oz Ruby I received felt stiffer and hollow compared to the awesome DBD

[@pepp1n]

You can return paddles? I haven't played with either a DBD or Ruby and no one in our small club in rural Manitoba has either. The DBD rated so well, I thought I would try to get the Ruby with its upgrades, but it keeps selling out.

[@toninorcross2611]

Thanks, Chris! As always this was outstanding.

[@RealBillDozer]

Wow... no mention for the Bread & Butter Filth?

[@bippie999]

I already have 6 good paddles now, how to decide which one to play with, but my best performing paddle seems to be the Rombus R.1 Nova.

[@jeffleepickleball]

This was insanely good. Lets goooooo 🔥

[@gg80108]

Good thing Willinator was a 2024 paddle!

[@jusan_tinos]

I personally believe that the gearbox pro paddles were intended to have a break in period because of the foam throughout the core. With the chambered core surrounded by foam, the foam probably needed to soften a bit so that the individual chambers of the core would be able to move by itself the way gearbox intended especially for the power paddles.

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

Hudef Gen2 & the new Jolle paddle from a local company here in Sacramento that just got on Amazon

[@goldenchildtheater]

That pickleball poker paddle is 50 bucks right now

[@vitaleonis1196]

Chris, I just started pickleball 2 weeks ago and have only played a few games. The person who introduced me to the game only had straight wood paddles. Then, a local Pro Shop allows for loaning paddles for testing. I told the guy at the pro shop that at 60 years old, it's a bit hard for me to do fast deep bending. He suggested trying the Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro v3. Coming from a straight wooden paddle, I absolutely fell in love with this. However, I'm hearing everybody think that Paddletek makes crappy paddles. And I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't have purchased it. I'm definitely not a banger, and I play fairly strong game at the kitchen line, with decent reflexes and accuracy. For just starting out, people say I'm doing fairly well and would rate me a 2.5 or 3.0 player. I'm extremely confused on if I made a bad purchase or not. I would like to know what you think. I also live in Minnesota.

[@shawnmaloney6845]

Thanks Chris Always check it out here before buying new paddle. Got the Legacy Pro S and have loved it and still using. Know you turned on it after a reliability issues but no mention at all here? Any reason? Have lost some spin but have had no issues. Tempted to get another just in case but what is closest paddle to this one in size, spin and power? Ping pong, spin type player. Gave the DBD to wife due to shape.

[@parky6031]

Great video, enjoy your break!

[@ronsmith5525]

A review on the Slayer would be great.

[@PickleballWill]

Good stuff bro 😎

[@kevinmontgomery1054]

Great round up

[@derekf1552]

Hi there, how does this compare to the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control and Power paddles??

[@jesturcastillo]

The video edit is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 good job.

[@lavonhicks4781]

Great video! Love my DBD!

[@12TrelPrime]

Would 1 Vatic Prism Flash be better than 2 Friday paddles? Really debating between the 2 options here. I have an Amazon one but want to upgrade! Thanks!

[@northvanlarry561]

I still like my Legacy Pro. It is a very balanced paddle between power and control.

[@annmaes7550]

Is there any restriction on core thickness? I’ve see core as low as 8 and as high as 19mm. What’s the pro/cons of going to that extreme? Thanks for all you do for us picklers! 💕

[@kyler5595]

Got them all except the flop! Guess I’m a paddle nerd who likes your reviews.

[@solo2rules]

Which one is your favorite?

[@kyler5595]

@@solo2rules I mean I guessed all his winners except the flop. I have been using the DBD all year and just switched to the Ruby because my DBD was getting old. Can’t go wrong with either. For me the Ruby is just slight slower in hands battles but a little better touch in the kitchen. Power is similar.

[@quidproquo9000]

Peoples choice next year?

[@PickleballStudio]

That could be fun!

[@Ricky.f21]

Hi! Can you guys review the Crush Freestyle Pickleball paddle? Its a new company and paddle I noticed during The Pickle Games last weekend and was curious to find out if their paddle was any good.

[@dikeajiri-top10rankedsenio30]

Good breakdown.

[@jameshuitt1420]

I'm looking for a paddle that has a large consistent sweet spot. My current paddle has some dead spots.

[@LedesmaFamilia]

Vatic prism flash

[@rileylevine7631]

Hey Chris could you do a review of the Cliff pickleball Vauraus 16mm? Can't find any good third-party reviews of this paddle

[@zachcarmichael699]

Paddle of the year should have been the Vatic Prism. Just a year and a half ago, that same paddle (Joola Hyperion) was $220 and was considered the de-facto paddle by pros. Being able to get that down to under $100 is just mind-blowing. And add to that the fact that it gets higher spin RPMs and a unibody construction compared to the Hyperion, and it's a no-brainer. SixZero may have a great paddle with the DBD, but it's $80 more. You have to factor in both value and accessibility.

[@ap6232]

He already named the prism flash as his value/budget pick. This is best overall paddle. I think the DBD makes sense as the call here.

[@chrispaulsen5746]

Paddle of the year shouldn’t have price as a consideration. It should be the best paddle period, shouldn’t matter the price.

[@zachcarmichael699]

@@chrispaulsen5746 DBD isn't the best paddle period lol, there's no such thing as a perfect paddle and never will be.

[@chrispaulsen5746]

@@zachcarmichael699 I never said it was. To Chris, this year, it was the best overall paddle. My point being price shouldn’t play into it at all.

[@robedwards6926]

The Vatic Prism has poor power in my opinion. Good price and control though.

[@michaelsherr512]

Appreciate your reviews. Would love to see your thoughts on the HuDEF Viva Pro Gen 2 and the Mage Pro.

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

Yep. Hudef Gen2 should be behind the powerful GB Pro

[@zachcarmichael699]

Chris generally passes on HuDEF in general. Their build quality seems questionable.

[@michaelsherr512]

@@zachcarmichael699 It looked as if he had one issue with the Viva Pro. Seems shortsighted to not look at other paddles from them. I play 5-6 times a week with the Viva pro Gen 2 at all high level games and love it. Power without giving up control, good spin, carbon plate in the middle of the paddle. The Mage Pro uses similar build technology as the rhombus nova. Excellent paddle, hybrid shape, great spin, fast with lighter swing weight. All for $85.00 with discount code. Lifetime warranty as well on their paddles.

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

@zachcarmichael699 although he did review the first Viva Pro but that delaminated but they seem to have fixed it and even his buddy Pickleball Will have the Gen2 in his bag

[@larrypritchett2264]

I have a Selkirk Project 005 and really like it. Don't agree with the "flop" assessment. I think it depends on where you are as a player and what you've been playing with. My drops, resets and dinks were instantly better with this paddle due to its softer feel than the ProKennex and older Selkirk Vanguard paddles I had been using. My advice to other players is to have an open mind and try before you buy. One of the places I play here in DFW has an assortment of paddles you can test for free and I've found other players happy to let me play a game or two with their paddle to satisfy my curiosity.

[@hunterhenson9301]

I’m so torn in my pursuit for a good paddle! I’ve been using the R1 Pulsar for a month or two and I enjoy some aspects of it but not all of them! I looked into the DBD and played with it for a few days and I played horrible! Couldn’t seem to get a good feel for the paddle and I’m not sure where to go from here! Do you have any suggestions? I tend to play more of an all court style, with a good mix of drops and drives. I generate a decent amount of power so I’m not in pursuit of a power paddle, but rather something in between.

[@rosariarose4181]

Add some lead to the throat of the dbd it will help with “ flops”

[@AlphaTennisinPittsburgh]

Pickleball is America's fastest-growing sport and we like it #Pickleball

[@DanIrvine-v7b]

currently playing Ronbus R1 Pulsar, love the pop and power but dislike it on resets and dinks, any recommendations for a softer paddle without giving of too much pop and power? On good for control, was thinking of Loco or Apes Proline S??

[@Jerome-mv3ps]

Have you had your hands on the Head Tour Raw? I'm really interested in them!

[@connergunnoe5576]

Any chances at a review of the Bird Pickleball Kestrel paddle? Another 100% made in the USA paddle supposed to be a good paddle but not a lot of info on them out there.

[@erikedin7910]

Hudef Gen 2 at $110 w/cover is the best buy in pb.

[@PKB-AG]

Just got mine - can't wait to try it out !!

[@Raymundo619]

Where do we think the CRBN 3X ranks? Currently using the DBD but I’m curious about the 3X

[@mcnillerandsons7906]

I choose engage because they offer 45% military discount which is amazing and I didn’t see much love to veterans from others.

[@amaransari6228]

you should review the quiet paddle called the owl!

[@Samgabet]

You forgot any of the triple j pickleball paddles for value paddle of the year 🤷🏼‍♂️ especially the JAHKING

[@brianbanks3044]

woohooo...DBD is the winner although, I have switched to the Ruby but it is identical in weight and swing but just has a bit more pop...still love the DBD but it is the back up for right now...great review Chris...I did have the Gear Box but sold it because it was like having a tiger for a pet...just a bit too out of control for me and my game...sure I could smash the crap out of the ball but other aspects of my game faltered...the DBD and the Ruby are the winners in my bag right now

[@CyberSonic157]

The average Ruby is heavier than the average DBD though, and the Ruby is actually known to have less pop.

[@cheevang9806]

I haven’t weighed either of mines but for me the ruby feels much lighter

[@JimFe-j9f]

⁠@@cheevang9806I have the Ruby as well and it seems lighter and faster in the hands than both the dbd and infinity. I’m very surprised but pleasantly happy.

[@joshkerns479]

My Ruby is 8.1, DBD’s are 8.0 and 8.2.

[@cheevang9806]

@@JimFe-j9fsame. I still need to play with the ruby more but it’s been more so my offensive paddle as it’s easier for me to maneuver, great spin, and power. I’ve been using my DBD if I’m playing more defensively. Still to see which one becomes my main

[@PblifeinCA]

Thanks!

[@PickleballStudio]

Thank you!

[@RichM3215]

Are you going to do a review of the new 6.0 Diamond Infinity? Thanks.

[@pickleballinwithdave]

Would you consider this a…smoke show?

[@Andrewbingham22]

If you are one of the many who paid a premium for this paddle and got a dud. And Gearbox won't stand behind the warranty. Simply file a claim in your community small claims court to hold them accountable. Not sure what is worse their quality control or their customer service.

[@tcolley]

🤦‍♂️

[@Marethad]

Anyone see that Owl paddle brand that just came out? Looks interesting

[@DonRaby-o6m]

is the DBD control the same paddle that won your awards?

[@kabnis2022]

Will you be adding the Hyperion C2 to the paddle database?

[@rp3504]

Ever consider reviewing the Vauraus? I got one around the same time I bought a Pursuit Pro Ex 6.0 and the Pursuit Pro has not seen the light of day.