These Paddles in Slow Motion are INSANE & Slyce Speed Cap Thoughts

Things mentioned this pod:
Slyce speedcap: bit.ly/45OhAgY
Thrive trainer paddle: bit.ly/3zpGSGh
Wooden paddle: bit.ly/3VQmvJE
Owl ball announcement: bit.ly/3W8s47P
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:58 - I lost a bet
2:39 - a gift from Will
4:53 - lefty games
7:00 - Got to meet the owner of 11six24
13:34 - Gherkin paddles
15:00 - Revolin revo pro
15:43 - The BigWood
19:00 - New GRUVN paddles
19:43 - Gen 1.5 paddles
22:44 - Maverix paddles
27:21 - Johns bros still hate the Vulcan ball
29:24 - New Franklin ball
32:28 - The new OWL ball
35:07 - Is the Slyce speed cap good?
41:03 - Debunking myths in Pickleball with slow motion
42:41 - Different balls compressing on overhead
43:56 - Different paddles compressing
My communities:
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Website: www.pickleballstudio.com/
Paddle stats spreadsheet: bit.ly/3wLiXg5
Check out our podcast: bit.ly/3ERxN7Z
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[@11SIX24pickleball]

We'll get Will some paddles when you get back! Enjoy the trip.

[@FoxtrottHavoc]

The one time you guys don’t say it’s going to be a short pod, it’s a short pod.

[@PickleballStudio]

The hilarious part is I WAS going to say that, but then I said to myself “I’m always wrong. Don’t bother saying it” 🤣🤣🤣

[@VegasPickleballandLife]

@@PickleballStudiono need, who wants a short podcast? 😆

[@techimike]

I bought a Hurache Control-X+ because of you all and could not be happier. Such a good paddle! Thanks.

[@BH-qd4yb]

Are you going to review the Chorus Shapeshifter? Just got one. Very interesting paddle. Thank you and keep the great pods coming!! 👊

[@markwenstrom3778]

I’ve been waiting for that review as well. I also picked up a Shapeshifter from the second batch. So far so good!

[@Johnny5pointOHpb]

Seems to me like one of the most important pods for the future of pickleball technology. Thanks fellas.

[@ursusmaritimus5998]

When I had surgery for my tennis elbow tear I played left handed for a year. Now I can disengage my right hand to hit left handed shots. It catches allot of people off guard. So I have 2 good forehands, 2 2 back hands, and two handed shots

[@waynelong3041]

Chris, big fan of all the things you cover. Love your commitment to the PB community. The slow-motion stuff is [very] cool! (How the Gearbox Pro is not delisted remains a mystery!?) Safe travels & success, Will! (If your tennis venture does not ruin you, perhaps Chris will be kind enough to allow you back on HIS podcast!?) Great job, guys!

[@LouisBrown19]

The PB Studio host's yellow-edged Thrive paddle is so cool.

[@cindywong7589]

Maybe consider getting the camera on installment payment (rent to own option)? It's really cool to see and incorporate into your paddle reviews.

[@stymeron]

The slo-mo stuff is great. Buy the camera! Maybe test the paddles that feel "plush" to see what that looks like. That would be interesting.

[@jppbkm]

Playing lefty is so fun. I started playing about 60/40 right/left and it really improved my twoey! I'm getting close to 4.0 lefty tbh. Just gotta improve my rolls and flicks.

[@jncgregg]

Those trainer paddles from Thrive are sick! I would love to play with those! Great episode 👍

[@harryhoople1684]

Science tells us that any time weight is added above the pivot point (lead tape to the perimeter of the paddle) or weight is added below the pivot point (the Slyce Cap) the swing weight goes up and maneuverability goes down. The pivot point for the Briffidi, I believe, is 5 cm above the butt of the paddle - about the center of your palm. So, why does the Slyce Cap seem to improve the feel and maneuverability of a paddle? I have two hypotheses. One, the Slyce Cap is so thick that it forces the user to grip the paddle further up on the handle. By moving the pivot point up (a centimeter or two), the swing weight is automatically significantly reduced. Two, the Slyce Cap is shorter than the original butt cap and shortens the handle forcing the user to grip the handle further up. So, are you gripping the paddle further up on the handle with the Slyce cap? In addition, measure the swing before and after installing the Slyce Cap making sure the pivot point on the Briffidi stays the same (5cm above the original butt cap).

[@haydencr25]

I've experimented with quarters alike, which doesn't affect grip whatsoever and can confirm it feels like maneuverability goes up. My elongated paddle feels like I can snap it around similar to a widebody paddle. The analogy of swinging a hammer comes to mind - if you turn it upside down, you can move the top around way easier. At the end of the day, swing weight, twist weight, etc. are all just metrics that might give us an idea of feel, but aren't the end all be all. There are a lot of other factors at play that you're not accounting for, motions that occur when hitting the ball (think of flicks/wristy shots, rolls, etc) - you're not just swinging the paddle in a linear motion. Putting the weight into the handle is going to let you move the head of the paddle around easier across the board, metrics aside. There are plenty of exceptions to Briffidi metrics (e.g. the J2K is a low swingweight paddle, but many suspect the high twist weight is actually affecting maneuverability as it feels noticeably slower in the handles than other similar swingweight paddles)

[@harryhoople1684]

@@haydencr25 Thanks for your reply. I understand many players feel improved maneuverability. However, the science says the opposite. I'm trying to reconcile "feel" and "science". I'd modify your hammer analogy by asking, "Does the hammer swing more easily if you glue a chunk of metal to the end of the handle"? I don't think so, else we'd find hammers with weighted handles.

[@haydencr25]

@@harryhoople1684 it is definitely an interesting thing (science/metrics vs feel). I think to get an accurate scientific representation of what is occurring the Briffidi would need to be measuring much more advanced calculations/physics pertaining to actual swinging patterns. I'd also argue that adding weight to the handle of a hammer would indeed make it easier to swing, but there's not a need or practical application (when was the last time you heard/read of someone who said "man I can't swing this hammer" or "I need to swing the hammer easier"). On the contrary, to achieve its purpose; the hammer needs to be head heavy so it can carry its weight through the point of contact

[@khpickleball]

The Shogun looked like it had some flex too. Do you have more footage of it by chance?

[@halohawkxx]

Lets gooooo Chris!! We started with the same brand🤣🤣

[@user-jc6pr5el5g]

Seeing the massive trampoline flex in that Gearbox is pretty frustrating, as someone who loved but got a refund for a de-listed Joola Magnus 14MM. WTH is going on?

[@brucemark]

Big fan for the Slyce speed caps too!

[@sam-yau]

If you somehow incorporate slow motion captures into your paddle reviews, you could easily corner the KZbin review market as being the most objective in your testing procedures (along with John Kew with his cutaways/deconstruction/microscopic views). You could then find ways to extrapolate percentage of surface RPM distribution from paddle to ball at point of contact. Basically, calculate paddle head speed, control for angle of inflection, and final RPM of ball, to basically get the end-all-be-all of spin metrics on various paddles. You'd have to test at a couple of paddle head speeds though, since I assume we'd want to differentiate between spin generated via surface friction versus spin generated via surface deformation, aka "cupping". Either way, would be very cool to see in a scientific and objective format!

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

Yeah Maverix Pro! i told the owner Matt that there seem to be a break in period and ive been driving more and consistently as before while still keeping the control. This one easy on my tennis elbow and the only paddle in this shape

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

and just to add, I just played this afternoon in 107F heat and the people i was playing against were screaming ILLEGAL!!! cuz I was acing my serves and drives lol it get hotter like the weather the more you use it

[@braddaddis371]

Coming from a DBD to playing now using the Hurache X control + is Night and day in terms of power. The Hurache slaps!!! I think Will needs to hit the DBD again and he quickly change his mind about his comments regarding them being comparable in terms of power

[@gibs4962]

Lately, in recreational play, the Engage Pro1s seem to have a slingshot effect. It's similar to catching a ball and then throwing it back. It would be interesting to see that in slow motion.

[@danieljimenez1883]

I think its time to do a top 5 paddles for each Chris and Will. i started a year or so ago when both of your top 5 video came out and i bought the six0 double black and loved it. I recently bought the 11six24 huarache and also love but i am curious to see what else you guys love right now.

[@Swirlsofclouds]

Please do a review on the Babolot paddles!!

[@derekjowells]

The butt cap is extremely interesting. Being a professional racquet tech in NC, I've had the liberty of being able to transfer my skills to paddles. Coming from tennis, I realized I want head light paddles. Most paddles are like hammers. Most of the weight is in the head. If you flip a hammer around, your hand speed significantly increases even though it's the same weight because most of the weight is in or closer to your hand. Making a paddle head light will increase hand speed pretty significantly most of the time. I'm sure at a certain weight, it'll slow down but you can increase the weight pretty significantly if the weight is in or close to your hand. It also increases paddle head speed so it should technically increase spin, improve power, and increase flick speed.

[@chrisrossi6306]

Thanks!

[@PickleballStudio]

Thank you!

[@PollySmith_469]

Great podcast. Do you plan to do a review for Hudef Mage Pro Gen2? I want to hear what you think about this paddle.

[@jhleerph]

good suggestion to use lead tape to see if you like the changing the balance point. i have weighted the butt cap of my tennis racket (and paddles) with duct tape and quarters to experiment. performance can be quite dramatic depending on the set up. still experimenting with paddles.

[@vladjax_pb]

to Will: Hurache X Control+ 14mm Kevlar is super poppy. Sweet spot is nowhere as generous as non-Kevlar, but super fun for serves, drives, and hand battles. It comes off the face really fast on contact, so I had to significantly change my topspin roll volley because it does not dwell on the face long at all. Fun paddle, but it requires an adjustment from the player.

[@pickleballchumps]

Will with the SIR-MIX-A-LOT reference! Mic drop!

[@37mclark]

Do y'all plan on doing a review of the Proton Type A paddles? Interested in hearing your thoughts on both shapes and widths.

[@nicocimato7013]

Ooo, if you do a featherweight franklin review, can you review it with lead tape as well? I’ve been considering weighing it up to 8.2-8.5 oz just to see how it compares with the other paddles

[@kathlenejeff3296]

The slow motion stuff is really interesting 🎉

[@ianjohnson8101]

We need some trainer paddle matches nowww

[@DinkSmashMedia]

Will I am jealous! Cambodia is my favorite place I have been to.

[@mdyfoon]

To test out what the Slyce speed cap feels like I just layered 28 grams of lead tape INSIDE the bottom of the butt cap. Cut it to fit and works great!

[@avswish33]

Hi Chris and the host of pbstudio!

[@joem6010]

Augie Gu plays with a Prism V7, not a Prism Flash. There's more power in the V7 for sure, although it is a soft paddle.

[@larrykonis967]

I put a 1/2 oz. SpeedCap on my ALW-C to replace the awful stock cap. Most noticeable whip when you have good wrist lag and snap on serves and drives.

[@kimleith1378]

I got a BIGWOOD a few weeks back.HAHAHA! No I really bought the "paddle" Plays way different for the better than I was expecting also Chris. Did not like the grip material, so I overgripped it. Hoping you get to review the THOMPSON. I'm really liking mine. Just added some lead at the head to beaf up the power a bit. All USA made with all USA materials, so the price reflects that. The bad ball bounce topic can be attributed to court service issues, since most bug tournaments re-service just prior to play. Using a "bolt" instead of the Slyce Cap is waaaaay cheaper. More options too. Kudos for the "slo mo" segment.

[@jordinkleton]

What is the bolt?

[@kimleith1378]

@@jordinkleton Just a standard bolt from a hardware store. I used a round head that weighed 21g. drilled a hole the right size so the both "threads" into the plastic end cap. Does not "look" as clean, but so what.

[@MrKenhansen]

I am right handed but I can use my left hand. It only works in the left hand if the paddle is a more poppy paddle. My right hand prefers a more control paddle.

[@terogan]

Can you throw a couple of bare video lights with just the cone reflector on the paddle when shooting with that camera? Or even a couple of high output LED work lights?

[@Kastyc]

The franklin eco balls were really easy to get, it was this small form a little bit ago and shipped in a couple weeks after (12 balls) . I don't think you can apply anymore though. I personally prefer the normal X-40s.

[@haydencr25]

have you fiddled with the slyce cap on the hurache x control+? if so, where are you putting the perimeter weight / what are you liking?

[@porteyboy]

Please try the Ethos Arete. It's completely different. I've bought just about every paddle you've reviewed, and the Ethos Arete is truly remarkable.

[@jackstein5486]

Will may be missed but not forgotten. Safe travels Will.

[@senecalacy9915]

I like Wills ADV hat, are those bags ever going to go out. I bought one months ago

[@ArianaWilson-]

I'd love to see video of you guys playing left-handed.

[@davidvuu5122]

John Kew has a great comparison video on the j2k w/ & w/o slyce cap. I just got my j2k in yesterday and it felt great with no mods added (coming from joola perseus gen2, and was looking for something similar to DBD; its definitely a better DBD). I'll most likely get a 2nd J2k to modify it how John Kew did and do a side by side comparison.

[@sonnynos]

Chris- i have the mach 2 forza as well. When you put the slyce cap on, did put the hesacore on top? The heseacore adds some weight to the handle already so I’m curious to see if you put the hesacore on top.

[@PickleballStudio]

I did put a Hesacore on top of the Slyce cap.

[@joem6010]

Love the slomo footage. There's a shotgun ballistics channel (Taofladermaus) that does a lot with a high speed camera at some incredible frame rates.

[@groot3371]

I enjoyed the podcast. I liked the information on the different pickleballs and how they play. Seems like Vulcan still has not produced a durable pickleball for the PPA tournaments. How the various pickleball tournaments cannot seem to pick one pickleball to use in all tournament play? I would like you to see more slow motion footage in regards to different paddles and pickleballs, because I found your slow motion footage very interesting on your instagram. I would USAP to tell everyone how they certified the Joola Gen 3 and Gearbox Power Pro paddles when they were in clear violation of their own regulations concerning trampoline effect. Also, will UPA-A have the same trampoline language in their regulations that is in the USAP regulations and if they will not certify the Joola Gen 3 and Gearbox Power Pro paddles per the trampoline effect criteria? Have a wonderful time in Cambodia, Will. Thank you, Chris and Will.

[@bryanuy2804]

Could you please review the Mark 1X from Mark pickleball. Thanks 😊

[@OnEMoReTrY121]

It's becoming comical that the Gearbox hasn't been banned.

[@lynnew09]

You guys talk so much about paddles and their materials. Can you tell me where you can buy the material used in the handle. The grips are getting so big and I have a small hand I want to make it smaller. Thanks

[@rogerfernandez4839]

Sorry Will, Chris is right. The Hurache-X Control + is the DBD with more Power and more Pop. I started out with the DBD, then got the Control+... I tried mid game switching to the DBD and had to muscle every shot more witht he DBD vs what I had gotten used to with the Control+.

[@MattyRut2922]

I believe the Hudef Mage Pro is Gen 1.5

[@ryanpek]

The slow mo camera shots are interesting..

[@user-jx1vp5ei4u]

So would. both you "Chris" and Will recommend plyaing, and drilling, with= the trainer paddles as a way to step up in ones game?

[@Firesong4ng]

Paddletek is using a more dense core/smaller cell sizes. Power difference due to that?

[@TailgateTed]

@pickleballwill next time you are in DC let me know. It would be an honor to play some Pickleball with “The Host” of the Pickleball Studio

[@brianbta1]

I’d be interested to see some old paddles hitting the ball in slo mo to see if it compresses and it’s just not something unique to the newer paddles.

[@alexispennella6199]

Hey Chris. My main paddle is the Mach 2 Forza but I’m looking for something a bit lighter. Would you recommend the ProXR sweet spot max or should I wait for the 11six24?

[@PickleballStudio]

You could also consider the PaddleTek Bantam ALW-C 14.3mm or 12.7mm (depends how much pop you want). Those are extremely light paddles.

[@Theo_andthings]

You should do a GoFundMe for that camera. I'd chip in!

[@123BV8]

Use Braydon’s tungsten tape on the end of the butt. Works great!

[@user-gn2mm2vh9i]

The gearbox pro power paddles tend to shorten the rallies. At the 3.5 -4.0 level, sometimes the pro power rally is shortened by a winner , and others by OOB . I would prefer that the gearbox be delisted due to the trampoline violation, the game is more interesting without one on the court.

[@willjameshamilton6385]

Maybe some of your viewers would want to contribute to enable you to buy the slow mo camera. Maybe they won't but i suggest to ask. The benefit is that you are offering a quality control check not pursued by the PPA and insight your viewers cannot gain elsewhere.

[@TimBuddon]

@PickleballWill Will, you think PBStudio is joking about replacing you don't ya. Don't be surprised if he does replace you with his brother, you know his brother wants to get involved in KZbin. Blood is thicker than water....just sayin!

[@mathewmccabe2658]

Wills ego in the Way. Vibes are off.

[@AnnMitt]

Sounds like Will is part owner of this KZbin channel. They must have signed a contract stating such.

[@calcon11]

Huarache X Control + is easily more poppy than DBD and I have both.

[@DannyBPlays]

I don't understand how you said that you didn't get very many slow mo shots, but you featured it as the thumbnail, but then when he asked about a few you said "I havent seen it yet" but the slo mo clips are like 5 seconds long, I don't see how you couldn't have reviewed all of the ones you took

[@PickleballStudio]

We shot a ton, some of them were repeats from a few different angles. The clips are also around 3-5 minutes each, but we cut all the fluff out for the pod. We probably shot 30-40ish different clips, but some were redos or a modified angle.

[@moonman654321]

Just got my shapeshifter

[@lv9530]

Proton paddles is something i would like to see more of. Not a lot of good content around them imo

[@PickleballStudio]

Because they’ve been out of stock for most 4-5 months straight haha

[@gogo78879]

What brand is Chris hat ?

[@TeenaSuzuki]

Melin

[@ryanrepetske3555]

Did the glasses actually make Will smarter?

[@PickleballWill]

Haha Nah def not 🤓

[@zachcarmichael699]

35:07 Pretty sure the Slyce caps aren't tournament legal. The rules say they have to be OEM-specific...that would mean that, for example, Volair would need to officially have a cap of their own or an official partnership with Slyce that's USAP-approved. Their website also doesn't mention anything about being tournament-legal. That said, just wrap lead tape around the cap for the same result.

[@PickleballStudio]

I asked USAP and they said they are legal.

[@zachcarmichael699]

@@PickleballStudio Good to know! USAP really needs to start clarifying their rules.

[@el10tufo]

If will is gone for a month, who will be the new host of the pod? Think the co-host can handle it alone?

[@jchappanda]

Is it me or does Will come across as bragging a lot of times when he talks about colabs or the different projects he is involved in? I feel like he knows he is in Chris's shadow and riding his coattails. Will needs to overcompensate to make himself feel better.

[@scottschaus4619]

Anybody try a Hesacore grip over a Slyce end cap?

[@PickleballStudio]

That’s how I do mine.

[@scottschaus4619]

@@PickleballStudio Xsmall, small, or medium Hesacore?

[@PickleballStudio]

Xsmall pink

[@matt17801]

If I play lefty with a trainer paddle, I'm 3.5 at best

[@floatnjoe4560]

How about companies list a targeted swing weight instead of actually swing weight to help with manufacturing variances.

[@cberns4]

I normally do not comment but complaining about different ball companies is not the way to go. Tennis has done this for years. Innovation for pickleballs will be better having more balls. Soccer uses different balls for leagues and changes them. It’s not bad to have fragmentation.

[@mattherner2060]

Paddle tek vid didn't save. Sounds like "Big Pickle" has a grip on pickleball studio!

[@abelsicat6097]

Hi Chris, so does the Gearbox Pro have a trampoline effect then? I mean there was no flex in front of the paddle right?

[@AizecOlson]

It does flex from the front of the paddle.

[@mkuek]

Do you have a closet entirely dedicated to your melins?!

[@PickleballStudio]

No, but I should 🤣

[@PickleballHangout]

You like the cap, no cap? 🤣🤣🤣

[@donreinholz8121]

The Slyce caps are much like counterweighting a golf club to lower the swingweight. Interesting. Kind of pricey at $25 each.

[@padflash]

Fyi, you cannot reduce swing weight by counter weighing a paddle, racquet, or club. In order to change the swing weight you either need to reduce the length, remove mass, or choke up. Weight, alone, will always increase swing weight, but a Slyce cap might make it feel more maneuverable b/c of where the mass is concentrated.

[@donreinholz8121]

Not true. Counterweighting adds total weight but it changes the feel or headweight. Ask any golf club builder.

[@padflash]

@@donreinholz8121 Right, it changes the feel, but it does not reduce swing weight w/o either 1) removing mass or 2) shortening the club b/c you are changing the orientation of the axis of rotation and changing the moment of inertia. Counterweighting shifts where the mass is concentrated, making it feel easier to maneuver or swing, but it won't change your swing weight.

[@l8nightdrive441]

Set up a go fund me and let your followers help to pay for the camera. Your independent research is valuable and benefits everyone!

[@TeenaSuzuki]

Made it to the transition zone since there was no kitchen. Chris will need to get a second mortgage or refinance his first mortgage to acquire the slo-mo camera of his dreams. Chris should design his own signature paddle and apply those proceeds to his camera fund.

[@dougniwa8886]

Just wondering ... was my last comment removed, if so why? In the comment I mentioned Brick House Paddles which are wooden and apparently somewhat high quality.

[@PickleballStudio]

I have not removed any comments. Maybe it didn’t go through from a bad internet connection?

[@dougniwa8886]

@@PickleballStudio Probably something like that. I thought it might be because I included a URL to the company website. No worries, thanks for the reply.

[@Kaisei2one]

I bought 10 of the Franklin Sweet Spot trainers after watching your video.. gave them out to our 808 pickleball crew for Xmas.. its been awesome playing full games with them.. super fun and hilarious at the same time! 🫣🤣