Thoughts on the Proton Series 4, Neonic Flare, J2k 14mm, & More

[@richb8709]

1 month lifespan for a paddle is outrageous. I don’t care which brand. That’s $1200 to $1800 annually for budget paddles! I paid maybe $200 for a tennis racket that I used for 10 years and spent maybe $150 a year for stringing. I’ll keep playing my 6.0 DBD until the edge guard comes off

[@mkong5949]

That's why the reload paddle is so appealing

[@kabob21]

They're talking highly advanced players at the 5.0+ level. The _vast_ majority of players never get to that level nor hit hard enough nor with enough spin to go through paddles that fast. Most of them can stick with a paddle without issue for over a year.

[@zachcarmichael699]

We're really just talking spin potential -- the actual paddle can last a good year or longer. I still see older players at my local park using the Selkirk AMPED series from 5 years ago and their paddles are still going strong.

[@epicallyslowcubing1674]

That was my mentality until the core of my DBD started to crush...

[@davidige276]

I bought an Electrum, CRBN and Jikego raw carbon paddles and the all smoothed out after few months. I now have a Zane ProXR that I bought over a year ago and the grit has worn maybe 20% and is still better than most new paddles. I picked the roughest paddle at the ProXR booth at MLP. Very few of the dozen or so I felt had the texture of the one I bought.

[@TooColdHands]

Love your podcast man. Can’t say enough how grateful I am. Helped me be a smarter consumer and better pickleball player.

[@iantercero5380]

I’m not a Colin Johns fan per se but his illegal serve was just to mirror the illegal serve of Howell.

[@Wayneman50]

OMG, Howell's serve is so illegal. And he is so cocky, i really don't care for him. He thinks he is all that but lets not forget, he plays with Anna Leigh.

[@jimg6178]

Not illegal in the any serve goes MLP

[@DavidC-123]

I love my J2K 16mm. as a 3.5 at best player, it suits me well. the enlarged sweet spot makes a big difference for me.

[@shalpher844]

Just go to the drop volley serve. It’s like starting a practice point or rally from my tennis days. I’ve been using a drop serve since I started because there is no BS about wrist angle, paddle above/below naval, etc. And I can put a ton of pace and topspin on the ball when using a drop serve. If you can’t handle the heat from a drop serve pick another sport.

[@DanielS-pn3hy]

I rip drop serves to. I've got an arsenal of different drop serves in my bag of serves.

[@charlesnelson244]

Tennis players start rallies from in the air. They don’t drop it on the ground to start the rally.

[@DanielS-pn3hy]

​@@charlesnelson244I would think it's harder to hit the service box if you had to bounce serve a tennis ball. However, I'm pretty sure you can bounce serve in tennis if you really wanted to. It just won't compare to the overhead method. In pickleball I think you can get the same results either way with all this new paddle technology happening.

[@shalpher844]

I didn’t mean serves. You don’t practice by serving all the time. Starting rallies by hitting a forehand or backhand drive by dropping the ball and hitting it. Drop/volley serves in PB are not any better than drop serves. I may use the volley serve if the BS vollye serve rules went away. The Pros can’t even get that right. They keep changing the rules.

[@celicahalftrac]

i honestly think PPA was onto something earlier in the year with "drop from waist." If you drop from waist with no spin, EVERYTHING else works itself out just fine. Drop from waist, do whatever you want. If you want to do the world's craziest scorpion serve to try to get low enough to hit a full on forehand drive on your knees? Fine. Whatever. Knock yourself out. Otherwise, i LOVE watching the MLP serves. Get weird. Howells serves for everyone. Looks cool, great TV.

[@setrazy]

Got my Thrive RUSH in from the giveaway and I was pleasantly surprised. I really wasn’t expecting much at all, but I ended up putting my new 3S in my bag and played with the RUSH all night. It doesn’t do anything crazy, but I was playing really well with it right away! Thanks again

[@SchittsFrozn]

Would you guys say the Flare is the best of the standard shape paddles with the longer handle? TIA

[@DanielS-pn3hy]

I like trying out different paddles because you guys make it sound so good. I do gravitate to the ones that fits into my play style. I love elongated paddles like Aizec. I do go back to one paddle for a month before tournament time. Then its back to rec and musical paddles depending on my mood😂. Its what keeps the fun going.

[@Orangepie86]

I got the Proton Series 4 and this review is off. Joola is charging $280 for their paddles and everyone gets them, $300 isn’t that much more. Your argument about “you can get two of… for $150 each” is irrelevant to competitive players. Competitive players are looking for something that gives them an edge over the competition, however slight that may be. I’m approaching 5.0 DUPR and the Series 4 is a game changer. Spin is exceptional and the swing weight is so low you can whip it through the air, yet it still has tons of power. You should have talked more about the performance of the paddle and exactly how much better or worse it is to others. The 111 swing weight is super low. You can really tell a difference in fire fights and reacting to speed ups.

[@jimb6683]

Great Pod guys and Props to Volair! Won the giveaway for a Volair and it got delivered today. Pumped to play in the morning.

[@dasurfr131]

Ur gunna love it!

[@PickleballHangout]

I picked up a Shapeshifter to match my orange shoes... Im coming from a Ronbus FX R3, so it definitely plays differently, but I've stuck with the new paddle for 3 straight play sessions even though I'm tempted to go back. One of these days ill play them side by side to actually feel the differences.

[@kimleith1378]

As a hat guy, I don't own any MELIN's. 70/80 bucks??? Non fitted?? Hard pass. I do have some BLACK CLOVER fitted caps. Been hitting my NEXUS ProStar and really liking it. Plays very similar to my MARK one KINETIC KEVLAR/CARBON. Looks way cooler though. Must be the "pixie dust" Just call it "T.I." John Kew calls it P.E.T.

[@bnbpickleball]

Next paddle name: Pixie Dust. Thanks Chris.

[@robstever3896]

Sorry already trademarked it lol j/k

[@hollymurray3566]

Love the podcast! Great info

[@SKe711]

my first thought looking at the chorus supercourt is "wow that looks great for 2-hand backhand" and also "would that be okay for quick handbattles?" 😆

[@MattyRut2922]

Super Court is good looking to me. Makes me want to learn a twoey!

[@willd2419]

Let’s go PB vision

[@PBVision]

❤

[@BryanGromowski]

Love what they do. Sad to see that they literally just sent out the email that they're going to subscription in October. Totally understand why - just not in the budget for me at this time.

[@PBVision]

@@BryanGromowski I really do wish we could keep it free..I know we wont get pricing right for everyone out of the gate, but I promise we will continue to keep working towards a solution that works for both the community and PBV. It's a tough balancing act, but we'll get it right for everyone eventually.

[@BryanGromowski]

@@PBVision appreciate having it and the 10 freebies for being a beta tester. Looking forward to seeing what you guys do going forward. But not serious enough yet to really need the AI analysis as part of the shoe/paddle/socks/other equipment budget. I'm a fan and may be a customer in the future.

[@Wayneman50]

Just switched from a Selkirk S2 to a Engage pursuit EX 6.0 pro. Had rotator cuff surgery and when i came back my swing had lost some power. The Engage offers me just enough power with control. I was losing control at the kitchen with pop ups off the S2.

[@fjg8340]

Just curious...did you hurt shoulder playing pb? Mine is really starting to hurt, it's an old pitching injury

[@Wayneman50]

@@fjg8340 yes, but had small tear 25yrs ago from softball. Most brutal recovery i ever had.

[@jfktoo5128]

Went to the Central Park MLP. It was very well setup.

[@crestnut]

Will you be doing another discount for melon hats?

[@philamguambomb]

I'm ok for drop serves👍🏽👍🏽

[@E.Fudd56]

You guys scoff at $300 paddles but you can't buy enough of these over priced $70 hats. Strikes me as a bit hypocritical.

[@kabob21]

That's because you missed why they like those Melin hats. They're made sturdy, clean up easy, don't stain and are very durable. They offer tangible superior quality to other performance hats to justify the cost and can be had for $42-$49 with discount code (which is still too expensive but closer to the cost of most premium hats). The $300 paddle in question, the Proton Series Four, is just a Gen 2 raw carbon/kevlar face paddle that doesn't offer any new tech compared to any other quality much cheaper Gen 2 paddle besides (they claim) not using peel ply texturing. They still recommended the Joola Gen 3s and Mod TA-15 paddles at $280 if they suited your budget and your play style.

[@ethannelson2448]

How often does a hat “break” 😂I’ve had the same 5 hats for 6 years

[@123BV8]

They look terrible on them just to big, bends their ears out or gaps around their head….just don’t fit….the kick back has to be big money!

[@jamesmusial9865]

Bought j2k pro for 66 yr old wife whose a 3.0. Even she said it was lacking pop. Added 1oz lead on top. I'm a 4.0 and I thought it lacked everything. Wouldn't recommend.

[@The1960musicman]

I have a question…I’ve been playing seriously for about 6 months. A very athletic 65 year old. I was recently rated a 4.0. I’ve played with Selkirk Luxx elongated, Perseus, Mod TA 15, Scorpeus 14mm, Mach 2 Forza. Play best with the Mach 2. I want a little more power and pop. My strong suite is drives and drops. Any recommendations. I like lighter paddles.

[@ilzephyrli]

Probably the Monarch All Court, Bread and Butter FatBoy or Neonic Flare

[@emulicus]

any news on ripple?

[@PBVision]

Thanks for the review, Chris and Aizec! Already have a ticket in the queue to change default to -2, +2 😎

[@PickleballHangout]

Love your product! And being able to add folders is amazing! I added all the games from one play session and shared it with all the other players!

[@PBVision]

@@PickleballHangout Appreciate the kind words! Glad the feature was helpful - I'm using it a lot myself too for sharing a series of games with friends

[@chrisyeung2678]

I missed out on the flash sale for Melin, but I got one anyways. Please let us know when the next sale comes!

[@garygorgo3600]

I have been playing with a Engage Pursuit EX 14mm graphite paddle for 4yrs. I like the pop and power. I bought the Pursuit EX Pro 14mm Carbon Fiber and I can't get use to it because it doesn't have the pop or power! Listening to your great. podcast now understand why. With your Knowledge what could I try to find something equal to my first paddle? I love trying new paddles and cost doesn't matter.

[@juansantiago1441]

Paddletek ALW 12.7 or the 14. Feels close to the engage both std shape. The paddletek has more pop that engage. The carbon engage paddles non 6.0 are 13mm.

[@PanamaLou-zk3xe]

Good review, just a recommendation, when you talk about a paddle ( ex.the Proton Series 4 ), give the specs and also at least a few photos of it, before then diving right into how it plays, etc. Please try to get a response from Proton, would love to know your expert opinion on the Series 1 from Proton. Looking to buy it, but waiting for the reviews. Saludos from Panama.

[@izy22388]

John kew does an in depth review on the series one. My wife just bought me one over the weekend at MLP NY and I played with it yesterday for 7 games and it was a great experience

[@deaconbleus8396]

At one time you were very high on the Legacy, which is my wife's favorite paddle. What has happened? What has happened to the company? They seemed to have dropped off the map. Is the company still in business? If they are, are they going to do something, or are they DOA? Would appreciate you feedback.

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

People were high on them because they were core crushed out of the box. Or what people back then called delaminated. But people didn’t realize it was core crushed on arrival. They were just blown away by the crazy power. But the power was only from the crushed core. Once they fixed their core crushing issues, there was nothing special left about the paddle. It’s just a drop shipped Chinese factory paddle that they printed their name Legacy on.

[@bowiewan110]

They wouldn't accept a core crush paddle at the 6 month mark. Too many better paddles available with better customer service

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

Are paddles more important or polishing your techniques with drills & practices?

[@CookinattheKitchen]

What would be your recommended alternative to the Proton Series 4 if I want an edge guard, but have it be long-lasting with good spin? I liked the Ruby but it died too quick for me to trust SixZero. A ruby with a bit more power would be ideal.

[@Mr.DJones]

Right now the Proton Series Four Roadrunner is $100 off with a JohnKew code, equalling $200. I bought one, and that price is worth it. IMHO. :)

[@jeffkreamer6948]

I don’t get all of the Proton hate. If it lasts even one replacement cycle it is a huge bargain, and if it doesn’t it is $30-$40 dollars more than other high end paddles [and some of them don’t allow discount codes]. Time will tell on the lasting, but the rhetoric seems pretty strong…just my opinion…

[@Nix27.]

I dont think the game is as fun to play or watch with super big serves but the drop serve looks stupid so I don't know the solution.

[@robstever3896]

So I live in Jersey and there was no advertising in our area at all. I listen to sports talk radio all day everyday and nothing. No signage at any of our local pickleball clubs nothing.

[@HeavyAndLow]

That's crazy?!

[@TennisObsessed]

Same. The only advertising I saw about it was on Pickleball TV and Tennis Channel.

[@DianSusiana98]

Thanks for your podcast. The supercourt is cute but I don't like the color of the grip.

[@Jadrianson]

Thank you, Chris, that's exactly what my sentiment was on the titanium issue. I do see Aizec's side and I agree it's silly to stop using one if you like how it plays, and that goes for any "titanium" paddle. But it's the simple fact that it's essentially false advertising and if it was inadvertent, then they should acknowledge that. As opposed to reportedly what at least one company did, which was act like it was known all along and imply it was on the consumers for not understanding industry jargon. That's BS. Again, use the paddle if you have one and like it, but that kind of deflection makes me not want to use any products from a company like that.

[@marionsigurdson1392]

Which one would you pick: Neonic flare or jellybean?

[@Willcortespr]

I laughed with that specific Colin Johns serve because he was trying to make a point about Howells being serving illegally without faults being called through the whole game.

[@tylerwhite8930]

Any updates on the Ripple changing performance?

[@buildingpickleball]

Quality 👌

[@Carpe.Dinkem]

24:33 I’m sorry Chris… the slow pan throws me off 🤣

[@robertharless3304]

It’s the ppa/mlp/uta that keeps tinkering with the serve. Screw them. If you have to pussify the serve, then the return will be weaponized. Pickleball is becoming a joke with all of these rule changes

[@ryandail8985]

where is the QD drop serve clip?

[@86309]

I think in the marketing of the series 4 they say it's not a peel ply texture, it's exposed. am I wrong?

[@iantercero5380]

The proton series 1 type a 11 mm… are they even making it anymore? It’s always sold out!😂

[@izy22388]

My wife just bought me a series one type A 11mm elongated two days ago

[@WStar4Life]

They have the series A in pink/blue in 11mm both square and elongated

[@sachamuller1921]

They offer them in 15mm as well as 11mm.

[@Jinxman729]

Yeah, mine is in transit.

[@spenserhart5945]

Aizec - outside of the shogun, is there another paddle you use as a main/for tournaments?

[@AizecOlson]

Currently still using the shogun for tournaments. Might give the ripple a go for a few upcoming tournaments though.

[@WStar4Life]

I emailed proton the day it released literally saying the same thing. Why not put the NanoTac coating on it when that is what they are known for? The series 4 will sit until they are on sale for under $200. Edit: Just received a reply from Proton, and it was underwhelming. “We already make a NanoTac”. What a joke. I hope nobody buys them and they have to sit on their series 4 forever. Guess they don’t care about making products that last

[@TheSlimej]

My Proton has lasted longer than any other paddle, by far. This includes Selkirk, Franklin, Ronbus and especially Joola.

[@WStar4Life]

@@TheSlimej my series one has also. I’m talking about their supposed philosophy of providing products that last. The new paddle will wear out just like any other paddle and for $300 that’s unacceptable. It was a missed opportunity for them not to use their NanoTac on the Series 4

[@TheSlimej]

@@WStar4Life Except that you don't have to buy it. But ya I agree it's a lot of money for a freaking paddle at the end of the day.

[@TimothyFisher-y7w]

It would add a lot of value to your reviews if you would hold up ALL of the paddles while you are talking about them.

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

Because padel not hitting a plastic ball with 40 holes in it lol I get all the heat from my tennis, golf and even softball buddies what ever happened to me. Even the baseball wiffle ball is much harder than a pickleball they mock me haha

[@taurusgump]

Supercourt entered the uncanny valley somehow

[@MatthewKPickleball]

Cool to see some Honolulu love! 🌴🌴🌴

[@BA-PBXC]

Chorus Supercourt's looks could be helped a lot by changing the graphics on the face. The arc'd graphic isn't helping matters. More vertical lines, text, etc.. would help it look less stumpy. Short chunky boys shouldn't wear horizontal stripes. Speaking from experience.. ;-)

[@christianeprice]

I think it was Dustin Fowkes who suggested a rename contest and my recommendation is “the performance enhancing polyester fiber formerly known as titanium.”😜😂 but please review the Nexus ProStar as it is a surprisingly awesome titanium/polyester paddle. I requested a lighter one and it plays shogunish with bigger sweet spot more maneuverable. And I’m dying over “my eyes just don’t like it!”😜😂

[@Zenon-fg4dw]

Really enjoy your videos and your honesty. That is why I am aghast to hear you say that you will continue to call J2Ti paddle construction as titanium even when you know that it is not. If you do that it will make you an active participant in perpetuating a lie and you will be deceiving your listeners. That is your choice.

[@my_brief_moment]

why don't we hear too much fuss on serve rules in APP events?

[@mr.mr.3301]

For me it seems titanium paddles should cost somewhere between carbon and Kevlar. It feels the Titanium name allows companies to charge more than it should cost. Enhanced carbon fiber is what it is , compared to real DuPont Kevlar. I don’t like it being called something it is not. It creates trust issues just like oatmeal raisin cookies do. They really should call it poly titanium. 😊

[@PickleballStudio]

Oatmeal raisins 🤣😂 that gave me a good chuckle.

[@Jadrianson]

I agree with your statement, but you lost me at the end. Oatmeal raisin cookies are delicious.

[@hruntingson]

Maybe 20$ more. Maybe or maybe not a “Ti” mark up I don’t know the material cost, but the playability seems to be an upgrade for many. Not like some companies selling at 250+ for paint grit because of their name. That is more egregious to me.

[@mr.mr.3301]

@@Jadrianson ever grab an oatmeal cookie thinking it was chocolate chip?

[@Jadrianson]

@@mr.mr.3301 Oh I get the analogy, but I grew up in a household where homemade oatmeal raisin often trumped chocolate chip. And I know that's blasphemy to some, but I like both and think oatmeal raisin gets too much hate.

[@ericoakland]

I really liked the vintage Melin from last week!

[@acupof_joe]

Unfortunately the courts in MLP NYC were pretty brutal. Jack was tripping on high spots.

[@kris2fur64]

PB Vision is legit. Its so much better if you have a high fence to put the camera on. Its helping me break bad habits by trying to up my percentages. Also, false advertising or misleading information sucks.

[@kris2fur64]

PB Vision is moving out of beta. Seems over priced now. Each credit is 1 game upload Starter: $15/month Ideal for casual players looking to review their performance with essential stats. Includes 5 Credits per month. Premium: $33/month Great for players wanting deeper insights and access to premium features such as shot explorer. Includes 15 Credits per month.

[@shawnmcintire9640]

The NJ 5s women beat the Utah women 25-7 the match before beating DC women 25-8 😮😮😮

[@9DeezzDinkDrop]

Was about to say the same. And while ALW is a beast, Mari ain’t no slouch, she’s badass as well. IMHO, the only female this weekend at NYC that gave them any kind of challenge was Jansen. She’s an animal as well

[@jamesforrestal8206]

I predict MLP will fold.

[@davidtorres8396]

Same. Famous people owning a team is super cool but they probably want return on investment.

[@mkullishpb]

Guys, I absolutely love the videos. I've listened to or watched every episode. Can you please stop saying blah blah blah. It has come out of nowhere and is so 5 years ago. 😉

[@mattmershon3542]

Pickle ball needs to go to the bounce serve and require the server to drop from wherever he or she wants to without adding any velocity to the drop. Forget the rest of the bs As far as paddles are concerned I would much prefer a foam paddle like is used in ping pong to dramatically reduce the noise and make the game faster with even more spin. Now we’re having fun and not bothering the p!** out of our neighbors If the old farts like me can’t stand the heat then come up with a different ball for recreational players that is … wait for it…slower and quieter If the powers that be haven’t figured out that the sport has a noise problem then they are just totally daft. Better tackle it before it tackles us.

[@huddy025]

What melin hat is Aizec wearing? Love the flat brim

[@AizecOlson]

It’s the Ryan Sheckler passage hat.

[@jaygrayson6230]

They didn't give a review on the proton series 4 at all they just complained about price smh.

[@coachpono]

Call it Poly-CF lol

[@terogan]

Hilarious you used cow tongue as an example. That happened to me in the early 70s at a wedding. They had it chunked in a sour cream sauce on the salad bar. We were chowing on it. Then learned what it was… We had to tell ourselves that we were loving it so no reason to get grossed out. Eventually bought a tongue ourselves and cooked it up.

[@AizecOlson]

Only reason I used it as the example is I actually really enjoy it but I’ve had friends tell me it taste to till the find out what it actually is and get grossed out haha

[@smilesrykee7067]

In fields that deal with metals Titanium is called Ti (tie) so NiTi (Nigh Tie) is nickel titanium etc. I think PETi (Pee Ee Tie) PET threads and TruTi (True Tie) actual Titanium threads could be a good way to differentiate. Pulling this out od nowhere but if someone influential in the space suggests it (like you guys) it (or soemthing similar) would be picked up pretty quickly for clarity

[@ThePickleballNerd]

Ok hear me out…. New release Z5 with moon dust.

[@vupac3000]

After a few days of disappointment from the unveiling of the titanium technology, I’ve grown to still appreciate my Shogun. Love the feel it provides. I look forward to try more titanium paddles for the amazing feel.

[@AndrewWoodberry]

4th (Series of Proton)

[@shalpher844]

And that Melin hat was “vibrant!” 🤣 Whatever floats your boat.

[@honlam6681]

Nice Melins

[@hruntingson]

🙅🏼‍♀️”what the f..” 🧢🧢🙋‍♂️”glad you like them! This one is yours! If figured these Melins can be our team hat for the tourney this weekend!” 👨🏽‍🦰”sweeeet, bruh! I’m so hyped for this!” 🤦‍♀️

[@chaseprovencio2571]

Won’t review the series 1 but will review a paddle 3 times from a company who’s in a lawsuit. Bias?

[@trumpisastump9382]

What does being in a lawsuit have to do with the review of paddles, especially given that the paddle company (Joola) is the complaint, not the defendant???

[@PickleballStudio]

Those paddles didn’t have any known issues legality wise at the time of review, and had they, they would receive no review. Had they, no review would happen. I’d hardly call it biased when Joola has gotten criticized in 2/3 reviews. But hey, call it what you want.

[@shalpher844]

Short? 30 mins is short. 1hr7min is long. 😂

[@jesturcastillo]

Are u guys Filipino? What 🫡

[@Eggrollexpress_pickleballisfun]

3rd!!!!!! 😊😊😊😊

[@eddiezarate8246]

Still love my Shogun. Doug’s dad invented the poly “titanium” 😊

[@cindywong7589]

Yay! First again!

[@gk-qf9hv]

Bla Bla

[@OFFBRAND-lk6jz]

First

[@DavisInDuval]

I now have 7 MELIN hats, two bought with your codes. I have a problem but I’m not looking for a solution 😂

[@wolf-xf6hf]

7:54 fun fact salty tennis players 100% do make fun of padel and call it unathletic and for broke people the exact same way they talk about pickleball