This article supersedes a previous article (“Paddle Technical Comparisons”) and presents technical data for several paddles where various weight and stiffness characteristics were measured and analyzed. An explanation of these technical characteristics and how they affect paddle performance can be found in the companion article, “Paddle Technical Characteristics“. By knowing these characteristics, we can objectively […]
Paddle Technical Data Read More »
This article provides a running summary of our tests and assessments of various pickleballs. The balls that we tested are all USAPA-approved and are assumed to meet the basic requirements for diameter, weight, bounce, etc. so we will not test or report on those characteristics. When selecting a pickleball, we believe that there are only
Pickleball Reviews Read More »
The women’s semi-final singles match of the Selkirk Red Rock Open in St. George, Utah in April 2023, featured Lea Jansen verses Salome Devidze. During this match, Devidze hit several groundstrokes for winners with an exceptional amount of velocity and topspin. Based on the lower frequency “thud” of Devidze’s paddle and the amount of velocity
Jansen vs Devidze Revisited Read More »
The thermoforming of pickleball paddles provides several advantages. For paddle manufacturers extra materials, adhesives, and labor are not required to bond the edge guard to the paddle. For pickleball players, the stiff carbon fiber edge acts like a frame that is similar to a tennis racquet, which allows the center of the paddle to behave
Thermoformed Paddle Delamination Read More »
The ability to put topspin on the ball should be an important component of every player’s game. As we have discussed in previous articles (see for example, “How Fast is a Pickleball Serve?”) you must hit serves and ground strokes on an upward trajectory to clear the top of the net, and soft enough so
Predicting a Paddle’s Spin Capability Read More »
In this article, we will review the Onix DuraFast 40 pickleball and compare it to the Franklin X-40 pickleball. In a previous article, “How Many Games will a Pickleball Last?”, we looked at the Franklin X-40 pickleball, as it appears to be the ball of choice among pickleball players in South Florida. In recap, we
DuraFast 40 vs Franklin X-40 Pickleballs Read More »
In a previous article, “How Many Games will a Pickleball Last?”, we determined that the stiffness of the ball is not the primary factor that governs the height to which the ball will bounce. Therefore, balls of different stiffness can meet the USAPA bounce height standard of a 30-34” rebound from a hard surface when
Why Do New Pickleballs Have More “Pop”? Read More »
In a previous article, “Power vs Control Paddles”, we discussed the important characteristics and differences between power and control paddles. In our analysis, we found that “power” paddles will tend to have softer faces than “control” paddles. Our testing methodology relied on our ability to calculate the change in kinetic energy caused by dropping a
Quantifying Power & Control Paddles Read More »
We all know that as we play, pickleballs start to wear, become soft, lose their ability to bounce, and eventually crack. What causes a worn pickleball to bounce less? How often should the balls be replaced? Let’s look at the science for answers to these questions. Why Do Worn Balls Bounce Less? The straight-forward answer
How Many Games Will a Pickleball Last? Read More »
A review of several advertisements, articles, and videos on the internet finds numerous misconceptions, contradictions, and erroneous claims regarding paddle weight, power, and speed. Proponents of both lighter and heavier paddles each claim that their lighter or heavier paddles will allow you to hit the ball harder, faster, and with increased accuracy. Who is right?
Paddle Weight and Momentum Read More »