Selecting your ideal paddle will involve a delicate balance of static weight, swing radius, balance weight, swing weight, recoil weight, and bending stiffness. Since many of these characteristics are inter-related, finding the ideal paddle that suits your abilities and style of play might be challenging, as it will involve several trade-offs.
In this article we provide a Paddle Technical Comparison guide where we compare the technical characteristics of several different paddles, including Static Weight, Swing Radius, Balance Weight, Swing Weight, Recoil Weight, and Bending Stiffness. In the future, we will augment this guide to include other characteristics such as a paddle’s spin capability, vibration damping, and reactivity (or “pop”). To assist readers in interpreting this data and selecting a paddle, we review the pro’s and con’s of each paddle characteristic below the table.
Recent Updates
December 3, 2023
– Added Joola Hyperion and Joola Perseus Paddle test results
December 28, 2023
– Added Selkirk LUXX Invikta, Selkirk Labs Project 006, & Vatic Pro Prism-Flash
March 27, 2024
– Revamped table in its entirety and added several new paddles
How to Use the Table
If your paddle is listed in the Paddle Technical Comparison table or if you know the weight and stiffness characteristics of your paddle, you should start by examining paddles in the range of your current paddle. For example, if you like the Balance Weight of your paddle, click on the Balance Weight column header, and the paddles will be arranged in either ascending or descending order (depending on how many times you click on the header) according to Balance Weight. You should look at the paddles close to the range of your paddle then contrast your paddle based on other characteristics, such as swing weight, recoil weight, or bending stiffness. So, if you like the balance of your paddle but want more power, select a paddle within your range that has a lower bending stiffness (higher trampoline power) or higher static weight (higher inertial power).
The results are organized in three ranges. The middle one-third are classified as “average” and are highlighted in yellow. The top one-third are classified as “above average” and highlighted in green. The bottom one-third are classified as “below average” and highlighted in blue. Some of the paddles do not have entries for bending stiffness because the paddles were damaged, which prevented an accurate measurement of bending stiffness. If there is a certain paddle that you want analyzed for the table, or if you are a paddle manufacturer that wants your paddle information in the table let us know through the Contact Us page on our website.
Paddle Technical Comparisons
| Paddle | List Price* / Link** | Static Weight (oz) | Swing Radius (in) | Balance Weight (oz-in) | Recoil Weight (oz-in^2) | Swing Weight (oz-in^2) | Twist Weight (oz-in^2) | Face Stiffness (lb/in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVERAGE | 7.9906 | 7.3043 | 58.3959 | 145.1591 | 572.6481 | 27.0928 | 901.4356 | |
| Bread & Butter Filth | $ 165 | 8.18 | 7.38 | 60.4 | 163.09342198715 | 608.61221398715 | 25.854946624395 | 1054.1341879688 |
| CRBN 1X | $ 230 | 8.43 | 7.5 | 63.2 | 167.07686104387 | 641.26436104387 | 26.744487887057 | 855.845146463 |
| CRBN 2X | $ 230 | 8.43 | 7.25 | 61.1 | 137.68516174559 | 580.78703674559 | 31.949302227471 | 801.93696911963 |
| Diadem Vice | $ 225 | 8.2 | 7.25 | 59.5 | 164.45911964478 | 595.47161964478 | 25.998188930384 | 209.48515954484 |
| Electrum Elite | $ 150 | 8.36 | 7.5 | 62.7 | 164.7984029269 | 635.0484029269 | 28.636801925425 | 1010.8911880842 |
| Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 Pro | $ 260 | 8.5 | 8.125 | 69.1 | 137.21173196909 | 698.34454446909 | 30.113875189133 | 918.94777498229 |
| Gamma Obsidian | $ 160 | 7.8 | 7.05 | 55.0 | 152.31315503084 | 539.99265503084 | 22.623267821322 | 830.73844030366 |
| Gearbox Pro Control | $ 275 | 7.87 | 7.75 | 61.0 | 143.14096588794 | 615.83284088794 | 26.688542999065 | 1210.1876078067 |
| Gearbox Pro Power | $ 275 | 7.9 | 7.75 | 61.2 | 143.6866112471 | 618.1803612471 | 26.790278232861 | 936.785054745 |
| Head Gravity Tour SH | $ 120 | 7.72 | 6.75 | 52.1 | 141.95894759983 | 493.70144759983 | 27.426264278573 | 852.72781188713 |
| Joola Hyperion | $ 220 | 8.11 | 7.4 | 60.0 | 146.31024720736 | 590.41384720736 | 25.897471608048 | 943.37369947126 |
| Joola Perseus | $ 250 | 7.83 | 7.65 | 59.9 | 140.23415856098 | 598.46533356098 | 25.479345492805 | 782.69911318455 |
| Master Athletics P3 | $ 259 | 8.08 | 7.5 | 60.6 | 140.25069245077 | 594.75069245077 | 29.086730888784 | 926.47850010998 |
| Master Athletics Q1 | $ 179 | 7.87 | 6.7 | 52.7 | 134.03987619623 | 487.32417619623 | 25.557424229626 | 274.40386206149 |
| Onix Evoke Malice | $ 230 | 7.94 | 7 | 55.6 | 157.13762780241 | 546.19762780241 | 29.07516431062 | 730.30901334497 |
| Onix Evoke Mayhem | $ 210 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 59.3 | 138.90334485383 | 583.27834485383 | 29.88883545844 | 837.13260504792 |
| Onix Evoke Premier | $ 150 | 8.01 | 7.4 | 59.3 | 131.60242430426 | 570.23002430426 | 31.824428542774 | 921.42198411447 |
| Paddletek Bantam ALW-C | $ 230 | 7.65 | 7.25 | 55.5 | 121.0542543827 | 523.1573793827 | 27.923524186942 | 765.45768862601 |
| PB Pro Infinity | $ 199 | 7.97 | 7.5 | 59.8 | 161.13382524314 | 609.44632524314 | 26.456414369151 | 982.31945317111 |
| Players Rogue 2 Hybrid Carbon | $ 140 | 7.8 | 7.75 | 60.5 | 138.18215342512 | 606.66965342512 | 25.220438919778 | 1043.4544148055 |
| Players Rogue 2 Hybrid Fiberglass | $ 130 | 7.83 | 7.75 | 60.7 | 138.71362324599 | 609.00299824599 | 25.317440607931 | 942.66026824166 |
| Players Rogue 2E Carbon | $ 140 | 7.72 | 7.6875 | 59.3 | 152.936280573 | 609.170186823 | 21.33000721701 | 1021.7304625199 |
| Players Rogue 2E Fiberglass | $ 130 | 7.76 | 7.6875 | 59.7 | 153.72869653452 | 612.32650903452 | 21.440525389119 | 873.19340564777 |
| Players Rogue 2MAX Carbon | $ 140 | 8.25 | 7.25 | 59.8 | 142.85109813718 | 576.49172313718 | 29.123471968681 | 1028.7366396521 |
| Players Rogue 2MAX Fiberglass | $ 130 | 8.22 | 7.25 | 59.6 | 142.3316395985 | 574.3953895985 | 29.017568434249 | 873.28614135882 |
| Players Rogue 2QUAD Carbon | $ 140 | 8.32 | 7.25 | 60.3 | 138.38839652533 | 575.70839652533 | 34.055309246163 | 1058.9355144618 |
| Players Rogue 2QUAD Fiberglass | $ 130 | 8.11 | 7.25 | 58.8 | 134.89542017072 | 561.17729517072 | 33.195740142594 | 918.90811890812 |
| ProKennex Black Ace Pro | $ 250 | 7.9 | 6.75 | 53.3 | 142.35832360272 | 502.30207360272 | 25.350525173288 | 979.77289897726 |
| ProKennex Pro Flight | $ 185 | 7.13 | 6.75 | 48.1 | 128.50142458821 | 453.36204958821 | 22.870083447033 | 675.13918152697 |
| Ronbus EV2 | $ 180 | 8.08 | 7.38 | 59.6 | 163.99710481434 | 604.06945681434 | 25.228822971682 | 242.81404542806 |
| Ronbus R3 Pulsar | $ 150 | 8.04 | 7.63 | 61.3 | 158.09356996261 | 626.15744596261 | 25.801855772727 | 815.62427342478 |
| Selkirk Control LUXX Epic | $ 250 | 8.22 | 7.25 | 59.6 | 144.53193240833 | 576.59568240833 | 28.903802059398 | 1124.0859240299 |
| Selkirk Control LUXX Invikta | $ 250 | 8.08 | 7.5 | 60.6 | 157.34063114454 | 611.84063114454 | 27.614412490587 | 1124.0859240299 |
| Selkirk Labs Project 003 | $ 333 | 8.64 | 7.5 | 64.8 | 148.84328443468 | 634.84328443468 | 28.329259816483 | 867.76287135584 |
| Selkirk Labs Project 006 | $ 333 | 8.08 | 7.25 | 58.6 | 148.58488283275 | 573.28988283275 | 27.041094758316 | 952.70194738712 |
| Selkirk Omni Hybrid | $ 170 | 7.72 | 7 | 54.0 | 164.27544059182 | 542.55544059182 | 24.717476572941 | 992.65246248005 |
| Selkirk Power Air Invikta | $ 250 | 8.01 | 7.25 | 58.1 | 160.07978062085 | 581.10540562085 | 27.492489019251 | 885.33648845434 |
| TMPR Expanse Beta LX | $ 129 | 7.97 | 7 | 55.8 | 156.0664183669 | 546.5964183669 | 26.731771565144 | 882.78750235272 |
| TMPR Oculus LX | $ 129 | 7.9 | 7 | 55.3 | 133.69689409468 | 520.79689409468 | 25.939076567153 | 970.83276543546 |
| TMPR Tantrum GXT | $ 89 | 7.55 | 7.19 | 54.3 | 113.25252511623 | 503.55808011623 | 26.74199761972 | 1039.6450897358 |
| TMPR Tantrum LX | $ 129 | 7.69 | 7.19 | 55.3 | 115.35257193958 | 512.89558093958 | 27.237875721278 | 860.4627510806 |
| TMPR Tantrum XT | $ 99 | 7.69 | 7.31 | 56.2 | 112.65984742425 | 523.58345642425 | 27.49891639403 | 917.05115060378 |
| TMPR Terra LX | $ 155 | 8.4 | 7.25 | 60.9 | 147.08278762853 | 588.60778762853 | 28.154021673371 | 914.77272727273 |
| TMPR Terra TC-13 | $ 169 | 7.83 | 7.125 | 55.8 | 141.23120844428 | 538.72605219428 | 25.787694452952 | 1080.6417728615 |
| TMPR Terra TC-16 | $ 169 | 7.8 | 7.375 | 57.5 | 130.99515193901 | 555.24202693901 | 26.721710252981 | 880.80907595569 |
| Vatic Pro Prism Flash | $ 100 | 7.76 | 6.5 | 50.4 | 165.26967302881 | 493.12967302881 | 23.349684679329 | 1140.2273124672 |
| Versix Raw 6C+ | $ 110 | 8.01 | 7.25 | 58.1 | 151.61464795986 | 572.64027295986 | 26.236674823418 | 1089.5726339017 |
| Volair Mach 1 Forza | $ 180 | 8.08 | 7.25 | 58.6 | 159.85877768854 | 584.56377768854 | 25.339832591422 | 1044.5040626328 |
| Vulcan V530 Power | $ 100 | 8.2 | 7.13 | 58.5 | 140.99197145104 | 557.85455145104 | 31.741631545327 | 1082.8828828829 |
*Prices shown are list prices obtained from the linked website on the publish date. These prices do not include discounts offered by the website or manufacturer. Prices are subject to change by the retailer and/or manufacturer, and readers should obtain the latest pricing by clicking on the embedded links.
**Some of the embedded links in our website are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, Pickleball Science will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase**. Purchase of merchandise through these affiliate links will help support the website so that we can continue to provide meaningful content to our readers.
**For CRBN paddles, you can receive a 10% discount by entering coupon code PSCIENCE10
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**For all Ronbus paddles, you can receive $20 off of your purchase by entering coupon code “PSCIENCE20”
In the following sections we provide definitions of each of the paddle characteristics in the above table and give readers a short tutorial on how to use the table to select their ideal paddle.
Static Weight
The paddle’s Static Weight is a fundamental characteristic that is provided by all paddle manufacturers. The average static weight of a paddle is about eight ounces. The USAPA does not regulate static weight, so paddles will typically fall in a range from 7.0 to 8.5 ounces. Players can further increase their paddle weight by adding weighted tapes or overgrips to their paddles. (We will discuss this topic in a future article.)
Should you select a paddle with a high or low static weight? A paddle’s swing speed is affected by the paddle swing weight and not the paddle static weight. However, unless the paddle manufacturer is careful in distributing the paddle weight, most paddles with high static weight will also have high swing weights.
The advantage of a heavier paddle is that the paddle can transfer more momentum to the ball, and will therefore have greater power than a lighter paddle. To differentiate this power from other forms of paddle power (such as the trampoline effect), we will term this power “inertial power”. The downside of a heavier paddle is that it requires more strength to hold and balance it in your hand. A heavier paddle can therefore cause more arm fatigue and other problems, such as “tennis elbow”.
Players should therefore select a paddle that is as heavy as they can handle. If the paddle is too heavy, it might feel too slow and might be too cumbersome to maneuver. On the other hand, if a paddle feels too light, it might lack inertial power and might be too easily deflected by hard-hit balls.
Swing Radius
You can determine your paddle’s swing radius by first balancing the paddle across the width of the paddle face to determine its center of gravity (cg) location. The swing radius is the distance from the butt of the handle to the cg location, minus the distance from the butt of the handle to the pivot point (which we assume is about 2.0”).
The average paddle swing radius is about 7.25”, with the longest (the Legacy Pro) being about 7.75” and the shortest (the ProKennex ProFlight) being about 6.75”. The range between the shortest and longest is only 1.0”; however, in our analysis we determined that small increases in swing radius can greatly affect paddle velocity and force (see “Paddle Swing Weight, Recoil Weight, and Swing Radius“). This is due to the fact that the paddle swing radius is acted upon by rotations of the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and torso. Paddles with a long swing radius will appear to have more power, whereas paddles with a short swing radius will appear to have more control.
Balance Weight
The paddle balance weight is a static weight characteristic that is determined by multiplying the paddle static weight by the paddle swing radius. It is essentially the torque that is applied to your wrist when holding the paddle. The average paddle balance weight is about 58 oz-in, with the lightest (the ProKennex ProFlight) having a balance weight of 48 oz-in, and the heaviest (the CRBN 1X) having a balance weight of about 63 oz-in. Paddles with a low balance weight are called “head-light” and paddles with a high balance weight are called “head-heavy”. Once again, players should select a paddle that is comfortable in their hand that doesn’t feel too head-heavy or too head-light. Players can adjust the balance weight by gripping a head-light paddle further down the handle towards the butt, or gripping a head-heavy paddle further up the handle towards the throat.
Recoil Weight
The paddle recoil weight determines its rotational stability during contact with the ball. Paddles with a high recoil weight will feel more stable and accurate when hitting the ball hard, whereas paddles with a low recoil weight will be more prone to mis-hits when hitting hard ground strokes or if balls are approaching at high velocity. There is no advantage to selecting a paddle with a low recoil weight; however, since the recoil weight is tied heavily to the swing weight, it may be impossible to find a paddle that has a low swing weight together with a high recoil weight.
Swing Weight
We discussed the paddle swing weight extensively in several previous articles (see for example, “Paddle Weight vs Swing Weight”). The paddle swing weight is the primary determinant of the paddle swing speed and maneuverability. Paddles with a high swing weight will feel slow and cumbersome, whereas paddles with a low swing weight will feel fast and maneuverable.
There is no advantage to selecting a paddle with a high swing weight. Paddle “inertial power” is developed from the static weight and not the swing weight. Paddles with a low swing weight can benefit players who want to develop a lot of power (and momentum) through increased swing speed, or players who want to reduce their reaction time at the NVZ with more maneuverable paddle, or players who want more control by being able to precisely position and rotate their paddles for accurate shots.
Face Bending Stiffness
We developed a three-point test apparatus to measure the paddle bending stiffness (see “Thermoformed Paddle Delamination Revisited”). This test differs from the USAPA stiffness test, which can only measure the stiffness through the paddle core (and not the bending stiffness). As we have stated in another previous article (see “Paddle Power vs Control Comparison”) the paddle bending stiffness is a much better indicator of the so-called paddle “trampoline effect”, which can add more energy to a ball and thereby increase its power and velocity. Since paddle power is derived from several different factors such as its mass (“inertial power”), friction (“spin power”), we will call the power derived from the bending stiffness its “trampoline power”.
As shown in the Paddle Technical Comparison Table, the average bending stiffness for the paddles tested is about 900 lb/in, with the lowest bending stiffness (for a non-EVA) paddle being 675 lb/in (for the ProKennex ProFlight) and the highest bending stiffness paddle being 1240 lb/in (for the Gearbox Pro Control Paddle).
The desired amount of trampoline power a paddle can generate is a matter of choice:
- Power players who can reliably strike the ball at the sweet spot location and can generate a lot of paddle speed might prefer a paddle with a low bending stiffness. Such a paddle will have a lot of trampoline power and will therefore be capable of returning balls at high velocity. The downside of a low bending stiffness paddle is that if you do not strike the ball at the sweet spot location, it may come off your paddle at an oblique angle.
- Control players who rely on shot placement might prefer a paddle with an average bending stiffness. These paddles will be more predictable and will be less prone to mis-hits if the ball does not strike the sweet spot location. Such a paddle will still have some trampoline power for hard serves, volleys, or overhead smashes. The downside of the stiffer paddle is that it will not generate as much trampoline power as a softer paddle.
- Beginners or casual players who do not reliably hit the ball at the sweet spot might select a paddle with a high bending stiffness. These paddles will be very predictable and are often engineered with the lightest cores to enable high maneuverability and fast swing speeds.
Future Articles
In future articles, we will interpret the data in the Paddle Comparison Table and perform reviews of selected paddles. We will also augment the table with data that can be used to determine a paddle’s spin capability, vibration damping, and reactivity (or “pop”).
