TMPR Sports is a family-owned company that manufacturers pickleball paddles in their factory in Michigan. Their paddles use a variety of face sheet and core materials and are configured in different shapes. This review evaluates one of their newest lines of paddles, the TMPR Terra.
Three Styles of Terra Paddles
When ordering a TMPR Terra paddle, consumers can customize their paddle according to the following options, with other differences described below:
Both the TC-13 and TC-16 paddles have T-700 carbon fiber face sheets with polypropylene honeycomb cores. The TC-13 has a 13 mm thick core, whereas the TC-16 has a 16 mm core. Although many T-700 faced paddles on the market are thermoformed, TMPR built several thermoformed paddle prototypes and found that they de-bonded after only a few weeks, which was the primary complaint with thermoformed paddles. Both the TC-13 and TC-16 therefore use the traditional cold-forming process. This should not be a “show-stopper” for most consumers, as cold-forming can still create a highly-reliable bond between the face sheet and core.
The LX (or Luxe) paddle is built differently from the TC paddles in that it uses a fiberglass face sheet with (roughly) a 15 mm polypropylene core. To enhance the paddle’s spin capability, they apply a proprietary two-part coating that they call SPINGRIP, which is made in the USA. Examination of the SPINGRIP coating under a microscope finds that it consists of contour lines that run along the length of the paddle with added grit (Figure 2a). The TC paddles on the other hand, have a characteristic weave pattern that is typical of raw carbon fiber faced paddles (Figure 2b).
Paddle Technical Comparisons
A technical comparison of the Terra paddles compared with an average of about 40 different paddles is provided in the table below.
These results indicate the following:
- The TC paddles are slightly lighter than the average paddle weight and the LX is heavier. In fact, at 8.40 oz, the LX paddle is among the heaviest paddles measured in the 40 paddle cohort.
- When taking into account the swing radius, the TC-13 will feel lighter in your hand, the TC-16 will feel about average, and the LX will feel heavier.
- All three paddles have a recoil weight that is lighter than average, which may indicate that they will tend to rotate when contacting particularly hard hits. However, the lighter recoil weight translates into a lighter swing weight.
- The TC-13 will enable the fastest swing speed and feel highly maneuverable when switching from forehand to backhand shots. The TC-16 will feel about average and the LX will feel slightly slower.
- While the higher-than average bending stiffness of the TC-13 would normally classify the paddle as a “control” paddle, the low swing weight allows you to develop increased power through an increased swing speed.
- The TC-16 paddle, with a lower bending stiffnesses and average swing weight would classify this paddle as a “hybrid” paddle, having characteristics of both “power” and “control” paddles.
- The LX paddle, with a slightly below average bending stiffness and slightly above average swing weight would classify it as a “hybrid” paddle, however, because of its higher weight, it can develop increased power through increased momentum and inertia.
Overall Assessment
TMPR Sports has created a winning combination of paddles with their Terra line, which have features that will satisfy a wide variety of players.
- The lightweight TMPR Terra TC-13 might be ideal for players who have limited arm strength or players who have not fully developed their strokes, or player who would otherwise desire a lighter paddle for a faster swing speed or greater maneuverability. The model tested was a medium-weight paddle, and it is available in yet a lighter weight (7.1-7.5 oz). Players who have used the medium-weight paddle compared it to the ProKennex Black Ace. At the lighter weight it will likely be comparable to the ProKennex ProFlight paddle. The TC-13 has good control for soft shots and dinks and a lot of swing speed can be generated with its lighter swing weight.
- The TMPR Terra TC-16 might be ideally suited for intermediate players who need a balance between power and control. Players who have used it compare it to paddles such as the Selkirk Power Air. The paddle has very good control for soft shots and can generate a lot of power for drives.
- The TMPR Terra LX might be suited for more advanced players who desire a heavier paddle to generate more momentum and power. Because of its rougher surface, it can generate a lot of spin on soft shots, and has a slightly lower than average bending stiffness and higher mass to generate power on drives and serves. Players who have used it compare it to paddles such as the Joola Hyperion.
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**For all TMPR paddles, you can receive $10 off your purchase by entering coupon code “PSCIENCE10”
