Every paddle, tested for real.

I should tell you my bias up front: I'm a recovering power player. Gearbox Pro Power Elongated, then the Joola Perseus Mod TA-15. If it hit like a truck, I bought it.

11+ hrs tested · $187 w/ code · Sep 29

For about a year, every time I posted a top three, a top five, or an opinion about a paddle that wasn't this one, the comments filled up with the same question. What about the J6CR Crystal Blue?

11+ hrs tested · $175.50 w/ code · Sep 29

The Gearbox Pressure X 8M was the first of the two Pressure X paddles I picked up, and it was fun from the first swing. It hits hard, it's relatively firm, and it has good pop and good power.

4+ hrs tested · $252 w/ code · Sep 26

The Gearbox Pressure X 8E is the first paddle I've played that hits extremely hard without feeling like I hit it extremely hard. I hit one ball with it and did a double take.

8+ hrs tested · $252 w/ code · Sep 26

Some paddles are for everybody. The MARK unMARKed 2026 is the opposite of that, and I think MARK knew it when they built it.

10+ hrs tested · $171 w/ code · Sep 25

Ten days ago I put a rule in writing: any paddle that launches without durable grit is a no for me.

15+ hrs tested · $98.99 w/ code · Sep 25

"This is okay." That was my entire first session with the Volair CMD. A little soft, a little light, fine, maybe not my favorite.

7+ hrs tested · $162.00 w/ code · Sep 19

"I hate this paddle." That was hour one. Too soft, no pop, like someone handed me a Gen 1 paddle and told me it was 2026. I got through one game, barely, and put it back in the bag.

6+ hrs tested · $159.99 w/ code · Sep 17

Picture a Venn diagram. One circle is pickleball shoes. The other is shoes you'd actually want to be seen in.

40+ hrs tested · $117 w/ code · Sep 13

I don't like 14mm paddles. Never have. The ball leaves the face before I've decided what I want to do with it, so I spend the whole session playing catch-up. When the Speedup Tide showed up in a 14mm

13+ hrs tested · $153 w/ code · Aug 14