PRODUCT REVIEW
WILSON ENERGY
Weight: 7.8 oz Length: 15.4 " Width: 7.75 " Core: Aramid Honeycomb Surface: Thermoset Polymer
Composite Price: $ 79
WILSON TOUR-BLX
Weight: 8.8 oz Length: 15.4 " Width: 7.75 " Core: Aramid Honeycomb Surface: Thermoset Polymer
Composite Price: $ 99
WOLFE SPORTS WOLFE XL
Weight: 8.5 oz Length: 15.75 " Width: 8.25 " Core: Aluminum Honeycomb Surface: 2 Layers: Fiberglass-
Graphite Price: $ 70
WILSON HOPE
Weight: 7.3 oz Length: 15.4 " Width: 7.6 " Core: Aramid Honeycomb Surface: Thermoset Polymer
Composite Price: $ 99
WOLFE SPORTS
WOLFE WOODEN PADDLE
Weight: 11.0 oz Length: 15.5 " Width: 7.75 " Core: 7-Ply Maple Surface: Maple Wood Price: $ 15
WILSON SURGE
Weight: 7.3 oz Length: 15.4 " Width: 7.6 " Core: Aramid Honeycomb Surface: Thermoset Polymer
Composite Price: $ 89
WOLFE SPORTS
WOLFE XF
Weight: 8.0 oz Length: 15.5 " Width: 7.625 " Core: Aluminum Honeycomb Surface: 3 Layers: Fiberglass-
Graphite-3K Carbon Fiber Price: $ 90
LOOK FOR THE
BALL GUIDE IN THE MARCH EDITION
Aluminum and Carbon Fiber surface paddles are less common and therefore less tested.
Paddle surfaces are often finished with paint, screen print, or vinyl which can add a small amount of texture( for spin), weight( for power) or hardness( for power). The USAPA has applied very stringent limits to the amount of texture that can be on a paddle surface. To sum it up – if the surface face offers a spin advantage, it will probably not pass USAPA testing.
PADDLE WEIGHT
Not everyone is in agreement about how core and surface material affect paddle play. Part of that is probably due to the wide variation in material production and sourcing. No one, to our knowledge, has ever done a comprehensive study of how paddle core or face materials contribute to the play of a paddle.
Possibly the # 1 most important and easy-to-understand thing that will affect the play of a paddle is the weight … Heavy paddles generally have more power( pop) and less control( touch) while light paddles have less power but better control.
CONCLUSION
So which paddle is the best one for you? The answer: The paddle that you play the best with and feel the most confident with. But, if you’ re not sure what to look for, first determine what type of player you feel you are. Be honest. It’ s not who you want to be... it’ s who you really are. Type-A individuals may lean toward more of an aggressive type playing paddle having some weight and pop, while a‘ B’ personality may want a lighter, softer paddle for better touch. Your personality does matter.
Our recommendation is to try paddles from different paddle manufacturers... and use the one that feels the best to you( the one you feel the most confident with). There are many great paddle manufacturers and paddles out there. •
JANUARY 2016 | MAGAZINE 35