PRODUCT REVIEW |
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( think paper honeycomb coated in liquid fiberglass). This was the first honeycomb material used to build pickleball paddles. Depending on surface face material, these paddles can often be combined with graphite, creating good control paddles, or fiberglass face materials creating great pop.
They feel nice when you hit the ball; however, by the nature of the material, they can eventually break down and develop dead spots.
Roughly one-third of the bestselling paddles have nomex / aramid cores, another one-third are aluminum, and one-third are polypropylene( or polymer based), graphite, wood, or something else.
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PICKLEBALL X / FRANKLIN SPORTS X-FACTOR
Weight: 7.4- 7.6 oz. Dimensions: 15.5 " x 8.25 " Core: Nomex Surface: Carbon Fiber & Fiberglass Price: $ 100
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PICKLE-BALL INC CHAMPION ALUMINUM
Weight: 7.3- 8.0 oz. Dimensions: 15.75 " x 8.13 " Core: Aluminum Honeycomb Surface: Fiberglass Composite Price: $ 75
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PICKLE-BALL INC CHAMPION GRAPHITE
Weight: 6.8- 7.8 oz. Dimensions: 15.75 " x 8.13 " Core: Nomex Honeycomb Surface: Graphite Price: $ 75
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SURFACE MATERIAL( SKIN OR FACE)
The surface of the paddle is most commonly made of fiberglass or graphite, although there are many great paddles using carbon, kevlar, or some other combinations. Each will intentionally offer a different feel to complement the characteristics dictated by the core material and weight.
Fiberglass surfaces are highly durable and tend to offer good pop / power.
Graphite surfaces are known for their lightweight and responsive touch. They can be combined with almost any core material to create paddles with good control / soft touch. Graphite surface paddles are generally more expensive and difficult to source.
Polypropylene is a common facing material used with polypropylene cores. It is highly durable and heavier in weight.
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.
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PICKLE-BALL INC POLYPRO TRACER
Weight: 7.4- 7.6 oz. Dimensions: 15.5 " x 7.88 " Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb Surface: Textured Fiberglass
Composite Price: $ 70
PROLITE REBEL POWERSPIN
Weight: 7.7- 8.1 oz. Dimensions: 16 " x 7.81 " Core: Polymer Core Surface: Fiberglass Price: $ 90
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PICKLE-BALL INC VINTAGE CHAMPION
GRAPHITE
Weight: 7.1- 8.0 oz. Dimensions: 15.75 " x 8.13 " Core: Nomex Honeycomb Surface: Graphite Price: $ 80
PROLITE TITAN PRO BLACK DIAMOND
Weight: 7.6- 8.3 oz. Dimensions: 15.5 " x 7.81 " Core: Polymer Core Surface: Carbon Fiber Price: $ 110
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PICKLE-BALL INC VORTEX 2.0
Weight: 8.2- 8.8 oz. Dimensions: 15.75 " x 8.13 " Core: Nomex Honeycomb Surface: UV Resistant Vinyl over
Fiberglass Composite Price: $ 85
RIVERSTYKS FOX BLADE
Weight: 7.4- 9.3 oz. Dimensions: 15.75 " x 8.13 " Core: Carbon Fiber Weave Surface: Carbon Fiber Cover Price: $ 189
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