s
w
e
i
v
e
R
e
l
Padd
IN THE KNOW
BY JACK BANDEL
PLAYERS PICKLEBALL ROGUE SI REVIEW
Look/Cosmetics
Simple graphics but comes
in many bright color choices.
Eight bold colors lets you find
a favorite. Comes with a Winn
Dry Tac cushioned grip, which
is very high quality. Two-layer
carbon fiber paddle face feels
roughly textured. Core is on the
thin side compared to many of
today’s thicker paddles.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes
The Rogue SI is very easy to pick up
and play with immediately. Serves and
groundstrokes have good power behind
them, but are predictable in their outcome.
Returns have nice pace, and spin is also easy to add if you
like to slice or float your returns.
Touch/Feel
The “Gel-Core” works well to reduce vibrations and give
this paddle a smooth feel on impact. Works especially well
at taking pace of the ball and resetting the point. Dinking
is very predictable also and just a nice all-around paddle
from all over the court.
Sound/Sweet Spot
This paddle is a little on the loud side, but it’s a lower-
pitched sound that some folks might prefer. The sweet
spot is nice-sized for a traditional-shaped paddle and the
new Gel-Core technology does seem to widen it out a bit
more if you miss the center.
Summary
Great entry into the market from Players Pickleball.
This is a great-playing paddle that should work for almost
any style and it also won’t break the bank. A high-quality
product with some cutting-edge technology built into it.
Looking forward to seeing how things evolve for Players
Pickleball.
78
TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM
PADDLETEK TEMPEST PRO GRAPHITE REVIEW
Look/Cosmetics
Same design as previous
Tempest. Would like to have seen
an update here. Just two color
choices (blue or red). Comes
with Paddletek’s “ribbed” style
grip. Graphite paddle face feels
quite smooth and you can see
the honeycomb core through the
surface in areas. Biggest change here
is the thicker core.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes
The Tempest Pro plays similar to the
previous model, which isn’t a bad thing. The
thicker core gives a little more pop on serves
and groundstrokes, but it’s still a control-based paddle.
Get yourself to the kitchen line where this paddle can do its
thing. If you like hitting from the baseline, consider another
model, like the Bantam EXL Pro, from Paddletek.
Touch/Feel
OK, here’s where this paddle shines! Touch-and-feel
specialists will benefit from the soft feathery touch of the
Tempest Pro. Out-dink your opponent all day long with
the soft feel this paddle provides. You won’t have to worry
about popping the ball up too high, and drop shots are also
very predictable and easy to execute.
Sound/Sweet Spot
The sound is kind of a low-pitched thud. Not loud at all.
Definitely on the quiet side compared to most paddles.
Sweet spot is typical for a graphite paddle, which means
you’d better be good at hitting the center of the paddle or it
won’t go very far. The thicker core makes this one feel a bit
more solid than its predecessor.
Summary
Nice upgrade for Tempest fans and folks who prize
touch and feel in their weapons of choice. Pretty similar to
the previous model, with a bit more power and more solid
feeling on impact. If you like the previous Tempest and
want the latest and greatest, go get one now.