REVIEWS
By Jack Bandel
IN THE KNOW: EQUIPMENT
FRANKLIN CHRISTINE GAMMA COMPASS
MCGRATH SIGNATURE GRAPHITE PADDLE
MODEL REVIEW
REVIEW TMPR OCULUS
XT REVIEW
Look/Cosmetics: 4/5
Simple, sleek look in
bright pink accents
against a dark gray
background with pink
handle. Looks to be aimed
toward female players,
but real men can play with
pink paddles too! Paddle
shape is fairly traditional, as
is length and width. Look/Cosmetics: 4/5
Bright, colorful graphics
that people will notice.
Large TMPR on one
side with a circular
design behind it. Comes
in four bright colors
(red, lime, blue, pink).
Handle has angled edges
(not round) and will feel at
home with former tennis players.
Paddle has an oval, rounded shape
that reminds you of a very large
ping-pong paddle. Handle has a
nicely cushioned grip.
Look/Cosmetics: 4/5
Very cool graphic on
this one of an actual
compass against a
white/gray background.
Large trademark “G” in
bright red adorns the
top corner. Handle length
is slightly shorter than
average and the shape is
long and narrow with a slight
flare at the top. Grip feels smaller
than typical (4-1/8”) and the grip
feels slightly squarish.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes:
4/5
As you would expect from Christine
McGrath’s signature paddle, power
is readily available here. Franklin’s
“Max-Grit” rough fiberglass surface
also provides lots of topspin to keep
those hard drives from sailing long. Balance
feels even on long swings and no problem
taking big rips from the baseline.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes:
4/5
Graphite surface feels soft and
smooth on full strokes. More power
than typical graphite paddles. Feels a bit
heavier swinging due to the elongated shape
and length. Easy to dial in depth on returns
and baseline shots.
Touch/Feel: 3.5/5
The proprietary Max-Grit surface coating
helps to dampen the bad vibes and adds a
crisp feel. Dinks were very predictable and
touch shots weren’t too difficult for a power-
first type paddle. The fiberglass surface isn’t
as soft as graphite, but you will be able to
hold your own in long dink battles.
Touch/Feel: 5/5
Superb feel! If you are a graphite fan you
need to check this one out. Shots are soft
and no vibrations are felt in the arm. Long/
narrow paddles usually are made for the
power players, but this one excels on touch
and feel shots. Dinking is a treat.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 4/5
Solid “pop” sound that isn’t annoying
for nearby players. Sweet spot is better
than average and this paddle should be
accessible to many different level players.
The traditional shape provides good
protection against mishits and makes for a
great all-around weapon.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 4/5
Sweet spot feels like it’s a bit north of center,
as with most long paddles. Sound is very
quiet and unobtrusive. Larger-than-usual
sweet spot for a narrow paddle. Not too
difficult to get used to for players new to this
shape.
Summary: 3.87/5
Nice new signature paddle from Christine
McGrath that should appeal to female players
who like doubles and singles. Easy power
and very versatile from all over the court. All
the features and components of this paddle
were handpicked by Christine herself, so you
can rest assured it should work for you as
well. Also very affordable price and a great
value! Check it out!
Summary: 4.25/5
Gamma has really come out with some top
paddle choices in the past year or so and this
one continues to improve on past models.
Players who prefer the long/narrow shape
but don’t want to give up touch and feel need
to check this one out. Use this Compass to
guide you to the medal podium! Well done,
Gamma!
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes:
4/5
The Oculus XT is an all-around
paddle, providing power and control in equal
measure. The honeycomb poly core provides
familiar playability, and the fiberglass surface
feels quite hot and the ball takes off on
contact. Depth is achieved from the back line
quite easily. The rounded shape takes a little
getting used to, but it feels very balanced
through the air.
Touch/Feel: 3.5/5
A capable kitchen partner, but I found
the hard surface made it a bit difficult
to soften up hard incoming shots. Dinks
were predictable once you got used to the
paddle’s response. The vibration-dampening
properties TMPR builds into its paddles does
help make things easier on your arm/elbow.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 3.5/5
Sound is a bit unique, but not in a bad way.
The round/oval shape seems to extend the
sweet spot outward a bit more, so if you
need some help centering your shots, this
paddle shape should limit mishits somewhat.
Sweet spot is average in size and should be
accessible to most recreational players.
Summary: 3.75/5
TMPR has many quality paddle choices
available now for players with all types
of preferences. This round shape is a bit
different from the traditional shape, but that’s
exactly what many folks like about it. Give it a
try and see if it’s for you!
For more info, visit www.pickleballpaddlereviews.net
64
TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM