REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
TMPR RAVE LX REVIEW
By Jack Bandel
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 Bright pastel colors and graphics with the large familiar “ T ” logo in the middle . Comes in 4 great color choices : red , green , blue and pink . Handle has a nice cushioned grip and angled edges reminiscent of a tennis racquet handle . Fiberglass surface provides adequate power and the paddle shape is a long rounded oval , which gives you TMPR ’ s longest paddle in the new LX lineup . Handle is 4.75 ” long , which gives you plenty of room for one hand .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 The Rave LX is a longer-length paddle , but doesn ’ t feel tip-heavy like many longer paddles sometimes do . This makes it easier to transition to if you always wanted to try a longer paddle . This paddle has a balanced blend of power and control , leaning slightly toward power . Serves and groundstrokes are smooth with plenty of power to get them deep without losing control . The slightly textured fiberglass face allows for some nice spin on slice returns .
Touch / Feel : 3.5 / 5 With TMPR ’ s “ Luxe Core ,” this paddle does have a soft cushioned response to it , which helps keep you from popping up your dinks and provides for some nice kitchen play . Composite paddles usually aren ’ t the softest feeling , but this one is softer than most . TMPR ’ s handledampening technology also saves your arm from feeling any bad vibrations and would help anyone with elbow issues .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4 / 5 Sound is very similar to other TMPR paddles I have tried in the past . Solid pop that isn ’ t annoying or overly loud . The round / long paddle shape really extends the sweet spot out toward the tip , but since it ’ s slightly more narrow , you have to focus more on centering your shots , vertically speaking . There is always a tradeoff with any non-traditional paddle shape and this shape may work well for your style .
Summary : 3.8 / 5 TMPR now has some fantastic playing paddles at very competitive prices , with every shape under the sun . This new long and narrow shape will appeal to singles players and those who want the extra reach and additional benefits of a longer paddle — along with a nice balanced feel of a traditional paddle . This paddle needs a decent skill level to handle the narrower face , but in the right hands it can be a very effective weapon . If this sounds like you , check it out .