REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
FRANKLIN ASPEN KERN MODEL CENTRE REVIEW
GAMMA HELLBENDER GRAPHITE PADDLE REVIEW
By Jack Bandel
PADDLETEK TEMPEST WAVE PRO PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 3 / 5 Mostly black with geometric shapes and designs give the paddle a very busy look . It ’ s unique-looking for sure , but let ’ s see how it plays ! Shape is traditional in all aspects — length , width and handle length . Should suit a wide variety of folks . Carbon fiber surface feels a bit rough and is supposed to provide maximum “ grab ” on the ball for loads of spin . Weight is around 7.75 oz .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes :
4 / 5 As you would expect from an Aspen Kern model , control is the name of the game here . Franklin ’ s “ Max-Grit ” rough fiberglass surface provides lots of spin potential to keep topspin drives inside the lines and makes taking full hard swings fun . Slice returns also can give your opponent fits with all the sidespin , and serves were easy to pinpoint location .
Touch / Feel : 4 / 5 Control is super with this paddle . The Max-Grit surface coating helps to dampen incoming shots for effortless blocking . Dinks were very controllable , and placement was accurate . The carbon fiber surface plays similar to graphite , which makes sense since Aspen ’ s previous paddle was the Tempest Wave . Touch and control are definitely this paddle ’ s strongest attributes .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4.5 / 5 Sweet spot was hard to miss on this paddle . Seems to be very large in size , making this paddle great for all levels of players who favor control over power . Sound from impact isn ’ t offensive for nearby courts . The traditional shape makes for a great all-around shot-making weapon .
Summary : 3.88 / 5 Nice new signature paddle from Aspen Kern that should appeal to control players who like to hang out in the kitchen and dink their opponents silly . Traditional shaped paddle that works from all over the court . Very affordable and a great value for a high-quality paddle .
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 Bright blue graphic with neon green lettering and the familiar Gamma “ G ”. The shape is somewhat traditional , with a slight flare at the top . Grip feels smaller than typical ( 4 1 / 8 ”) and slightly squarish . Very comfortable high-quality Gamma grip , as with all Gamma paddles . Gamma knows grips !
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes :
3.5 / 5 Gamma has several quality graphite paddles now and this one is no exception . The smooth surface feels soft as you would expect . Power is at a medium level and long groundstrokes had a solid feel to them but required a decent swing to get the ball deep .
Touch / Feel : 5 / 5 This is why you choose graphite ! Super soft feel for kitchen play that will wear down your opponents . If you like to dink until the cows come home , you need to try this paddle . Wonderful control and easy to keep those dinks from popping up too high . Feel is a bit dampened , which would be great for those with elbow issues . Nothing but “ good , good , good — good vibrations .”
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4.5 / 5 Sweet spot feels above average in size . You can tell when you miss it , but it doesn ’ t penalize you too badly . Sound from impact is a nice rewarding and non-irritating “ thunk .” Paddle is very accessible for most levels of play and beginners shouldn ’ t shy away from this one because it ’ s graphite .
Summary : 4.25 / 5 Really liked this new graphite paddle from Gamma ! It doesn ’ t really offer anything different , but it ’ s a solid choice nevertheless that plays really well . Players who want an easy-to-use and well-balanced graphite paddle should feel right at home with the Hellbender . This one really surprised me and is one of my current favorites !
Look / Cosmetics : 3.5 / 5 Simple 2-color graphics with one side having the Paddletek name at the top and the same pattern all over the paddle face . Large “ P ” on the other side against a black background . Classic looks for a classic paddle . Comes in five colors . Handle feels nice and cushioned with a ribbed grip design . Traditional shape that Tempest Wave users will feel at home with .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes :
4 / 5 The Tempest Wave Pro felt similar to the Tempest Wave , but I immediately noticed a welcome boost in power . This made it easier to keep serves and groundstrokes deep . Slice returns still had nice spin , which I expected from the textured graphite surface . The paddle also has a nice balanced feel to it while making your shots .
Touch / Feel : 4.5 / 5 The graphite face with the added power provides a nice combo of power and control , but still leans into the control side more . If more power is needed , look into Paddletek ’ s Bantam model . Touch and feel are excellent on dinks and drop shots with a soft feel . Not quite as controlling as the regular Tempest , but many will appreciate the added pop this one gives you .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4 / 5 This paddle gives you a very playable sweet spot for a graphite paddle and off-center “ duds ” weren ’ t an issue at all . Great paddle choice also for players who want to delve into a more control-oriented graphite paddle . The impact sound is pleasant and won ’ t disturb your neighbors .
Summary : 4 / 5 Paddletek ’ s Tempest Wave is one of those paddles you see many top pros using and the reason is they provide impeccable control and feel . If you tried the previous Tempest model and felt it lacked some pop , this model will be the one for you . Gives you everything you loved about the Tempest with some added pop when you need it .