REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
GAMMA TYPHOON PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4.25 / 5 Eye-catching Gamma graphics in two different color schemes ( navy / gray and pink / gray ). Trademark “ G ” in the top left corner . Handle length is slightly shorter at 4½ " and grip size is 4⅛ ". Comfy cushioned and perforated / ribbed Gamma honeycomb grip gives you a reliable grip on the paddle . ( Side note : Gamma grips are probably the best in the business .) Paddle is 25 percent thicker than typical Gamma paddles . Length is a slightly longer 16⅛ " and width is 7⅝ ". Handle feels slightly “ squarish .” The paddle shape flares out toward the top , which gives you a generous , higher sweet spot ( more on that below ).
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 3.5 / 5 Textured fiberglass surface feels slightly rough to the touch . Decent power on full strokes , but you need to take a healthy swing to generate power . Serves and returns were very controlled , and once I dialed in the amount of input I needed , my accuracy was very good . Hard to hit long on this one . The ball never really jumps hot off the paddle , which can be a good thing if you have depth control issues . This paddle definitely suits control players who like a low-ish powered paddle . You can really hit your spots with this paddle .
Touch / Feel : 3.75 / 5 Very even and consistent-feeling paddle all over the court . Dinks were easily controllable , as were third shot drops . The thicker core seems to absorb shock well , no matter where on the face the ball is hit . It ’ s not as soft-feeling as the Gamma Hellbender , but it provides a bit more pop than that paddle . The unique shape gives you a bit of extra reach for sharp-angle dinks , and overheads come through well . If you like a paddle with a predictable response in the kitchen , this is it .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4.5 / 5 Sweet spot is HUGE . Very forgiving paddle with a sweet spot that feels like it ’ s almost the entire face of the paddle . Since it ’ s wider at the top , it also feels as though the sweet spot is centralized higher up than most other paddles . The sound is a typical “ clock ” sound … a little on the loud side , but not annoying at all . Sweet spot is the outstanding feature of this paddle for sure .
Summary : 4 / 5 This paddle from Gamma was similar to the Hellbender I reviewed a few months ago , but with a bit more pop and a “ not-as-soft ” feel . This paddle ’ s huge sweet spot , along with its predictable nature , would really suit players who want to extend rallies and get everything back . It ’ s not superpowerful or super-spinny , but it does many other things well . If those things are strong parts of your game , then you should definitely check this one out .
PROLITE RIVAL POWERSPIN 2.0 PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 3.75 / 5 Simple , clean graphics in three different bright colors ( blue , purple , red ). Usual “ Prolite ” logo showing the pickleball with the diagonal slash through it . Shape is an oval that looks almost round , with a slightly thicker core . Other than the round shape , other specs are more traditional at 8.25 " width and 15.75 " length . Grip is 4.25 " around and feels nice and cushioned . Handle length is a usual 5 " and feels more oval than some other grip shapes . Shape looks very much like an oversized table tennis or ping-pong paddle , so if you are coming from that sport , this would make an easy transition for you .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 3.5 / 5 Textured fiberglass surface feels smooth and provides ample power on serves and groundstrokes . Easy to get the ball deep with an easy swing . Spin was average when slicing some returns and everything had a nice combination of power and control . This is a very user-friendly paddle . Paddle seems to do everything well , with no glaring weaknesses .
Touch / Feel : 3.5 / 5 The thicker core gives you nice control over your dinks and kitchen play . Plays like most composite paddles , as far as touch goes . Ball can come off a little hot at times , so you have to watch yourself at the line . Not a soft feel , but also not too board-y feeling . Just a nice all-around paddle that works from anywhere on the court . Overall , worked well in the kitchen . Balanced feel and wide shape came in handy on blocks and reaction shots .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4.25 / 5 Sweet spot felt pretty large and the circular shape helps to extend it outward evenly . The ball reacted consistently off the paddle face in most areas , except for around the outer edge . Keep in toward the middle and you ’ ll be fine . No issues with the sound . Pleasant and rewarding pop lets you know when you hit a solid shot . Sweet spot size and shape will work well for beginners and players new to the sport .
Summary : 3.75 / 5 This new model from Prolite was a very well-rounded , “ do it all ” type of paddle . Great blend of power and spin in a round shape . Should suit a wide variety of players , especially those new to the sport coming from other racket-type sports . This paddle allows you to play a steady , consistent game from all over the court . If that ’ s your type of game , definitely give this one a go .
By Jack Bandel
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