REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
ADIDAS ADIPOWER CTRL PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4.5 / 5 Love the look of this paddle ! Large Adidas name and stripes symbol in the middle . Color is mostly silver with a bit of bright red / orange toward the bottom . What ’ s unique is the diamond “ checkerboard ” pattern on the top , which really makes it stand out on the court . Comes in one color scheme at the moment . This paddle has a traditional ( 8 ” x16 ”) shape that will work well for a large percentage of players , although Adidas says it ’ s designed for “ advanced and pro level ” players ( more on that later ). Handle length is a typical 4.75 ” with a nice , comfortable EVA perforated Adidas grip . The grip has a flare at the bottom , where your pinky rests and makes the paddle feel more secure . Weight is around 8 oz .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 Since the word “ control ” is in the name , you wouldn ’ t expect too much power , and you ’ d be correct . Power is adequate , but this is probably why Adidas claims this paddle is more for advanced players who prize control over power . The smooth carbon aluminum surface provides a nice feel of the face , but you need to provide the power yourself . The ball seems to take off quickly and pop right off the paddle face at a high speed . So it ’ s quick , but not powerful . Slice returns were nice , and I found spin to be about average .
Touch / Feel : 4 / 5 Adidas says the new 24K carbon surface , with an aluminum coating that is laid up at a 45-degree angle , is unique to the industry and provides an extremely rigid surface when power is needed , but also offers great control . This combination of soft materials over a hard foundation yields a nice combination of power and control , leaning a bit more toward control . The paddle has a soft feel , which makes dinking and softer touch shots easy to execute . The core is also thicker , which helps absorb hard-hit incoming shots . The paddle also feels stable and won ’ t twist in your hands when blocking or playing defense .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4 / 5 I found this paddle to have a sweet spot that felt very centered on the paddle face . Mishits all along the outside perimeter were not effective , but anywhere near the center the ball goes where you want it . The traditional 8 ” x16 ” shape works well all over the court and provides a reliable , good-sized sweet spot . The sound was typical of most paddles , nothing your neighbors will find offensive . The carbon / aluminum surface is unique and provides an enjoyable playing experience .
Summary : 4.13 / 5 This was my first Adidas paddle review , and I was quite impressed . I think they will do well in this crowded market . Adidas is no stranger to paddle sports and it ’ s no surprise the pickleball paddles are of high quality with cutting-edge materials and technology . They say this paddle is intended for advanced-level players , so beginners should steer clear of this model . I am curious to see what Adidas comes up with in future models . If you got game and want to try something a little different , check this one out .
GAMMA 505 GRAPHITE PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 Sharp graphics that instantly let everyone know it ’ s a Gamma paddle . Comes in one color at the moment , mostly dark blue with teal and the trademark Gamma “ G ” in bright red . Handle length is longer at 5.25 ” and grip size is 4⅛ ”. Comfy cushioned and perforated / ribbed Gamma honeycomb grip gives you a reliable grip on the paddle ( Gamma still makes the best grips IMO ). Its NeuCore technology provides a 25 percent thicker shape than typical Gamma paddles . Length is a longer 16⅜ ” and width is 7⅜ ”. Handle is typical shape for Gamma and feels slightly squarish .
By Jack Bandel
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 3.5 / 5 The longer handle gives you added leverage on full swings , which helps give added power on serves and returns . Since this graphite paddle excels in touch , the long handle is much appreciated from the backcourt . The textured graphite surface gives you a nice , soft feel at impact . Power is good for full strokes , but you need to take a full swing to fully utilize the long handle ’ s leverage . Groundstrokes were similar and had very good control once I dialed in how hard I needed to swing . The ball comes off the paddle in a very predictable manner , which I appreciated . Now let ’ s move on to the kitchen , where this paddle really excels .
Touch / Feel : 4.5 / 5 Soft ! The soft graphite surface , combined with the thicker material , really lends itself to dinks and touch shots . The thicker core is also wonderful at absorbing shock from incoming drives . The longer shape gives you a bit of extra reach for sharp-angle dinks and short balls . Overhead slams also came easy , due to the extra length and long handle . If your game revolves around kitchen play , this paddle would be a great choice . Its super-soft feel makes it easy to keep those long kitchen rallies going .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4.5 / 5 This is one quiet paddle . If you don ’ t like the way some paddles have that loud “ CLOK ” sound , check this one out . Very pleasant to play with and not distracting at all . Sweet spot is above average in size and extends upward toward the tip due to the longer shape . Mishits toward the sides weren ’ t as forgiving as they were toward the top and bottom . The NeuCore polypropylene thick core really provides a nice-feeling paddle .
Summary : 4.25 / 5 This paddle from Gamma is similar to its Legend and Compass paddles . This one ’ s super-soft feel would suit finesse players who love to out-dink their opponents . Also those players who love a soft paddle , but also want a longer , narrow shape . The longer handle is great for players who use two hands on their backhand , but also comes in handy for extra pop on backcourt drives . Overall , this is one of my favorite Gamma paddles and you should check it out !
Attention Manufacturers ! If you have a new paddle you ’ d like us to review , please contact Jack Bandel at
jackbandel @ gmail . com .