Gearbox GX2 Power Paddle Review

Specs

The GX2 Power is available in both Hybrid and Elongated shapes. I tested both models extensively, but my primary data is from the Hybrid, which I found to be faster in hand and better suited for all-court play.

Dimensions are consistent with modern adjacent paddles:

• Hybrid: ~16.25″ x 7.5″, with a 5.5″ handle
• Elongated: ~16.5″ x 7.375″, also with a 5.5″ handle

Measured weights on my test units:

• Hybrid: 8.2 oz static, 114 swing weight, 6.3 twist weight
• Elongated: 8.3 oz static, 117 swing weight, 5.9 twist weight

The Hybrid shape strikes a cleaner balance of maneuverability and control. Its swing weight gives you quick reload speed without being overly whippy, and the 6.3 twist weight holds up well against off-center strikes. The Elongated version plays with a bit more depth and power, but it’s less forgiving on mishits and slower to reload in hands battles. You feel that tradeoff in real time—especially on flick counters and defensive resets.

Both paddles are molded with Gearbox’s signature unibody frame, so there’s no weight rattle or perimeter inconsistency. Players who like to fine-tune can experiment with tungsten to push power or stability further, but the stock setup is already well-optimized—especially in the Hybrid.

The handle shape and size remain familiar: octagonal, slightly squared-off, and wrapped in Gearbox’s standard grip. There’s minimal handle flex on either model, and the core stiffness is consistent edge to edge.

Playtest

On court, the GX2 Power delivers a much more connected and responsive feel than the original GX2. You still get the molded carbon stability and low swing inertia, but now there’s real feedback at contact and a broader usable zone across the face. The Power version makes it easier to dial in pace and depth, whether you’re stepping in on a drive or holding your line during a speed-up exchange.

The Hybrid swings fast and recovers well—great for flicks, counters, and hand battles. Serve speed came in at 56.2 mph, placing it in the 77th percentile. That’s solid top-end power with very little warm-up time. Punch volleys hit 38.4 mph (90th percentile), giving it serious pop on short swings. Spin RPM registered at 2157—roughly average—but the paddle’s quick response helps you shape the ball more than the number suggests.

Where the original GX2 could feel vague or muted—especially off-center—the GX2 Power gives you a sharper read on contact. You get more control over how the ball launches, more confidence on roll volleys, and better awareness when you’ve mishit. Resets and dinks require a little more precision than softer paddles like the Ripple V2, but the payoff is a faster reload and more decisive contact.

It doesn’t feel overly stiff or springy. Instead, it plays crisp and efficient. If you play fast and want your paddle to keep up without over-amplifying your errors, this strikes the right balance. For players who found the Perseus Pro IV too muted or the Alpha Pro Power too hot, the GX2 Power sits comfortably in the middle.

Shape Comparisons

The GX2 Power comes in two shapes: Hybrid and Elongated. Both use the same internal build and surface materials, but the shape choice meaningfully affects how each paddle plays.

The Hybrid has a quicker frame with a lower swing weight—mine came in at 114—which makes it easier to reload, flick, and control in tight exchanges. The paddle feels balanced in hand and moves cleanly through the air, making it a strong fit for players who value countering, quick resets, and dynamic positioning around the kitchen. The sweet spot is centered and generous, and the feedback is immediate without feeling punishing.

The Elongated stretches the contact zone higher and slightly raises the swing weight, giving you more leverage for deep drives, big serves, and attacking from mid-court. It feels a touch firmer and less forgiving on off-center contact but rewards timing and extension with more plow-through and reach. You’ll feel the difference on high volleys, overheads, and full-stretch passes—it adds bite and extension, but demands more from your hand speed and prep.

Both shapes benefit from the same performance upgrades over the original GX2, but if you're a fast hands player who lives up at the line, the Hybrid is the more complete package. If you’re driving aggressively or looking for more extension without switching to an ultra-heavy setup, the Elongated version holds real upside.

Recommendations

If you liked the idea of the original GX2 but found it too muted, disconnected, or underpowered, the GX2 Power addresses those gaps directly. It delivers faster ball exit, better tactile feedback, and a more defined response window—all without sacrificing the durability and precision that Gearbox is known for.

Compared to the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, the GX2 Power feels quicker and livelier off the face, with a more responsive sweet spot. It’s firmer and more direct than the Ripple V2, but with less dwell and a slightly smaller margin for error on resets. And while it doesn’t quite reach the Alpha Pro Power’s heavy drive potential, it plays more predictably under pressure and offers better control in fast hands battles.

If you rely on flicks, counters, and shaping volleys with quick reloads, the Hybrid shape is a strong pick—it swings faster and feels more neutral out of the box. If your game is more about point construction from the mid-court or back line, the Elongated adds leverage and range without tipping into overpowered territory.

Ultimately, the GX2 Power feels like the most refined and complete performance paddle Gearbox has released. It’s a great match for advanced players who want an explosive, fast-swinging build with real feel and structure—and who are willing to trade a bit of dwell for quicker rebounds and better shot definition.

Price and Value

The Gearbox GX2 Power series retails for $275, which places it in the premium tier alongside other fully molded carbon paddles. While the price is steep, the value comes from a unique construction—Gearbox’s SST ribbed carbon core, integrated foam ring, and internal carbon reinforcement—not found in any other build on the market.

Unlike many paddles at this price point that require break-in time or degrade quickly, the GX2 Power is playable from day one and built for longevity. The tolerances are tight, the quality control is consistent, and Gearbox continues to offer a 1-year warranty—something still not guaranteed by many competitors.

If you’re already a Gearbox fan, this is the most complete paddle they’ve produced. And if you’re coming from JOOLA, Ronbus, or Vatic and want a molded alternative that’s lighter in hand but still stable and fast, this is a compelling option.

Use code MPB to save 10% at checkout and bring the price closer to $247.50. For what it delivers in terms of feel, feedback, and long-term durability, the GX2 Power justifies its place in the high-end category—especially for players who want a molded paddle with more sound, pop, and connection.

Conclusion

The GX2 Power is the most complete paddle Gearbox has released to date. It keeps the molded carbon durability and fast handling the brand is known for, but adds back the sound, feel, and feedback that were missing from the original GX2. Both shapes deliver a more connected, responsive playing experience—with measurable gains in pop and power—without abandoning control.

If you want a paddle that plays fast, hits hard, and stays consistent over time, this one deserves a close look. The Hybrid feels quicker and more versatile out of the wrapper, but the Elongated has serious upside for aggressive players who can handle a more focused contact zone.

You can buy the GX2 Power directly from Gearbox and use code MPB to save 10% at checkout. If you have questions or want help deciding which version fits your game best, leave a comment or message me anytime.

‍