Paddle of the Week 8: Real Testing, No Hype

Paddle of the Week Ep. 8: Deep Testing Across Gearbox, JOOLA, CRBN, Chorus, Selkirk – Plus HEAD’s First Pickleball Shoe

This week’s lineup wasn’t just about volume—it was about depth. Episode 8 of Paddle of the Week dug into six paddles across some of the biggest (and up-and-coming) brands in the space—Gearbox, CRBN, JOOLA, Selkirk, Chorus—and even made space for a non-paddle standout: HEAD’s new Motion Pro BOA pickleball shoes.

From first-impression outliers to long-term contenders, each product got time on court across drills, league matches, and competitive sessions. The focus? Feel. Response. Stability. Speed. Spin. Whether the gear lives up to its marketing—and what it actually means in your hand, under pressure.

Here’s what stood out—and what didn’t.

HEAD Motion Pro BOA Pickleball Shoe: Built for Pickleball, Not Borrowed from Tennis

Let’s start with something new—and important. HEAD’s Motion Pro BOA is their first truly pickleball-specific shoe. That matters. Most shoes in the space are just rebranded tennis models with cosmetic tweaks. This one isn’t.

From the ground up, it’s built for the lateral speed, short sprints, and hard stops that define high-level play. The dual BOA lacing system lets you dial in a lockdown fit across two zones independently. That matters more than it sounds like—especially when you’re moving off the kitchen line or fighting to recover on wide shots.

The shoe features breathable mesh, a glove-like sock upper, and TPU reinforcement throughout. Grip is excellent, and lateral control tech helps you stay planted on hard directional cuts. Comfort scores a solid 7/10—the midfoot runs a bit warm, but it’s built to last.

If you're serious about optimizing your footwork and want tech that matches your paddle, this shoe is worth a look.

Gearbox GX2 Integra XL: The Silent Assassin

Moving to paddles, the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL might be the most unique feel of the bunch—and not in the way you'd expect. It's whisper quiet. Strikingly so.

The first time you volley with this paddle, the silence is unsettling. There's almost no auditory feedback. Paired with a muted tactile feel, it creates an experience that can feel disconnected at first. But once you adjust, the GX2 shows its value—high stability, low vibration, and surprisingly dependable power when you commit to full strokes.

What sets the GX2 apart is its non-linear power curve—certain shots explode off the face, others release energy in a more subdued, delayed way. It’s stable as a tank, and its full carbon SST 2.0 core won’t degrade like polymer builds tend to.

Still, the learning curve is real. This is a paddle for players who don’t rely on sound or vibration for timing. But once dialed in, it becomes a confident, grounded weapon in hand battles and resets.

Gearbox Pro Power Integra 8.1: Measured Force with Clean Feedback

Another Gearbox model—the Pro Power Integra 8.1—lives up to its “Power” label, but not through brute force. This paddle builds power gradually, with a smooth spring off the sweet spot. It’s not explosive like some thermo builds, but it’s deliberate—and stable.

With a 127+ swing weight, you feel the paddle’s mass, especially in quick hands scenarios. But if your technique is solid, that extra weight gives you plow-through on drives and solid depth on volleys. The spin is strong, thanks to a peel-ply carbon face, and the resets are better than expected.

It’s not “grab and go.” But for players who take time to learn their paddle and value precision over flash, the Integra 8.1 rewards you.

Chorus Supercourt EX: The Underdog That Overdelivers

If there was a breakout this week, it might be the Chorus Supercourt EX. At just $119.99, it punches well above its price point. Spin? 89th percentile. Pop? Impressive. Transition speed? Fast, despite its elongated shape.

This paddle offers a smart construction blend—soft carbon outer face, fiberglass mid-layer, and a carbon underlayer. It gives you crisp response on drives and dinks alike, while the edge foam and balanced weight help maintain forgiveness on the move.

It feels a bit like a “budget” Bantam, but with more forgiveness and a cleaner response. If you're looking for a paddle that’s competitive with higher-end builds but without the triple-digit price tag, this is your sleeper pick.

JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV 16mm: A Shape That Earns Its Spot

Initially, the JOOLA Scorpeus 16mm didn’t wow—but with time, it grew into one of the most well-rounded paddles in the test group.

The slightly wider shape offers a larger contact zone, helping immensely in tight exchanges and defensive stretches. Stability is excellent. Spin is consistent. And while it doesn’t offer overwhelming power, it delivers predictable depth and shape with confident mechanics.

If you're transitioning from a Gen 2 to a Gen 3 build and want something that plays grounded—but with modern responsiveness—this paddle belongs in your short list.

Selkirk Project 008 Invikta 10mm: Built for Hands Battles, Not Beginners

This paddle is polarizing. The Selkirk Labs Project 008 (10mm) is part of their full-foam experiment, and while it’s lightning fast, it’s also unforgiving—at least out of the box.

The twist weight is low, meaning off-center hits punish you. But once weighted up (using Selkirk’s included tungsten strip), the paddle transforms. It becomes quick, reactive, and deadly in hand battles. Pop is real. Control is tight. But if you're expecting comfort and forgiveness, this isn't your match.

It’s a tinkerer's dream—and one of the most intriguing “mod-ready” paddles in recent memory.

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2: Balanced, Stable, and the Paddle of the Week

At the end of the day, one paddle earned the top spot—CRBN’s TruFoam Genesis 2. It’s the most accessible in their TruFoam lineup, but it’s also the most complete.

This paddle is what modern control paddles should aim for: low vibration, wide sweet spot, consistent spin, and a subtle, non-linear power boost when you commit to your shot.

Its T700 carbon face grabs the ball without feeling sticky. Its foam core is built for responsiveness and long-term durability. And the handle—5.5" with a just-right circumference—makes it feel fast and confident in your hands.

This is a paddle that doesn’t demand perfection—but still rewards it.

Final Thoughts

Episode 8 wasn’t about finding one “best” paddle. It was about peeling back the marketing and diving into how gear really performs under pressure. Whether you're chasing spin, dialing in resets, or just trying to make smarter equipment decisions—every paddle here offered something worth understanding.

If you haven’t already, check out the Paddle Finder at mattspickleball.com, where every paddle mentioned here (and more) is listed with full specs, percentile data, and analysis. And if you’re picking something up, don’t forget to use code MPB—it supports the channel and saves you money.

Until next week, see you on the court.