Pickleball Paddle Reviews, Expert Tips, and News

Ronbus returns with a reengineered Ripple V2, Holbrook breaks away with the ARMA, Engage surprises with Gen 1 feel—and one power prototype might change the game. Dive into this week’s top paddle picks and real-world test data.

From Franklin’s finicky but fixable C45 paddles to the unexpectedly sharp $99 Friday Fever, Episode 11 highlights top gear and game-changing accessories—including the ADV Pro Bag and Brioti glasses that do more than protect—they elevate play.

Episode 10 of Paddle of the Week highlights three key product lines: the refined Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invicta 2.0, Selkirk’s new foam-core Project 008 paddles (Maxima and Invikta), and Franklin’s upcoming C45 Dynasty Elongated series. Each paddle was tested extensively across drills and match play, with a focus on spin, feel, and performance consistency. While no paddle was crowned this week, the 008 Invikta stood out as the most intriguing for its quiet control and composed response.

Episode 9 features the standout prototype J2FC+ from Honolulu Pickleball, along with in-depth tests of the TMPR Nimbus, Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 14mm, and Filth Standard 16mm—each offering unique strengths in control, stability, and feel.

Episode 8 of Paddle of the Week delivers in-depth, on-court reviews of six paddles—including the CRBN Genesis 2, Gearbox Integra XL, and Selkirk 008—plus HEAD’s new BOA pickleball shoes. Each was tested for real performance across drills, games, and league play.

The Vatic Pro Saga 14mm lineup introduces five refined thermoformed paddles—the Flash, Bloom, V7, and long-handle variants—that prioritize speed, precision, and clean feedback. Built on Vatic’s Gen 1.5 platform with a raw T700 carbon face and edge-foam reinforcement, these paddles play fast and firm without sacrificing structural integrity. While not top-tier in spin or forgiveness, they excel in hand speed, control, and all-court reactivity. Whether you're an intermediate looking to level up or a 4.0+ player wanting a crisp, responsive paddle, this lineup offers serious performance at a competitive price point.

Episode 7 highlights JOOLA’s Scorpeus Pro IV—bringing wide-body speed and Gen 3 control to the front of the pack. Big swings, fast hands, elite stability.

In Episode 6 of Paddle of the Week, Matt tests ten different paddles—ranging from the JOOLA Perseus IV and Gearbox GX2 Hyper to the Revolin Drift Series and Diadem Warrior BluCore line. While no paddle claimed top honors this week, the episode delivers deep insight into each build’s performance, feel, and on-court behavior. From standout control options to paddles that fell flat, this breakdown offers honest feedback to help players make smarter gear choices.