Hello, dear John kew. I trust a lot of the information you provide I am a Korean fan who supports you. Pickleball-related products have not been introduced to Korea yet. I'm interested in a lot of pickleball supplies, but I don't have many options. I'd like to buy a rubber grip (tennis fixed grip) on the top of the paddle handle in your video, so could you recommend some sites that I can buy?
Thanks for the great feedback! If you can buy Yonex Super Grap in Korea, that's the best I can recommend from a large company that may have that kind of global reach
Great review, as always, John! How would you compare to the Shogun? I have been playing with the Shogun for several months and really liking the plush feel and connectivity to the ball. As a 4.0+ player, I find it to be a good ‘Goldilocks’ all-court paddle. Thank you, and keep up the great work, you da best! 🥊
John you are by far the best reviewer in the pickleball paddle business So so professional. You always help me decide to get it or not I do have the j2k.
Great video, amazed by the graphic comparison! I played today with the J2Ti for the first time coming from the J2K and I feel all my power is gone :( The plushness is amazing for dinking and drops, but for serves drives and smashes it feels so muted :( Will give it a week before I decide to keep it. Surprised your graph showed more power with the J2Ti than the J2K, so wonder if there's something wrong with it. I have added 3g strips just below the middle.
@TylerChapmanMusic 1 second ago I use the Red Ruby 14 MM, I love the power, control, and spin it provides. Would this be an upgrade from the Ruby or is there another paddle you’d recommend?? Thanks! I have also considered the Ronbus Ripple, the Olympus, and the Six Zero Infinity Power. I want more power than what my ruby has but the same swing weight.
Hearing others talking about it and other polyester weave paddles I thought the difference would be larger. It was interesting to see how the stats were so similar and the choice seems to be down to preferred feel.
Would putting a row or two of tungsten tape just above the stock buttcap achieve any similar effects to the balance point like a Slyce cap? Really loving the paddle metrics and radar/spider chart!
Yes, you can add tungsten to the handle to do the same thing as the Slyce. It does change the shape of the handle end, but it's definitely a cheaper option.
I've been preferring to add smaller amount of weight near the 3 & 9 position lately to increase the SW, but keep the static weight closer to stock. Never used the Slice cap, but I have added lead tape around the butt cap for similar effect. While this helps lower the SW, I found it added stress to my wrist. Prefer to add lead tape right where my hand grips the handle. Your wrist is the pivot point, so adding more weight on either end of the paddle would add more stress on the pivot point i.e. your wrist.
For sure, there will be a point of diminishing returns where the static weight becomes too heavy for your joints. I think 9 oz is about there for me. I'm enjoying playing with the ESQ-C 12.7mm that's still under 8 oz with perimeter weighting
Does anyone know if HPC has plans for a 14mm J2Ti? It seems like the plush feel of the polyester ('Ti") weave would really shine on a 14mm paddle, taking away some of the harshness that comes with a 14mm paddle while still reaping increased power, pop, and hand speed. Given that they already have a 14mm J2K and a 16mm J2Ti, it seems like it would be simple, worthwhile, and extremely popular addition.
John... I love your reviews but I sometimes wonder... In order to make a 'great' paddle greater...you add a shed load of weight, a super duper butt cap plus bells and whistles... isn't it a bit like my grandfather's axe?... I replaced the the handle and the head and now I have a better axe! Surely out or the box should be near perfect... I just tinker around until I disappear where the sun never shines😮
I intentionally prefaced that section with "the stock J2Ti plays great, but if you do want to modify it..." And my takeaway is that the Slyce cap is probably too labor intensive and expensive for this particular paddle. So hopefully it doesn't come across as needless tinkering. A lot of people like to modify their paddles, and for good cause. By just adding a few grams of tape in certain spots, you can broaden the sweet spot and improve your paddle. Paddle companies like to go low with the stock weight because they don't want it to be too heavy for anyone, so production paddles are more blank slates than near perfect. I started including this modification section out of demand; a lot of people want to know how it's done and how it affects the paddle.
Great review, I wish it was not another review of a Honolulu J2 line of paddle, good paddles but they have the worst customer service in all of pickleball, worse than Joola. Would love to see a Olympus review or a Ripple review.
Isn't this company also just a handful of people? I'd rather a small company make products, than waste time to answer emails. If Joola sucks, that's on them as a multi million dollar company
@@buffalufacus Over 10 people I know had issues with their paddles and when trying to reach out for warranty or replacement, they got absolutely ghosted. A couple of them have had it resolved, but 3 of them still ghost town after repeated emails. When buying a paddle you definitely should take into account, if you have issues will they respond to you.11Six24 is a small company and they have one of the best customer services in pickleball. They also outsource produce their stuff, if they were making their stuff out of their garage I understand, but there are several other small pickleball companies who have much much better customer service.
The new Engage MaXX line is out and they are made in the USA. You should really do a review on those and support companies who are keeping things in the US.
@@johnkewpickleball I know I’m being thick headed. But for the most part all paddles are not raw or bare correct? Makes me then wonder the differences between surfaces between grit and longevity. Then I wonder about how it’s different from spray on grit.
Wonderful review! Did you switch to this paddle as your main from the shapeshifter? Just curious since you mentioned something on one of your podcasts :)
It's a great paddle, but it's not my main. Honestly, I don't really have one right now. The Ripple R2 and ESQ-C 12.7mm have seen the most use over the past few weeks
I tried Ugrippin after Ed Ju raved about them, and I was super let down. Maybe I just had too high of expectations. I'm of the mind that nothing beats Tourna Mega Tac (in white, naturally).
@@AMurderOfLobs Well that's too bad you didn't enjoy your experience. Something like over grips is definitely subjective to each user. For me, the Tournas were what I used when just starting out, but I discovered Udrippin in their first 30 days of business and haven't gone back since.
@@tylerwhite8930 I mean, what is good about them? What I'm primarily looking for in an overgrip is tackyness, which Mega Tac certainly does much better than UGrippin, that isn't even up for debate. I also like them to be fairly thin. The Ugrippin just felt like what WIlson Pro feels like after being used for a week. It was almost a cheap leathery feel to me. What do you like about them?
@@johnkewpickleball well the plastic on the sides is weak, and front and back is a kind of a hard sponge material. So it was no surprise that the butcup went unstable after one month of playing. For comparison, Friday paddles are solid all the way!
Not a very scientific assumption. Some people might buy it BECAUSE of that. You should probably do a proper study before making that call as a logical, sensitive individual like yourself
@@smilesrykee7067 Not sure what you’re blathering about. I clearly just expressed an opinion. No “proper study” is required. They certainly have the right to make a religious statement on a pickleball paddle. You can buy their paddles if you want. I choose to buy something else. You should be less sensitive….
all these vids are just promo vids now and not honest reviews , they all wear melin hats , they all promote hesacore , slyce caps and whatever junk theyre pushing . what happened to honest un biased reviews
John literally recommended against using the Slyce cap for this paddle saying there’s no benefit compared to the cost and labor involved since the paddle isn’t head heavy. You didn’t even watch the vid, did you?
glad you mentioned the "john 3:16" at the top. I had no idea that was placed up there. Gotta love a company that tries to force their values down a consumers throat. Christians in the comments are mad that someone has the nerve to say paddle manufacturers shouldn't plaster their personal belief all over their product 😢
what salad is referring to is really religion in general. the force down the throat remark is likely a callback to his younger years when parents forced him to go to church. Fortunately mandatory church attendance is not a requirement with the government, so his gripe is false.
@godgunsandgoldens I understand that I don't have to buy it. You're clearly too simple to understand that taking something that has absolutely nothing to do with religion and plastering religious beliefs all over it is what I was referring to by "forcing it down a consumers throat".
@SUPaddict yeah I've got plenty of paddles. None of which decided that their target audience is Christian pickleball players. I'd be willing to bet the sentiment would be different if mainstream paddle manufacturers were printing baphomets all over their shit.
Thanks for the review, I love their paddles and am still using my og J2, I think I know which paddle to get next
Great review! Thanks for the microscope and XRay views and for being out front in explaining peel ply.
Another awesome review. I've seen that a lot of people are enjoying the J3K Pro, do you have a preference of the J3K Pro vs J2K/J2Ti?
Hello, dear John kew.
I trust a lot of the information you provide
I am a Korean fan who supports you.
Pickleball-related products have not been introduced to Korea yet.
I'm interested in a lot of pickleball supplies, but I don't have many options.
I'd like to buy a rubber grip (tennis fixed grip) on the top of the paddle handle in your video, so could you recommend some sites that I can buy?
Thanks for the great feedback! If you can buy Yonex Super Grap in Korea, that's the best I can recommend from a large company that may have that kind of global reach
really liked the modification section as a differentiator to other reviews
This was a great review of an interesting paddle. The two lobs in the video were lethal.
Thanks for the great review! This is probably going to be my next paddle.
Great review, as always, John! How would you compare to the Shogun? I have been playing with the Shogun for several months and really liking the plush feel and connectivity to the ball. As a 4.0+ player, I find it to be a good ‘Goldilocks’ all-court paddle. Thank you, and keep up the great work, you da best! 🥊
The J2Ti is very comparable to the Shogun overall. Just imagine a Shogun in a hybrid shape
John you are by far the best reviewer in the pickleball paddle business
So so professional.
You always help me decide to get it or not I do have the j2k.
Great video, amazed by the graphic comparison! I played today with the J2Ti for the first time coming from the J2K and I feel all my power is gone :( The plushness is amazing for dinking and drops, but for serves drives and smashes it feels so muted :( Will give it a week before I decide to keep it. Surprised your graph showed more power with the J2Ti than the J2K, so wonder if there's something wrong with it. I have added 3g strips just below the middle.
@TylerChapmanMusic
1 second ago
I use the Red Ruby 14 MM, I love the power, control, and spin it provides. Would this be an upgrade from the Ruby or is there another paddle you’d recommend?? Thanks! I have also considered the Ronbus Ripple, the Olympus, and the Six Zero Infinity Power. I want more power than what my ruby has but the same swing weight.
Well stated, John!
Hearing others talking about it and other polyester weave paddles I thought the difference would be larger. It was interesting to see how the stats were so similar and the choice seems to be down to preferred feel.
Would putting a row or two of tungsten tape just above the stock buttcap achieve any similar effects to the balance point like a Slyce cap? Really loving the paddle metrics and radar/spider chart!
Yes, you can add tungsten to the handle to do the same thing as the Slyce. It does change the shape of the handle end, but it's definitely a cheaper option.
This is my current fave! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I just watched your review - well done, and glad to see we landed on the same spot with the J2Ti
@@johnkewpickleball Appreciate you watching! And keep up the awesome work on your end! Setting the bar wayyyy too high! 😆
Have one coming in next week! What did you prefer: this or the Monarch All court?
Ooh, that's a tough one. The J2Ti gives you a bit more firepower, but that sweet spot on the Monarch AC is amazing
Can you review the Thompson line? Recently got one and I wanna hear others thoughts on it.
Another awesome review
Can’t wait to get mine!
Thanks for letting us know about the Bible verse.
I've been preferring to add smaller amount of weight near the 3 & 9 position lately to increase the SW, but keep the static weight closer to stock.
Never used the Slice cap, but I have added lead tape around the butt cap for similar effect. While this helps lower the SW, I found it added stress to my wrist.
Prefer to add lead tape right where my hand grips the handle. Your wrist is the pivot point, so adding more weight on either end of the paddle would add more stress on the pivot point i.e. your wrist.
For sure, there will be a point of diminishing returns where the static weight becomes too heavy for your joints. I think 9 oz is about there for me. I'm enjoying playing with the ESQ-C 12.7mm that's still under 8 oz with perimeter weighting
Does anyone know if HPC has plans for a 14mm J2Ti? It seems like the plush feel of the polyester ('Ti") weave would really shine on a 14mm paddle, taking away some of the harshness that comes with a 14mm paddle while still reaping increased power, pop, and hand speed. Given that they already have a 14mm J2K and a 16mm J2Ti, it seems like it would be simple, worthwhile, and extremely popular addition.
I'm not sure if it's in the works, but I'd like to try a 14mm J2Ti, for the reasons you outlined
John... I love your reviews but I sometimes wonder...
In order to make a 'great' paddle greater...you add a shed load of weight, a super duper butt cap plus bells and whistles... isn't it a bit like my grandfather's axe?... I replaced the the handle and the head and now I have a better axe!
Surely out or the box should be near perfect... I just tinker around until I disappear where the sun never shines😮
I intentionally prefaced that section with "the stock J2Ti plays great, but if you do want to modify it..." And my takeaway is that the Slyce cap is probably too labor intensive and expensive for this particular paddle. So hopefully it doesn't come across as needless tinkering. A lot of people like to modify their paddles, and for good cause. By just adding a few grams of tape in certain spots, you can broaden the sweet spot and improve your paddle. Paddle companies like to go low with the stock weight because they don't want it to be too heavy for anyone, so production paddles are more blank slates than near perfect. I started including this modification section out of demand; a lot of people want to know how it's done and how it affects the paddle.
John Kew 3:16 signature paddle
Hahaha
Titanium Jesus paddle?
Great review, I wish it was not another review of a Honolulu J2 line of paddle, good paddles but they have the worst customer service in all of pickleball, worse than Joola. Would love to see a Olympus review or a Ripple review.
Olympus coming next
Isn't this company also just a handful of people? I'd rather a small company make products, than waste time to answer emails. If Joola sucks, that's on them as a multi million dollar company
@@buffalufacus Over 10 people I know had issues with their paddles and when trying to reach out for warranty or replacement, they got absolutely ghosted. A couple of them have had it resolved, but 3 of them still ghost town after repeated emails. When buying a paddle you definitely should take into account, if you have issues will they respond to you.11Six24 is a small company and they have one of the best customer services in pickleball. They also outsource produce their stuff, if they were making their stuff out of their garage I understand, but there are several other small pickleball companies who have much much better customer service.
@@buffalufacus It’s not just answering emails that’s the problem. They struggle to honor warranty claims or ship items in a timely fashion
The new Engage MaXX line is out and they are made in the USA. You should really do a review on those and support companies who are keeping things in the US.
You’re awesome! TYTY
Great review. How does it compare with vatic pro prism flash?
The J2Ti has more firepower than the Vatic, but not quite as much control
@@johnkewpickleball thank you
J2TI looks way better so it wins 💯
So the grit comes from epoxy and not the carbon fiber?
The carbon fiber and surface materials affect spin, but yes, the ball is only touching the epoxy peel-ply texture
@@johnkewpickleball I know I’m being thick headed. But for the most part all paddles are not raw or bare correct? Makes me then wonder the differences between surfaces between grit and longevity. Then I wonder about how it’s different from spray on grit.
Wonderful review! Did you switch to this paddle as your main from the shapeshifter? Just curious since you mentioned something on one of your podcasts :)
It's a great paddle, but it's not my main. Honestly, I don't really have one right now. The Ripple R2 and ESQ-C 12.7mm have seen the most use over the past few weeks
You need to try the Udrippin grips
I tried Ugrippin after Ed Ju raved about them, and I was super let down. Maybe I just had too high of expectations. I'm of the mind that nothing beats Tourna Mega Tac (in white, naturally).
@@AMurderOfLobs Well that's too bad you didn't enjoy your experience. Something like over grips is definitely subjective to each user. For me, the Tournas were what I used when just starting out, but I discovered Udrippin in their first 30 days of business and haven't gone back since.
@@tylerwhite8930 I mean, what is good about them? What I'm primarily looking for in an overgrip is tackyness, which Mega Tac certainly does much better than UGrippin, that isn't even up for debate. I also like them to be fairly thin. The Ugrippin just felt like what WIlson Pro feels like after being used for a week. It was almost a cheap leathery feel to me. What do you like about them?
Did you see how the handle is construed?
I removed the grip on my j2k and was in for a shock!
It's pretty typical construction for a handle on a thermoformed paddle. What surprised you about it?
@@johnkewpickleball well the plastic on the sides is weak, and front and back is a kind of a hard sponge material.
So it was no surprise that the butcup went unstable after one month of playing.
For comparison, Friday paddles are solid all the way!
Bible verse is a deal breaker for me. Seems like a dumb business decision.
Not a very scientific assumption. Some people might buy it BECAUSE of that. You should probably do a proper study before making that call as a logical, sensitive individual like yourself
@@smilesrykee7067 Not sure what you’re blathering about. I clearly just expressed an opinion. No “proper study” is required. They certainly have the right to make a religious statement on a pickleball paddle. You can buy their paddles if you want. I choose to buy something else. You should be less sensitive….
all these vids are just promo vids now and not honest reviews , they all wear melin hats , they all promote hesacore , slyce caps and whatever junk theyre pushing . what happened to honest un biased reviews
What paddle should I buy then?
Could not disagree more. But you are entitled to your opinion. Personally I find John's reviews informative and well balanced.
John literally recommended against using the Slyce cap for this paddle saying there’s no benefit compared to the cost and labor involved since the paddle isn’t head heavy. You didn’t even watch the vid, did you?
He said the slyce cap didn't make sense for this paddle and doesn't have a hesacore on it but sure 1/3 ain't bad.
glad you mentioned the "john 3:16" at the top. I had no idea that was placed up there. Gotta love a company that tries to force their values down a consumers throat.
Christians in the comments are mad that someone has the nerve to say paddle manufacturers shouldn't plaster their personal belief all over their product 😢
They are not “forcing their values” down your throat. You don’t have to buy it. You will see what they are about on their site.
Agreed - don’t buy it if you don’t have the same opinion. Plenty of options…
what salad is referring to is really religion in general. the force down the throat remark is likely a callback to his younger years when parents forced him to go to church. Fortunately mandatory church attendance is not a requirement with the government, so his gripe is false.
@godgunsandgoldens I understand that I don't have to buy it. You're clearly too simple to understand that taking something that has absolutely nothing to do with religion and plastering religious beliefs all over it is what I was referring to by "forcing it down a consumers throat".
@SUPaddict yeah I've got plenty of paddles. None of which decided that their target audience is Christian pickleball players. I'd be willing to bet the sentiment would be different if mainstream paddle manufacturers were printing baphomets all over their shit.