Clarification - JJ and I got Bronze, not Silver. I shot and edited this video late last night/early this morning, and when I don't get enough sleep, there are always issues in my videos. Thankfully, this is a harmless mistake 😅
Just got the Hyper and have had two extended sessions with it and I'm very impressed with how it plays out of the box. It has a nice feel and the power feels very controllable. Resets and blocks have surprised me on how nice the feel is on them. I have the ESQ-C 12.7 as well and so far I'd say you can't go wrong with choosing it or the Hyper as the ESQ-C is a money paddle imo as well. Both are great choices and I feel Gearbox hit the nail on the head with the Hyper. If you're on the fence on the Hyper I say go ahead and pull the trigger I don't think you'll be disappointed.
@@LSEBalla I kept both but currently using the Hyper as my main but wouldn't have an issue using the ESQ as my main. Both are great paddles imo and easy to adapt too!
Your reviews have gotten so good. The combination of stats, before and after weight modifications, talking to manufacturers and playing with it experience covers all the bases. I would only suggest that you emphasize using some edge tape on these edgeless designs. A lot of money for this paddle that can be damaged fairly easily.
Good point about the edge tape. In terms of edgeless paddles, this one takes less damage than all the others I've experienced, including the first-gen Gearbox PPE. I think they've built-in a plastic reinforcement around the edge, so it's kind of a halfway edge guard. But regardless, you don't want to wear through this and risk exposing/ disbonding the face layers.
Whoa, wait, what?? They added exterior reinforcement to their paddle edges?? That's lowkey massive. Do you reckon it impacts the twist weight in a significant way, like, is it thick the way a traditional edge guard is?@johnkewpickleball
@@wesleyoliver3312 It's only slightly thicker than their original edge, as far as I can tell. But I think they heard the consumers who complained about breaking the edge of the original Pro Powers and added some extra protection
UPDATE ESQ-C REVIEW (GEARBOX USER): I absolutely love the ESQ-C so far. Feather light, great spin, satisfying *crack* when you rip the ball (as opposed to the *thump* of the Pro Ultimate). I put 3 oz strips of lead on either side above the throat and 1 on top in center. I’d probably still want to try the PU Hyper but no longer in any rush. ----------------- ORIGINAL: Man and I just ordered a ESQ-C 12.7mm as a Pro Ultimate Elongated user! (love that paddle just want to try a standard shape) What do you think John? Roll with the ESQ-C or send it back and get this?
That's a tough decision to make. Even though they're the same shape as the Hyper, the ESQ paddles are kind of on the opposite side of the spectrum. They're very lightweight, hollow-feeling, and favor pop over power. I think the Hyper will be an easier transition for you, coming from an elongated paddle, because its sweet spot is high, and the high balance point makes it swing more like an elongated paddle. But it all comes down to personal preferences. If you can try both before you decide, that would be ideal
Great review. Curious to ask the difference between this Gearbox Hyper and your old main the Pickleball Apes Pulse V ? Why did you switch paddles Sir ? Was it for more power ? Thank you and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Saludos from Panama.
I haven't really had a main since the Shapeshifter, becase I've been testing so many paddles. But the Apes Pulse V and Gearbox Hyper are both great standard/widebody options. They're similar in the sense that both paddles are heavier, denser, great with reducing vibrations, and they favor power over pop. The Apes is more muted overall than the Hyper, and after break-in, the Hyper will be solid power, versus the Pulse, which will be top of All-Court or lower-tier Power.
Just wondering if you were going to measure/post the post break in numbers at all? Looking to buy a more powerful/poppy paddle coming from a J2K, this and the pulse V are current contenders. Any recommendations?
Thank you for the awesome video! I don’t know how you among all the other paddle reviewers keep dropping such high quality content on a regular and consistent basis, keep it up! I was just wondering if you could elaborate or give a suggestion for someone who is switching from an elongated/hybrid power paddle to a standard/wide body paddle. I’ve been using my paddle for 6 months and I’m not in a rush to switch right this minute. I want to invest in a new paddle that I know will be the best that I can get tech wise. I’ve been looking into the paddletek esq 12.7m for a while but now that gearbox is out, what would you say is the best option in the standard shape for a power option? That also will be tournament certified… I’m worried about the ripple r2 becoming delisted. Thank you in advance!
I'll try to put my recency bias aside, haha, but I do think the Gearbox PU Hyper is a good choice for people entering the standard/widebody shape from elongated/hybrid. The high balance point shifts the sweet spot more toward the end, so it's more natural for people coming from longer paddles who hit the ball higher on the paddle. That being said, there are other great options in this shape out there, and it will come down to your preferences. Even though they're the same shape as the Hyper, the ESQ paddles are kind of on the opposite side of the spectrum. They're very lightweight, hollow-feeling, and favor pop over power. The Apes Pulse V is another excellent option. It's more aligned with the Hyper in the sense that it's heavier, denser, and favors power over pop. It's more muted overall than the Hyper, and after break-in, the Hyper will be solid power, versus the Pulse, which will be top of All-Court or lower-tier Power. I'd recommend testing friends' paddles if you can, to nail down your preferences. Good luck!
Thanks for another great review John. One point that wasn’t addressed that I’d like to know more about is durability, specifically related to the paddle face and spin. I played the cx14 a couple of years ago and liked it. My understanding is that the internal ribbing is more important to the spin than the surface grit. Do you think that’s true? The only reason I can justify spending $275 on a paddle is that the spin would last longer than the 3 months that carbon fiber faced paddles last under heavy use. Otherwise I can just buy 3 neonic flow for nearly the same money. Do you think the spin on this paddle will stay at a high level for 6 to 9 months or more? I play 5-6 days per week for 2 hours or so per session and currently replace carbon fiber paddles every 2-3 months because the sweet spot becomes slick from the texture wearing down. Thanks
I do think there's something to the dwell time contributing to spin on all of Gearbox's SST cores. And the peel ply texture that Gearbox uses does seem to be more durable than most. Somtheing about the curing method they use. Gearbox paddles don't start out with the best spin, because they're not using a super aggressive peel ply texture. But they tend to be more durable. From my historical data, the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated lost 11 percent of its spin after 3 months. The Pro Ultimate Elongated lost 16% of its spin in 3 months. The other raw texture paddles I've tested after three months lost 19-23 percent. All of this to say that spin will eventually degrade, but in my testing, the Gearbox spin degrades slower. It becomes a numbers game. If one paddle starts at 2,300 RPM and loses 20% of its spin in 3 months, then you'll be in the same spot as the Gearbox after three months, becase the Gearbox started lower. Assuming spin keeps degrading in both paddles at the same rate, you'd be better off buying a cheaper paddle with higher spin out of the box and replacing every few months when the spin gets too low. I wish I had longer historical data to see if Gearbox paddles stabilize at ~1,600 RPM, versus dropping lower and lower. I think most people could still play fine at 1,600 RPM, but they would not be happy around 1,200 RPM or lower.
@ Wow, great answer, thank you! I love that you have data on the spin degradation over time. So then for me, the only thing I’d be paying top dollar for would be the power. I’m hoping the power/ exit velocity standard gets dialed back in 2025. As mentioned on picklepod, some players are getting a bump in “ability” just by purchasing a power paddle. That shouldn’t be the case, imo
@@johnkewpickleball I have tried pikkl skins on an older 6.0 dbd and liked the result. Definitely improved the spin. The problems I experienced were that the swing weight increased, and also in hot weather, the paddle felt softer. I messaged pikkl about this and they replied that the adhesive on the skins could expand some in the heat and cause a softer feel. Not perfected yet, but skins could be the future solution to spin degradation.
Just to add a little personal anecdotal evidence, I've been playing with my Pro Power Fusion (Integra) for quite a while. I did a lot of research and felt like it was exactly what I was looking for, so I purchased it even though I knew I would have to spend $275 without the option of returning it. And I was right, it's been my favorite paddle ever since. I love edgeless design for its agility, and it has a lot of good power while also better control than the Prokennex Black Ace, which I had previously. I've been playing with it exclusively for over 13 months. It's possible there's a little less spin now, but there has been almost no decrease in performance. I've just ordered the hyper, and I'm excited to play with that one for the next year plus!
I have a scorpeus 3s 16mm that I main at the moment. Worried about competing with it. Would the gearbox hyper or the pulse V be closer to the scorpeus 3s 16mm?
Do you agree with Braydon from Pickleball Effect that the sweet spot of the Hyper sits higher than your typical wide body paddle? He mentioned it on his pod last week and I was curious if other reviewers felt the same
Dammit John, just when I was comfortable with my current paddle choice, you throw a wrench into my plans. At least my credit card reward program is benefiting from your videos. 💳 So... Pickleball Apes Pulse V vs. Pro Ultimate Hyper?
Tough choice between the Apes and Gearbox. Both of these paddles are aligned in the sense that they're heavier, denser, have amazing vibration control, and they favor power over pop. The Apes is more muted overall than the Hyper, and after break-in, the Hyper will be big power power - somewhere between PaddleTek Bantam and Gearbox PPE, versus the Pulse, which will be top of All-Court or lower-tier Power.
@@kylepickleball There are two reviews on the Pulse series, Pursuit and STS prob have good input and they might be able to comment on the Hyper if you ask in comments. Enjoy that Pulse !!
In my analysis of Swing weight to Twist weight (last year using John's database) Gearbox lined the bottom of the list - so my take here is they only had one direction to go when it comes to sweet spot and maneuverability. Many new paddles since then so I should redo my analysis.
Do you know if gearbox plans to make a 14mm, 8" widebody Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper pickleball paddle; power wise closer to the power of the gearbox Pro Power. That is the paddle I would buy as I already have 2 Gearbox Pro power pickleball paddles and would like a widebody power paddle.
Based on the x-ray pics the core width and length appears to be the same on the hyper, resulting in a very wide frame . Seems to me that a ball struck a little off center , but on the foam frame , would produce an unreliability different response. Thereby defeating one of the advantages of swinging a wide body. It appears to me that the Joola Scorpeus’s design better minimizes the frame area , and would yield greater consistency.? What’s your direct comparison of the two wide bodies John ?
You're right about that. Same problem all EVA foam paddles have. If you hit off center at all, the shock wave comes back to the ball unevenly. Makes precise control very difficult.
Interesting observation. But in my experience, the ball response on the Hyper is more consistent than any of the other Pro shapes (PPE, PPI, PUE). The others have a hot spot in the center of the sweet spot that I'm not feeling nearly as much in the Hyper, and off-center shots are much more forgiving. I think the core and face layup acts as a whole. Besides maybe a subtle hot spot, I don't feel more inconsistency across the face of the Hyper compared to the Scorpeus or other standard-shaped polypropylene paddles.
Do you think theres a break in for the J2TI? I don't feel the plushness and am wondering if its because im coming from a dbd or theres a break in period that I have to see through. Im in disbelief with the pop I have right now and its affecting my game (for good and bad)
Great review. In regards to the 9.3 ounce modifications, players should be weary that swinging this amount of weight for hours can be very taxing. Your hand speed will continually decrease over the span of your day. That also will drop your power level by quite a bit as well.
It depends on where the Ripple lands. The newest Ripple I tested has the most firepower of any legal paddle I've tested (before break-in). But the beta Ripple was much more sensible
Here is The characteristic of how the Carbon fiber material plays alone. less swing or softer swing cause the carbon fiber to be more less stiff and more absorbent or damping since the carbon fiber is loose and not stiff on a slow swing which gives you more control with the carbon fiber paddle, on a slow swing of the paddle. And more swing or a harder swing makes the carbon fiber material stiffer when striking the ball which generates more power because the carbon fiber stiffens up on a harder swing. Also a combination of foam being stiff and hard in between the ribs/ridges of the carbon fiber makes for a very stiff and hard paddle until the foam is loosen up which happens by you playing with it which then eventually allows a person to experience how carbon fiber plays. Properties of Carbon Fiber Strength-to-Weight Ratio: One of the most notable characteristics of carbon fiber is its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This means that carbon fiber rackets can withstand significant stress while remaining lightweight, allowing for quicker swings and improved maneuverability on the court. Durability: Carbon fiber is resistant to wear and tear, making it less likely to break or suffer damage during intense play. This durability ensures that players can rely on their rackets for longer periods without needing frequent replacements. Stiffness and Responsiveness: The stiffness of carbon fiber contributes to its responsiveness during play. When a player strikes the ball, energy transfer is efficient, resulting in powerful shots and enhanced control. Vibration Dampening: High-quality carbon fiber rackets often incorporate technology to dampen vibrations upon impact. This feature helps reduce arm fatigue and provides a more comfortable playing experience.
I loved their racquetball stuff from 15+ years ago, but their paddles are just too expensive for me. $100 is my limit. You can get (3) Alecto 3 paddles for the price of one of these.
I am with you on this. Especially if the character and integrity of the paddle changes past it's break-in period. I've never heard any reviewer say "it's just too cheap for me"
Gearbox best gen 3 is probably true. But any gen 3 seems to have problems with longevity. Does not sound like they really fixed any of the root issues with their core, they didn’t even really widen it, just added more foam around the sides. Looks like they dropped the same core as they use in their elongated version? $275 for a paddle that will feel great for a few weeks and then become an uncontrollable mess. I hope that sanity returns to paddle approvals soon. Thanks for the review John, love the X-rays.
Pickleball paddles in general are bad tech. Either the edge guard will come loose or the face will go smooth and you'll lose spin. And then there's core-crushing, the point of failure between the paddle face and handle in traditional-construction paddles (aka gen 1). Eventually the sport needs to get to the point where paddles are fully modular, with unibody metal frames, rubber-based cores that can stand the test of time, replaceable peel ply faces, adjustable weight slots, etc.
Just to add a little personal anecdotal evidence, I've been playing with my Pro Power Fusion (Integra) for quite a while. I did a lot of research and felt like it was exactly what I was looking for, so I purchased it even though I knew I would have to spend $275 without the option of returning it. And I was right, it's been my favorite paddle ever since. I love edgeless design for its agility, and it has a lot of good power while also better control than the Prokennex Black Ace, which I had previously. I've been playing with it exclusively for over 13 months. It's possible there's a little less spin now, but there has been almost no decrease in performance. I've just ordered the hyper, and I'm excited to play with that one for the next year plus!
@user9b2 because I was coming from the Prokennex Black Ace, I immediately felt an increase of control when I started using the Gearbox Pro Power Fusion. I've used it for almost 14 months now so I don't quite remember if I experienced a lot of power increase. Maybe it was too gradual to notice. I'm definitely excited to experience the Hyper, because I hope it will have a tad more control, but I don't feel like my Fusion ever got out of control really.
@user9b2 another thought. I got to try the Pro Power Elongated, and it felt distinctly more powerful and less stable then my Fusion. I didn't play with it too much because I just loved my Fusion and didn't want to play with anything else.
IMO I still think the Gearbox Pro Power pickleball paddle is the ultimate pickleball paddle even though it does not have the word ultimate on it. It is up to the player to control the power of a power pickleball paddle.
@PKB-AG I have been involved in car, home and pro audio for many years..... I hate it when people get that term wrong and I have to give kudos when someone gets it right, it's a rare occurrence.....
Depends on what you mean by better. More power and pop? Sure. But the Joola Mod is also more prone to failure, like the edge guard coming lose, core crushing (it already comes pre-crushed out of the box), etc. I think the Gearbox is overpriced, but the innovation and durability are there. Edgeless is the future if the sweet spot and stability can be comparable to a traditional paddle.
Not my experience at all. I’ve been playing GB paddles long before they became this popular. Well before the Pro Powers came out. They 100% stand behind their products. If you have an issue with something contact them- I’m confident they’ll do right by you.
Gearbox has been great for me. IMO, CRBN has terrible QC, but okay customer service. All three paddles I ordered were heavier than they should be and the zipper on the bag I purchased broke instantly.
Never understood why some shoe companies make the mistake and cap their size at a men's 13. ASICS, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, FILA all go to at least a 15. I talked to an ASICS rep once and he said they love it when shoe companies stop at 13 because it funnels a lot of sales revenue into their pipelines.
Clarification - JJ and I got Bronze, not Silver. I shot and edited this video late last night/early this morning, and when I don't get enough sleep, there are always issues in my videos. Thankfully, this is a harmless mistake 😅
Too late
Your database is a gold mine! Thank you so much for putting it together and keeping it available to your subscribers!
Just got the Hyper and have had two extended sessions with it and I'm very impressed with how it plays out of the box. It has a nice feel and the power feels very controllable. Resets and blocks have surprised me on how nice the feel is on them. I have the ESQ-C 12.7 as well and so far I'd say you can't go wrong with choosing it or the Hyper as the ESQ-C is a money paddle imo as well. Both are great choices and I feel Gearbox hit the nail on the head with the Hyper. If you're on the fence on the Hyper I say go ahead and pull the trigger I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Just got the hyper also. Was also looking at the ESQ. Which one did you end up keeping to play?
@@LSEBalla I kept both but currently using the Hyper as my main but wouldn't have an issue using the ESQ as my main. Both are great paddles imo and easy to adapt too!
Comments are re-enabled. Sorry for the hiccup. Comment away!
Your reviews have gotten so good. The combination of stats, before and after weight modifications, talking to manufacturers and playing with it experience covers all the bases. I would only suggest that you emphasize using some edge tape on these edgeless designs. A lot of money for this paddle that can be damaged fairly easily.
Good point about the edge tape. In terms of edgeless paddles, this one takes less damage than all the others I've experienced, including the first-gen Gearbox PPE. I think they've built-in a plastic reinforcement around the edge, so it's kind of a halfway edge guard. But regardless, you don't want to wear through this and risk exposing/ disbonding the face layers.
Whoa, wait, what?? They added exterior reinforcement to their paddle edges?? That's lowkey massive. Do you reckon it impacts the twist weight in a significant way, like, is it thick the way a traditional edge guard is?@johnkewpickleball
@@wesleyoliver3312 It's only slightly thicker than their original edge, as far as I can tell. But I think they heard the consumers who complained about breaking the edge of the original Pro Powers and added some extra protection
Thank you. I purchased it. Should be arriving soon.
UPDATE ESQ-C REVIEW (GEARBOX USER): I absolutely love the ESQ-C so far. Feather light, great spin, satisfying *crack* when you rip the ball (as opposed to the *thump* of the Pro Ultimate). I put 3 oz strips of lead on either side above the throat and 1 on top in center. I’d probably still want to try the PU Hyper but no longer in any rush.
-----------------
ORIGINAL:
Man and I just ordered a ESQ-C 12.7mm as a Pro Ultimate Elongated user! (love that paddle just want to try a standard shape) What do you think John? Roll with the ESQ-C or send it back and get this?
That's a tough decision to make. Even though they're the same shape as the Hyper, the ESQ paddles are kind of on the opposite side of the spectrum. They're very lightweight, hollow-feeling, and favor pop over power. I think the Hyper will be an easier transition for you, coming from an elongated paddle, because its sweet spot is high, and the high balance point makes it swing more like an elongated paddle. But it all comes down to personal preferences. If you can try both before you decide, that would be ideal
@ makes sense, thank you. I’m pretty sure the ESQ-C just became a Christmas present for my wife 😅
@@lexus_offroad_adventures Haha, that works!
I ordered it…pretty excited since I’ve only played with Selkirk. Thanks for the review !
Your review is very detailed.
Just picked one up with your affiliate link. Thank you!
Thank you for your very thorough and cogent presentations.
As always you sold me on "another" paddle. Soon to be added to the quiver.
Great review!!!
Love these reviews will be getting one thanks!!
Excellent review! I almost turned it off when you said the paddle was $279 with no discounts…
But I wanted to see the xrays😊and game play
There's 4 dollars discount. At 275
Great review. Curious to ask the difference between this Gearbox Hyper and your old main the Pickleball Apes Pulse V ? Why did you switch paddles Sir ? Was it for more power ? Thank you and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Saludos from Panama.
I haven't really had a main since the Shapeshifter, becase I've been testing so many paddles. But the Apes Pulse V and Gearbox Hyper are both great standard/widebody options. They're similar in the sense that both paddles are heavier, denser, great with reducing vibrations, and they favor power over pop. The Apes is more muted overall than the Hyper, and after break-in, the Hyper will be solid power, versus the Pulse, which will be top of All-Court or lower-tier Power.
@johnkewpickleball, did you experience a cap on the break-in with the Hyper or does it keep getting hotter?
Just wondering if you were going to measure/post the post break in numbers at all? Looking to buy a more powerful/poppy paddle coming from a J2K, this and the pulse V are current contenders. Any recommendations?
Thank you for the awesome video! I don’t know how you among all the other paddle reviewers keep dropping such high quality content on a regular and consistent basis, keep it up!
I was just wondering if you could elaborate or give a suggestion for someone who is switching from an elongated/hybrid power paddle to a standard/wide body paddle.
I’ve been using my paddle for 6 months and I’m not in a rush to switch right this minute. I want to invest in a new paddle that I know will be the best that I can get tech wise.
I’ve been looking into the paddletek esq 12.7m for a while but now that gearbox is out, what would you say is the best option in the standard shape for a power option? That also will be tournament certified… I’m worried about the ripple r2 becoming delisted.
Thank you in advance!
I'll try to put my recency bias aside, haha, but I do think the Gearbox PU Hyper is a good choice for people entering the standard/widebody shape from elongated/hybrid. The high balance point shifts the sweet spot more toward the end, so it's more natural for people coming from longer paddles who hit the ball higher on the paddle. That being said, there are other great options in this shape out there, and it will come down to your preferences. Even though they're the same shape as the Hyper, the ESQ paddles are kind of on the opposite side of the spectrum. They're very lightweight, hollow-feeling, and favor pop over power. The Apes Pulse V is another excellent option. It's more aligned with the Hyper in the sense that it's heavier, denser, and favors power over pop. It's more muted overall than the Hyper, and after break-in, the Hyper will be solid power, versus the Pulse, which will be top of All-Court or lower-tier Power.
I'd recommend testing friends' paddles if you can, to nail down your preferences. Good luck!
@ thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback! Looks like I have to find some friends with these paddles haha. Cheers and Happy Holidays~
Thanks for another great review John.
One point that wasn’t addressed that I’d like to know more about is durability, specifically related to the paddle face and spin.
I played the cx14 a couple of years ago and liked it.
My understanding is that the internal ribbing is more important to the spin than the surface grit. Do you think that’s true?
The only reason I can justify spending $275 on a paddle is that the spin would last longer than the 3 months that carbon fiber faced paddles last under heavy use.
Otherwise I can just buy 3 neonic flow for nearly the same money.
Do you think the spin on this paddle will stay at a high level for 6 to 9 months or more?
I play 5-6 days per week for 2 hours or so per session and currently replace carbon fiber paddles every 2-3 months because the sweet spot becomes slick from the texture wearing down.
Thanks
I do think there's something to the dwell time contributing to spin on all of Gearbox's SST cores. And the peel ply texture that Gearbox uses does seem to be more durable than most. Somtheing about the curing method they use. Gearbox paddles don't start out with the best spin, because they're not using a super aggressive peel ply texture. But they tend to be more durable. From my historical data, the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated lost 11 percent of its spin after 3 months. The Pro Ultimate Elongated lost 16% of its spin in 3 months. The other raw texture paddles I've tested after three months lost 19-23 percent.
All of this to say that spin will eventually degrade, but in my testing, the Gearbox spin degrades slower. It becomes a numbers game. If one paddle starts at 2,300 RPM and loses 20% of its spin in 3 months, then you'll be in the same spot as the Gearbox after three months, becase the Gearbox started lower. Assuming spin keeps degrading in both paddles at the same rate, you'd be better off buying a cheaper paddle with higher spin out of the box and replacing every few months when the spin gets too low.
I wish I had longer historical data to see if Gearbox paddles stabilize at ~1,600 RPM, versus dropping lower and lower. I think most people could still play fine at 1,600 RPM, but they would not be happy around 1,200 RPM or lower.
@ Wow, great answer, thank you! I love that you have data on the spin degradation over time. So then for me, the only thing I’d be paying top dollar for would be the power. I’m hoping the power/ exit velocity standard gets dialed back in 2025. As mentioned on picklepod, some players are getting a bump in “ability” just by purchasing a power paddle. That shouldn’t be the case, imo
@@johnkewpickleball I have tried pikkl skins on an older 6.0 dbd and liked the result. Definitely improved the spin. The problems I experienced were that the swing weight increased, and also in hot weather, the paddle felt softer. I messaged pikkl about this and they replied that the adhesive on the skins could expand some in the heat and cause a softer feel. Not perfected yet, but skins could be the future solution to spin degradation.
Just to add a little personal anecdotal evidence, I've been playing with my Pro Power Fusion (Integra) for quite a while. I did a lot of research and felt like it was exactly what I was looking for, so I purchased it even though I knew I would have to spend $275 without the option of returning it. And I was right, it's been my favorite paddle ever since. I love edgeless design for its agility, and it has a lot of good power while also better control than the Prokennex Black Ace, which I had previously. I've been playing with it exclusively for over 13 months. It's possible there's a little less spin now, but there has been almost no decrease in performance.
I've just ordered the hyper, and I'm excited to play with that one for the next year plus!
How does the sweet spot compare to the paddle Tech ESQ 12.7 or 14.3? Which ever is closer to it in firepower.
I would also like to know this
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air (and I think the Power Air and Amped Air) use a unibody, molded, one-piece carbon fiber handle as well.
How was it in the kitchen/hand speed battle compared to the elongated? Was there a big difference? That was my issue with the elongated one. Thanks!
A small tip - it is better to present the revised paddle data in a form. Anyway, appreciate this video.
Awesome review!
I have a scorpeus 3s 16mm that I main at the moment. Worried about competing with it. Would the gearbox hyper or the pulse V be closer to the scorpeus 3s 16mm?
Im in the same boat!
Do you agree with Braydon from Pickleball Effect that the sweet spot of the Hyper sits higher than your typical wide body paddle? He mentioned it on his pod last week and I was curious if other reviewers felt the same
Yes, for sure. I mentioned it in the review, too. It's an easier crossover for people coming from longer paddles
is this a lot different than the New Pro Power 2 that's coming out in January? I have the Pro Power 1 and it's getting delisted in July. Thoughts
How would you compare this with Pulse V and the Ronbus Ripple R2?
I'm guessing in between but closer to the Pulse V
It's hotter than the V, and way less hot than the Ripple. It's more akin to the V in terms of feel. Dense, with very little vibration
Hey Jon what is the difference in pop between the pulse V and the hyper ? Looking at the database the V has more pop
@@johnkewpickleball I thought the ripple breaks in the most = hottest when broken in?
Dammit John, just when I was comfortable with my current paddle choice, you throw a wrench into my plans. At least my credit card reward program is benefiting from your videos. 💳 So... Pickleball Apes Pulse V vs. Pro Ultimate Hyper?
Tough choice between the Apes and Gearbox. Both of these paddles are aligned in the sense that they're heavier, denser, have amazing vibration control, and they favor power over pop. The Apes is more muted overall than the Hyper, and after break-in, the Hyper will be big power power - somewhere between PaddleTek Bantam and Gearbox PPE, versus the Pulse, which will be top of All-Court or lower-tier Power.
APES, that's where I'd go
@@PKB-AG I've got the Pulse V, great paddle. Wondering how the Hyper would stack up to it.
@@kylepickleball There are two reviews on the Pulse series, Pursuit and STS prob have good input and they might be able to comment on the Hyper if you ask in comments. Enjoy that Pulse !!
Will these be a better choice than the j2k?
In my analysis of Swing weight to Twist weight (last year using John's database) Gearbox lined the bottom of the list - so my take here is they only had one direction to go when it comes to sweet spot and maneuverability. Many new paddles since then so I should redo my analysis.
Did you try the slyce cap without the lead tape to bring down the balance point?
Do you know if gearbox plans to make a 14mm, 8" widebody Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper pickleball paddle; power wise closer to the power of the gearbox Pro Power. That is the paddle I would buy as I already have 2 Gearbox Pro power pickleball paddles and would like a widebody power paddle.
This or the Mod 15, John?
I'm trying to find the 3 paddles that Johnkew likes least.
It's the ones he doesn't review. There's plenty out there.
Did you end up keeping the GB protective edge tape on top?
Based on the x-ray pics the core width and length appears to be the same on the hyper, resulting in a very wide frame . Seems to me that a ball struck a little off center , but on the foam frame , would produce an unreliability different response. Thereby defeating one of the advantages of swinging a wide body. It appears to me that the Joola Scorpeus’s design better minimizes the frame area , and would yield greater consistency.? What’s your direct comparison of the two wide bodies John ?
You're right about that. Same problem all EVA foam paddles have. If you hit off center at all, the shock wave comes back to the ball unevenly. Makes precise control very difficult.
Interesting observation. But in my experience, the ball response on the Hyper is more consistent than any of the other Pro shapes (PPE, PPI, PUE). The others have a hot spot in the center of the sweet spot that I'm not feeling nearly as much in the Hyper, and off-center shots are much more forgiving. I think the core and face layup acts as a whole. Besides maybe a subtle hot spot, I don't feel more inconsistency across the face of the Hyper compared to the Scorpeus or other standard-shaped polypropylene paddles.
How does the power/pop/control compare to the Joola 3S Scorpius 16mm after it's broken in?
As a new player with only ping pong background, should I get this, the Paddletek ESQ/AL, Pulse V or J2Kti? 6’3 230. Thank you!
So what is the angle of the carbon fiber in this paddle if 90 degree is the stiffness and 45 degrees is the softest?
Trade secret - he didn't tell me exactly, ha
Do you think theres a break in for the J2TI? I don't feel the plushness and am wondering if its because im coming from a dbd or theres a break in period that I have to see through. Im in disbelief with the pop I have right now and its affecting my game (for good and bad)
I noticed a slight break-in with the J2Ti where it softened up a bit
Whats easier to control, the hyper or the all court?
I'm going to be curious what your thoughts are going to be with the Ripple 2 14mm when you compare these two wide bodies? Thanks!
increased dwell time = increased spin??? did not hear you mention this only that it increases sweet spot
Yes, I think the dwell time is enhancing the spin, too
Will you get another Melin discount code anytime soon?
The name of the paddle is starting to sound like a Street Fighter game
Can this paddle be described as a control paddle with power?
Will the paddle get too hot and become unplayable?
This is meant to last given their technology, right? Thanks for the review!
Great review. In regards to the 9.3 ounce modifications, players should be weary that swinging this amount of weight for hours can be very taxing. Your hand speed will continually decrease over the span of your day. That also will drop your power level by quite a bit as well.
Only if your a sissy. It’s pickleball
The longer you play the stronger you will become where playing longer will not be an issue with a heavier paddle.
How in the world do Tennis players make it through a single day?!😄
Is that slice cap even legal for tournament play? It seems like it makes the stock handle slightly longer.
John, how would you say this compares to the Ronbus Ripple?
It depends on where the Ripple lands. The newest Ripple I tested has the most firepower of any legal paddle I've tested (before break-in). But the beta Ripple was much more sensible
Here is The characteristic of how the Carbon fiber material plays alone.
less swing or softer swing cause the carbon fiber to be more less stiff and more absorbent or damping since the carbon fiber is loose and not stiff on a slow swing which gives you more control with the carbon fiber paddle, on a slow swing of the paddle.
And more swing or a harder swing makes the carbon fiber material stiffer when striking the ball which generates more power because the carbon fiber stiffens up on a harder swing.
Also a combination of foam being stiff and hard in between the ribs/ridges of the carbon fiber makes for a very stiff and hard paddle until the foam is loosen up which happens by you playing with it which then eventually allows a person to experience how carbon fiber plays.
Properties of Carbon Fiber
Strength-to-Weight Ratio: One of the most notable characteristics of carbon fiber is its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This means that carbon fiber rackets can withstand significant stress while remaining lightweight, allowing for quicker swings and improved maneuverability on the court.
Durability: Carbon fiber is resistant to wear and tear, making it less likely to break or suffer damage during intense play. This durability ensures that players can rely on their rackets for longer periods without needing frequent replacements.
Stiffness and Responsiveness: The stiffness of carbon fiber contributes to its responsiveness during play. When a player strikes the ball, energy transfer is efficient, resulting in powerful shots and enhanced control.
Vibration Dampening: High-quality carbon fiber rackets often incorporate technology to dampen vibrations upon impact. This feature helps reduce arm fatigue and provides a more comfortable playing experience.
I loved their racquetball stuff from 15+ years ago, but their paddles are just too expensive for me. $100 is my limit. You can get (3) Alecto 3 paddles for the price of one of these.
I am with you on this. Especially if the character and integrity of the paddle changes past it's break-in period. I've never heard any reviewer say "it's just too cheap for me"
This is the most difficult paddle to get used to. I swear!!!!
Nice hat. Model and size?
It's a Melin Odyssey Rope Classic
@ Thank you! I couldn’t see the rope. 🙂
Thanks for another great review. Where do you x-ray the paddles?
I was wondering the same thing! I figured he’s an xray tech by day and pickleball superhero by night…
@@SUPaddict He's an archeologist.
I believe he’s mentioned on one of his podcasts that there’s a local chiropractor who lets him use their x-ray machine!
Gearbox best gen 3 is probably true. But any gen 3 seems to have problems with longevity. Does not sound like they really fixed any of the root issues with their core, they didn’t even really widen it, just added more foam around the sides. Looks like they dropped the same core as they use in their elongated version? $275 for a paddle that will feel great for a few weeks and then become an uncontrollable mess. I hope that sanity returns to paddle approvals soon. Thanks for the review John, love the X-rays.
Pickleball paddles in general are bad tech. Either the edge guard will come loose or the face will go smooth and you'll lose spin. And then there's core-crushing, the point of failure between the paddle face and handle in traditional-construction paddles (aka gen 1).
Eventually the sport needs to get to the point where paddles are fully modular, with unibody metal frames, rubber-based cores that can stand the test of time, replaceable peel ply faces, adjustable weight slots, etc.
Just to add a little personal anecdotal evidence, I've been playing with my Pro Power Fusion (Integra) for quite a while. I did a lot of research and felt like it was exactly what I was looking for, so I purchased it even though I knew I would have to spend $275 without the option of returning it. And I was right, it's been my favorite paddle ever since. I love edgeless design for its agility, and it has a lot of good power while also better control than the Prokennex Black Ace, which I had previously. I've been playing with it exclusively for over 13 months. It's possible there's a little less spin now, but there has been almost no decrease in performance.
I've just ordered the hyper, and I'm excited to play with that one for the next year plus!
@@elvnprince Did the fusion get progressively hotter over the months - to the point where you lose control / playability?
@user9b2 because I was coming from the Prokennex Black Ace, I immediately felt an increase of control when I started using the Gearbox Pro Power Fusion. I've used it for almost 14 months now so I don't quite remember if I experienced a lot of power increase. Maybe it was too gradual to notice. I'm definitely excited to experience the Hyper, because I hope it will have a tad more control, but I don't feel like my Fusion ever got out of control really.
@user9b2 another thought. I got to try the Pro Power Elongated, and it felt distinctly more powerful and less stable then my Fusion. I didn't play with it too much because I just loved my Fusion and didn't want to play with anything else.
Hey Jon your metrics are after the break in period?
My metrics are on the new paddle, before break-in
@@johnkewpickleball it could be interesting to start a new "after 3 month break in" column.
Sure … 9.39 oz with your arms, not mine. I see a future Eddie pod weighting segment for the “rest of us”. ;)
Wait so did gearbox finally make it wider? Or is it like the invikta where the top is just shaved off?
It's a 1/2 inch shorter and 5/8 inches wider than the elongated version.
Dang I just bought the ultimate a month ago
IMO I still think the Gearbox Pro Power pickleball paddle is the ultimate pickleball paddle even though it does not have the word ultimate on it. It is up to the player to control the power of a power pickleball paddle.
You said damping not dampening.....you are my new hero!
And your reviews are awesome!
I knew a guy in car audio and that's where I heard damping. John's a drummer too I don't know if it's also used there.
@PKB-AG I have been involved in car, home and pro audio for many years..... I hate it when people get that term wrong and I have to give kudos when someone gets it right, it's a rare occurrence.....
Many better paddles for that kind of price
Depends on what you mean by better. More power and pop? Sure. But the Joola Mod is also more prone to failure, like the edge guard coming lose, core crushing (it already comes pre-crushed out of the box), etc.
I think the Gearbox is overpriced, but the innovation and durability are there. Edgeless is the future if the sweet spot and stability can be comparable to a traditional paddle.
I love you man but that hat is way too big 😂
Worst quality control and customer service in Pickleball. Who knows what paddle you will receive from these clowns.
Care to share your experience?
Not my experience at all. I’ve been playing GB paddles long before they became this popular. Well before the Pro Powers came out. They 100% stand behind their products. If you have an issue with something contact them- I’m confident they’ll do right by you.
Gearbox has been great for me. IMO, CRBN has terrible QC, but okay customer service. All three paddles I ordered were heavier than they should be and the zipper on the bag I purchased broke instantly.
Hope you and Eddie are loving those Winners Edge shoes. Your Dupr went up .5 just because of style points 😂 @johnkewpickleball - Adam
Never understood why some shoe companies make the mistake and cap their size at a men's 13. ASICS, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, FILA all go to at least a 15. I talked to an ASICS rep once and he said they love it when shoe companies stop at 13 because it funnels a lot of sales revenue into their pipelines.