Johnkew Podcast Episode 007: The Best Paddle (For Most People), Current Paddles, Events, Etc.
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- John and Eddie discuss pickleball current events, Body Helix paddles, answer listener questions, and discuss what the best paddle would be for most players.
Find your best paddle in this searchable database: www.johnkewpickleball.com/pad...
Jump to sections:
0:00 Introduction/Stories: Lessons with Scott Fliegelman,
10:57 How did our predictions for PPA Lakeville turn out?
14:31 Paddles of the week: Body Helix X3 & X4
28:21 Thrive Azul, & Pre-Release
34:38 The Best Paddle (For Most)
55:04 Tip of the Week: Mindfulness Meditation & the Headspace App
1:02:42 Q&A: Does adding lead tape at 4- and 8-o'clock help with the top of the paddle also?
01:08:18 Our tournament plans for 2024
01:09:14 Upcoming Joola Event: Alpha release
Discount Codes for Products Mentioned in Pod:
★Body Helix: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: tinyurl.com/3pn2pb54
★Thrive: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: thrivepb.com/★Pickleball Apes: Get 10% OFF at checkout using code JOHNKEW: tinyurl.com/4crabzvw
★Vatic: Get $10 OFF purchases up to $220, and $20 OFF above that using code JOHNKEW, or this link: tinyurl.com/mum92h26
★Six Zero: Get 10% OFF using code 10JOHNKEW, or at this link: tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3
★Volair: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: volair.com/products/mach-2-fo...
★GRUVN: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: gruvn.co/collections/muvn-ser...
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I started playing in November and have since played and drilled often. For under $100, I offer that the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm with a bit of lead tape has been terrific. I started with it and it continues to perform as I moved to 3.5-4.0.
When starting students for a series of teaching sessions, I provide players with a variety of paddles of varying weights and shapes. The women almost always choose a paddle that weighs over 8oz. There are many reasons to use a paddle that is in the 8-9oz range: stabliity, less paddle movement required, easier to be smooth, larger sweet spot, easier to control, etc. The argument that such a paddle slows reaction time in a hands battle needs to be examined. Most hands battles require only blocking the ball. Moreover, hands battles are one part of the game. Serving, returning, volleying, ground strokes, all benefit from additonal paddle weight.
I recommend paddle manufacturers post the hitting area of the paddle in square inches. A larger hitting area helps palyers of all levels. Larger hitting areas have given way to the fad of longer handles. That is a mistake. a larger hitting area is going to help in a hands battle and a shorter paddle helps a player get the paddle face in position. A handle longer than 5 inches is not worth the cost in reduced hitting area. A player can hit a two handed backhand without a long handle. Put the non dominant hand parially on the face of the paddle like ALW. She's pretty good.
Looking forward to trying the Double Black Diamond, I think an all-court paddle will suit me best as I progress.
I just spent a few days with Scott taking some lessons! What an incredible coach!
Yeah, he's really good. Do you live in the Boulder area, or were you visiting?
Lifetime tennis player (in my 70's). Disagree with you on the two-handed backhand (lifetime one-handed backhand). Reach is important. I believe that I get more reach with one hand. Compensates for my old feet, maybe.
In my ranking study of 5 spec categories using John's database, 3 of the top 5 were wide body paddles: Gruvn Raw 13s, Mach 2 forza, and the Electrum Pro Stealth. That said, there's obviously more to a good paddle than a compilation of specs. During the "Avengers" meeting it was shape and swing weight that took top spec priorities. Elongated shape best for players who consistently hit the sweet spot (so intermediate and up). Learn control first - once you get that down maybe go for something with more power. (I started writing this comment prior to John highlighting the Gruvn and Forza, LOL)
Cool, can you remind me the variables you used to rank the paddles?
Spin, SW, TW, Power, and Pop. @@johnkewpickleball
For me to get into "the zone" means to drill like it's a game, and then to play games like I'm drilling. Once you melt these two together, games becomes more relaxed. If you've done enough of each kind of shot, games turn into an organized set of drill shots. (And of course, easier said than done)
True - you have to have that foundation of training/drilling to trust in, and then take your hands off the wheel during competition (in terms of turning off your thinking brain). I just wish I could do it more than once a year of so, haha
John and Eddie, I loved this talk about a generally good paddle across the board. I think it'd be really cool if you continued this thought thread with exploring the paddles that you'd recommend people take their game to the next level with.
I play with a double black diamond and I just got the black diamond infinity which I'm very happy with. For example I played tennis in high school so my drives and volleys are my strength and I'm kinda looking at exploring more power/ elongated paddles. Obviously the gearbox pro power elong is top tier for elongated, is there a middle of the road elongated that you'd recommend for someone playing at the 3.5-4 level that wants to explore that? You could also answer this question for power players looking for a higher end control option with decent power still etc.
I like it - how to "Go Next Level" (© Six Zero)
I need a coder for the website who could create a form to intake your current paddle and provide options for stepping into better power, pop, control, spin, etc.
John, I am new to this sport (only played several months). I really appreciate all the objective measurements you made on so many paddles, which makes your videos outstanding among all the others. I tried several paddles and like the soft feeling of Vatic Pro Prizm Flash a lot. It gives more dwell time, so I have more confidence of control. I saw there is one category in your paddle database called surface hardness. I am not sure if this number related to plush feeling or not, because the number there for Vatic Pro Prizm Flash is not low. The plush feeling sounds like a subjective measurement. However I still wish there would be certain objective measurements for it.
would love to hear a bit more about your profession there Dr !
7:05 Counterbalancing is huge. With reaching backhand roll volleys at the kitchen, I took a tip from Joey (PIckleball Pirates) to counterbalance with your non-dominant arm by throwing it way back behind yourself. Feels awkward at first but really helps.
Good point about the arm, that def. helps, too
Wide body with longer handle should be discussed more. Only a few paddles on the market with that combo. No Kevlar paddles yet. Sparta’s appolo comes out soon. I’m interested in that
Wondering what was the swing weight of your Thrive Azul before you added the 12 grams of tape to make it a 118 weight? Asking so i would have an idea which weight to order if my goal is to end up at 118 after adding my own tape. Thanks
Very surprised that the Ronbus R1 is not in this recommendation set. Its one of the best allcourt paddles in the $100 range. and the Nova is an exceptional choice is you want more power in the all court Control/Power balance.
The Z5 is sold on Amazon and it is frequently in "Most popular/most sold categories or lists." It became popular, now it's kind of circularly popular
I’m a senior 3.5-4.0 and I’ve played for nearly 8 years. I come from an extensive ping pong / tennis background. My current bag has the Gruvn Muvn 13 and the CRBN 2x ; mostly play the later.
I volunteer at a local park and help teach beginners and advanced beginners and they always want to know what paddle to purchase. We are lucky to have lots of demos so I encourage them to try different types but try to steer the majority into a standard shape as I find this to be the best overall shape for the vast majority and let them branch off from there if a standard shape isn’t suitable. Great show!
I 100% agree with you about the mental game. I’ve played a good deal of competitive sports ( mostly golf and tennis) and I find myself not thinking just kind of lost in the experience. I ve found for me that by congratulating my opponents or encouraging my partners or just being more grateful or joyful that I most always play better.
Well said about the mental game
I took sport psychology in college and we wrote our own relaxation/visualization scripts. I’d recommend to try and write/record your own this way the descriptions will be more tailored to your own needs and understanding. You can use your favored meditation script from headspace or wherever as a framework. Essentially you start with breath or centering type exercises. Then move to body scan relaxation type to get you in that “non-sleep rest state” as Huberman lab calls it, but it is very much like the old hypnosis tapes. Next you set the scene(on court) and describe the sports practice you want to work on including cues and/or details to help you visualize with multiple senses. Repeat as needed and finally recenter to the gentle open your eyes and sense of well being or peaceful alertness or whatever.
If you don’t like listening to the sound of your own voice. Have someone else record it for you. I’m sure Chris from Pickleball Studio would help😅.
Love it (and nice reference to Huberman - I haven't gotten around to discussing him yet on the pod, but you can bet it's coming). And that would be hilarious if each of us paddle reviewers recorded a meditation session for the others, haha
Omg. Dr Sacho McKenzie. Golf has this sorted. Baseball has it too. The Stack System. Over speed training is definitely a thing.
Notes: everything in golf tech translates to pickle. Vft, adjustable weighting, c.o.r., m.o.i., different flex in the handle, spinsistancy.
You all can predict now where this sport will go in tech and training just by going through what has already happened in others.
There should be no surprises. 😆
Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Daily is a forty day program that’s fifteen minutes per day. She’s excellent. Also, please don’t offended, but i listen to pickleball podcasts to fall back asleep. It would be great if the middle ads had a reasonable time limit so i don’t have to press skip. 😂
Haha, my voice is literally putting people to sleep...but that's a good thing (in your case)
You guys are voice twins. Thought it was just one person talking to himself the whole time!
I'm looking forward to you reviewing or talking about the Joola Alpha, ive heard people say that it is a much improved version of the originals. I've had a lot of Quality Control issues with Joola and have had to warranty my paddle a lot. Hopefully theyve made good improvements on their line.
I like Parenteau but for her being the Number 2 in Pickleball her performance has been pretty upsetting.
same! The alpha hype is pretty exciting. I haven't played with a joola in quite some time, but it may be time to circle back!
There should be a perfect paddle or at least a padle where you can branch out to other paddles and have less of a learning curve . I use the Vatic prism flash and I like this paddle but it’s non theroformed so when I try to other paddles I’m not used to the spring of these theroformed paddle so I struggle . Every sink springs up more so I wouldn’t consider this to be the best option to play other better paddles out there because the learning curve would be bigger .
Hey Guys! Love your podcast! What paddle would you recommend for someone who likes the Black Diamond Infinity but needs a bit more control?
I also started meditating more and I use the app Insight Timer for guided meditations. I found that I am better at slowing things down and taking a breath on the court when I’m having an off day. It keeps me out of the “quicksand” and helps me control my inner dialogue during play. Thanks for your work!
A couple of options for you if you want more control than the BDi:
Vatic Prism Flash - this one is all control, but you'll notice a big drop in pop compared to the BDi
Volair Mach 2 Forza - wide body option that has great control, and comes in 16mm (plush and lots of control) and 14mm (stiffer with more pop/offensive options, but still good control)
Time to get rid of my Melin hats.😒
Hi John, can you explain what it means by large cell honeycomb? What’s an example of other large cell honeycomb paddle?
QUESTION 🙋🏽♂️
I am in the market for a Six Zero paddle. I am currently demoing the BD, DBD, Infinity BD, & Infinity DBD. I am coming from a Gearbox PPE and developed “tennis elbow” because I foolishly added too much lead tape. Anyways, how should I go about demoing paddles? Should I pick a paddle without adding lead tape? So select a paddle in its stock form? Your thoughts on this? Thanks!
If you think the PPE might even qualify as perfect CoreTek has pretty much done it.
And yes there is a legal more powerful paddle on the market for a third of the price of a PPE vOv
I read a study in baseball. This was 15 years ago, but they actually found the opposite. guys who warmed up with a lighter bat and who swung it faster. Their body wanted to get to that speed with the normal bat and they were able to achieve faster swings with a lighter warmup or training bat rather than a heavier bat. Traditionally batter will add a doughnut to their bat or something or get a weighted bat to warm up with. Now I don’t know if they did longevity test how long they kept the increased speed or anything like that. I would be more curious if a guy could do like you’re saying specific strengthening exercises like if he knows he’s only gonna play for an hour play with a heavier swing weight for that hour if he’s not gonna play the rest of the week just to try to work out your your muscles a little more or somethingI don’t know if it work but just to curiosity.
John - was the Lifetime you two referred to located on Dry Creek Road by Colorado Blvd? Used to drive by that every day when we lived in the BackCountry....
John: do you know why your most recent episodes aren’t showing up on Apple podcast?
I only have up to episode 5.
Normally listen to these while hiking/walking on Apple podcast.
Thought you had taken time off and now I see episode 6 and 7 here on You Tube.
Love your podcast.
Hi - I noticed the same thing, and I've submitted a ticket to Apple to get it fixed
Thanks! And again: great job on the podcast.@@johnkewpickleball
I’m watching now and also listened earlier today on Apple Podcasts so it’s working for me
The advise against Kevlar and aramid was limited to paddles with cores of those materials, yes? And not to ruby and similar paddles?
Exactly, just aramid cores
Still waiting for you to trst proton series one spin and maintenance of spin over time
Thanks
I have a weird but effective method of staying chill and refocusing during my games. I chew a half piece of Trident gum. I focus on chewing between points and gets my mind off what just happened. Quick reset.
I've heard that before. Isn't there a pro player that's always chewing gum?
I think if you are going to recommend a paddle to the masses cost has to be a factor as well. Value is important in this day and age, especially if people are avid players who will "wear out" a paddle and need to replace it.
Fair point
Hi! Can you do a review on gherkin paddles. They are relatively new and have 3 different model types. I am wondering if they are any good.
How’s the spin of the Azul compared to the top tier spin friendly paddles?
I haven't processed the spin data yet, but somewhere above 2,000 RPM is my impression
@@johnkewpickleball thanks! seems to be an interesting paddle. So many new options coming out. The Kevlar offerings from 11six24, spartus apollo, new Joola, etc
Fed won with (only a little) help from the refs. I was sitting with a perfect view of the line and saw a lot of bad calls..... always seemed to favor Fed.
That one blown challenge completely changed the course of game 3. It was horrible.
I hit with this Azul and didn’t care for it due to lack of power. Must have needed to add weight
John, currently playing with the Volair Mach 2 Forza 16mm, really like the power/control and shape. Is there are valid reason to try the Thrive Azul? I sold the Gear Box Pro Fusion, just couldn't get any consistency, same with Pickleball Apes. Thanks.
If you’re happy with the M2F, I’d say stick with it. Maybe when it wears out, you can try a different paddle
thanks John!!!@@johnkewpickleball
Is the volair a better control paddle then the vatic prism flash?
I wouldn't say the Volair is necessarily a better control paddle, but I would say that the control is comparable to the prism flash, but the Mach 2 has more offensive options (more power for 16mm, and more pop for 14mm)
The Onix Z5 came out several years ago when many players started(especially seniors). It was billed as best paddle at that time on Amazon so it sold like hotcakes. Who is more likely to keep the same paddle for years and years and not even buy a second paddle of same model? Seniors. The best player in my league is a 71 year old with the same Z5 he bought 7 years ago. He is rated 4.496.
It is durable. I'll give it that!
Nomex, powerful, not much touch.
John, if you enjoy mediation, you would probably enjoy Yoga Nidra, as well.
Thanks, I'll check it out
Unrelated - are Melin hats really worth the $60-70'ish price tag?
I guess it depends on how often you wear hats. If it’s daily, then I’d say yes, because these will last longer than anything else I’ve ever had.
John, do you add tungsten to your Ruby paddle?
I played the Ruby stock up to recently, and now I have 3g tungsten on each side at 4- and 8-o'clock
thank you.@@johnkewpickleball
A lot of women think they want an elongated paddle, for the extra reach. Then because the paddle is too long for them to handle, they end up choking up on the handle 2 inches.
New player with cheap paddle. Just bought a Ruby and worried I just bought hype. This video makes me feel more confident with my purchase.
Had a Ruby for over 2 months. Had a chance to compare with Joola hyperion, Selkirk air and DBD. Spin is awesome, allowing great topspin drives, very nice net work, plush. Background competitive Badmminton, Coach, reasonable table tennis and tennis when younger. Three people who tried it bought it. Power is adequate and great resets. Yes it is real.
Thrive is made in Las Vegas and are extremely popular here
So neither of you named an actual final best paddle for most people!