Your reviews are Top Tier for no spin and straight talk ! Swing weight of your video reviews is 99th percentile, and the twist weight is spot on as well providing a generous sweet spot with a cup of coffee in the morning. Summary = "No lead required."
I’ve been mentioning that pendulum swing ever since the high praise for the Vatic prism flash started. The number of people talking about how shocked/relieved they were with the greater accuracy over their thermo paddles has been fun to watch.
i use the six zero DBD and liked it so much, I got 2 more just in case they break the mold on the original design...great control and power and is a great balance of all the qualities I want in my game....great Part 1
PS: Just got the Gearbox Pro Power. Definitely hits harder, but not crazy hard like I expected. Feels qualitatively different from any other paddle though. Like your hitting with bone, or the entirety of the paddle, from top to bottom. Whereas most paddles use roughly the same materials and are built more or less the same way, the Gearbox just behaves like a different breed. Hope it's not made illegal. Think it would discourage further innovation/s.
@johnkewpickleball have you used the gruvn muvn 13s?? a couple reviewers rated that the best control paddle plus has a swing weight of 99 compared to the swing weigh of the lux of 120. it's slept on because of the standard shape paddle.
Great video. I certainly feel confident in your recommendations and appreciate your candid opinion. You are definitely an expert in your field. Thanks for taking the time to educate us.
So 10 listed at two weeks each. That’s almost half a year not including the variations of some and the ones that didn’t make the list. (How many different paddles did you hit with this year?) You good reviewers really are doing us a great service and we appreciate it.
Thank you for your time and posting. Received my GearBox Pro Power Elongated and have no problems as of now. It does have a ton of power. The PPA will only do what is best for PPA and its top players.
I have both ballistas. I played with the lux last night for about an hour and I honestly prefer the Spartus. The ballista has a better feel in my opinion. I could be wrong but I heard a podcast say that when under a microscope the luxx and ballista look almost identical
Cool video. Strangely, I own and play with 6 of 9 of your picks. Either I have good instincts in my paddle purchases (some purchased based on YT influencer reviews and others were a shot in the dark) or, and more likely, I own way too many paddles. Can’t wait to watch part 2 to see how many of those I own (VP Prism Flash is already in my rotation so I’m 1/9 already).
Cool, you have experience. Kevlar? My thoughts are a carbon/kevlar blend going forward. I played with a Pickleball Apes recently and it had great feel and Six Zero now has the Ruby. Kevlar better/worse/the same, thoughts?
Just adding my interest in the same question a couple of others asked: Have you played with the Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 paddle? Where does it rank for you?
I’m just curious since I don’t believe you posted a video on the engage pursuit pro series, how would they stack up to your list? I personally feel that when you described the ruby, the pursuit pro mx 6.0 sounded very similar. Drives/overheads smack hard, high spin, but soft/controllable at dinks/resets
Great video! I always enjoy the graphics and data points. The PLE-S is one of my favorites as well. Btw have you played with the Spartus Ballista? It is an excellent control paddle. Came out before the Luxx , and at half the price.
Big fan of hybrid shaped paddles like the 6.0 DBD and BnB Loco. Own both and love them. Gonna purchase the Ruby when it's released. How do you go about cleaning a kevlar faced paddle?
Loving my BDB also. Was looking at the edge less 16mm but not looking so impressive . Can’t seem to find much about the Ruby other than a blip during an expose. Is it an edge less 14 or what can you tell me about it.
I've been playing with my Loco all week, how do you think it compares to the DBD or other paddles? I'm considering the Apes Energy or the Ruby when it's released too.
@@EricShapiro-wx5ju I've only been able to play with the Loco on 2 occasions so far. Played very similar to the DBD, maybe slightly less power but a tad more pop than the DBD.
Great video! Regarding vibration dampening, I am prone to tennis elbow from the vibrations. Is the Pickleball Apes “easier on the arm” than gen 2 thermoformed paddles?
Hard to say, because there are too many unknowns with what’s causing the tendinitis. The original PLE is longer and has a heavier swing weight, so that might not be the best choice for tennis elbow. But the PLE-S might be a good option, although it’s less plush than the original.
Hey John, you did a review of the Volair Mach 2 Forza after you posted this video. How would you rank it in the control category? Im curious bc I currently use a mach 2 forza, but ive been eyeballing the scorpeus and luxx. TIA!
Hey John, love your stuff. I'm looking for a power paddle with pretty good control or a hybrid paddle with good power. I was thinking the Gearbox control would fit the bill (assuming they get the quality control issues resolved). You said that the control paddle is a "slightly diluted" version of the power paddle. Yet when I look at your spec chart the gearbox pro series control appears to have better power and pop then most paddles and it may have a better chance of remaining legal. Am I thinking correctly or did I miss something.
That's a good point - the control versions are less likely to get banned. If that's your main concern, then the control is a smarter choice. But I don't know anyone who prefers playing with the control over the power. I know they exist (e.g., Christopher Haworth), but in my personal friend group, they've all gravitated to the power models.
So, you splurged on Gearbox's deluxe paddle, expecting a Pickelball revolution, but all you got was a dud? Well, grab your gavel and prepare for a paddle showdown in small claims court! It's the ultimate match - you versus Gearbox, and no warranty loopholes can escape your serve. Let's turn this into a social media comedy special and serve up some justice, one paddle at a time! 🏓💼 #PaddleJustice
The Gearbox Pro Power is about the closest thing to a racquet. If you want budget, the Speedup Fire or Ice are good options, with their extra long handles
John, about 6 months ago I emailed the Pickleball Apes asking about a thinner (13mm?) version of their ultra elongated Pro Line Energy (16.5mm thick). They responded (!) and told me they’d be releasing a thinner version of it after releasing the shorter version of it. Since they’ve gotten that done now with the “S” maybe we’ll see the thinner one soon? The Pro Line Energy T, maybe (for “thin”?)? Fingers crossed!
John, I don't see the same color diamonds on the DBD Control on their website? Is the one you recently reviewed a special edition or maybe recently discontinued? Thanks.
John, why isn't anybody playing with/reviewing the Takeya Titan Elite?? I have this paddle and like it. You even said in a previous video that you were coming to review it. A couple of big name pros are using them now. I know you got your hands full of paddles.
my GearBox Pro has small marks between the edge "guard" and the face after a week of use...doesn't affect performance BUT it was $275 and NO paddle cover with it...pointless
I've noticed that no pros play with the Gearbox Power Pro and they don't play with Gearbox in general. I got a Power Pro and was not very happy with it. Very low power and pop and nowhere near what reviewers are saying about it.
Agree 100%. I switched to Gearbox Pro Power Elongated and it does everything well, but when you need power, it’s there. I also have a Gearbox Pro Control Elongated. It’s too underpowered in all areas, but especially drives. Maybe it needs more breaking in. I agree with John, just buy the power series. You still have control.
Depends on the person. A lot of pros use control paddles and they can generate more power than most players for sure so I think it’s all about what works for you
@@DanielPerez-xo1tjNunnary, Sock, Parris Todd, Collin Johns, Anna Bright… Obviouusly, like you said, it’s not the majority by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s not non-existent either.
Good reviews. Two comments. One is that you give no credence or value to the fantastic new CRBN Power Series X paddles that Thomas Wilson is using at the highest level of PPA play. You cite delamination issues. I saw that video and the reviewer himself admitted he used the paddle for months in very cold conditions which he admitted likely caused the issue on his paddle. Still CRBN replaced it. The paddles use Toray 700 carbon fibre and are very durable and the spin is insane. Pop, power, touch, build quality, these paddles are for sure in the top 2 if not the best paddles of 2023. I checked out the Apes and it hits like Indian rubber, and lacks the put away crushing power of the CRBN 1X series. Good for dinks and drops but not an all around paddle, which in today’s power game falls short.
As I said in the video, I really enjoyed playing with the Carbon 1X. But their persistent core issues are undeniable. That’s not based on any one review, but mine and others experience. Yes, CRBN has been second to none with warranty replacements, and I don’t think the core issues are their fault; the factories where their paddles are finished seem to be the issue. But I can’t recommend the x series right now, knowing that core issues are still common.
Every time someone says that the Gearbox Power Pro has a lot of power I say no way. Myself and many others have gotten this garbage paddle and have been VERY disappointed with it. MY legacy Pro and Six Zero Black Diamond both have tons more power and pop. Maybe the reviewers are getting better samples than the ones they are selling but I can honestly say that the Gearbox is the WORST paddle and the most expensive paddle I have ever bought. BUYER BEWARE!!! It has average spin by the way!
Your reviews are Top Tier for no spin and straight talk ! Swing weight of your video reviews is 99th percentile, and the twist weight is spot on as well providing a generous sweet spot with a cup of coffee in the morning. Summary = "No lead required."
Best comment ever
The production quality on this video is top tier. I'm looking forward to part 2.
Good call on the Pickleball Apes Proline Energy 👍🏻👍🏻 My favorite paddle by far.
I’ve been mentioning that pendulum swing ever since the high praise for the Vatic prism flash started. The number of people talking about how shocked/relieved they were with the greater accuracy over their thermo paddles has been fun to watch.
Really enjoying the new Engage pro series John. Have you had a chance to take a look at these? I'd love to know your thoughts.
Super comprehensive review as always John, great job. Sure hope my GB Power E shows up next week w/o any of the issues I'm hearing about.
Daaamn this video was solid. Can't wait for part 2. The Filth 🙌
Thanks John...you are a valuable resource. Great content, sir. Much appreciated.
Looking forward to hearing about the Electrum Stealth paddles!
Awesome recap of 2023, very informative!
Great episode. I trust you as a reviewer. Appreciate the honest concerns over Gearbox right now.
i use the six zero DBD and liked it so much, I got 2 more just in case they break the mold on the original design...great control and power and is a great balance of all the qualities I want in my game....great Part 1
It looks like a great paddle but I wonder if they still have issues with core crushing...
Awesome video as always! Just curious, have you played with the Engage Pursuit Pro, specifically the MX 6.0? If you did, what do you think of it?
Ditto on the question
PS: Just got the Gearbox Pro Power. Definitely hits harder, but not crazy hard like I expected. Feels qualitatively different from any other paddle though. Like your hitting with bone, or the entirety of the paddle, from top to bottom. Whereas most paddles use roughly the same materials and are built more or less the same way, the Gearbox just behaves like a different breed. Hope it's not made illegal. Think it would discourage further innovation/s.
Nice upgrade to the quality on production John 🙌
What an awesome review. Thanks for disclosing those Gearbox issues. Keep up the great work
When does Part II drop?! Great content and vids, excited for the 2nd half of this
I should have Part 2 out this week. I've filmed it already - just need to edit it.
@@johnkewpickleball😀
@johnkewpickleball have you used the gruvn muvn 13s?? a couple reviewers rated that the best control paddle plus has a swing weight of 99 compared to the swing weigh of the lux of 120. it's slept on because of the standard shape paddle.
@@loso_snrs2667stay tuned for part 2 😊
@@johnkewpickleball awesome 👍💪
Very accurate description of all the paddles and their purpose.
10/10! Amazing video, thank you for putting in the amount of effort I’m sure it took to make this 👏🏼
6.0 DBD is my fave doubles paddle along with a close second in the CRBN 3X. The PB Apes is my Singles paddle!
Thanks John. Try to time this video for 2024 just prior to Black Friday 🙌🏻. This video certainly would have influenced my purchase. 👍
Amazing review John, your videos just keep getting better and better 🤘🏻
Can’t wait for part 2… Ruby? 🤩🤩🤩
Great video. I certainly feel confident in your recommendations and appreciate your candid opinion.
You are definitely an expert in your field. Thanks for taking the time to educate us.
So 10 listed at two weeks each. That’s almost half a year not including the variations of some and the ones that didn’t make the list. (How many different paddles did you hit with this year?) You good reviewers really are doing us a great service and we appreciate it.
Thank you for your time and posting. Received my GearBox Pro Power Elongated and have no problems as of now. It does have a ton of power. The PPA will only do what is best for PPA and its top players.
Can you review the Engage series too? I heard good things and would love to know how they compare
You and PickleballStudio should do a collabe 🙏🏼
Hope you review the Spartus Ballista in the future! Seems likes a budget alternative of the Selkirk Luxx Control
I have both ballistas. I played with the lux last night for about an hour and I honestly prefer the Spartus. The ballista has a better feel in my opinion. I could be wrong but I heard a podcast say that when under a microscope the luxx and ballista look almost identical
John, how will the durability of the new Ruby 6.0 compare to the existing Toray fiber paddles?
Cool video. Strangely, I own and play with 6 of 9 of your picks. Either I have good instincts in my paddle purchases (some purchased based on YT influencer reviews and others were a shot in the dark) or, and more likely, I own way too many paddles. Can’t wait to watch part 2 to see how many of those I own (VP Prism Flash is already in my rotation so I’m 1/9 already).
Cool, you have experience. Kevlar? My thoughts are a carbon/kevlar blend going forward. I played with a Pickleball Apes recently and it had great feel and Six Zero now has the Ruby. Kevlar better/worse/the same, thoughts?
You own nine paddles??
I'm very curious for you to review the Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0.
That’s my guess and I’m suprised the Viva Pro Gen 2 wasnt in there in power category
As always, excellent reviews and thanks for your expertise. Looking forward to your fave paddle in part 2! Cheers, :)
I have the older joola radius 16mm. I like the short handle. What’s the next step up?
Just adding my interest in the same question a couple of others asked: Have you played with the Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 paddle? Where does it rank for you?
Excellent summary, thanks
I’m just curious since I don’t believe you posted a video on the engage pursuit pro series, how would they stack up to your list?
I personally feel that when you described the ruby, the pursuit pro mx 6.0 sounded very similar.
Drives/overheads smack hard, high spin, but soft/controllable at dinks/resets
hello, have you not had a chance to get your hands on the joola c2 interested on your thoughts
Outstanding review. I particularly liked your quartile analysis figure and summary information for the paddles. Nice touch and well done.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! I always enjoy the graphics and data points. The PLE-S is one of my favorites as well.
Btw have you played with the Spartus Ballista? It is an excellent control paddle. Came out before the Luxx , and at half the price.
I haven’t played with the Ballista yet, but plan to 👍
Great video. Much better than the other reviewers by a significant margin.
Big fan of hybrid shaped paddles like the 6.0 DBD and BnB Loco. Own both and love them. Gonna purchase the Ruby when it's released. How do you go about cleaning a kevlar faced paddle?
You can use a CRBN eraser or equivalent, as long as it’s a peel ply (raw carbon fiber, Apes, and ruby)
Loving my BDB also. Was looking at the edge less 16mm but not looking so impressive . Can’t seem to find much about the Ruby other than a blip during an expose. Is it an edge less 14 or what can you tell me about it.
I've been playing with my Loco all week, how do you think it compares to the DBD or other paddles? I'm considering the Apes Energy or the Ruby when it's released too.
@@EricShapiro-wx5ju I've only been able to play with the Loco on 2 occasions so far. Played very similar to the DBD, maybe slightly less power but a tad more pop than the DBD.
Great video! Regarding vibration dampening, I am prone to tennis elbow from the vibrations. Is the Pickleball Apes “easier on the arm” than gen 2 thermoformed paddles?
Yeh real plush feel
Hard to say, because there are too many unknowns with what’s causing the tendinitis. The original PLE is longer and has a heavier swing weight, so that might not be the best choice for tennis elbow. But the PLE-S might be a good option, although it’s less plush than the original.
How do the engage pursuit pro paddles stack in your rankings? It seems like they have been unanimously been positive reviews.
Dude your collection is pristine
I love and appreciate your channel thanks. I bought Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy based on your review and love it.
What’s the right size to get? 16 MM or 14 MM? What size do you choose?
Thoughts on the new six zero ruby vs the double black diamond ?
The Ruby has more power, less pop than the DBD
Hey John, you did a review of the Volair Mach 2 Forza after you posted this video. How would you rank it in the control category? Im curious bc I currently use a mach 2 forza, but ive been eyeballing the scorpeus and luxx. TIA!
I’d go for the M2 Forza. I did a full review, if you want to check it out
Hey John, love your stuff. I'm looking for a power paddle with pretty good control or a hybrid paddle with good power. I was thinking the Gearbox control would fit the bill (assuming they get the quality control issues resolved). You said that the control paddle is a "slightly diluted" version of the power paddle. Yet when I look at your spec chart the gearbox pro series control appears to have better power and pop then most paddles and it may have a better chance of remaining legal. Am I thinking correctly or did I miss something.
That's a good point - the control versions are less likely to get banned. If that's your main concern, then the control is a smarter choice. But I don't know anyone who prefers playing with the control over the power. I know they exist (e.g., Christopher Haworth), but in my personal friend group, they've all gravitated to the power models.
Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0
Would love it if your prediction for 2024 being the year of control paddles comes true 🤞
I think the Volair Mach 1 forza over the nova. Even though the ronbus and Volair are practically the same, i would agree to put both in there
Wow, no mention of the Volair Mach 1 Forzda!
Tune in for Part 2
So, you splurged on Gearbox's deluxe paddle, expecting a Pickelball revolution, but all you got was a dud? Well, grab your gavel and prepare for a paddle showdown in small claims court! It's the ultimate match - you versus Gearbox, and no warranty loopholes can escape your serve. Let's turn this into a social media comedy special and serve up some justice, one paddle at a time! 🏓💼 #PaddleJustice
What paddle would you recommend for a high level tennis player?
The Gearbox Pro Power is about the closest thing to a racquet. If you want budget, the Speedup Fire or Ice are good options, with their extra long handles
Nice work, John. It's always a pleasure to watch your reviews.
How’s cheetah sales?
@@Syndrome88 Cheetah sales are very good.
Hi John I was just about to purchase the 6.0 Dbl Black diamond until your latest review teasing the ruby. Anything you can share pls
Did you see Part 2 of this series yet? I cover the Ruby there. And it’s coming out tomorrow, so there will be detailed reviews then
John, about 6 months ago I emailed the Pickleball Apes asking about a thinner (13mm?) version of their ultra elongated Pro Line Energy (16.5mm thick).
They responded (!) and told me they’d be releasing a thinner version of it after releasing the shorter version of it.
Since they’ve gotten that done now with the “S” maybe we’ll see the thinner one soon? The Pro Line Energy T, maybe (for “thin”?)? Fingers crossed!
John, I don't see the same color diamonds on the DBD Control on their website? Is the one you recently reviewed a special edition or maybe recently discontinued? Thanks.
The DBD I showed in my video was the rainbow color scheme, which was a limited run. It's the same paddle though, just different colors
John, why isn't anybody playing with/reviewing the Takeya Titan Elite?? I have this paddle and like it. You even said in a previous video that you were coming to review it. A couple of big name pros are using them now. I know you got your hands full of paddles.
Did the New Engage Pro come into consideration?
Pickleball Studio and Pickleball Effect both have stated the Engage Pursuit Pro line is top 3 in 2023.
Have you added lead tape to your Apes? If so, how heavy did you go?
The Apes doesn’t need lead tape IMO
I love my Pro Line.
You add any weight to your?
@@thehiddenfamily at 4 and 8 to add to give it higher twist weight.
No CRBN 1x?
my GearBox Pro has small marks between the edge "guard" and the face after a week of use...doesn't affect performance BUT it was $275 and NO paddle cover with it...pointless
awesome
Why the clickbait showing us the Ruby in the thumbnail John? 😂
He also had the Electrum Stealth in pic too that one could be a game changer like the GBX
I've noticed that no pros play with the Gearbox Power Pro and they don't play with Gearbox in general. I got a Power Pro and was not very happy with it. Very low power and pop and nowhere near what reviewers are saying about it.
Hawthorn vs Johns, US Nationals. Look it up lol.
I find no benefit in using a control paddle.. Most decent power paddles will give you good control if your technique is good
Agree 100%. I switched to Gearbox Pro Power Elongated and it does everything well, but when you need power, it’s there. I also have a Gearbox Pro Control Elongated. It’s too underpowered in all areas, but especially drives. Maybe it needs more breaking in. I agree with John, just buy the power series. You still have control.
Depends on the person. A lot of pros use control paddles and they can generate more power than most players for sure so I think it’s all about what works for you
@@thehiddenfamilywhat pros use control paddles? Most use power
@@DanielPerez-xo1tjanyone using a Joola, Julian Arnold, Jackie Kawamoto, Christian Alshon, Riley and anyone sponsored by Takeya, and many more
@@DanielPerez-xo1tjNunnary, Sock, Parris Todd, Collin Johns, Anna Bright… Obviouusly, like you said, it’s not the majority by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s not non-existent either.
Good reviews. Two comments. One is that you give no credence or value to the fantastic new CRBN Power Series X paddles that Thomas Wilson is using at the highest level of PPA play. You cite delamination issues. I saw that video and the reviewer himself admitted he used the paddle for months in very cold conditions which he admitted likely caused the issue on his paddle. Still CRBN replaced it. The paddles use Toray 700 carbon fibre and are very durable and the spin is insane. Pop, power, touch, build quality, these paddles are for sure in the top 2 if not the best paddles of 2023. I checked out the Apes and it hits like Indian rubber, and lacks the put away crushing power of the CRBN 1X series. Good for dinks and drops but not an all around paddle, which in today’s power game falls short.
As I said in the video, I really enjoyed playing with the Carbon 1X. But their persistent core issues are undeniable. That’s not based on any one review, but mine and others experience. Yes, CRBN has been second to none with warranty replacements, and I don’t think the core issues are their fault; the factories where their paddles are finished seem to be the issue. But I can’t recommend the x series right now, knowing that core issues are still common.
Every time someone says that the Gearbox Power Pro has a lot of power I say no way. Myself and many others have gotten this garbage paddle and have been VERY disappointed with it. MY legacy Pro and Six Zero Black Diamond both have tons more power and pop. Maybe the reviewers are getting better samples than the ones they are selling but I can honestly say that the Gearbox is the WORST paddle and the most expensive paddle I have ever bought. BUYER BEWARE!!! It has average spin by the way!
Have Gearbox pro. Nothing special for power.
Overpriced and over rated. I’m sorry I purchased this paddle.
I’ll buy it from you