Dude, 20 mins, that’s a new record! Good stuff as always, I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. I’m glad you’re liking the edge tape!
Haha, yeah, I didn’t realize I had so much to say about this paddle until I started shooting! The edge tape is great, and I love the tungsten tape. It’s really nice not having to worry about toxic lead
I'm stuck in a paddle loop. I'm happy. And I'm right between the DBD Infinity -> Gearbox Pro paddles. Love keeping the ball low & making other fellow 2.5 players make mistakes. I think if Six Zero makes a control-oriented elongated paddle, I'll immediately want to try that!
I've been using my new Infinity black diamond for one week. I've been playing a Project 003 for the past 14 months. On both paddles I immediately replaced the OEM grip with a Gamma contoured which brings them to a little over 4.5". I use edge tape on both and I use 10 g. of lead on the Project 003's between the throat curve and the lower side-curve. I haven't applied lead to the Infinity BD. Each paddle is now 8.8 oz. The balance point of the two paddles is exactly the same...when modified as described. I pulled out my like new Project 003 today (the one I only use for tournaments) to evaluate it against the week-old Infinity BD. The feedback of the two paddles is different (with the 003 feeling "softer") but I can get the same performance out of both paddles in the soft game. In my hands, the Infinity BD imparts significantly more spin, noticeably more pop and power, and is probably a little faster at the NVL, compared to the Project 003. I was expecting to find a reduction in control with the Infinity BD but I find I have just as much control with the Infinity BD as I do with the Project 003. I warmed up today with the 003 but three points into the first game I swapped it for the Infinity BD and stayed with the BD all day. It looks like the Infinity BD is going to displace the Project 003 as my go-to paddle.
This paddle is awesome. I was coming from a weighted DBD. The charts you provided were great in helping confirm my decision to purchase the BDi. Same power as orig DBD, similar control, more pop and a HUGE drop in swing weight, better hand speed? No brainer - sign me up. Because of the vast difference in swing weight and to improve stability, I did add weights at 8 and 4 o clock right off the bat. Easy adjustment and I’m not looking back. Paddle is 🔥!
Thank you for your time and posting. My GearBox Pro Elongated did not work out so am looking for a new paddle. This 'may' be it. Volair just came out with a nice paddle too. But I really do like the spin component on this one. Thank you again.
I'd like to see company's who are producing carbon fiber faces move to the coarser grain peel-ply (as seen in the Ruby) as it seems to grip much more than the fine weave peel-ply alternatives. Even retroactively changing the faces of future production on past models (like the original DBD etc).
Hit with the paddle today…….really interesting paddle….i use a crbn3 now which is a great paddle, good power, good spin etc….this infinity black diamond was interesting though…,it was hard to hit the ball out because of all the spin…..if you put any top spin on a shot it was staying in……there was definitely a lack of power though and it even sounds different when you hit the ball, …..but I like it……,I hit with a ball machine today so will have to play to confirm this butt….i didn’t feel a real strong pop …I had 200 fourth shot rolls or what would be attacks and I was hoping that the “pop” would get to my opponent faster…,,but don’t think it did…interesting thoug maybe a little lead tape. The crbn3 when I counter it is a hard shot…thought with the high pop rate of the infinity black diamond would give me more of that……interesting paddle though
King of the chart graphics!! Definitely add the top to bottom twist weight to the data base. Also, if there is a way to automatically add the bar charts you generally use to the data base as separate pages, that would be sweet. I really like seeing the power, pop, etc. in comparison to all the other paddles.
Great review. This infinity 100% fixes the issues w the DBD infinity. That paddle was a control monster but had zero put away power at all. This paddle has slightly less control but more spin and put away power is there. With the low swing weight and being so fast in the hand this paddle has it all. I have found “THE ONE”. Great job six zero.
This sounds like an amazing paddle. That much maneuverability with no degrading from power and softness from the face 😮 I’ll pick one up once my dbd 14mm does out
Great video. Played two games. I didn't get any twisting. I did put some weight on the paddle. I liked this paddle better than the original. Seemed more plus plush when dinking with excellent pop and power. I liked it better than the dbd and crbn3x. The 3x crbn. Maybe the 3x needs to break in. OK excellent spin on the dbi
Test the new vulcan vpro flight outdoor pickleball please. No one has reviewed it yet. Only thing I can find on youtube about it is Zane Navritil saying it rockets off the paddle. I love your channel because there's actual statistics and data and not just opinions. Thanks John!
Your reviews are top notch. Have you thought of an additional metric -measuring the actuall htting area of the paddle in square inches? Although many players seem to want a longer handle, they need to realize that longer handle comes at a price: less hitting area.
As always John this review tics all the boxes. I'm holding out for what 6.0 has on the drawing board for release later this year..Really liked the RUBY when I played for just a game.
your digression is spot on, just think about it from a mechanical build perspective of the paddle face. Not just twist. GB Pro is like this in my opinion. And I dont think its too much detail, I watch to learn and access to good data drives good decision making for consumers!
I’ve been playing with the BDi and I love how light is but not lacking in power. I play with it stock and I seem to be faster with it. My friends say I’ve become more aggressive with my game.
I'm currently playing with a Selkirk Power Air Invikta, but have been craving that same hand speed and maneuverability with less power and better control on 3rds and dinks...this may just be "the one"!!
John, I was wondering if you could comment on the edgeless design specifically. I feel like Six Zero (as they should) are making many changes when they release a new paddle. Sounds like they changed how they layered the fiberglass, used a coarse grit pattern, adjusted where weight is on the paddle, etc. So if they had made some of these changes to their edged paddle, what would you gain from the edgeless besides faster hands. I guess I am wondering if edgeless is really the driving force here or if the other changes (which could be made to their edge designs) are really what makes the paddle play the way it does. I sort of had the same questions on the Ruby to be honest. What was kevlar doing v. all of the other changes (weight, rougher face for spin, etc. ).
The edgeless design mostly helps with maneuverability by reducing overall perimeter weighting, and allowing a more targeted placement of that perimeter weighting (rather than one consistent weight provided by the edge guard).
Thanks John. Really appreciate the review. I am playing a DBD and a Ronbus Nova. Looking for more hand speed. How would the BD Infinity compare to the 12.7 ALW? Thanks! Neil
Great reviews. I was wondering if you are considering adding the ruby specs to the graph where you compared the 4 black diamonds series in this video. Thanks
Honestly, there are so many well made paddles that could change and/or improve your game, but statistics alone don't assure which one is right for you. In a perfect world, a company like Six Zero would schedule "Rep Days" at various PB venues where you could try out their entire line of paddles. Until you play with one, you really don't know how well it will feel and work with your ability. I have concluded that the first thing you need to do is find out what paddle "shape" fits your game, then after that what thickness and swing weight. Oh, and of course the paddles keep getting better in terms of engineering, etc. Bottom line, if you're really into PB you will probably be acquiring at least 2 or 3 paddles every year. But lets face it, a really good PB player will win regardless of the paddle they play with...so just have fun, exercise and enjoy the game!
Grear review as always, have you already done, or have any plans for the Electrum Stealth review? I'm subscribe but didn't have notifications on, so I'm not sure if I've missed one
9:51 I actually like this chart, but it would be better if you removed both 0% points on the left/right tail ends (as it has no meaning), and made the lines straight. Then it would look like a proper parallel axes plot instead of a group of probability density functions. As it stands, it looks like the latter which is misleading at first glance. Also, if you used the colors/lines to communicate information about the paddles it was plotting, it would make the patterns more intuitive for the eye. For example, both Infinity Models could be thinner/dashed versus standard model lines being thicker/solid, and then both Black Diamonds could be blue lines, whereas both Double Black Diamonds could be red lines.
Yes, I'm limited with what I can do with this chart, as it's a plugin in FCP. There are a set number of categories, so I have to zero out the ones that aren't used. And I can't use dashed lines. I'm trying to use these instead of importing from Excel, because they were made to be more intuitive so that most people can understand them. I've found that if I try to make charts how I learned in statistics courses - i.e., the proper way - they don't always resonate.
I need some guidance. I come from a 4.5 Tennis background. Just moved up to 4.0 Pickleball. I’m using a P Apes Proline Energy. Love the elongated shape and feel. I now feel like I need more power and pop to get better and compete at a higher level. There are sooooo many paddles out there. What should I get? HELP‼️
@@johnkewpickleball This makes sense. One thing I'd be interested to see in the future is whether adding lead tape to the throat can increase hand speed by moving the balance point lower despite marginally increasing swing weight. Not sure how to objectively measure hand speed though
Hi, John I noticed the the Sword & Sheild j1h paddle is in your database. However, there is no review done on it by you. Did you not like this paddle? Based off your stats it seems to have impressive numbers.
I just purchased this paddle mostly based off your review. Did you ever get a chance to place the lead at the base/throat and measure the swing weight? If yes, what was the swingweight and weight of the lead placed? P.S. Who makes the shirt you have on?
6:54 Does the perspective of the camera rotate 90° from facing directly into the cross-section, to facing directly down at the surface face, and then translate "medially" along the surface?
6:18 Waittt - we're just going to ignore what appears to be core crushing in those cross-sections? Am I wrong, or has that paddle been through a round of destructive testing?
Coming in late here, but no, you're not the only one. I have the DBD, BDi, and Ruby. I find the Ruby to be the poppiest of all of them. I think I like the BDi best. Insanely fast at the net-I'm blocking/resetting balls I couldn't get my paddle to with the DBD and Ruby. And I feel like I have more control with it than either the DBD or Ruby, but can still put away balls easily. It has almost as much spin as the Ruby. I just tried a LUXX Control Air Invikta. I thought it would have way more control/touch than the BDi, but it was not as big of a difference as I thought. The BDi continues to be the paddle I reach for most in games.
Great info! After you review i went to the 6.0 website to check it out. I says the r&d on this paddle produced less twist. The figure of 5.7 that you show, is that your measurement or from 6.0? How is the twist rate measured? Thank you.
John, I gotta ask... Do you also play drums? We met you at the 6.0 event in McKinney where my wife is the PB Director. I ask as I followed www.youtube.com/@johnkew as I am a drummer as well.
Dude, 20 mins, that’s a new record! Good stuff as always, I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. I’m glad you’re liking the edge tape!
Haha, yeah, I didn’t realize I had so much to say about this paddle until I started shooting!
The edge tape is great, and I love the tungsten tape. It’s really nice not having to worry about toxic lead
I ORDERED AND USED THE CODE. THANKS
John - youre pretty much the marketing department for these companies! You do a great job of explaining the differences in paddles.
the graphs in your reviews giving context to the attributes of the paddle is everything
Glad you like the graphs! I've always been a graphs guy. I often start my papers with a graph and then write the paper around it, haha
I'm stuck in a paddle loop. I'm happy. And I'm right between the DBD Infinity -> Gearbox Pro paddles. Love keeping the ball low & making other fellow 2.5 players make mistakes.
I think if Six Zero makes a control-oriented elongated paddle, I'll immediately want to try that!
Loved the review. I ordered the Infinity DDBD and they shipped me the Infinity Black Diamond, which after your review fits my play better. 👍
I've been using my new Infinity black diamond for one week. I've been playing a Project 003 for the past 14 months.
On both paddles I immediately replaced the OEM grip with a Gamma contoured which brings them to a little over 4.5".
I use edge tape on both and I use 10 g. of lead on the Project 003's between the throat curve and the lower side-curve. I haven't applied lead to the Infinity BD.
Each paddle is now 8.8 oz. The balance point of the two paddles is exactly the same...when modified as described.
I pulled out my like new Project 003 today (the one I only use for tournaments) to evaluate it against the week-old Infinity BD. The feedback of the two paddles is different (with the 003 feeling "softer") but I can get the same performance out of both paddles in the soft game.
In my hands, the Infinity BD imparts significantly more spin, noticeably more pop and power, and is probably a little faster at the NVL, compared to the Project 003. I was expecting to find a reduction in control with the Infinity BD but I find I have just as much control with the Infinity BD as I do with the Project 003.
I warmed up today with the 003 but three points into the first game I swapped it for the Infinity BD and stayed with the BD all day. It looks like the Infinity BD is going to displace the Project 003 as my go-to paddle.
This paddle is awesome. I was coming from a weighted DBD. The charts you provided were great in helping confirm my decision to purchase the BDi. Same power as orig DBD, similar control, more pop and a HUGE drop in swing weight, better hand speed? No brainer - sign me up. Because of the vast difference in swing weight and to improve stability, I did add weights at 8 and 4 o clock right off the bat. Easy adjustment and I’m not looking back. Paddle is 🔥!
Nice, glad it’s working out for you
LOVE the attention to detail and comparisons!
Thank you for your time and posting. My GearBox Pro Elongated did not work out so am looking for a new paddle. This 'may' be it. Volair just came out with a nice paddle too. But I really do like the spin component on this one. Thank you again.
I don’t know if my pro power is working out either haha. What don’t you like about the pro power?
Been playing with BDi. Thanks for your recommendation. Really fast paddle!
Great review. One question is how do you think the Ruby compares with the BD Infinity?
The BDi is more maneuverable and has more pop than the Ruby. The Ruby has more power and a larger sweet spot than the BDi.
May have to consider this one next after my Infinity DBD is done
The graphs are a great addition to visualize the differences in paddles. Nice job using b&b lead tape to get extra points for the belt next year
Hahaha, extra nerd points with the B&B lead tape for sure
I'd like to see company's who are producing carbon fiber faces move to the coarser grain peel-ply (as seen in the Ruby) as it seems to grip much more than the fine weave peel-ply alternatives. Even retroactively changing the faces of future production on past models (like the original DBD etc).
I have the DBD and love this paddle which gives me plenty of power, control and drives!!
Great reviews great metrics,keep them coming John. Your one of the best.
Love the video bro! Great differentiation between Twist Weight and Sweetspot!
Hit with the paddle today…….really interesting paddle….i use a crbn3 now which is a great paddle, good power, good spin etc….this infinity black diamond was interesting though…,it was hard to hit the ball out because of all the spin…..if you put any top spin on a shot it was staying in……there was definitely a lack of power though and it even sounds different when you hit the ball, …..but I like it……,I hit with a ball machine today so will have to play to confirm this butt….i didn’t feel a real strong pop …I had 200 fourth shot rolls or what would be attacks and I was hoping that the “pop” would get to my opponent faster…,,but don’t think it did…interesting thoug maybe a little lead tape. The crbn3 when I counter it is a hard shot…thought with the high pop rate of the infinity black diamond would give me more of that……interesting paddle though
King of the chart graphics!!
Definitely add the top to bottom twist weight to the data base. Also, if there is a way to automatically add the bar charts you generally use to the data base as separate pages, that would be sweet. I really like seeing the power, pop, etc. in comparison to all the other paddles.
Good idea about adding graphics to the website/database
Your videos are very high quality - look, pacing, demonstration/information all are excellent. Keep it up!
Great review. This infinity 100% fixes the issues w the DBD infinity. That paddle was a control monster but had zero put away power at all. This paddle has slightly less control but more spin and put away power is there. With the low swing weight and being so fast in the hand this paddle has it all. I have found “THE ONE”. Great job six zero.
This sounds like an amazing paddle. That much maneuverability with no degrading from power and softness from the face 😮 I’ll pick one up once my dbd 14mm does out
Great video. Played two games. I didn't get any twisting. I did put some weight on the paddle. I liked this paddle better than the original. Seemed more plus plush when dinking with excellent pop and power. I liked it better than the dbd and crbn3x. The 3x crbn. Maybe the 3x needs to break in. OK excellent spin on the dbi
Great discussion on twist and sweet spot.
On paper, I love the low swing weight and the long handle.
Test the new vulcan vpro flight outdoor pickleball please. No one has reviewed it yet. Only thing I can find on youtube about it is Zane Navritil saying it rockets off the paddle. I love your channel because there's actual statistics and data and not just opinions. Thanks John!
I have it on order, and plan to review it soon
Your reviews are top notch. Have you thought of an additional metric -measuring the actuall htting area of the paddle in square inches? Although many players seem to want a longer handle, they need to realize that longer handle comes at a price: less hitting area.
Accuracy, feel, and hand speed gets compromised with longer handles. Players think longer handles they will get long reach and tennis baseline hits
Very informative review John! Thanks!
John - new subscriber and LOVE your reviews. Any chance you’ll review the new body helix paddles soon? The X2 & X3 Pro?
As always John this review tics all the boxes. I'm holding out for what 6.0 has on the drawing board for release later this year..Really liked the RUBY when I played for just a game.
Great info ❤but I learn so much but it go's over my head at time's 😅,,, LOL 💚 savings code coupons are great to..
❤thanks
your digression is spot on, just think about it from a mechanical build perspective of the paddle face. Not just twist. GB Pro is like this in my opinion. And I dont think its too much detail, I watch to learn and access to good data drives good decision making for consumers!
Thanks for the feedback!
I’ve been playing with the BDi and I love how light is but not lacking in power. I play with it stock and I seem to be faster with it. My friends say I’ve become more aggressive with my game.
Was it hard to control while drinking at the kitchen line…more pop ups? Wish you had the carbon 3 x on your paddle list so I could compare
I'm currently playing with a Selkirk Power Air Invikta, but have been craving that same hand speed and maneuverability with less power and better control on 3rds and dinks...this may just be "the one"!!
John, I was wondering if you could comment on the edgeless design specifically. I feel like Six Zero (as they should) are making many changes when they release a new paddle. Sounds like they changed how they layered the fiberglass, used a coarse grit pattern, adjusted where weight is on the paddle, etc. So if they had made some of these changes to their edged paddle, what would you gain from the edgeless besides faster hands. I guess I am wondering if edgeless is really the driving force here or if the other changes (which could be made to their edge designs) are really what makes the paddle play the way it does. I sort of had the same questions on the Ruby to be honest. What was kevlar doing v. all of the other changes (weight, rougher face for spin, etc. ).
The edgeless design mostly helps with maneuverability by reducing overall perimeter weighting, and allowing a more targeted placement of that perimeter weighting (rather than one consistent weight provided by the edge guard).
I played with the BDI for about a week every day. I just could not get used to the inconsistency of this paddle due to the extremely small sweet spot.
Thanks John. Really appreciate the review. I am playing a DBD and a Ronbus Nova. Looking for more hand speed. How would the BD Infinity compare to the 12.7 ALW? Thanks! Neil
Love the song choice for the intro early part of intro 😂
Great reviews. I was wondering if you are considering adding the ruby specs to the graph where you compared the 4 black diamonds series in this video. Thanks
Great review, thanks for the content! Would this be an easy transition from DBD 14mm?
Yes, I think you could transition easily to the BDi from the DBD 14mm. The BDi will play much softer, but it's also an upgrade for control
Did the ruby stay your primary paddle then?
Yessir, Ruby's still my main
Love your work! Do you think a Ruby Infinity is in the works?
Thanks John!
Honestly, there are so many well made paddles that could change and/or improve your game, but statistics alone don't assure which one is right for you. In a perfect world, a company like Six Zero would schedule "Rep Days" at various PB venues where you could try out their entire line of paddles. Until you play with one, you really don't know how well it will feel and work with your ability. I have concluded that the first thing you need to do is find out what paddle "shape" fits your game, then after that what thickness and swing weight. Oh, and of course the paddles keep getting better in terms of engineering, etc. Bottom line, if you're really into PB you will probably be acquiring at least 2 or 3 paddles every year. But lets face it, a really good PB player will win regardless of the paddle they play with...so just have fun, exercise and enjoy the game!
Awesome video as always ! Could you do a Holbrook 14mm and 16mm next please.
Is it possible that the thickness of the paddle added to low swing weight, if so the new batch with a thinner handle may change this??
Grear review as always, have you already done, or have any plans for the Electrum Stealth review? I'm subscribe but didn't have notifications on, so I'm not sure if I've missed one
Hi, I covered the Electrum Stealth series in my 'Best of 2023' series.
Another great review.
Someone said the edge guard missing is the only difference with the old model ..............
is this paddle good for someone with tennis elbow?if not can you recommend a paddle?ty
How would you compare the Infinity Black Diamond to the Vactic Pro?
greatly appreciate the detail analysis and the "nerder" stuff
9:51 I actually like this chart, but it would be better if you removed both 0% points on the left/right tail ends (as it has no meaning), and made the lines straight. Then it would look like a proper parallel axes plot instead of a group of probability density functions. As it stands, it looks like the latter which is misleading at first glance.
Also, if you used the colors/lines to communicate information about the paddles it was plotting, it would make the patterns more intuitive for the eye. For example, both Infinity Models could be thinner/dashed versus standard model lines being thicker/solid, and then both Black Diamonds could be blue lines, whereas both Double Black Diamonds could be red lines.
Yes, I'm limited with what I can do with this chart, as it's a plugin in FCP. There are a set number of categories, so I have to zero out the ones that aren't used. And I can't use dashed lines. I'm trying to use these instead of importing from Excel, because they were made to be more intuitive so that most people can understand them. I've found that if I try to make charts how I learned in statistics courses - i.e., the proper way - they don't always resonate.
I need some guidance. I come from a 4.5 Tennis background. Just moved up to 4.0 Pickleball. I’m using a P Apes Proline Energy. Love the elongated shape and feel. I now feel like I need more power and pop to get better and compete at a higher level. There are sooooo many paddles out there. What should I get? HELP‼️
I'm not seeing this paddle on the Six Zero website yet. 🤷♂️
Do you have any recommendations for paddles that play very similarly to the DBD Infinity?
Great review. You seemed to say that adding lead tape decreases pop- is this true? I was under the impression it increases both pop and power
In my experience, lead tape decreases pop (but does increase power). I think it's because any extra swing weight slows down your swing acceleration
@@johnkewpickleball This makes sense. One thing I'd be interested to see in the future is whether adding lead tape to the throat can increase hand speed by moving the balance point lower despite marginally increasing swing weight. Not sure how to objectively measure hand speed though
How long does the spin tend to last on these?
Hi, John
I noticed the the Sword & Sheild j1h paddle is in your database. However, there is no review done on it by you. Did you not like this paddle? Based off your stats it seems to have impressive numbers.
Yes, it has very impressive numbers. I do plan to review it soon.
I just purchased this paddle mostly based off your review. Did you ever get a chance to place the lead at the base/throat and measure the swing weight? If yes, what was the swingweight and weight of the lead placed?
P.S. Who makes the shirt you have on?
6:54 Does the perspective of the camera rotate 90° from facing directly into the cross-section, to facing directly down at the surface face, and then translate "medially" along the surface?
The perspective of the microscope is looking directly at the cut cross-section with the facing materials on top and the core at the bottom
6:18 Waittt - we're just going to ignore what appears to be core crushing in those cross-sections? Am I wrong, or has that paddle been through a round of destructive testing?
Yes, this was a core crushed paddle, not the Infinity. I'm just using it as an example of the cross section
Is this paddle out yet? Don’t see on the 6.0 website.
Yes it is available
Are you johnkew drums too? Or used to do drum covers ?
Yes, I have/had a drum channel under Johnkew, too
Miss your covers ! They were awesome as well as the axis mundi song!
DBD is listed as the "control" option but I always felt that BD has a softer and less poppy face. Am I the only one?
Coming in late here, but no, you're not the only one. I have the DBD, BDi, and Ruby. I find the Ruby to be the poppiest of all of them. I think I like the BDi best. Insanely fast at the net-I'm blocking/resetting balls I couldn't get my paddle to with the DBD and Ruby. And I feel like I have more control with it than either the DBD or Ruby, but can still put away balls easily. It has almost as much spin as the Ruby.
I just tried a LUXX Control Air Invikta. I thought it would have way more control/touch than the BDi, but it was not as big of a difference as I thought. The BDi continues to be the paddle I reach for most in games.
Great info! After you review i went to the 6.0 website to check it out. I says the r&d on this paddle produced less twist. The figure of 5.7 that you show, is that your measurement or from 6.0? How is the twist rate measured? Thank you.
That's my measurement. It's measured with a Briffidi SW1 machine.
I'm guessing you like the Ruby better?
Yes, the Ruby is still my #1
can you use the carbon fiber erasers for these?
Yes indeed
Do you think they will make the Infinity in Kevlar face?
I can't imagine they wouldn't. That would be such a great looking paddle!
I buy one for sure! I love my Ruby right now though!!@@johnkewpickleball
I’m been with the for Mach 1 for a and honestly I can’t see myself leaving it now
Proton review coming soon?:)
Maybe! I'm talking with them now
Have you reviewed the paddle by Revolin, yet?
John, I gotta ask... Do you also play drums? We met you at the 6.0 event in McKinney where my wife is the PB Director. I ask as I followed www.youtube.com/@johnkew as I am a drummer as well.
Hey! Yeah that’s me, haha
You made plenty of sense. This paddle goes