Interesting… I play competitively and in tournaments. I’m close to a 4.0 level. My go to is a mixture of the J2K and the J3K depending on what type of player I am playing against. Maybe it’s because of my tennis background but on put away shots I have zero problems putting the ball away with either paddle. I can bang the ball but I really enjoy being at the kitchen line to grind people down. How much harder is the transition from fast paced to slow with the 14mm. I never usually look at 14mm because many of them too stiff transition from one to the other is too drastic for my liking. If this one is different I may have to look into it
I bought a j2k. I wasn't a fan and emailed Honolulu about returning it within the 30 day window and pay the 20% restocking fee like they state on thier website. I emailed them 3 times about the return and they ignored every email.
how much smaller is the sweet spot from the 16mm version of this paddle? thats the only thing that scares me. i also like the plushness of the 16mm but i want more power...
I love the feel of the Kevlar blend paddles. And my favorite paddle to play with is the Ruby since I love the feel and the spin. That said, when it comes to tournaments, I end up switching to the Gearbox PPE just because I'm not a heavy hitter (need better technique) and the extra pop and power helps me out over the course of a grueling day. But I don't like the feel of the Gearbox; it feels really separate from my body - synthetic. So what I'm looking for is the feel/spin of the Ruby plus some Gearbox-level power/pop. Do you think the 14mm J2K would be the Honolulu paddle for me? Or should I consider a different Honolulu paddle?
Another great review! I'm looking for the control and plushness at the net of the J2K, but would like an increase in power. J2K PRO or 14mm J2K? Thanks!
How does it compare to the thrive azul in pop, power and control? I have the azul and love it, but it's a little to poppy for me. Love the power on drives and serves.
Very detailed video, enjoyed very much. My friend bought a HUDEF Mage Pro Gen2 after watching your video and he felt really good about it. And it only costs $119.
I didn't feel a huge difference in the 16mm J2K and 16mm J2K Pro, with the Pro version being just a touch more poppy and stiff, but the 14mm version is significantly more poppy and powerful. Still all-court level for power, but a lot more than the 16mm version
I’m starting to wonder if Honolulu Pickleball Company can make a bad paddle. Everything they crank out gets glowing reviews. QUESTION - Battlefield at the kitchen; need something fast and poppy. Fat Boy, Monarch, or 14mm J2K?
Thank you. My J2K 16mm is coming soon. For me either would be fine, I want more control but will add some tape to get it where I want it, like you. Thanks again. I also bought the Spartus Apolo. I'll see how they compare. My Legacy Pro finally delaminated after 16 months. Not bad.
That's funny. I also happened to order the J2k and the Spartus Apollo. Should have soon. what are your thoughts after playing with them and which are you enjoying more?
@@skelthouser2730 IMO, they are both almost the same. I do like the Apollo a bit better because of the width. I also put lead tape down both sides of the neck, which helped in control and a bit more pop/speed. Enjoy.
@@Mr.DJones I had 3 Legacy paddles all had defects! Kevlar face paddles, J2K, great all around paddle as is the Apollo, very nice, just played with my new quiet paddle, Hush, very interesting has super spin and pop, could be my next fav!
The two main items of feedback we provided them was that it had a smaller sweetspot and the sprayon grit. Based on our last conversation, they are working to either do some edge weighting or adjust the shape a bit for the sweet spot, and see if they can make some adjustments to something kther than sprayon grit for texture and spin
In pretty much all of what I say, particularly in comparing other paddles directly, is without lead tape or modification. The addition of my lead tape preference is just added info, but you are welcome to have your opinion (:
Sure thing, here is a link to my Facebook and Instagram, feel free to message me there: facebook.com/share/EEtUAGVevW3PQeNZ/?mibextid=qi2Omg instagram.com/dustinfowkespickleball?igsh=OGxoeWk5czBpcGln
J2k is overrated. All court paddles should be balanced and the j2k absolutely is balanced. But it’s that balance that makes it boring and lacking. There was no scenario in which this paddle had a true competitive advantage. If you want spin, get a ruby. If you want power, get a gearbox. Controls get a Selkirk. Thrive azul is my optimal balance point. I’ve let people try my j2k. Everyone likes it, no one loves it. Attempting to return.
16mm. In 2 months I’ve purchased or demoed ~10 paddles. When comparing identical models, I found the forgiveness and plushness of the 16mm counterpart far outweighed the marginal boost is hand speed and pop. There is nothing revolutionary about the j2k. When I bring it up, people have only heard about it, but no one is actually playing with it (at least in my social circle across some public courts and clubs). When they play with mine, everyone likes it, but no one loves it or wants to buy it. I believe most players have a strength they want to lean on and this paddle’s strength is balance without polarization. It’s a good paddle and since performance is highly based on an individual’s playstyle and strengths/weaknesses, it may be great for some. For me, I found the lack of pop limited my comfort in cross court dinks, slowed my counters at the kitchen, and the lack of plow through lessened my drives and serves. Paddle dependent I change strategies based on drives and power or the soft game and control. The j2k was good at everything but by not being great at anything I fell out of favor
Sure, I could see that argument! Paddles are definitely better suited for some people over others. This review video was particularly for the 14mm version, though, which plays quite a bit different than the 16mm version, for whatever it's worth.
It's good to know that it feels more maneuverable than the SW suggests. The extra pop compared to the 16mm sounds nice too. Great review!
Interesting… I play competitively and in tournaments. I’m close to a 4.0 level. My go to is a mixture of the J2K and the J3K depending on what type of player I am playing against. Maybe it’s because of my tennis background but on put away shots I have zero problems putting the ball away with either paddle.
I can bang the ball but I really enjoy being at the kitchen line to grind people down. How much harder is the transition from fast paced to slow with the 14mm. I never usually look at 14mm because many of them too stiff transition from one to the other is too drastic for my liking. If this one is different I may have to look into it
I bought a j2k. I wasn't a fan and emailed Honolulu about returning it within the 30 day window and pay the 20% restocking fee like they state on thier website. I emailed them 3 times about the return and they ignored every email.
The customer service is terrible
Kind of ironic behavior from a brand that insists on printing scripture at the top of their paddles
@simonlee8219 That's exactly what I thought. The J2K is being pumped up, but it's highly over-rated.
I have had the same experience in attempting to return the paddle. I had to open a chargeback against the company.
@thisforbirdie seems to be a trend.
Oh, hitting back to back and ranking them is a winning idea. A great was to different your reviews.
Looking forward to trying this one out! Though, not sure I'm going to add that much lead! Got spaghetti arms over here. 🤣
Hahaha, when you go from paddles like the viva pro gen3, everything else feels super light! 😅
Great review as always. The 16mm J2K has enough pop for me, so the 14mm would probably be too much. 😆
Way to know your game. Some people just want insane pop and don't realize how that affects resets and drops.
Great review! Nice to see the comparison between a lot of the other new paddles on the market.
how much smaller is the sweet spot from the 16mm version of this paddle? thats the only thing that scares me. i also like the plushness of the 16mm but i want more power...
I love the feel of the Kevlar blend paddles. And my favorite paddle to play with is the Ruby since I love the feel and the spin. That said, when it comes to tournaments, I end up switching to the Gearbox PPE just because I'm not a heavy hitter (need better technique) and the extra pop and power helps me out over the course of a grueling day. But I don't like the feel of the Gearbox; it feels really separate from my body - synthetic. So what I'm looking for is the feel/spin of the Ruby plus some Gearbox-level power/pop. Do you think the 14mm J2K would be the Honolulu paddle for me? Or should I consider a different Honolulu paddle?
Another great review! I'm looking for the control and plushness at the net of the J2K, but would like an increase in power. J2K PRO or 14mm J2K? Thanks!
How does it compare to the thrive azul in pop, power and control? I have the azul and love it, but it's a little to poppy for me. Love the power on drives and serves.
Very detailed video, enjoyed very much. My friend bought a HUDEF Mage Pro Gen2 after watching your video and he felt really good about it. And it only costs $119.
How does this compare to the J2K Pro 16mm?
I didn't feel a huge difference in the 16mm J2K and 16mm J2K Pro, with the Pro version being just a touch more poppy and stiff, but the 14mm version is significantly more poppy and powerful. Still all-court level for power, but a lot more than the 16mm version
I’m starting to wonder if Honolulu Pickleball Company can make a bad paddle. Everything they crank out gets glowing reviews. QUESTION - Battlefield at the kitchen; need something fast and poppy. Fat Boy, Monarch, or 14mm J2K?
Great option to have in the bag….. great review…. I’m surprised it has same swing weight as 16 mm…. I appreciate the review 👍
Thank you for sharing. It's nice to see a comparison with my favorite HUDEF Mage Pro Gen2.
Great review as usual. Could you tell me about the drop and hands battle? My family is considering HUDEF MAGE Pro Gen2 and J2K.
How do you compare this to the J2K Pro in terms of pop and control?
Why not just get the J2k Pro? Im assuming the sweet spot may be slightly better than the 14mm. J2k Pro has a ton of pop.
Idk but i like 14s more just because of put away power and drive
Thank you. My J2K 16mm is coming soon. For me either would be fine, I want more control but will add some tape to get it where I want it, like you. Thanks again. I also bought the Spartus Apolo. I'll see how they compare. My Legacy Pro finally delaminated after 16 months. Not bad.
You will like the J2 k 16mm
@@lesterma1608 Thank you.
That's funny. I also happened to order the J2k and the Spartus Apollo. Should have soon. what are your thoughts after playing with them and which are you enjoying more?
@@skelthouser2730 IMO, they are both almost the same. I do like the Apollo a bit better because of the width. I also put lead tape down both sides of the neck, which helped in control and a bit more pop/speed. Enjoy.
@@Mr.DJones I had 3 Legacy paddles all had defects! Kevlar face paddles, J2K, great all around paddle as is the Apollo, very nice, just played with my new quiet paddle, Hush, very interesting has super spin and pop, could be my next fav!
I wonder if they are planning 14mm versions of the J7K / J7K Pro? I have a 16mm J7K Pro and really like it.
I'm stuck between the j2k 16mm and the j7k.
I want the more control of the j2k but want the longer handle of the j7k :[
What are they updating on the beatnik paddles??
The two main items of feedback we provided them was that it had a smaller sweetspot and the sprayon grit. Based on our last conversation, they are working to either do some edge weighting or adjust the shape a bit for the sweet spot, and see if they can make some adjustments to something kther than sprayon grit for texture and spin
I don’t like reviews where the paddle was modified alot
In pretty much all of what I say, particularly in comparing other paddles directly, is without lead tape or modification. The addition of my lead tape preference is just added info, but you are welcome to have your opinion (:
We would like to work with you to review our new edgeless Kevlar. Can you share contact info?
Sure thing, here is a link to my Facebook and Instagram, feel free to message me there:
facebook.com/share/EEtUAGVevW3PQeNZ/?mibextid=qi2Omg
instagram.com/dustinfowkespickleball?igsh=OGxoeWk5czBpcGln
2:16 ???!
J2k is overrated. All court paddles should be balanced and the j2k absolutely is balanced. But it’s that balance that makes it boring and lacking. There was no scenario in which this paddle had a true competitive advantage. If you want spin, get a ruby. If you want power, get a gearbox. Controls get a Selkirk. Thrive azul is my optimal balance point. I’ve let people try my j2k. Everyone likes it, no one loves it. Attempting to return.
I definitely welcome the differing opinion!! Was your j2k the 16 or 14mm?
16mm. In 2 months I’ve purchased or demoed ~10 paddles. When comparing identical models, I found the forgiveness and plushness of the 16mm counterpart far outweighed the marginal boost is hand speed and pop. There is nothing revolutionary about the j2k. When I bring it up, people have only heard about it, but no one is actually playing with it (at least in my social circle across some public courts and clubs). When they play with mine, everyone likes it, but no one loves it or wants to buy it. I believe most players have a strength they want to lean on and this paddle’s strength is balance without polarization. It’s a good paddle and since performance is highly based on an individual’s playstyle and strengths/weaknesses, it may be great for some. For me, I found the lack of pop limited my comfort in cross court dinks, slowed my counters at the kitchen, and the lack of plow through lessened my drives and serves. Paddle dependent I change strategies based on drives and power or the soft game and control. The j2k was good at everything but by not being great at anything I fell out of favor
Sure, I could see that argument! Paddles are definitely better suited for some people over others. This review video was particularly for the 14mm version, though, which plays quite a bit different than the 16mm version, for whatever it's worth.
Not buying one of these until they remove the John 316.
Don't really need someone else beliefs forced on me
I'm sure they won't miss you!