I came across Thrive Pickleball Paddles after researching and cross comparing with the likes of Six Zero Single Black Diamond as well as Double Black Diamond (all of their varieties inclusively, Infinity and the Regular variants) as well as the Ruby. For those paddles like with any other, we have the capabilities to add our own paddle weights for customization purposes. What intrigued me further towards Thrive Paddles is the capacity to order the paddles with your desired weight out of the box without having to pay additional for the customizations that you'd have to do otherwise elsewhere when ordering paddles from the competition for the most part. Add to this, the ability to have a more balanced paddle with respect to power and control and customizing forgiveness. This makes the decision very interesting and intriguing to the effect where I would consider getting paddles from both brands, Thrive (being my primary choice) and Six Zero a close second.
@AllDriveNoDropPickleball just checking in to see if the winner is expected to be announced today as detailed in your description for your video. Please advise. Thanks in advance.
Neat to see a new player on the market in Thrive. I wonder what causes the swing weight variance; is it just down to micro-variations in how the edgefoam is injected?
Great review as usual. Can't wait to try the Kevlar and Carbon weave. The twist weight of 6.76 is awesome for a hybrid shape paddle. Can't wait to try this paddle.
I'm interested in the Azul because you get that Kevlar surface with standout looks. I think being able to 'spec' your paddle is interesting, but I think the value for most people isn't specifying what you want, but the ability to find an exact replacement, or to buy a spare that play just like your primary. Also, hats off to you, first reviewer to capture the blue color perfectly on video!
I think the fact that a company wants to give the consumers more customizable options is what interests me most. It shows that they care what the players want. Another great video! I’ve heard so much about the Thrive and I’ve even seen one out in the wild. Definitely sparks my curiosity!
Good video, the Azul has been on my shortlist. Kevlar with power and pop, sign me up. I like that you can select your swing weight and they send some extra weights along to customize it even more. Great work.
They do play similar. The J2K Pro is just an overall better paddle more power pretty much the same pop and same spin. Similar sweet spots and a cheaper price. I’ve seen the Azul being pushed lately and it just isn’t worth the extra $50 compared to the J2K Pro and Mark One unless you really want to pick your swing weight.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleballgood to know! Thanks for the honest info.. I feel like the Azul is being shilled, all its metrics are worse then the J2K’s yet people still say it’s better so unless it has some indescribable amazing feel then I don’t get it.. the J2K pro has a decently lighter swing weight too..
I like that they are giving more options for us to decide what we want and also providing more data on every paddle they shipped. I think I will like the power this paddle give. I need more power especially when the club I'm playing at recently labelled me an intermediate though I'm still happy to be a beginner. 😎
Like the Kevlar material for sure. Not too sure if it’s the best way to differentiate the paddle in the market using personalized swing weight? Players would really need to be aware of their game play and gear. If a player is already at that level they probably have a preference? Would like to see how it turns out. Wonder how low you can go on the swing weight?
You are right people would need to be aware of what different swing weights feel like and what they prefer. If they didn’t know going with the lowest possible then adding weight as needed would be my recommendation.
Great review of the Azul!! Thank you!! I’m especially interested in the pop and power of the Azul!! Combined with the very good spin makes this a great paddle!! Thank you!!
If you can already generate power it still helps to have more power but do you want the extra pop is the question? You can also check out the Mark One if it still interests you and is cheaper. Very similar but you don’t get to choose your own swing weight. If you want something with better control my top picks would be the Honolulu J2K for a hybrid and the Spartus Apollo for a widebody. Also upcoming Friday are the Ronbus Pulsar FX series and 11Six24 Hurache Kevlar. A lot of stuff I know if you describe your game I can help point you in the right direction.
I’m interested in this paddle because I’m currently using a control oriented elongated paddle, but am interesting in trying a hybrid shape with a bit more power, plus I love the aesthetics of the Azul!
I think the opportunity to choose your swing weight could set a new standard for other manufacturers. That will be interesting to see. Thanks for your content and reviews!
What's the static weight? I can't find it on their website. I understand the swing weight is more important than static weight. I really like the swing weight to be customizable, it's very balanced paddle.
This is one paddle I'd love to test out firsthand. I think I am ready to go back to having a bit more power and pop now that my soft game has improved significantly. I like the idea of being able to choose the initial swing weight, but here's my question. Why not go with the lightest swing weight from the start and then add lead tape? Going lighter means I'd be adding more lead tape, which would give me the benefit of the maximum amount of perimeter weight. What is the downside of doing this, or what if any advantage is there in going with a heavier initial swing weight and adding less lead tape?
Some people just like it being a higher SW stock so they don’t have to make any modifications themselves. For people that like to modify their paddle getting the lower SW and adding weight themselves would be the preferred method.
like alot here, im interested in trying a kevlar paddle. i would like a lower swingweight with more pop. the poppiest i have is the Engage MX 6.0. but the face is stiffer than my others and its a bit swing-heavier. like, i want a DbD with more pop; this and the Hurace x control look great (11six24 is supposed to be coming out with a kevlar paddle too.)
How does the sweet spot on the azul compare to the kinetic? I know you mentioned in your kinetic review that the sweet spot felt a little more inconsistent when comparing to the ruby.
It did and I had an early batch Kinetic from what I’ve heard they have fixed the issue and the new version Mark One (same as the Kinetic just a new name) should be good to go.
Great review!
I loved the clip where your overhead was returned… the scrambling, fences falling down, you’re falling down. EPIC!!! 😂😅
Yes! Scramble drills activated
I came across Thrive Pickleball Paddles after researching and cross comparing with the likes of Six Zero Single Black Diamond as well as Double Black Diamond (all of their varieties inclusively, Infinity and the Regular variants) as well as the Ruby. For those paddles like with any other, we have the capabilities to add our own paddle weights for customization purposes. What intrigued me further towards Thrive Paddles is the capacity to order the paddles with your desired weight out of the box without having to pay additional for the customizations that you'd have to do otherwise elsewhere when ordering paddles from the competition for the most part. Add to this, the ability to have a more balanced paddle with respect to power and control and customizing forgiveness. This makes the decision very interesting and intriguing to the effect where I would consider getting paddles from both brands, Thrive (being my primary choice) and Six Zero a close second.
Thank you for the comment and the detailed analysis. Let me know what you end up with and how it goes.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball With any luck, I'll probably win the giveaway here and end up having both paddles 🙂
@AllDriveNoDropPickleball just checking in to see if the winner is expected to be announced today as detailed in your description for your video. Please advise. Thanks in advance.
@@sunilsidhwani4757 Don’t worry, it will happen later. I’ll tag the winner on a post just like the other giveaways.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball TY for the reply. I look forward to it.
Love the gameplay while talking about the paddle. The fact that you can choose different swing weight is so coo.
Thanks, trying to show the paddle in action
I love the look of this paddle and the ability to customize it, plus I believe they are local to my area 🙂
I like 2 things: blue Kevlar (non-red, really, but the blue is nice), and the ability to choose my swing weight.
As a Lions fan I approve of the blue
That face and how it compares to the Kinetic overall interests me. Would love to try it out sometime!
Thanks Mr. K!
i like the fact that you get to choose your own desired swing weight and on top of that, the aesthetics is chef’s kiss
just found your channel and you talking about the paddle while playing is awesome. being able to picking the weight of the paddle is so sick
Thanks appreciate it!
I love that you can choose the swing weight on the paddle. Would like to try this paddle
Just when you thought we had kevlar paddles all figured out! Thanks for the video
Kevlar summmer
Love you compared the Mark Kinetic with the Azul - I have been waiting for that
If I have it, I’ll compare it
Loving thrives products more and more. Aesthetically I think it looks better than the ruby. Good video!
They’re both the same price
Love the looks
Thank you for your review.
I like that you are able to pick your swing weight.
Love being able to choose weight
I love the blue and the design graphics overall
Neat to see a new player on the market in Thrive. I wonder what causes the swing weight variance; is it just down to micro-variations in how the edgefoam is injected?
Just slight differences in the total construction weight.
Great review as usual. Can't wait to try the Kevlar and Carbon weave. The twist weight of 6.76 is awesome for a hybrid shape paddle. Can't wait to try this paddle.
Love the ability to choose your swing weight - think this is a great idea and shows that Thrive knows it has a capable/intelligent customer base
being able to pick your swing weight is such a unique aspect of the padde. Love it!
Kevlar is sick! Would love to see a comparison with the J2K!
Coming next Sunday!
Spending that much id just go ruby
I love how the surface of the paddle helps the ball out with touch :)
The blue Kevlar appealing.. ty4 ur vid
I like the customization and its appearance.
Being able to customize your own paddle is sick!!!
I like that it has more power and yet the kevlar still might give a softer feel. Has a cool design as well
Blue Kevlar face looks amazing. Everyone that has this paddle loves it.
Looking for some unreturnable pop in the kitchen!
This is a good one to look at
I'm interested in the Azul because you get that Kevlar surface with standout looks. I think being able to 'spec' your paddle is interesting, but I think the value for most people isn't specifying what you want, but the ability to find an exact replacement, or to buy a spare that play just like your primary.
Also, hats off to you, first reviewer to capture the blue color perfectly on video!
Thank you! I do love the blue
Great look, good power and pop and choosing swing weight is great. I have been waiting for Azul for a while. Thanks for the review!
Im interested in trying out the overall package of the azul since its similar to the ruby and that is well received by many players.
Wow this paddle seems really good. Power overwhelming!
Azul provides the right combination and customization on top of it. Seems to be a win win.
I love being able to play around with the specs. Swing weight is something I look at the most.
Great review, thanks!
This looks like a good alternative to the Ruby.
Great if you want more pop and similar power, just doesn’t have the soft/muted feel
What a great looking paddle. I like that you can choose your swing weight.
Love the name of the paddle, Azul as it means blue in Portuguese.. 😀 hope I can get my hands on this one.
I like that it is a Kevlar paddle and I have always wanted to mess around with a stiffer paddle. A majority of my paddles are plush feeling.
The customizable swing weight is pretty nice as well as the color combo :D
I like that they let you pick the swing weight!!
Love the look and innovation of this paddle! Definitely a game-changer!
blue Kevlar is cool.
I’ve never played with something with this much pop. Would be excited to try it
The fact that you can customize your stock weight is so dope
🔥 dope
Choosing your preferred swing weight is so sweet, the Azul looks good!!!
I think the fact that a company wants to give the consumers more customizable options is what interests me most. It shows that they care what the players want. Another great video! I’ve heard so much about the Thrive and I’ve even seen one out in the wild. Definitely sparks my curiosity!
I currently use the SixZero Ruby and love it but the Azul's pop is really tempting. Also the color is nice (:
Loving the blue. Honolulu makes a Blue J2K also that plays very similar to the Ruby
Good video, the Azul has been on my shortlist. Kevlar with power and pop, sign me up. I like that you can select your swing weight and they send some extra weights along to customize it even more. Great work.
The ability to select swing weight is what interests me the most
Great option to have
Curious on your thoughts on the Azul Vs. The J2K Pro. Did they play pretty similar? How were they different and which do you prefer?
They do play similar. The J2K Pro is just an overall better paddle more power pretty much the same pop and same spin. Similar sweet spots and a cheaper price. I’ve seen the Azul being pushed lately and it just isn’t worth the extra $50 compared to the J2K Pro and Mark One unless you really want to pick your swing weight.
@@AllDriveNoDropPickleballgood to know! Thanks for the honest info.. I feel like the Azul is being shilled, all its metrics are worse then the J2K’s yet people still say it’s better so unless it has some indescribable amazing feel then I don’t get it.. the J2K pro has a decently lighter swing weight too..
@@NewchiiiAppreciate it, just saying things how I see them.
that blue kevlar is fireeee
I like that this has so much pop and power for a hybrid paddle! And the blue kevlar looks awesome
love the swing weight option!
What a thoughtful company, and I like the design of this paddle very much!
I really like the concept of being able to have a backup paddle with the same specs. Also the blue face and edge guard look amazing!
I like that they are giving more options for us to decide what we want and also providing more data on every paddle they shipped. I think I will like the power this paddle give. I need more power especially when the club I'm playing at recently labelled me an intermediate though I'm still happy to be a beginner. 😎
I like how you are able to customize the paddle to your personal preference, and the looks of this paddle.
Like the Kevlar material for sure.
Not too sure if it’s the best way to differentiate the paddle in the market using personalized swing weight? Players would really need to be aware of their game play and gear. If a player is already at that level they probably have a preference? Would like to see how it turns out. Wonder how low you can go on the swing weight?
You are right people would need to be aware of what different swing weights feel like and what they prefer. If they didn’t know going with the lowest possible then adding weight as needed would be my recommendation.
I definitely like the power and pop for this paddle!
The blue kevlar is such a cool look.
blue kevlar
Being able to choose your swing weight is a cool feature Thrive is offering
Great review of the Azul!! Thank you!! I’m especially interested in the pop and power of the Azul!! Combined with the very good spin makes this a great paddle!! Thank you!!
Picking your own swing weight on this is a game changer and it'd be cool to see other companies do this also.
I love that blue kevlar on the azul, it is so beautiful.
Love the color and shape. Would be interested in going from a control-oriented paddle to trying a power paddle as my game progresses.
Really like the blue!
Definitely the potential for a LOT of pop/power as well as the good looking blue kevlar!
I love the look of the blue Kevlar and the ability to order the swing weight I like.
Have heard this is a more powerful Ruby -- definitely want to try one out.
100th like😎 Would you recommend the Azul to a player who can already generate power over a more control oriented paddle? Thanks Jacob!
If you can already generate power it still helps to have more power but do you want the extra pop is the question? You can also check out the Mark One if it still interests you and is cheaper. Very similar but you don’t get to choose your own swing weight.
If you want something with better control my top picks would be the Honolulu J2K for a hybrid and the Spartus Apollo for a widebody.
Also upcoming Friday are the Ronbus Pulsar FX series and 11Six24 Hurache Kevlar. A lot of stuff I know if you describe your game I can help point you in the right direction.
Awesome review. Interesting paddle…
i like the customization
I’m interested in this paddle because I’m currently using a control oriented elongated paddle, but am interesting in trying a hybrid shape with a bit more power, plus I love the aesthetics of the Azul!
Interested in the different Kevlar options like Azul and what they offer different from carbon fiber paddles
I've been loving Kevlar paddles lately and this is the sickest looking one!
Good pop and spin! Aesthetics are so nice!
I’ve had a ruby for a few months, so I’d be really curious to see how they compare in terms of pop and power!
Similar power and the Azul has way more pop
I think the opportunity to choose your swing weight could set a new standard for other manufacturers. That will be interesting to see. Thanks for your content and reviews!
You say it’s very stiff. After hitting with the adidas metalbone. Every paddle feels soft to me. It is stiffer than the ruby. Softer than a forza.
Haha well the Adidas Metalbone is a different beast
Sounds like a solid paddle from other reports. I like how the brand has systematized paddle weighting customization.
honestly would love to have a kevlar faced paddle like this one 😊
Been interested in trying out a Kevlar paddle and the pop sounds nice!
The ability to order the swing weight you desire is what interests me, plus it's a good-looking paddle.
This is a very visually appealing paddle, but I’m still not sure if Kevlar is better than Carbon Fiber or not.
I'm looking for a paddle with more pop and power than my current Vatic Pro Prism and this might be what I'm looking for
It is a good option if you can tame the pop
Looking for a singles paddle and this could be it.
I could see this working for singles
What's the static weight? I can't find it on their website. I understand the swing weight is more important than static weight. I really like the swing weight to be customizable, it's very balanced paddle.
Hey Ben, I think 8.1 it is listed in the video, can’t watch and check atm.
Would love to have the pop & power combo
All these Kevlar paddles have been amazing to hear about but being able to select your weights is actually next level
like the custom swing weight option.
Always wanted to try and see what the Kevlar hype is about. Haven't seen any Pros play with kevlar yet though.
love to try out the blue kevlar.
This is one paddle I'd love to test out firsthand. I think I am ready to go back to having a bit more power and pop now that my soft game has improved significantly. I like the idea of being able to choose the initial swing weight, but here's my question. Why not go with the lightest swing weight from the start and then add lead tape? Going lighter means I'd be adding more lead tape, which would give me the benefit of the maximum amount of perimeter weight. What is the downside of doing this, or what if any advantage is there in going with a heavier initial swing weight and adding less lead tape?
Some people just like it being a higher SW stock so they don’t have to make any modifications themselves. For people that like to modify their paddle getting the lower SW and adding weight themselves would be the preferred method.
I love that pickleball companies are now showing more statistics on their paddles. It really shows the progress of the sport as a whole.
like alot here, im interested in trying a kevlar paddle. i would like a lower swingweight with more pop. the poppiest i have is the Engage MX 6.0. but the face is stiffer than my others and its a bit swing-heavier. like, i want a DbD with more pop; this and the Hurace x control look great (11six24 is supposed to be coming out with a kevlar paddle too.)
This is a great choice for you then. The 11six24 will most likely not be as poppy because it will be a full Kevlar (95% sure on that).
Love the look of the paddle and the swing weight option at purchase!
How does the sweet spot on the azul compare to the kinetic? I know you mentioned in your kinetic review that the sweet spot felt a little more inconsistent when comparing to the ruby.
It did and I had an early batch Kinetic from what I’ve heard they have fixed the issue and the new version Mark One (same as the Kinetic just a new name) should be good to go.