I've got 7 hours into my Hyper (on a 30-day trial), comparing it to my broken in Pulse V which I really enjoy. Noticeably a bump up in power/pop but not unreasonable. For me it was pretty solid right out of the gates. Didn't go crazy with perimeter weighting, 3g on the 4 and 8 o'clock. While it's a power paddle it's not overdone, found it to be pretty snappy and the control is solid/intuitive, even with the higher sweet spot. Now I'm wondering how much this changes once the break-in hits, for $275 I'm guessing I'll send it back, save $105 and get the 11SIX24 in Feb when their Power Vapor drops.
I wonder if you could expedite the break-in process with a little pre-use treatment with a theragun percussion massager. It seems like you could simulate hundreds or even thousands of ball contacts in a matter of minutes.
Spot on analysis. This paddle requires a break in. When I ordered a pro ultimate demo it came to me fully broken in and it was LOUD and played amazing. Great power and spin. The resets and drops were effortless and the thunk sound would tell me when I made good contact with the ball or not especially when dropping or resetting out of the air. My friend who ordered the pro ultimate after my huge recommendation got his and was like dude this paddle isn’t as powerful or dynamic as you were saying and upon trying it I too was underwhelmed which made me realize that more so than other paddles this paddle requires a significant break in period. The paddle was quiet and sounded like any gen 1 or 2 paddle. The second thing is that like you said about the non linear power delivery this paddle is very much like a turbo car. At low rpm the car barely gives you anything and neither does this paddle on softer shots and especially off center shots. Couple times I would hit off center and the ball would just die and not even cross the net. But once you hit that rpm range where the turbo spools up your hit with this massive surge and that’s this paddle when you swing a bit harder on the ball. The ball sails off the face so fast that if your paddle face isn’t pointed properly the ball will easily sail out. The speed at which the ball comes off this paddle is incredible and several times my opponents have had auditory reactions to how fast the ball comes at them. Straight up a lightning bolt. The best way I can describe this pro power is that if you are feeling good that day and your playing nice and loose and confident then this paddle will be the best thing you’ve used cuz you won’t be overthinking things and you’ll have nice rhythm going but if your stiff or under pressure and you need the paddle to play super consistent, predictable, and forgiving you will make a lot of mistakes with the pro ultimate. I still absolutely love the pro ultimate and think it’s the best paddle I’ve used but it’s definitely not for everyone. It’s best suited for tennis players with massive drives, smashes, serves that use the soft game just to set up their next attack. If your the type of player that solely like to play a drop, reset, transition reset, counter type of game this paddle may be too slow and a bit too inconsistent for you. This is a sledge hammer type of paddle that if you make good contact and swing through the ball will produce some extremely high quality shots and make you look like a pro.
How would you say it compares to the pro power fusion/integra? That's what I have been playing with for a year and I did use the ultimate for a few months but never loved the slower hand speed. I went back to my pro power integra and my hyper comes tomorrow 🎉
Have you measured the power/pop after breaking in and/or weighting? I haven’t seen anybody measure the post breaking in numbers yet so for a paddle with such a big break in it would be helpful.
In order to be the most transparent on paddle tests, you might mention which paddles you put in your bag this year and which have been your favorites, there has been a lot happening in paddles and if you gave the information I indicated it would show your journey better for listeners?
I just tried someone’s Pro Power and was blown away. What a great paddle. I just can’t pay $275 for a paddle when the Apex and JoJo Lemona on Amazon are killer for under $40
Was also curious about the sweet spot after seeing the X-ray. Any thoughts on using a massage gun "thumper" to break in the HYPER? I'd be hitting 300+ drives off my ball machine to speed up the break in. I'm a sceptic concerning break in consistency. The "plush" soft feel is why I'm leaning toward the HYPER to relplace my PPE.
Thanks for the review, I used it for two days and I was planning to return it as it doesn't have the same touch and feel as Joola Gen3s. Paddle is head heavy, lack power and pop. So now I will wait few more days so it will break in and hope it will perform better. I actually went back to my pro-power fusion because I get really frustrated due to stiffness add some tape help with increasing the sweet spot. Will continue for a week see how it will perform. But I agree your comparison of Gen3s vs hyper.
which 3s has this good sweet spot to power ratio? I do think the CJ has a great sweet spot but the AB and the Perseus 14mm didn't, imo. Both were "tight" and the Perseus in particular was horrible off the tip. They may have loosed up a bit but I couldn't wait that long.
I think the 16mm versions of the 3S and even the original Gen 3s felt much more forgiving than the 14mm versions. And you also get more power from the 16mm versions. The 14mm versions were initially easier to adapt to if you never previously played with a Gen 3 paddle. Once I adjusted to the Gen3s, I much preferred the 16mm version.
I don’t know why this needs to be explained. Just like a new pair of shoes with a foam midsole, they need to break in. Gearbox consists of mostly foam in the core, yes it needs to break in.
I have a suggestion for USAP: Set each new paddle in a vice and fire the cannon into it five hundred times at maximum velocity. After that is completed, start the official PBCoR testing. This whole "break-in" thing is a prima facie admission by the paddle manufacturers that their power paddle designs are in violation of the USAP rule prohibiting trampoline effect. That's EXACTLY what their doing through the use of foam surrounding the paddle's core. The USAP needs to grow a pair.
I've been playing with my GB Pro Power Fusion (Integra) for 14 months, and it's my favorite paddle so far. Didn't really notice too much change as it relaxed, and nothing about the paddle has degraded over that time. I love how quiet it is and how fast in the hands, and that it much more forgiving that other powerful paddles. I already ordered the Ultimate Hyper, and can't wait to experience it.
I agree, break in is bad - why does a paddle have to change in the first couple months or so? Of all the paddles out there combined with high price, hard pass here. Good job Chris
It would be helpful (and maybe make balance point more relevant) if it were a percentage instead of a linear measurement. 24.5 cm means nothing but 45% or 55% really tells the viewer how far away from the handle end is the mid point and it allows paddles to be compared against each other. Anyway, just a thought.
Can we start manufacturing a pickleball paddle that uses materials that don’t “break in”. I’m so tired of this term. It’s not a good thing, people. I don’t want a product on day one to perform differently on day 14!!!!!!! I buy a paddle because of the way it performs on day 1, not for how it will play differently in 2 weeks!!!! 😂
I wish Gearbox would make a 14 mm 8" widebody pickleball paddle with the same internal carbon fiber patterns and foam of the original Elongated Gearbox pro power.
They need to have people who like and who use the Gearbox Pro series of pickleball paddles test the new Gearbox paddles Because a person who normally plays with a Gearbox Pro series of pickeball paddles knows what to look for and they know how they play and they know when it is broken in and can give a fair contrasting view of the paddle in question and contrast it with the other Gearbox Pro pickleball paddles. also a lot of people do not understand the characteristic of how Carbon fiber alone plays which you can tell by the reviewers comments. less swing power when swinging the paddle gives you more control with carbon fiber, because carbon fiber is soft and flexy and more swing or harder swing makes the carbon fiber stiffer which generates more power. Also a combination of foam being stiff and hard in between the ribs/ridges of the carbon fiber makes for a very stiff and hard paddle until the foam is loosen up which happens by you playing with it which then eventually allows a person to experience how carbon fiber plays. Properties of Carbon Fiber Strength-to-Weight Ratio: One of the most notable characteristics of carbon fiber is its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This means that carbon fiber rackets can withstand significant stress while remaining lightweight, allowing for quicker swings and improved maneuverability on the court. Durability: Carbon fiber is resistant to wear and tear, making it less likely to break or suffer damage during intense play. This durability ensures that players can rely on their rackets for longer periods without needing frequent replacements. Stiffness and Responsiveness: The stiffness of carbon fiber contributes to its responsiveness during play. When a player strikes the ball, energy transfer is efficient, resulting in powerful shots and enhanced control. Vibration Dampening: High-quality carbon fiber rackets often incorporate technology to dampen vibrations upon impact. This feature helps reduce arm fatigue and provides a more comfortable playing experience.
Just a suggestion -- make the balance point metric a percentage based on the length of the paddle. It gives a better idea of where it is. Also, kind of a bad move from Gearbox not to widen that foam. It's not taking advantage of the widebody form factor. Seems they don't listen to player feedback and just stick to their own engineering wits, which isn't really ideal. You can engineer a paddle to your liking, but it's irrelevant if your players won't use it. Lastly, these break-in periods need to go. USAP needs to regulate it -- if a paddle breaks in and is out of spec, it shouldn't be allowed for tournament play anymore. If I'm paying $275, I want it to perform as advertised day one -- not day 30.
Agree with the balance point comment. I made a similar comment on John's pod a few months back when he mentioned that his Shapeshifter with the Slyce cap was in the 0th percentile for balance point... 🙄
I've got 7 hours into my Hyper (on a 30-day trial), comparing it to my broken in Pulse V which I really enjoy. Noticeably a bump up in power/pop but not unreasonable. For me it was pretty solid right out of the gates. Didn't go crazy with perimeter weighting, 3g on the 4 and 8 o'clock. While it's a power paddle it's not overdone, found it to be pretty snappy and the control is solid/intuitive, even with the higher sweet spot. Now I'm wondering how much this changes once the break-in hits, for $275 I'm guessing I'll send it back, save $105 and get the 11SIX24 in Feb when their Power Vapor drops.
Looked in the comments hoping someone would compare it to the Pulse V! 🥂
@JoshuaNougaret check out Kew's pod yesterday, he and Eddie do a huge comparison between the V, Hyper, Ripple, the new 11six24 power paddles, etc.
Do you know the pro power integra wanted your opinion on it
@@JoshuaNougaret check out Kew's pod from yesterday. He and Eddie did a thorough comparison of the V, Hyper, Ripple, the new 11SIX24 Power Vapor, etc.
I wonder if you could expedite the break-in process with a little pre-use treatment with a theragun percussion massager. It seems like you could simulate hundreds or even thousands of ball contacts in a matter of minutes.
Maybe but at what point is a simulation unrealistic? I’m sure a hammer would do the trick too…
Lol too late. Brought one last week! Love the pro series and looking forward to playing with this
Spot on analysis. This paddle requires a break in. When I ordered a pro ultimate demo it came to me fully broken in and it was LOUD and played amazing. Great power and spin. The resets and drops were effortless and the thunk sound would tell me when I made good contact with the ball or not especially when dropping or resetting out of the air. My friend who ordered the pro ultimate after my huge recommendation got his and was like dude this paddle isn’t as powerful or dynamic as you were saying and upon trying it I too was underwhelmed which made me realize that more so than other paddles this paddle requires a significant break in period. The paddle was quiet and sounded like any gen 1 or 2 paddle. The second thing is that like you said about the non linear power delivery this paddle is very much like a turbo car. At low rpm the car barely gives you anything and neither does this paddle on softer shots and especially off center shots. Couple times I would hit off center and the ball would just die and not even cross the net. But once you hit that rpm range where the turbo spools up your hit with this massive surge and that’s this paddle when you swing a bit harder on the ball. The ball sails off the face so fast that if your paddle face isn’t pointed properly the ball will easily sail out. The speed at which the ball comes off this paddle is incredible and several times my opponents have had auditory reactions to how fast the ball comes at them. Straight up a lightning bolt. The best way I can describe this pro power is that if you are feeling good that day and your playing nice and loose and confident then this paddle will be the best thing you’ve used cuz you won’t be overthinking things and you’ll have nice rhythm going but if your stiff or under pressure and you need the paddle to play super consistent, predictable, and forgiving you will make a lot of mistakes with the pro ultimate. I still absolutely love the pro ultimate and think it’s the best paddle I’ve used but it’s definitely not for everyone. It’s best suited for tennis players with massive drives, smashes, serves that use the soft game just to set up their next attack. If your the type of player that solely like to play a drop, reset, transition reset, counter type of game this paddle may be too slow and a bit too inconsistent for you. This is a sledge hammer type of paddle that if you make good contact and swing through the ball will produce some extremely high quality shots and make you look like a pro.
Thanks for the review. Very informative.
Are you going to do a PA Pulse V review?
I may talk about it on an upcoming pod. I've been hitting it a bit lately.
13:00: You mention that this paddle is among the top three with the least vibrations. What are the other two?
One could be the engage pursuit pro1 6.0
How would you say it compares to the pro power fusion/integra? That's what I have been playing with for a year and I did use the ultimate for a few months but never loved the slower hand speed. I went back to my pro power integra and my hyper comes tomorrow 🎉
When paddles are approved, are they measured in their brand-new condition, or after the "vague" break-in period has occurred?
Have you measured the power/pop after breaking in and/or weighting? I haven’t seen anybody measure the post breaking in numbers yet so for a paddle with such a big break in it would be helpful.
In order to be the most transparent on paddle tests, you might mention which paddles you put in your bag this year and which have been your favorites, there has been a lot happening in paddles and if you gave the information I indicated it would show your journey better for listeners?
Can you do the Diadem Edge 18k Speed Pro and the Power Pro?
I just tried someone’s Pro Power and was blown away. What a great paddle. I just can’t pay $275 for a paddle when the Apex and JoJo Lemona on Amazon are killer for under $40
I ordered one for the shape, the power (and hopefully not too much of it).
How does the power/pop/control compare to the Joola 3S Scorpius 16mm after it's broken in?
Good review. It takes a lot of patience to get better performance from the paddle.
Was also curious about the sweet spot after seeing the X-ray. Any thoughts on using a massage gun "thumper" to break in the HYPER? I'd be hitting 300+ drives off my ball machine to speed up the break in. I'm a sceptic concerning break in consistency. The "plush" soft feel is why I'm leaning toward the HYPER to relplace my PPE.
Using a massage gun seems like a good idea. Break it in without breaking it as you can control the intensity.
As a new player with only ping pong background, should I get this, the Paddletek ESQ/AL, Pulse V or J2ti? 6’3 230. Thank you!
Good review. Haven't used a GB paddle yet.
Thanks for the review, I used it for two days and I was planning to return it as it doesn't have the same touch and feel as Joola Gen3s. Paddle is head heavy, lack power and pop. So now I will wait few more days so it will break in and hope it will perform better. I actually went back to my pro-power fusion because I get really frustrated due to stiffness add some tape help with increasing the sweet spot. Will continue for a week see how it will perform. But I agree your comparison of Gen3s vs hyper.
I’m thinking about purchasing the pro fusion(integra) power thoughts ?
Is it a break in period or a pre banned gen3 joola "break in" period?
What are the other 2 paddles with least vibration
One could be the engage pursuit pro1 6.0
which 3s has this good sweet spot to power ratio? I do think the CJ has a great sweet spot but the AB and the Perseus 14mm didn't, imo. Both were "tight" and the Perseus in particular was horrible off the tip. They may have loosed up a bit but I couldn't wait that long.
I think the 16mm versions of the 3S and even the original Gen 3s felt much more forgiving than the 14mm versions. And you also get more power from the 16mm versions. The 14mm versions were initially easier to adapt to if you never previously played with a Gen 3 paddle. Once I adjusted to the Gen3s, I much preferred the 16mm version.
I don’t know why this needs to be explained. Just like a new pair of shoes with a foam midsole, they need to break in. Gearbox consists of mostly foam in the core, yes it needs to break in.
I have a suggestion for USAP: Set each new paddle in a vice and fire the cannon into it five hundred times at maximum velocity. After that is completed, start the official PBCoR testing. This whole "break-in" thing is a prima facie admission by the paddle manufacturers that their power paddle designs are in violation of the USAP rule prohibiting trampoline effect. That's EXACTLY what their doing through the use of foam surrounding the paddle's core. The USAP needs to grow a pair.
No you need to grow a pair and stop complaining about the Pro series of Gearbox paddles. This is no longer just an old peoples sport.
@@peteherrera1502 you reply was nonsense and do not address any of the OP’s points. 👎
Were you ever in music? That is clearly a lower pitch sound!
These paddles with long break in periods need to go away. I’m supposed to spend 275 to have something that sucks for a month? Make it make sense GB
Why does the ultimate even exist? Is the original gb power due to get delisted soon? Can't think of another reason why they even made this
Yep it will get delisted that’s the rumor hear GN coming out with another paddle have you heard anything ?
I'm hoping the next time you mention the Ripple, it's the wide body. Not the Ripple 1. Nobody has mentioned the Ripple 2.
Wasn’t going, but will watch PBS while I don’t buy.
Someone help Chris with his pitch recognition 😂😂. Got it exactly wrong
I've been playing with my GB Pro Power Fusion (Integra) for 14 months, and it's my favorite paddle so far. Didn't really notice too much change as it relaxed, and nothing about the paddle has degraded over that time. I love how quiet it is and how fast in the hands, and that it much more forgiving that other powerful paddles. I already ordered the Ultimate Hyper, and can't wait to experience it.
I agree, break in is bad - why does a paddle have to change in the first couple months or so? Of all the paddles out there combined with high price, hard pass here. Good job Chris
It would be helpful (and maybe make balance point more relevant) if it were a percentage instead of a linear measurement. 24.5 cm means nothing but 45% or 55% really tells the viewer how far away from the handle end is the mid point and it allows paddles to be compared against each other. Anyway, just a thought.
Can we start manufacturing a pickleball paddle that uses materials that don’t “break in”. I’m so tired of this term. It’s not a good thing, people. I don’t want a product on day one to perform differently on day 14!!!!!!! I buy a paddle because of the way it performs on day 1, not for how it will play differently in 2 weeks!!!! 😂
A paddle "breaking in" equals "breaking", short and simple.
I wish Gearbox would make a 14 mm 8" widebody pickleball paddle with the same internal carbon fiber patterns and foam of the original Elongated Gearbox pro power.
They need to have people who like and who use the Gearbox Pro series of pickleball paddles test the new Gearbox paddles Because a person who normally plays with a Gearbox Pro series of pickeball paddles knows what to look for and they know how they play and they know when it is broken in and can give a fair contrasting view of the paddle in question and contrast it with the other Gearbox Pro pickleball paddles.
also a lot of people do not understand the characteristic of how Carbon fiber alone plays which you can tell by the reviewers comments. less swing power when swinging the paddle gives you more control with carbon fiber, because carbon fiber is soft and flexy and more swing or harder swing makes the carbon fiber stiffer which generates more power.
Also a combination of foam being stiff and hard in between the ribs/ridges of the carbon fiber makes for a very stiff and hard paddle until the foam is loosen up which happens by you playing with it which then eventually allows a person to experience how carbon fiber plays.
Properties of Carbon Fiber
Strength-to-Weight Ratio: One of the most notable characteristics of carbon fiber is its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This means that carbon fiber rackets can withstand significant stress while remaining lightweight, allowing for quicker swings and improved maneuverability on the court.
Durability: Carbon fiber is resistant to wear and tear, making it less likely to break or suffer damage during intense play. This durability ensures that players can rely on their rackets for longer periods without needing frequent replacements.
Stiffness and Responsiveness: The stiffness of carbon fiber contributes to its responsiveness during play. When a player strikes the ball, energy transfer is efficient, resulting in powerful shots and enhanced control.
Vibration Dampening: High-quality carbon fiber rackets often incorporate technology to dampen vibrations upon impact. This feature helps reduce arm fatigue and provides a more comfortable playing experience.
😂😂 u love gearbox so much, what a rant
Just a suggestion -- make the balance point metric a percentage based on the length of the paddle. It gives a better idea of where it is.
Also, kind of a bad move from Gearbox not to widen that foam. It's not taking advantage of the widebody form factor. Seems they don't listen to player feedback and just stick to their own engineering wits, which isn't really ideal. You can engineer a paddle to your liking, but it's irrelevant if your players won't use it.
Lastly, these break-in periods need to go. USAP needs to regulate it -- if a paddle breaks in and is out of spec, it shouldn't be allowed for tournament play anymore. If I'm paying $275, I want it to perform as advertised day one -- not day 30.
Agree with the balance point comment. I made a similar comment on John's pod a few months back when he mentioned that his Shapeshifter with the Slyce cap was in the 0th percentile for balance point... 🙄
Too late 😂
Johnkew sure seems to like his new Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper 🤷♀ruclips.net/video/9tHvtmc0ohY/видео.htmlsi=_e_MYZCaSC9tQaCN
Just use a soft ball shaped massage gun head with a massage gun on it 5 mins tops fully broken in ✅🥱