Thanks for another awesome review! Very minor correction on the Spin paddle name. There's the Pro Spin (standard shape) and the Ovation Spin (oval shape). I don't think either of them are called the Pro Spin Plus. Keep up the great work, Chris!
I have tennis elbow I’ve tried a lot of paddles played including the Hyperion and others and I don’t know what it is but the Pro 😅 Black Ace is the only paddle that allows me to continue playing.
I initially was signed up for the details via email (Steve Dawson) about the paddle but found the emails very unprofessional and mostly hype with no actual details. So I unsubscribed and decided to wait until a few people had them in their hands and was thrilled when JohnKew got his. This allowed me to ask some questions. I had tried the PowerAir (and couldn't make it work for me) so I wanted to be sure that the BA was different. Thanks to JohnKew I did go ahead and order one. Fast forward 3.5 weeks (Canada) I got mine. At first people were laughing a bit about the sound (insert plywood noise comments) however in my hands it felt really good. I am typically a control paddle guy (Engage MX6.0/ Gruvn 16mm) so this was a happy surprise. I wanted something with more power but not something bulky. Like I mentioned it felt good. I was able to hit the sweetspot most of the time at first :) So after 8 hours of constant use (didn't allow myself to switch) I am still loving it. My soft game is almost as good as it was before and drives are crazy and controllable. To be different, the largest change I had to make was in serving. I will use your term 'Shaping'. My serves with my Gruvn are insane. Placement with crazy spin while still being pretty fast. I had to change my serves slightly. I needed to shape the end of the serve with a flick or brush rather than during to get similar results. I also adapted to the power and have a faster serve with a nice deceptive top spin. So in the end it's still a better serve since the opponent has less time to react. So overall I am happy with the purchase. It definitely isn't for everyone. I have let a few people try it and those with little control to begin with had a super tough time keeping anything in. Total control players would put it into the net or out. It's definitely my goto paddle. Thanks for the review!
I bought this paddle because I suffer from tennis elbow. I was new to Pickleball at the time and this is what they put in my hands and I bought it not knowing what a monster it is. But that plays great with style. But after using nothing but power for five months, I decided a different approach. I use this paddle for control and soft game and hit it hard once in a while. A funny thing happens when you stop clobbering the ball. You can find a hidden gem. And serves become easier with this racket cause you don’t have to swing as hard.
I might as well send you a msg here since it's appropriate to this video. I've put in about 14 hours on my Black Ace Pro and I now have 3 small dimples in the surface of the paddle. Definitely from use and not from 'paddle taps'. Contacted PBcentral (where I purchased it) and they are going to review the pictures I sent them. Balls used were franklins, OSO fury and Duraballs.
Fantastic review, Chris! You're absolutely right that opinions on this paddle are all over the place. I have noticed that people mostly fall into one of two camps: (1) the Black Ace has crazy power, but compared to the Power Air, the sweet spot is slightly smaller, it feels like a board, and the soft game is way worse; and (2) the Black Ace has crazy power, and compared to the Power Air, has a much larger sweet spot, feels more plush, and has a much better soft game. I'm very much in camp 2, and I know others in this camp, but I also know as many other people who fall squarely into camp 1 (you and your brother included). I wonder what it is that gives people such opposite perspectives of the Black Ace and Power Air?
Yeah, I really find it fascinating how differently people perceive these paddles. I can't think of anything else where people are so torn about a few paddles and how they feel. At least most people agree the Black Ace is solid 😂
For me-the Ovation version is the better one-larger sweet spot, more maneuverable. I agree, it’s all in the feel you like. I’ve tried the Selkirk 003 and others love it-I hated it. Felt like I was swinging a block. 😂
I LOVE ❤this paddle! I have the Ovation Black Ace. The Ovation shape gives a larger sweet spot, and for me, the round head is faster to maneuver. I have had “Pickleball elbow” in the past, no problems after PT and changing to ProKennex brand. I’m more of a control player, but needed some help with power 💥-this is perfect for me. It took some drills to get my control back-especially for third shots and dinking-but after a few outings, I think my game is better than ever. I agree with you-I hate the design!!
I have the Black Ace and my paddle does have one dent in it. I noticed it shortly after bouncing a ball off it when I just unboxed it. So I can’t be certain if I made the dent or if it came like that. I haven’t dented it since, and I I’ve have been playing with it for a few weeks now. I love this paddle! Coming from a Warrior, Gearbox CX14H and then ProKennex Pro Flight (after getting Tennis Elbow), the Black Ace is super fast in hand battles, and so fun to play with. I definitely recommend it to people that want power and protection from Tennis Elbow. I’ve heard people comment on the sound being different, but not necessarily louder than others. Another reason why I got is because ProKennex build quality is top notch. I don’t expect the paddle to breakdown like a three piece paddle normally does in about 4-6 months. I’m hoping this paddle lasts at least a year.
I'm using one now. The power is fantastic. I don't have any issues with the soft game or resets but 3rd shot drops are a bit of a struggle at times (but improving). I definitely was sailing some of my drives long but that's also improving. I found the grip too small so enlarged it. Also added some lead tape in the same spot but plan to try adding more. It helps. I find the sweet spot to be so-so but not worse than the power air. It's very loud and I have one very small dent. I like the paddle and think I may love it with a few more days of play/drilling.
I loved this paddle. Took a few games to get use to it. I had power and could dink but it gave me tennis elbow!! My arm was throbbing. I switched back to my Selkirk Invicta Luxx and the throbbing went away. I wanted to be able to play with this paddle, but could not deal with the pain. It was such a shame.
I played with the Ovation version of the Black Ace this weekend and thought it was great. For me, it’s a keeper! Thank you for another great (and thorough) review. My only criticism is that I couldn’t get the free paddle cover when I bought it. Hopefully they will be available soon.
I was ready to quick because my Tennis Elbow was so bad before I bought this paddle. Tried everything else. This fixed it. First time out played three games with only minimal pain, switch back to my old Onyx Premier and within half a game I was ready to quit. I also think it plays great, controls better than the Onyx.
Interesting review and amazing how much different an experience can be. To me, if you substitute Selkirk Power Air every time you mention the Black Ace you’d have gotten it right. I find the Power Air to be hard as a rock. I mean it took Tyson a month to figure out how to dink with it. The Black Ace does take some adjustment but I found that after only a couple weeks of play, the soft control game came easily and the power is all there. You’ll never have as much control as with a 16 mm core but it’s much more controlled in my view than the Power Air or anything from Gearbox. As for the sound. Right on the mark and loving it. The sonic boom of the Black Ace let’s your opponent know what’s coming at them and they they are not going to be able to get out of the way!
Great comment! I posted something similar before I even read this, and it proves the point that there's something weird about how people perceive these two paddles in particular (Black Ace and Power Air). I'm glad you're enjoying your Black Ace!
Had to return the Black Ace as upon receipt the laminated surface was separating around the edges on both sides of the paddle. Not sure how this could have left the production facility or order fulfillment with these obvious defects. I should receive the replacement in the next few days. Hope this was a "one off" problem and not something systemic.
Great review Chris as usual. The "loudest" (legal) paddle out there is the Cheetah "PREDION E10" It's "Kevlar" Crazy loud!!!! Power compares to the Ace.
I tried the Black Ace Ovation. I found that it was too head light for me (swing weight), which put extra strain on my shoulder. I had no trouble dinking, driving or dropping with the paddle, although I felt that the ball left the paddle face noticeably quicker than the Engage Pursuit, the Ben Johns Joola or the Electrum Pro 2. I did also flet that the paddle swung with less resistance other many other paddles. Note: I have primarily played with the Engage for the past 1 1/2 years. A few of my 4.0+ friends tried the paddle; the ones that liked the best were ones that preferred lighter (7.4 - 7.6 oz) paddles. The construction was good, the paddle was perfect upon delivery. I felt that given the smaller width, and the bumper material, it was more challenging to add weight to the edge of the paddle. I liked the replaceable bumper, it's similar to the Diadem Icon bumper in that regard. I ended up returning the paddle as the swing weigh just didn't work for me. I do believe that it will be a great paddle for many.
I have the flight. Then got the engage mx6.0. The edge guard disengaged. Then I got the Hyperion which is a nice but heavy paddle. Now using my new black ace. Best paddle ever! Great spin capability. Low weight. Crazy power.
Chris. Have you heard of the black ace core crushing over time? I have been playing with mine for eight months. How will I know that it is corrupt and time for a change? It is so loud already.
I'm not sure it will. Every Pro Kennex paddle in my area is always the standard shape. I've maybe seen 2 ovals in my time playing locally. Could just be specific to Minnesota though. I also don't believe there's going to be major differences. At best, the sweet spot may be changed slightly. If you hold it up to the standard version, all that really changed is the corners are chopped/rounded off.
Chris, does one of your videos go over your process for determining swing weight? Would love to know about what that number means, searching around the internet yields diverse answers.
Currently I’m the only resource for doing it in Pickleball. I’ve been dragging my feet on making a detailed video about what it all means for PB. The basic answer is: Lower = easier to swing. Current lowest measured paddle is 89, Higher = harder to swing. Current highest measured is around 137 I think. Hyperion 16mm is 127. It’s a better measurement to use than purely static weight. Static weight doesn’t actually tell you very much. For example, an 8.5oz gearbox is not even close to the same as an 8.5oz Hyperion.
For the price it should have a lifetime warrenty. Will you review the Veloz? I am thinking about a Veloz for my next paddle even though I don't really need one. The Veloz is 10$ cheaper and has a lifetime warrenty.
I've heard small things about the Veloz. It didn't sound like a very impressive paddle (especially for the price). Seems to have a unique build, but performance is only okay.
Big difference is Veloz has no demo program and you can’t return it. So if you are considering both, it would make more sense to buy the Black Ace first and test it out, since it is returnable before 30 days.
V900 It feels different to hit it on the carbon fiber spot and then the composite spot The carbon fiber is the V and the capacity is the other material. If you hit it on the composite spot it has a lot of power. If you hit it on the V feels a bit awkward. I had the V900 16m
Right at 4:12 is exactly why the Erne needs to be taken out of the game. Too many people dragging their foot though the kitchen, getting away with foot faults in both rec and tourneys.
Right at 4:06 is exactly why the Overhead needs to be taken out of the game. Too many people stepping into the kitchen to push off, getting away with foot faults in both rec and tourneys. 😂
Has anybody played singles with this paddle? I mostly play singles in tournaments and power is important to me. I played a bit with the SELKIRK POWER AIR while drilling with a friend and found it to be too WOODEN....I now play with a LEGACY PRO but the jury is still out on.
Thanks for another awesome review! Very minor correction on the Spin paddle name. There's the Pro Spin (standard shape) and the Ovation Spin (oval shape). I don't think either of them are called the Pro Spin Plus. Keep up the great work, Chris!
Interesting! Looks like you're right...now I can't figure out why I thought it was called ProSpin+ 🤔
Appreciate the heads up!
@@PickleballStudio ProSpin+ is the name of the texture on the Vanguard Power Air
I love this paddle. How dare people have different opinions.
I have tennis elbow I’ve tried a lot of paddles played including the Hyperion and others and I don’t know what it is but the Pro 😅 Black Ace is the only paddle that allows me to continue playing.
The amount of effort you put into these videos for only 9k followers is amazing! Big things coming! You are an early adopter! It will pay off
I initially was signed up for the details via email (Steve Dawson) about the paddle but found the emails very unprofessional and mostly hype with no actual details. So I unsubscribed and decided to wait until a few people had them in their hands and was thrilled when JohnKew got his. This allowed me to ask some questions. I had tried the PowerAir (and couldn't make it work for me) so I wanted to be sure that the BA was different. Thanks to JohnKew I did go ahead and order one. Fast forward 3.5 weeks (Canada) I got mine. At first people were laughing a bit about the sound (insert plywood noise comments) however in my hands it felt really good. I am typically a control paddle guy (Engage MX6.0/ Gruvn 16mm) so this was a happy surprise. I wanted something with more power but not something bulky. Like I mentioned it felt good. I was able to hit the sweetspot most of the time at first :) So after 8 hours of constant use (didn't allow myself to switch) I am still loving it. My soft game is almost as good as it was before and drives are crazy and controllable. To be different, the largest change I had to make was in serving. I will use your term 'Shaping'. My serves with my Gruvn are insane. Placement with crazy spin while still being pretty fast. I had to change my serves slightly. I needed to shape the end of the serve with a flick or brush rather than during to get similar results. I also adapted to the power and have a faster serve with a nice deceptive top spin. So in the end it's still a better serve since the opponent has less time to react. So overall I am happy with the purchase. It definitely isn't for everyone. I have let a few people try it and those with little control to begin with had a super tough time keeping anything in. Total control players would put it into the net or out. It's definitely my goto paddle.
Thanks for the review!
I bought this paddle because I suffer from tennis elbow. I was new to Pickleball at the time and this is what they put in my hands and I bought it not knowing what a monster it is. But that plays great with style. But after using nothing but power for five months, I decided a different approach. I use this paddle for control and soft game and hit it hard once in a while. A funny thing happens when you stop clobbering the ball. You can find a hidden gem. And serves become easier with this racket cause you don’t have to swing as hard.
I might as well send you a msg here since it's appropriate to this video. I've put in about 14 hours on my Black Ace Pro and I now have 3 small dimples in the surface of the paddle. Definitely from use and not from 'paddle taps'. Contacted PBcentral (where I purchased it) and they are going to review the pictures I sent them. Balls used were franklins, OSO fury and Duraballs.
Fantastic review, Chris! You're absolutely right that opinions on this paddle are all over the place. I have noticed that people mostly fall into one of two camps: (1) the Black Ace has crazy power, but compared to the Power Air, the sweet spot is slightly smaller, it feels like a board, and the soft game is way worse; and (2) the Black Ace has crazy power, and compared to the Power Air, has a much larger sweet spot, feels more plush, and has a much better soft game. I'm very much in camp 2, and I know others in this camp, but I also know as many other people who fall squarely into camp 1 (you and your brother included). I wonder what it is that gives people such opposite perspectives of the Black Ace and Power Air?
Yeah, I really find it fascinating how differently people perceive these paddles. I can't think of anything else where people are so torn about a few paddles and how they feel. At least most people agree the Black Ace is solid 😂
I THINK ITS DUE TO LACK OF TOUCH FOR PEOPLE, IF YOU HAVE GOOD HANDS YOU WILL LOVE THIS PADDLE
For me-the Ovation version is the better one-larger sweet spot, more maneuverable. I agree, it’s all in the feel you like. I’ve tried the Selkirk 003 and others love it-I hated it. Felt like I was swinging a block. 😂
I LOVE ❤this paddle! I have the Ovation Black Ace. The Ovation shape gives a larger sweet spot, and for me, the round head is faster to maneuver. I have had “Pickleball elbow” in the past, no problems after PT and changing to ProKennex brand. I’m more of a control player, but needed some help with power 💥-this is perfect for me. It took some drills to get my control back-especially for third shots and dinking-but after a few outings, I think my game is better than ever. I agree with you-I hate the design!!
I have the Black Ace and my paddle does have one dent in it. I noticed it shortly after bouncing a ball off it when I just unboxed it. So I can’t be certain if I made the dent or if it came like that. I haven’t dented it since, and I I’ve have been playing with it for a few weeks now.
I love this paddle! Coming from a Warrior, Gearbox CX14H and then ProKennex Pro Flight (after getting Tennis Elbow), the Black Ace is super fast in hand battles, and so fun to play with. I definitely recommend it to people that want power and protection from Tennis Elbow. I’ve heard people comment on the sound being different, but not necessarily louder than others. Another reason why I got is because ProKennex build quality is top notch. I don’t expect the paddle to breakdown like a three piece paddle normally does in about 4-6 months. I’m hoping this paddle lasts at least a year.
how do you compare it to the prokennex pro flight?
I'm using one now. The power is fantastic. I don't have any issues with the soft game or resets but 3rd shot drops are a bit of a struggle at times (but improving). I definitely was sailing some of my drives long but that's also improving. I found the grip too small so enlarged it. Also added some lead tape in the same spot but plan to try adding more. It helps. I find the sweet spot to be so-so but not worse than the power air. It's very loud and I have one very small dent. I like the paddle and think I may love it with a few more days of play/drilling.
I loved this paddle. Took a few games to get use to it. I had power and could dink but it gave me tennis elbow!! My arm was throbbing. I switched back to my Selkirk Invicta Luxx and the throbbing went away. I wanted to be able to play with this paddle, but could not deal with the pain. It was such a shame.
BOUGHT THIS PADDLE LOVE IT.THE POWER IS EXCEPTIONAL AND AS LONG AS YOU HAVE GOOD TOUCH THIS PADDLE IS A DREAM.
SORRY ALSO PUT AN OVERGRIP TO MAKE THE HANDLE LITTLE WIDER MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
I played with the Ovation version of the Black Ace this weekend and thought it was great. For me, it’s a keeper! Thank you for another great (and thorough) review. My only criticism is that I couldn’t get the free paddle cover when I bought it. Hopefully they will be available soon.
I was ready to quick because my Tennis Elbow was so bad before I bought this paddle. Tried everything else. This fixed it. First time out played three games with only minimal pain, switch back to my old Onyx Premier and within half a game I was ready to quit. I also think it plays great, controls better than the Onyx.
Love my Black Ace Ovation!! The power is absolutely insane. Soft game hasn't suffered but my backhand drive has. Operator error, I'm sure..... 🙄🤷
Interesting review and amazing how much different an experience can be. To me, if you substitute Selkirk Power Air every time you mention the Black Ace you’d have gotten it right. I find the Power Air to be hard as a rock. I mean it took Tyson a month to figure out how to dink with it. The Black Ace does take some adjustment but I found that after only a couple weeks of play, the soft control game came easily and the power is all there. You’ll never have as much control as with a 16 mm core but it’s much more controlled in my view than the Power Air or anything from Gearbox. As for the sound. Right on the mark and loving it. The sonic boom of the Black Ace let’s your opponent know what’s coming at them and they they are not going to be able to get out of the way!
Great comment! I posted something similar before I even read this, and it proves the point that there's something weird about how people perceive these two paddles in particular (Black Ace and Power Air). I'm glad you're enjoying your Black Ace!
dude, i love your content. awesome quality and the passion shines. really inspiring, keep it up💪🏼
i love this paddle and i got it on a big sale for 140 so the price wasn't much of an issue
One the great paddle on a market now. Can beat all these famous brands
Always love your reviews bro! Not only did I read the written version I had to watch the video version!!!! Love the testing of DB
Thanks for watching! Much appreciated. :)
Great job on your channel. Great quality videos
I would have to compare this to the Black Diamond from 6.0 its the hottest paddle i have ever hit even compared to the power air super hot.
Is the Black Ace Ovation the same as the Black Ace Pro only with an oval shape?
Had to return the Black Ace as upon receipt the laminated surface was separating around the edges on both sides of the paddle. Not sure how this could have left the production facility or order fulfillment with these obvious defects. I should receive the replacement in the next few days. Hope this was a "one off" problem and not something systemic.
Great review Chris as usual. The "loudest" (legal) paddle out there is the Cheetah "PREDION E10"
It's "Kevlar" Crazy loud!!!! Power compares to the Ace.
I tried the Black Ace Ovation. I found that it was too head light for me (swing weight), which put extra strain on my shoulder. I had no trouble dinking, driving or dropping with the paddle, although I felt that the ball left the paddle face noticeably quicker than the Engage Pursuit, the Ben Johns Joola or the Electrum Pro 2. I did also flet that the paddle swung with less resistance other many other paddles. Note: I have primarily played with the Engage for the past 1 1/2 years. A few of my 4.0+ friends tried the paddle; the ones that liked the best were ones that preferred lighter (7.4 - 7.6 oz) paddles. The construction was good, the paddle was perfect upon delivery. I felt that given the smaller width, and the bumper material, it was more challenging to add weight to the edge of the paddle. I liked the replaceable bumper, it's similar to the Diadem Icon bumper in that regard. I ended up returning the paddle as the swing weigh just didn't work for me. I do believe that it will be a great paddle for many.
Glad to see you had your snickers before filming this. 😉
6:20 me thinking people hitting volleys at 7am at the outdoor Apple Valley CC in MN 😁.
The Black Ace is easier to control compared to the pro flight I was using.
Great content, I just subscribed to your channel. Can you do a review of the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro?
I have the prokennex flight and am thinking about upgrading to the black ace. I thoroughly enjoy the flight, any thoughts on the flight vs black ace?
I have the flight. Then got the engage mx6.0. The edge guard disengaged. Then I got the Hyperion which is a nice but heavy paddle. Now using my new black ace. Best paddle ever! Great spin capability. Low weight. Crazy power.
Chris. Have you heard of the black ace core crushing over time? I have been playing with mine for eight months. How will I know that it is corrupt and time for a change? It is so loud already.
Love your vids! Will you review the Yonex ezone midweight or Vcore midweight?
I don't think I will be. Those paddles kind of flopped. Very little interest in them, and they are overpriced for what they are.
loudest = scaring opponents = ohhh yeah baby
why didn't you review the rounded version? i imagine that one is/is going to be more popular...
I'm not sure it will. Every Pro Kennex paddle in my area is always the standard shape. I've maybe seen 2 ovals in my time playing locally. Could just be specific to Minnesota though.
I also don't believe there's going to be major differences. At best, the sweet spot may be changed slightly. If you hold it up to the standard version, all that really changed is the corners are chopped/rounded off.
Chris, does one of your videos go over your process for determining swing weight? Would love to know about what that number means, searching around the internet yields diverse answers.
Currently I’m the only resource for doing it in Pickleball. I’ve been dragging my feet on making a detailed video about what it all means for PB.
The basic answer is:
Lower = easier to swing. Current lowest measured paddle is 89,
Higher = harder to swing. Current highest measured is around 137 I think. Hyperion 16mm is 127.
It’s a better measurement to use than purely static weight. Static weight doesn’t actually tell you very much. For example, an 8.5oz gearbox is not even close to the same as an 8.5oz Hyperion.
What is the advantage of spinning on pickleball I don’t see nobody spending the ball To be an advantage, except the spinning serve ,
For the price it should have a lifetime warrenty. Will you review the Veloz? I am thinking about a Veloz for my next paddle even though I don't really need one. The Veloz is 10$ cheaper and has a lifetime warrenty.
I've heard small things about the Veloz. It didn't sound like a very impressive paddle (especially for the price).
Seems to have a unique build, but performance is only okay.
Big difference is Veloz has no demo program and you can’t return it. So if you are considering both, it would make more sense to buy the Black Ace first and test it out, since it is returnable before 30 days.
z5 overhead smashes are eardrum damaging so i cant imagine the black aces!
Any updates after further use thankyou
Fast fwd to July 2024. $146 on Amazon. 🤯🤯🤯
120 now just picked one up
I have seen denting on the other prokennex models faces. That’s normal for their product I’d say.
How do you calculate swing weight?
Review 6.0 paddle black diamond
Actually this paddle produce less noise , you did smth wrong with you measuring
Ah yes the first three numbers: 1, R, and 3 14:36
Ha wooooops
Where's your Melin hat?!
🫸🏾 me high fiving guy left hanging at 2:09
First! Hope you'll test the Vulcan V900 series and the upcoming CRBN Power 1X/2X that's out next month.
V900 It feels different to hit it on the carbon fiber spot and then the composite spot The carbon fiber is the V and the capacity is the other material. If you hit it on the composite spot it has a lot of power. If you hit it on the V feels a bit awkward. I had the V900 16m
@@thomasbottorff9324 That sounds really dumb if that's true, especially on a $230 paddle. Kind of like the OneShot Flipshot that flopped.
@@zachcarmichael699 ha i find it disappointing. I used Vulcan paddles for a long time.
Changing your opinion about power paddles?!
Lots of easy points to be made with speed-ups / flick volleys
This Chris knows shit about pickleball. I want to play him for $1000
Lol this is a first
I’m in for Chris, let’s do it, bro!!
You have to wear ear plugs when you use this paddle lol
Right at 4:12 is exactly why the Erne needs to be taken out of the game. Too many people dragging their foot though the kitchen, getting away with foot faults in both rec and tourneys.
Right at 4:06 is exactly why the Overhead needs to be taken out of the game. Too many people stepping into the kitchen to push off, getting away with foot faults in both rec and tourneys. 😂
But it so freakin loud...
This paddle should be banned by USAPA
Spinning spinning the paddle pickleball It’s so dumb it’s all about technique, if you have the technique to spin the ball Thats all a matters
Has anybody played singles with this paddle? I mostly play singles in tournaments and power is important to me. I played a bit with the SELKIRK POWER AIR while drilling with a friend and found it to be too WOODEN....I now play with a LEGACY PRO but the jury is still out on.