Best Pickleball Paddle Reviews and Comprehensive Buying Guides by Matt

The Ronbus Ripple V2 series is here—and it's a full reset. In this in-depth review, I break down the R1, R2, and R4 models, explore the new FIRE Core tech, and compare them to Gen 3 platforms like the Gearbox GX2. Real spin RPMs, serve speeds, punch volley power, teardown visuals, and honest playtest feedback. If you’re after a poppy EVA foam core paddle with legit stability and torque-friendly shapes, this review has the data you’re looking for. When the Ripple V2 line launches on May 30, use code MPB at checkout to save.

In this week’s Paddle of the Week, it’s foam vs. firepower in one of the most loaded episodes yet! I test two game-changing foam-core paddles—GRUVN MUVN-16HD Solid Foam and the Honolulu Pickleball NF Series—the J2NFT, J2NFL, and J2NFK—up against powerhouse builds from Franklin C45 Dynasty and Holbrook ARMA Metallic T. If you’ve been wondering how foam stacks up against Gen 3 thermoform beasts, you’re about to get answers 🧠💥 You’ll hear which paddle surprised me, which one might need tuning, and why the foam paddles could be more than a trend. Plus, learn how minor weighting changes unlocked major results.

The Gearbox GX2 Series is changing the pickleball game—literally. In this in-depth review, I break down the Elongated, Integra XL, and Hyper GX2 paddles after weeks of real-world testing. Whether you're a power player or control freak, the GX2's unique SST 2.0 Rib Core, quiet impact, and dense feel might just be what you’ve been searching for. And yes, the Hyper GX2 could be the sleeper hit of the year… 🔥

Are the Ronbus Ripple V2 and Holbrook ARMA the best new power paddles of 2025? I tested every shape from both lines—including raw carbon and metallic face options—and break down spin, swing weight, twist weight, and overall feel. Plus: thoughts on the Engage Pro1 Innovation 12.7mm and a mystery prototype paddle that might shake up the market.

This week I tested six pieces of pickleball gear—including one paddle with insane spin that stole the show. From the Franklin C45 lineup to the $99 Friday Fever and the standout Volair V.1F Hybrid, here’s what delivered—and what didn’t—in Paddle of the Week: Episode 11. 🧪 Gear Reviewed: – Volair V.1F Hybrid — Plush feel, freaky spin, biggest surprise – Franklin C45 Dynasty & Tempo — Needed tuning, but power potential is real – Friday Fever — A $99 Gen 3 paddle that punches above its price – ADV Pickleball Pro Bag — Overbuilt, sleek, and tournament-ready – Brioti FOCOS Glasses — Z87+ rated with crystal-clear optics 🎁 Use code MPB at checkout to save on any of this gear 📌 Links + resources in the description below 🧠 Want personalized paddle recommendations? Try the free Paddle Finder → https://www.mattspickleball.com/pickleball-paddle-finder 📊 Looking for data? Full paddle database, rankings, and specs → https://www.mattspickleball.com 💸 Buying gear? Use code MPB at checkout to save and support the channel. 📻 Subscribe to the Matt’s Pickleball Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matts-pickleball-podcast/id1812727671 💬 Got questions? Drop a comment or join the Discord → https://discord.gg/GrWNZY2EN2 Always happy to talk gear, tweaks, or trade impressions.

Selkirk LUXX Control Air 2.0 review, Franklin C45 Dynasty Elongated playtest, and Selkirk Project 008 foam-core paddle new Maxima and Invikta shape breakdown. In this Paddle of the Week episode, I test new paddles coming to the market across drills, gameplay, and pressure points.