Best Pickleball Paddle Reviews and Comprehensive Buying Guides by Matt

The Vatic Pro Saga 14mm lineup introduces five refined thermoformed paddles—the Flash, Bloom, V7, and long-handle variants—that prioritize speed, precision, and clean feedback. Built on Vatic’s Gen 1.5 platform with a raw T700 carbon face and edge-foam reinforcement, these paddles play fast and firm without sacrificing structural integrity. While not top-tier in spin or forgiveness, they excel in hand speed, control, and all-court reactivity. Whether you're an intermediate looking to level up or a 4.0+ player wanting a crisp, responsive paddle, this lineup offers serious performance at a competitive price point.

Episode 7 highlights JOOLA’s Scorpeus Pro IV—bringing wide-body speed and Gen 3 control to the front of the pack. Big swings, fast hands, elite stability.

In Episode 6 of Paddle of the Week, Matt tests ten different paddles—ranging from the JOOLA Perseus IV and Gearbox GX2 Hyper to the Revolin Drift Series and Diadem Warrior BluCore line. While no paddle claimed top honors this week, the episode delivers deep insight into each build’s performance, feel, and on-court behavior. From standout control options to paddles that fell flat, this breakdown offers honest feedback to help players make smarter gear choices.

This episode of Paddle of the Week goes deep on six standout products that earned their way into Matt’s bag—including five paddles and one athlete-focused recovery kit. Instead of chasing trends, Matt breaks down what’s working, why it matters, and who should actually consider using each item. If you’re looking for honest insight and tested performance, this one’s worth your time.

The Reload Paddle introduces replaceable grit—but is it innovation or overkill? I break down performance, spin (2128 RPM), and whether this $200 paddle is worth the hype.

Episode 4 is packed—10 paddles tested, one surprise winner. From Mexico heat to on-court heat, I break down standouts like the TF Select 15mm, JOOLA Perseus 14mm, GX2, Vapor Power, and more. Quick takes, honest feedback, and one clear Paddle of the Week.

Discover the Thrive Smoke 14.5mm pickleball paddle in this in-depth review. Learn about its power, stability, specs, and playability to see if it's the right fit for your game.

Franklin C45 14mm Pickleball Paddle Review – The Franklin C45 is a power-hybrid paddle designed for speed, pop, and fast hands at the net. It features dual thermoforming, precision foam channeling, and a three-layer carbon fiber face. Lighter than many competitors, this paddle delivers excellent maneuverability but benefits from added weight for stability. With serve speeds in the 74th percentile and punch volleys in the 80th percentile, it’s one of the most explosive paddles on the market. Spin is above average (70th percentile), but not elite. If you like fast, reactive paddles with pop, the C45 is worth considering. Use code MPB at checkout for 10%+ off.

The Franklin C45° is a high-performance pickleball paddle designed for competitive play, featuring a T700 carbon fiber surface with a 45-degree weave for enhanced spin and control. Its double thermoformed unibody construction improves stability, power transfer, and durability, while the PowerFlex™ hybrid core balances pop and precision. With a well-balanced feel and a comfortable grip, the C45° delivers exceptional responsiveness and consistency on the court. USA Pickleball-approved, this paddle is built for players who demand a blend of power, control, and spin in their game.

The Franklin C45° is a high-performance pickleball paddle designed for competitive play, featuring a T700 carbon fiber surface with a 45-degree weave for enhanced spin and control. Its double thermoformed unibody construction improves stability, power transfer, and durability, while the PowerFlex™ hybrid core balances pop and precision. With a well-balanced feel and a comfortable grip, the C45° delivers exceptional responsiveness and consistency on the court. USA Pickleball-approved, this paddle is built for players who demand a blend of power, control, and spin in their game.

The Franklin C45° is a high-performance pickleball paddle designed for competitive play, featuring a T700 carbon fiber surface with a 45-degree weave for enhanced spin and control. Its double thermoformed unibody construction improves stability, power transfer, and durability, while the PowerFlex™ hybrid core balances pop and precision. With a well-balanced feel and a comfortable grip, the C45° delivers exceptional responsiveness and consistency on the court. USA Pickleball-approved, this paddle is built for players who demand a blend of power, control, and spin in their game.

The Franklin C45° is a high-performance pickleball paddle designed for competitive play, featuring a T700 carbon fiber surface with a 45-degree weave for enhanced spin and control. Its double thermoformed unibody construction improves stability, power transfer, and durability, while the PowerFlex™ hybrid core balances pop and precision. With a well-balanced feel and a comfortable grip, the C45° delivers exceptional responsiveness and consistency on the court. USA Pickleball-approved, this paddle is built for players who demand a blend of power, control, and spin in their game.

Franklin Sports is helping raise the bar and write the next chapter of competitive pickleball with our all-new FS Tour Series Pickleball Paddles. The all new Tempo and Dynasty paddles are engineered to help pickleball players improve their shot-making skills and reach their maximum potential.

Franklin Sports is helping raise the bar and write the next chapter of competitive pickleball with our all-new FS Tour Series Pickleball Paddles. The all new Tempo and Dynasty paddles are engineered to help pickleball players improve their shot-making skills and reach their maximum potential.

Franklin Sports is helping raise the bar and write the next chapter of competitive pickleball with our all-new FS Tour Series Pickleball Paddles. The all new Tempo and Dynasty paddles are engineered to help pickleball players improve their shot-making skills and reach their maximum potential.

Franklin Sports is helping raise the bar and write the next chapter of competitive pickleball with our all-new FS Tour Series Pickleball Paddles. The all new Tempo and Dynasty paddles are engineered to help pickleball players improve their shot-making skills and reach their maximum potential.