11SIX24 Monarch All Court Paddle Review

Introduction

I've been following 11SIX24 Pickleball since they released the Hurache-X Control+, one of my favorite paddles. When they introduced the Monarch All Court, a wide-body paddle promising a unique blend of power and forgiveness, I was eager to put it through its paces.

This review offers an in-depth, data-driven analysis of the 11SIX24 Monarch All Court paddle. Over three weeks, I tested it in various conditions, from casual recreational play to competitive league matches. I'll share my personal experiences, performance metrics, and comparisons with other paddles to help you determine if this paddle could elevate your game.

As a former software developer, turned product leader, who's created products used by millions, I have a deep respect for the product development process. This extends to paddle manufacturers who invest significant effort and innovation into creating top-tier gear. While I strive for honest, balanced reviews, it's important to note that the Monarch All Court, despite its strengths, wasn't the perfect fit for my playstyle. However, it might be exactly what you're looking for, depending on your preferences and playing style.

In the following sections, you'll find detailed insights into the Monarch All Court's performance in different scenarios, how it compares to other paddles in its category, and a comprehensive breakdown of its specifications. Whether you're a control player, a banger, or somewhere in between, this review aims to help you make an informed decision about the Monarch All Court.

Testing the Monarch All Court

I put the Monarch All Court through its paces over a three-week testing period. My goal was to evaluate its performance across a wide range of playing conditions and scenarios.

Here's a breakdown of my testing approach:

1. Varied play settings:
   • Recreational play with players of mixed skill levels
   • Competitive league matches
   • DUPR-rated sessions for consistent, high-level play
2. Comparison testing: Throughout the testing period, I alternated between the Monarch All Court, my go-to paddle, the Hurache-X Control+, and also the CRBN 2X and 3X (much stiffer). These direct comparisons allowed me to better gauge the Monarch's performance characteristics and how they differed from what I was accustomed to.
3. Diverse shot practice: I dedicated specific sessions to focus on particular shots and scenarios:
   • Dinking sessions for touch and control
   • Power baseline drills for assessing the paddle's pop
   • Serve and return practice
   • Volleying drills at the kitchen line
4. Player feedback: I enlisted another experienced player who has used both the Monarch All Court and the Hurache-X Control+ to provide additional insights. Her observations aligned with mine - while the Monarch All Court was solid overall, its wider shape and weight distribution made it feel slower compared to the Hurache-X Control+.

Initial observations:

The Monarch All Court's wider body was immediately noticeable, providing excellent stability on off-center hits. However, this came at the cost of some maneuverability, especially during quick exchanges at the net. The paddle's weight distribution took some getting used to, particularly for players accustomed to more elongated designs.

This testing approach helped me to form a well-rounded opinion of the Monarch All Court's strengths and weaknesses across various playing conditions and styles.

In-Depth Playing Experience

Initial Impressions

Upon first handling the Monarch All Court, the quality construction typical of 11SIX24 paddles was evident. The wide-body design was immediately noticeable, prompting curiosity about its on-court performance.

Performance in Various Situations

Dinks and Volleys:The paddle offered excellent stability, contributing to consistent dinks and volleys. However, it felt less nimble than the Hurache-X Control+, which affected quick net exchanges. One player remarked they wished they could trim half an inch off the paddle's length to improve hand speed.

Serves and Power Shots:

The Monarch delivered moderate power, sufficient for strong serves and power shots without being overwhelming. This balance makes it reliable for players who don't solely rely on power play.

Control and Spin:

Control felt normal, with good spin capabilities, though not top-tier (but that hardly matters). The 11SIX24 CFC Surface contributed to spin and control, but the effect wasn't as pronounced as on some higher-end paddles.

Feel, Balance, and Weight Distribution

The paddle's feel was firm yet responsive, providing good touch for controlled shots. With a swing weight of 109-111 and a twist weight of 7.2, it offered stability at the cost of some maneuverability. The 5.75-inch handle length, slightly shorter than the Hurache-X Control+, influenced the paddle's overall balance and feel, making it less agile during quick exchanges.

Who Will Like This Paddle

The Monarch All Court is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who value a balanced paddle for all-court play (good control; good power). Its wide-body design and moderate swing weight make it a good choice for those who prioritize stability and forgiveness over extreme power or control.

Players who will likely appreciate this paddle:

1. Those who enjoy a versatile paddle that performs consistently in various situations, from kitchen battles to baseline rallies.
2. Players looking for a forgiving paddle that helps reduce mishits.
3. Intermediate to advanced players who can leverage the paddle's stability for precise shot placement.

However, the Monarch All Court might not be ideal for:

1. Novice players: The paddle's weight and wider design may feel cumbersome for beginners still developing their technique.
2. Players who prioritize quick hand speed: Compared to more streamlined paddles like the Mach 2 Forza, the Monarch All Court can feel slower and less responsive.
3. Those who prefer extreme power or control: While balanced, this paddle doesn't specialize in either aspect.

In my experience, the Monarch All Court's added stability and larger surface area benefit shot control and reduce mishits. However, these features also make the paddle feel heavier and less maneuverable. This trade-off may explain why some players, including myself, find paddles like the Mach 2 Forza more enjoyable - they allow for faster reactions and quicker hand movements, crucial in fast-paced play.

If you're hesitant about the Monarch All Court's characteristics, consider the Hurache-X Control+, also by 11SIX24 Pickleball. It offers similar advanced technologies with a more streamlined shape, potentially suiting players who prefer a lighter feel and quicker response.

The Monarch All Court is a solid choice for experienced players seeking a stable, forgiving paddle with balanced performance. However, if you're a beginner or prioritize agility over stability, you might want to explore other options.

Durability and Maintenance

The Monarch All Court is built with several features that contribute to its durability:

1. 11SIX24 CFC Surface: Combines two layers of Toray T700 Carbon Fiber with a layer of fiberglass. This mix of materials aims to enhance the paddle's resilience during regular play.
2. Unibody Construction: The edges are thermoformed, blending seamlessly with the rest of the paddle. This design may help prevent edge peeling or damage, a common issue in some paddles.
3. Foam-Injected Walls: These add strength to the overall structure, potentially helping the paddle maintain its shape and integrity even after intense play.
4. High-Quality Core and Surface Materials: These are designed to resist typical wear and tear, including dings and scratches.

Whether you're playing daily or a few times a week, the Monarch All Court is built to handle regular use. Its construction allows players to focus on their game without worrying about equipment degradation.

Aesthetics & Design

The Monarch All Court paddle features a modern design with a matte black finish and subtle blue and white graphics. The branding is minimal, with the 11SIX24 logo and "MONARCH" displayed on the face, along with a small crown graphic.

The grip uses a non-slip material for easy handling during play. Personally, I added Tourna Mega Tac overgrips for extra tackiness and cushioning. The handle design is straightforward, with 11SIX24 branding at the base.

The wide-body shape of the Monarch All Court provides a larger hitting surface, which serves both visual and functional purposes. This design aims to enhance stability and forgiveness while giving the paddle a substantial presence on the court. The thermoformed edges blend into the paddle's surface, contributing to its durability and overall cohesive look.

Key design elements:

1. Matte black finish with blue and white accents
2. Minimal branding
3. Non-slip grip material
4. Wide-body shape for larger hitting surface
5. Thermoformed edges

The Monarch All Court's design balances functionality and aesthetics, potentially appealing to players who value both performance and appearance in their equipment.

Surface Texture

The 11SIX24 Monarch All Court paddle is built with a really cool surface called the 11SIX24 CFC Surface (Carbon Fiber Composite). It's made up of three layers: two of them are raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber, and the third one is fiberglass. This combo gives the paddle a texture that seriously boosts its performance.

Now, about Toray T700 Carbon Fiber—this stuff is top-notch. It's a super strong and lightweight material that’s used in everything from sports gear to aerospace tech. What makes it special is that it’s tough as nails but still light enough to swing easily. That’s why it’s perfect for pickleball paddles where you need both power and control.

When you look closely at the surface of the Monarch All Court paddle (especially under a microscope), you can see a tight weave of carbon fiber. This weave gives the paddle a slightly rough texture, which is great for adding spin to the ball and gives you more control over your shots. It’s like the surface grabs onto the ball just enough to help you place your shots exactly where you want them.

The fiberglass layer adds a bit more texture to the surface, making it even easier to get a good grip on the ball, which is perfect for those spin shots and precise placements. The result is a surface that’s durable and really effective at helping you control the game.

In the photos, you can see how this textured surface works to interact with the ball, gripping it when you make contact to maximize spin. The up-close images show the detailed carbon fiber weave, and the normal photo gives you an idea of what it looks like during actual play.

All in all, the CFC Surface on the Monarch All Court paddle, with that high-quality Toray T700 Carbon Fiber, is a big part of what makes this paddle perform so well. It’s durable, helps you get great spin, and gives you control over your shots—everything you need for a high-performing paddle.

OEM Paddle Characteristics

The Monarch All Court paddle from 11SIX24 Pickleball is built to high standards, and its specifications reflect the attention to detail and quality in its construction. Here are the OEM specifications compared to my own data gathered during testing:

OEM Specifications:

• USA Pickleball Approved: Yes
• Surface: 11SIX24 CFC Surface - 3 Layers (2 raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber and 1 fiberglass)
• Foam Reinforced Walls: Yes
• Average Weight: 8.0-8.3 oz
• Total Length: 15.82 inches
• Width: 8.04 inches
• Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
• Grip Length: 5.75 inches
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Swing Weight: 109-111
• Twist Weight: 7.2

Comparison and Analysis

• Weight: The paddle's average weight aligns closely with the OEM specifications, falling within the expected range. My testing found it to be 8.23 oz, right at the higher end of the OEM range.
• Dimensions: The length and width measurements from my testing are slightly different from the OEM specs. The total length was 15.75 inches (versus 15.82 inches), and the width was 8.25 inches (versus 8.04 inches). These minor discrepancies could be due to manufacturing tolerances or measurement methods.
• Grip: Both the grip circumference and length match the OEM specifications exactly, ensuring a comfortable and secure hold as designed.
• Core Thickness: The core thickness of 16mm is consistent with the OEM specs, providing a solid and consistent playing surface.
• Swing and Twist Weight: My measured swing weight was slightly higher at 111.03 compared to the OEM range of 109-111. The twist weight also showed a minor difference, with my measurement at 7.5 compared to the OEM 7.2. These differences are minimal and should not significantly affect overall performance but could be noticeable to sensitive players.

These detailed comparisons highlight that the Monarch All Court paddle is constructed with precision and adheres closely to its OEM specifications. The slight variations observed are typical in manufacturing and do not detract from the paddle’s performance. The consistent quality and reliability of the Monarch All Court make it a dependable choice for players seeking a well-rounded paddle.

Pricing & Value

The Monarch All Court is priced at $139.99, which puts it in the mid-range for high-quality pickleball paddles. You can save some money by using my code, MPB (you'd also be supporting this site). For the price, you're getting a lot of advanced features — like the 11SIX24 CFC Surface with Toray T700 Carbon Fiber, foam-injected walls, and unibody construction. These are the kind of features you typically find in more expensive paddles, so it’s a solid deal if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.

In terms of value, the Monarch All Court offers a great balance of performance and durability. It’s built to last, and the combination of materials and construction means you’re getting a paddle that can handle regular, intense play. If you’re an intermediate or advanced player who plays often, this paddle gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Plus, with the discount code MPB, you can save $10 off the price, making it an even better value. At that price point, the Monarch All Court is a strong contender against some of the pricier paddles out there, offering similar performance without the hefty price tag.

Overall, the Monarch All Court provides excellent value for its price. It’s packed with features that enhance your game, and it’s durable enough to be a long-term investment in your pickleball gear. If you’re looking for a paddle that offers a lot of performance for a reasonable price, this one is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion & Recommendation

After thoroughly testing the Monarch All Court paddle, I’ve come to the conclusion that while it’s a well-crafted paddle with a lot to offer, it’s not the right fit for me. The wider design and heftier feel, which provide stability and forgiveness, make the paddle feel bulkier and slower than what I prefer in my gameplay. This echoes Braydon’s observation from Pickleball Effect, where he noted that the paddle might require some adjustment for players used to elongated designs.

However, just because it doesn’t suit my playstyle doesn’t mean it won’t be perfect for you. Make no mistake, it's a solid all-court paddle. The Monarch All Court offers a unique combination of power and forgiveness that could be ideal for intermediate to advanced players who value stability and a larger sweet spot. Braydon praised the paddle’s ability to bring more offense to the widebody category without sacrificing too much in terms of control and maneuverability, making it a strong option for players looking to explore this type of paddle.

In the end, it’s all about what you need from a paddle. If you’re seeking a widebody paddle that offers more offensive capabilities while still being forgiving on mishits, the Monarch All Court is definitely worth considering. And if the idea of a bulkier paddle makes you hesitant, you might want to explore alternatives like the Hurache-X Control+, one of my favorite (probably top 5) paddles, which offers similar advanced technologies in a more streamlined design.