Chorus Shapeshifter Pickleball Paddle Review

Introduction

Chorus Pickleball, founded by Matt Cox, is making waves in the pickleball community with their innovative approach to paddle design. What sets Chorus apart is a philosophy that resonates deeply with my own passion for the sport: the joy of sharing the game with others.

Matt Cox and I share a common practice that speaks to the heart of Chorus Pickleball - we both love giving away paddles to introduce new players to the sport. This generous spirit is baked into the DNA of Chorus, with Matt even incorporating this practice into his business model. It's this commitment to growing the pickleball community that first drew my attention to the brand.

Chorus's motto, "Find Your Frequency," reflects their dedication to creating high-quality paddles that cater to each player's unique style and preferences. It's not just about selling paddles; it's about helping players find the perfect match for their game, much like how I aim to do with my reviews on Matt's Pickleball.

The Chorus Shapeshifter paddle stands out as a prime example of the brand's dedication to excellence and versatility. In this review, I'll dive deep into the paddle's construction, performance, and how it compares to other popular paddles on the market. I'll explore everything from its innovative 3D 18K cubic carbon fiber surface to its on-court performance, providing you with a solid understanding of what makes the Shapeshifter a unique offering in the pickleball world.

By the end of this review, you'll have a clear picture of whether the Shapeshifter could be the paddle to help you find your own pickleball frequency.

Testing the Chorus Shapeshifter

To provide a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of the Chorus Shapeshifter, I put it through testing over a 5-week period. My approach was designed to evaluate the paddle's performance across various conditions and playing styles:

Usage Conditions:

• Indoor open play sessions and league games with DUPR ratings at stake
• Alternated between the Shapeshifter and other paddles for comparative analysis
• Tested both stock configuration and with 3 grams of weight added to each side just under the first bend above the neck

Duration and Intensity:

• Personally used the paddle in at least 60 games
• Total testing period spanned 5 weeks of regular play

Feedback Collection:

• Loaned the paddle to players ranging from low 3.0 to mid 4.0 DUPR ratings
• Gathered feedback on specific aspects: resets, dinks, drops, and drives (rated on a scale of 1-5)
• Engaged with curious players at local courts, explaining the paddle's features and collecting impromptu feedback

This testing approach gave me a clear picture of how the Shapeshifter performs for different players and in various game situations. Switching between paddles helped me spot what I liked and didn't like about the Shapeshifter. By combining my own experience with feedback from other players, I got a complete view of what this paddle can do.

In-Depth Playing Experience with the Shapeshifter

From the first few swings, the Shapeshifter impressed with its versatility. It quickly became apparent that this paddle is designed to be a jack-of-all-trades, excelling in multiple aspects of the game rather than specializing in just one area on the court.

The Shapeshifter lives up to its name, adapting seamlessly to different playing styles and shot types.

Here's a breakdown of its performance in key areas:

1. Power and Control: With a power/control profile of 3 out of 5, the Shapeshifter strikes a good balance. It offers enough power for decisive shots without sacrificing the control needed for precise placement.
2. Spin: The paddle's spin capabilities are impressive. I gave it a rating of 4 out of 5. The 3D 18K cubic carbon fiber triaxial weave surface is key to this, letting players put high spin on the ball. With a measured spin rate of 2,297 RPM, this is top-tier spin. It outperforms many other paddles.
3. Feel: Despite its firm surface (87 Shore D hardness), the Shapeshifter provides a surprisingly soft feel. I rated it 2 out of 5 for softness. This unique combination allows for excellent ball control without the "dead" feeling sometimes associated with softer paddles.
4. Forgiveness: With a forgiveness rating of 3 out of 5, the Shapeshifter offers a good sweet spot, making it suitable for players still working on consistent center-face contact.
5. Shot Execution:
   • Dinks and Drops: Rated 4 out of 5, the paddle excels in touch shots, allowing for precise control at the net.
   • Resets: Also rated 4 out of 5, the Shapeshifter makes it easy to absorb power and return soft, controlled shots.
   • Drives: With a serve speed of 50.5 MPH and punch volley speed of 36.1 MPH, the paddle provides a balanced approach to aggressive play when needed.

The paddle's performance is further enhanced by its physical characteristics:

• Swing Weight: 117.95
• Twist Weight: 6.56
• Balance Point: 24.2 mm from the base of the handle

These metrics contribute to the paddle's excellent maneuverability and stability, allowing for quick reactions and consistent shot execution.

Who Will Like This Paddle

The Chorus Shapeshifter is a versatile paddle that caters to a wide range of players:

1. Beginners: The paddle's forgiving nature and balanced performance make it an excellent choice for those new to the sport.
2. Intermediate Players: With its blend of control, spin, and power, the Shapeshifter is perfect for players looking to elevate their game across all aspects.
3. Advanced Players: The paddle's precision and ability to generate high spin (2,297 RPM) will appeal to skilled players who value shot placement and variety.
4. All-Court Players: Those who enjoy a well-rounded game will appreciate the Shapeshifter's ability to perform well in various situations, from soft dinks to powerful drives.
5. Spin Enthusiasts: With its industry-leading spin potential, players who love to add spin to their shots will find the Shapeshifter particularly satisfying.

Aesthetics & Design

The Shapeshifter boasts a sleek and modern design. Its hybrid shape sets it apart from traditional paddle designs, offering a unique visual appeal that matches its versatile performance.

While the paddle's overall design is impressive, the grip leaves something to be desired. The ribbed grip, measuring 5.07" in length and 4.5" in circumference, may not be to everyone's liking. Many players, including myself, find it uncomfortable and opt to replace it with an overgrip like the Tourna Mega Tac Extra Tacky Overgrip.

Surface Texture

The 3D 18K cubic carbon fiber triaxial weave is a cutting-edge material revolutionizing paddle surface technology. To truly appreciate its unique properties, we examined the surface under a microscope at 100x and 1000x magnification.

At 100x magnification, you can see the complex weave pattern of the 3D 18K cubic carbon fiber. The triaxial structure, with fibers oriented in three directions (0°, +60°, -60°), is evident. This unique arrangement provides superior strength and stiffness compared to traditional biaxial weaves, while also creating a surface topography that enhances grip and spin potential.

The 1000x magnification reveals the intricate 18K carbon fiber. Each bundle contains a staggering 18,000 individual carbon filaments, resulting in incredibly fine fibers. This high filament count creates a denser, stronger, and more responsive surface. The image also showcases how the cubic carbon fiber structure allows for strength in all three dimensions, not just along the fiber length as in traditional carbon fiber.

Here's what makes this surface special:

1. 3D Structure: The complex surface topography enhances grip and spin potential.
2. 18K Fiber Bundles: The high filament count results in a denser, stronger surface.
3. Cubic Carbon Fiber: Provides strength in all three dimensions.
4. Triaxial Weave: Fibers oriented in three directions for superior strength and stiffness.

This innovative surface is the top layer of a three-layer sandwich on each side of the polypropylene core:

1. Top Layer: 3D 18K cubic carbon fiber (Toray brand) for flexibility and increased ball dwell time.
2. Middle Layer: Toray T700 carbon fiber for added strength and responsiveness.
3. Bottom Layer: Premium fiberglass as a power-enhancing backstop.

This complex layering creates a unique blend of soft touch with pop, allowing for precise control with the ability to unleash power when needed. The increased dwell time from the 18K surface is crucial for spin generation and shot control, contributing to the paddle's impressive 2,297 RPM spin rate.

Surprisingly, despite its complex microscopic structure, the surface feels smoother to the touch than one might expect, given its spin-generating capabilities. This smooth yet effective surface distinguishes it from more overtly textured paddles, making it challenging to identify by touch alone.

Even after extensive use, the surface shows minimal wear, maintaining its performance and spin capabilities. This durability, visible even at high magnification, ensures consistent play over an extended period, a significant advantage for serious players.

OEM Paddle Characteristics

• Frequency: 368 Hz (Musical note ~F#4)
• Construction: Thermoformed, Unibody, Foam-injected edges
• Surface: Toray 3D 18k Cubic Carbon Triaxial Weave
• Length: 16.3"
• Width: 7.7" to 7.5"  
• Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Grip Length: 5.3" (Overwraps comfortably to 5.5")
• Grip Circumference: 4.25"
• Weight: 8.1oz +/- 0.2oz
• Swing Weight Avg: 117 kg·cm²
• Twist Weight Avg: 6.7 kg·cm²

Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. Top-Tier Spin: With a remarkable spin rate of 2,297 RPM, the Shapeshifter outperforms many competitors, allowing players to execute a wide variety of shots with excellent control and deception.
2. Balanced Performance: The power/control profile of 3 out of 5 offers an excellent balance, suitable for a wide range of playing styles and skill levels.
3. Excellent Touch and Control: Rated 4 out of 5 for both shot resetting and touch shots, the Shapeshifter excels in finesse play, making it ideal for soft game enthusiasts.
4. Versatile Power: With a serve speed of 50.5 MPH and punch volley speed of 36.1 MPH, the paddle provides enough power for aggressive play when needed, without sacrificing control.
5. Innovative Surface Technology: The 3D 18K cubic carbon fiber triaxial weave surface provides a unique blend of grip, spin, and durability, contributing to the paddle's overall performance.

Cons:

1. Grip Comfort: The stock ribbed grip may not be comfortable for all players, potentially requiring replacement with an overgrip for optimal comfort and performance.
2. Moderate Power Output: With a power rating of 3 out of 5, players who prioritize raw power in their game might find the Shapeshifter slightly lacking compared to more power-oriented paddles.
3. Learning Curve: The paddle's versatility and hybrid shape may require an adjustment period for some players to fully harness its capabilities, especially in terms of maximizing spin potential.
4. Price Point: At $189.99, it's a significant investment. Although it offers excellent value for its performance, the price may be a barrier for budget-conscious players.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The Chorus Shapeshifter lives up to its name, offering a truly versatile playing experience that adapts to various styles and skill levels. Its blend of control, industry-leading spin (2,297 RPM), and balanced power, coupled with its innovative surface technology, makes it a standout option in the crowded pickleball paddle market.

While it may not be the absolute best in any single category, its well-rounded performance across all aspects of the game makes it an excellent choice for players looking to elevate their all-court game. The paddle's durability and consistent performance over time add to its value proposition.

The only significant drawback is the stock grip, but this is easily remedied with an overgrip of your choice. For players seeking a paddle that can do it all without breaking the bank, the Chorus Shapeshifter is a compelling option that deserves serious consideration.

Final Verdict: Highly Recommended for all-court players and those looking for a versatile, high-performance paddle at a reasonable price point. The Shapeshifter's exceptional spin capabilities and balanced performance make it a top paddle buy.

Ready to Buy?

Ready to make the Shapeshifter your new on-court companion? Don't forget to use a discount code MPB at checkout to get 10% off your purchase. This brings the price down to $171, making this versatile, high-performance paddle an even better value.

Remember, finding the right paddle is a personal journey. The Shapeshifter's blend of control, industry-leading spin, and balanced power could be just what you need to find your perfect pickleball frequency. Happy playing!