Mark Pickleball OneX Pickleball Paddle Review

Introduction: The Story Behind Mark Pickleball

The Mark Pickleball OneX is a new paddle that has recently gained attention in the pickleball community. As someone who loves to explore and analyze new products, I was eager to learn more about this paddle and share my findings.

In this review, I'll explore the story behind Mark Pickleball, the testing process I used to evaluate the OneX, and an in-depth analysis of the paddle's construction, performance metrics, and on-court feel. I'll also compare the OneX to other popular paddles and discuss who might benefit most from this versatile all-court option.

Mark Pickleball is a family-run venture founded by the father-son duo of Tim and Wesley Mark. Growing up playing tennis and various racket sports, they discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with the game. However, they describe encountering setbacks with the paddles they used, from the limitations of a wooden Amazon paddle to the frustration of a Joola Hyperion breaking after just three weeks of use. Inspired by innovative companies like Tesla and iconic brands like Nike, the Marks set out to redefine the pickleball paddle experience. Their mission is to craft high-quality, affordable gear and foster a vibrant community where players of all backgrounds can thrive. With the OneX, they aim to deliver a paddle that elevates the game for a wide range of players.

The Mark Pickleball OneX has some common specifications, including:

• 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core for optimal balance and durability
• Kevlar and carbon fiber surface material for enhanced spin and control
• Hybrid shape with an extended 5.75" handle for comfortable grip and maneuverability
• Lightweight construction at 8.07 oz, allowing for quick reactions and precision shots
• USAP approved, ensuring compliance with official tournament regulations

Throughout this review, I'll dive deeper into these features and examine how they translate to on-court performance. I'll explore the paddle's key metrics, such as serve speed (51.7 MPH), spin RPM (2037), and punch volley speed (34.2 MPH), to provide a thorough understanding of its capabilities. By comparing the OneX to other popular paddles, such as the Chorus Shapeshifter and Thrive Azul, I'll identify its unique strengths and areas for improvement. This analysis will help you determine whether the OneX aligns with your playing style and preferences.

My goal is to provide an honest and detailed assessment of the Mark Pickleball OneX's performance, construction, and overall value. Whether you're an intermediate player looking to refine your skills or an advanced competitor seeking a reliable all-court option, this review will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about this intriguing new paddle.

Testing the Mark Pickleball OneX

I tested the Mark Pickleball OneX over several weeks at various locations, including in Milwaukee, Kansas City (this place is awesome), and Twin Cities area courts like Chip's Pickleball Club and Life Time Fitness. The paddle underwent testing in indoor and outdoor settings, during drills, and in competitive games.

Throughout the testing period, I alternated between the OneX, Chorus Shapeshifter, and Thrive Azul for comparative analysis. The Thrive Azul served as a reference for a more powerful paddle, while the Shapeshifter represented an all-court option.

Fellow players found the Azul the most powerful of the three, with, and anecdotally, a slight edge in spin generation over the OneX. The Shapeshifter was favored for touch, feel, control, and overall balance. Players noted that the OneX offered better control than the Azul, with fewer pop-ups, but its sweet spot was harder to find consistently.

In-Depth Playing Experience

My initial impression of the Mark Pickleball OneX was mixed. During play, I struggled somewhat with consistently finding the OneX's sweet spot, concluding that while it may not be ideal for my preferences, it could still appeal to other player types. Off-center shots proved less forgiving, with more paddle twist compared to other options. To address these challenges, I experimented with adding 3 grams of lead tape at the 8 and 4 o'clock positions on the paddle. This small adjustment significantly improved stability and control, making the OneX feel like a new paddle. Shots became more effortless, with enhanced plow-through and fewer issues with off-center hits. The added weight increased the paddle's twist weight by 0.8 while minimally affecting swing weight. The Mark Pickleball OneX excels in spin. I was able to effectively shape shots, execute sharp-dipping third shot drives, and reset opponents' attempted put-aways with ease. The weighted OneX's resetting capabilities rivaled those of a stock Shapeshifter. While the OneX requires players to generate their own power, this can benefit those prioritizing control. The paddle's balance of power and control suits 3.0+ skill level players.

‍

Who Will Like This Paddle

In my opinion, the Mark Pickleball OneX is ideal for intermediate players who appreciate a balance of power and control. Its extended handle and hybrid shape are perfect for those who can generate their own power and prioritize maneuverability. Players transitioning from other racquet sports will appreciate the OneX's feel and weight distribution and longer handle. However, beginners might find the paddle's smaller sweet spot and lower forgiveness on off-center hits challenging. For those seeking maximum power or a larger, more forgiving hitting surface, other options might be more suitable.

Durability and Maintenance

Throughout testing, the Mark Pickleball OneX demonstrated excellent durability, showing no signs of surface wear or structural issues. The paddle maintained its solid feel without any rattling or loose materials. To keep the OneX performing at its best, regularly and gently clean the paddle face with a rubber eraser between playing sessions. Over approximately one month of solid play, including lending it to others for feedback, I noticed no loss in spin, indicating the paddle's consistent performance.

Aesthetics & Design

The Mark Pickleball OneX features a sleek design, combining navy and greenish-gray carbon fiber kevlar weave with green and white accents, creating a visually striking look. The bright green handle adds a fresh pop of color, enhancing its appeal. The paddle feels comfortable to hold, with a nice weight distribution and easy maneuverability. The OneX's surface resembles the Thrive Azul, with a nearly identical carbon fiber kevlar weave. However, the OneX has a smoother surface texture, similar to the Six Zero Ruby or Bread & Butter Fat Boy, while the Azul feels grittier. The carbon fiber kevlar face with a peel ply texture feels smooth to the touch, and while not as coarse as some other paddles, the surface texture still provides ample grip for generating spin. Microscopic images showcase the intricate details of the paddle's surface.

Surface Texture

Thanks to insights provided by Justin, head of product for Mark Pickleball, I can offer a more detailed analysis of the OneX's surface texture and construction.

The Mark Pickleball OneX features a surface texture that balances grip and spin potential. The paddle face consists of a 3k KevlaCarbon weave, underlaid by two layers of uni-directional carbon fiber at opposing angles, creating a total of three layers on each face. This construction contributes to the paddle's unique feel and performance characteristics.

Justin clarified that while the surface material of the OneX appears identical to that of the Thrive Azul, there are subtle differences in the overall paddle feel. These differences likely stem from variations in core composition and the assembly process, rather than the surface material itself. The OneX utilizes a 15.5mm thick polypropylene honeycomb core with 8mm cells, which influences the paddle's responsiveness and power transfer.

According to Justin, Mark Pickleball has fine-tuned their thermoforming process to enhance the paddle's durability and performance. These adjustments aim to reduce core crushing and improve the longevity of the core, contributing to the paddle's overall feel and consistency over time.

The surface texture of the OneX, while smooth to the touch, still provides ample grip for generating spin. Microscopic images reveal the intricate details of the paddle's surface, showcasing the weave pattern that facilitates ball grip upon contact.

It's worth noting that while the surface materials may be similar between the OneX and the Azul, factors such as core composition, thermoforming process, and overall construction contribute to each paddle's unique playing characteristics. Players may notice subtle differences in stiffness, power, and feel between these paddles despite their similar surface appearances.

This deeper understanding of the OneX's construction, provided by Justin, helps me explain the nuanced differences players might experience when comparing seemingly similar paddles.

As mentioned earlier, the surface material of the OneX looks nearly identical to that of the Thrive Azul, however, to the touch, more friction can be felt on the Azul. The more gritty feeling of the Azul doesn't mean more spin, at least not during my tests.

OneX OEM Paddle Characteristics

Measurements:

• Thickness: 16mm
• Size: 16.25" x 7.75" to 7.5"
• Weight: 7.95oz avg
• Swing Weight: 116
• Twist Weight: 6.5
• Grip Circumference: 4 1/8"
• Grip Length: 5.75"

Materials and Construction:

• Shape: Long Handle Flared Hybrid
• Material: KevlaCarbon
• Thermoform Edge Seal
• Foam Injected Edge PP Core and Fill in Handle
• Unibody Construction
• USAP Approved

The shape of the paddle, described as a "Long Handle Flared Hybrid," refers to its extended handle and unique design that combines the benefits of different paddle shapes. This shape provides extra reach and comfort for two-handed shots, enhancing maneuverability and control.

The material, KevlaCarbon, is a high-performance blend of Kevlar and carbon fiber. This combination offers a lightweight yet durable surface, giving players a powerful and controlled feel with each hit.

The Thermoform Edge Seal is a specialized manufacturing process that seals the paddle's edges. This feature boosts durability and prevents delamination, ensuring the paddle maintains its integrity and performance over time.

The Foam Injected Edge PP Core and Fill in Handle refers to the paddle's advanced internal construction. By injecting polypropylene (PP) foam into the edges and handle, the paddle gains increased stability and reduced vibrations, providing a more comfortable and controlled playing experience.

Unibody Construction means the paddle is made from a single piece of material. This design enhances structural integrity and ensures consistent performance across the paddle's surface.

Finally, USAP Approved signifies that the paddle meets the standards set by the USA Pickleball Association, making it suitable for official tournament play.

Optimizing Your Paddle

For players struggling with off-center shots or finding the stock Mark Pickleball OneX lacking in stability, adding 3 grams of lead tape at the 8 and 4 o'clock positions significantly improved control and performance for me. This simple modification increased the paddle's twist weight from 6.57 to 7.10 and raised the swing weight from 117.99 to 121.45. Although this is not an ideal jump, it greatly enhanced the feel and controllability of the OneX for me. Despite the added swing weight, this configuration improved paddle stability, offering a more controlled and consistent playing experience.

Pricing & Value

The Mark Pickleball OneX is priced at $159.99, representing good value for an all-court paddle with its performance characteristics. The included high-quality paddle cover adds to the overall package. By using the promo code MPB, customers can save 10% on their purchase, bringing the price down to $143.99 and further enhancing the paddle's value proposition.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The Mark Pickleball OneX is a well-crafted, versatile all-court paddle catering to a wide range of playing styles. With its extended handle, balanced mix of power and control, and high-quality construction, the OneX is a solid choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a responsive and maneuverable option.

While the paddle's smaller sweet spot may require an adjustment period for some, the OneX's spin generation, shot resetting capabilities, and overall feel make it a competitive contender. The ability to fine-tune performance with minimal lead tape customization adds to its appeal.

I recommend the OneX to players who prioritize control, precision, and the ability to generate their own power. Those transitioning from other racquet sports or seeking a paddle with an extended handle for two-handed shots will find the OneX particularly accommodating. However, beginners or players relying heavily on a larger sweet spot may benefit from exploring alternative options.

Overall, the Mark Pickleball OneX delivers a compelling combination of performance, design, and value, making it a paddle worth considering for the discerning pickleball enthusiast.