Paddle of the Week – Episode 5: The Gear That Earned Its Spot

Welcome back. This week’s Paddle of the Week isn’t about chasing hype or reviewing the latest shiny object. It’s about substance—gear that actually made it into my bag after real testing, not just a few drills and a photo op.

Five paddles. One recovery kit. All of it tested hard. Everything I talk about below held up, delivered value, or brought something different to the court. No filler. No compromises.

Some of these products surprised me. Others confirmed what I already suspected. A few are pushing the category forward. And one—this week’s Paddle of the Week—quietly made a case for being the most intelligently built paddle on the market.

Let’s get into it.

Before We Dive In

If you’re still figuring out which paddle fits your game, try the Paddle Finder. It’s free, takes less than two minutes, and filters paddles based on your playstyle, budget, and preferences—no email required.

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This Week’s Sponsor: Bodhi Pickleball

Bodhi’s overgrips are in my bag for a reason—they just work. Not overly dry, not too tacky. They hold up during long sessions and sweaty hands. Their DRYtack grips are especially legit if you’re in hot weather or play outdoors a lot.

They also offer speed caps, tungsten tape, and build-out accessories if you're the kind of player who dials in every ounce.
Use code MPB at bodhipickleball.com to save and support the channel.

Yobow BAK PAK+ – The First Recovery Tool I Actually Use

This is the first non-paddle product I’ve featured for good reason—it’s earned a permanent spot in my gear bag. Yobow’s BAK PAK+ is a warm-up and recovery kit designed for actual athletes, not gimmicky add-ons.

It includes a mini massage gun, resistance bands, flex wedges for ankle mobility, and a trigger point ball—all in a compact mesh carry bag. The full warm-up or cooldown takes under 8 minutes. I’ve used it before league and after long sessions, and it’s made a noticeable difference in how I feel walking onto and off the court.

If you're serious about performance—or just want to avoid walking like Frankenstein the next day—it’s worth checking out.
Use code MPB at yobow.com to save.

Gherkin Nightshade Hybrid – A 14mm Paddle That Doesn’t Play Like One

This one caught me off guard—in a good way. The Gherkin Nightshade Hybrid is a 14mm paddle that offers a surprising amount of dwell, control, and connection. I expected something poppy and rigid. What I got was a paddle that plays more like a soft 16mm, with a comfortable response and solid all-court utility.

The feel is smooth and neutral, not overly stiff or harsh. Control in the midcourt is excellent, and it doesn’t get overwhelmed during hand battles. Visually, it’s loud—branding all over the face—but performance-wise, it’s tuned and balanced.

If you're looking for a fast, forgiving hybrid paddle that breaks out of the typical 14mm mold, keep an eye out for this one in April. My code MPB will bring the price down once it drops.

JOOLA Hyperion IV 16mm – A Sharper, Faster Perseus

If you’ve played with the Perseus IV, the Hyperion IV will feel instantly familiar—but with a few key differences that make it more aggressive, faster in hand, and better suited to an attacking style.

The rounded head shape and slightly lower balance point shift the sweet spot toward the center and make the paddle more maneuverable, especially at the net. Spin is elevated. Serves pop. Counters come off the face faster.

It’s basically a refined take on JOOLA’s Gen-3 platform—the version I think Gen-3 should have launched with in the first place. If you loved the Perseus but wanted a bit more firepower without sacrificing control, this is your paddle.

It launches in late April. JOOLA disables codes for 60 days post-launch, but you can support the channel by using the link on my site when you pick it up.

Proton Flamingo – Balanced Power with Durability Concerns

The Proton Flamingo delivers solid performance. It’s fast, punchy, and deliberate. Power is linear, feel is firm but not jarring, and it handles pace well. I added tungsten up the neck to stabilize mishits and give it a little more control—and that setup’s been working great.

That said, I’m not giving it a free pass. There have been confirmed core durability issues tied to one specific batch, and the company admits 8–10% of units may be affected. Proton is offering no-questions-asked replacements, which is the right move—but let’s be real, 10% is higher than what I’d consider acceptable for a premium product.

My paddle has held up fine, and performance-wise, it’s earned attention. But if you’re buying one, know the risks—and make sure you’re buying from somewhere that will support a replacement if needed.

Use code MPB for a discount directly on Proton’s site or through Pickleball Central.

Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper – The Best Edgeless Paddle I've Tested

There’s a lot of noise in the edgeless paddle space. Most of it doesn’t hold up. This one does. The Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper doesn’t just feel good—it’s built intelligently from the inside out.

Quiet, balanced, and durable, this paddle uses Gearbox’s SST 2.0 Carbon Rib Structure—foam-embedded, vertically segmented carbon ribs with no perimeter frame. What that gives you is consistency, comfort, and a subtle trampoline effect when you swing out.

The feel is muted but not dead. It’s easy on the arm and extremely stable under pressure. Power builds predictably, and control stays dialed in. The 4.0" molded handle is another standout—perfect for smaller hands or custom wrap setups.

This is the most refined edgeless paddle I’ve tested. No code, but this link gets you a free gift with purchase and helps support the content.

Tecnifibre TF Select 15mm – The Underrated Control Paddle

If you’re tired of paddles that overpromise on spin or pop but underdeliver on feel, this one’s for you. The TF Select is quiet, composed, and highly playable. It’s not flashy—it’s reliable. It plays soft, resets clean, and gives you confidence to swing freely without overhitting.

It’s a control paddle that doesn’t fight you when you attack. The feel reminds me of the Pickleball Apes Pulse—plush, balanced, and composed under fire. The spin is there when you need it, and the sweet spot is more forgiving than I expected for a 15mm build.

No affiliate code here. I included it because it deserves to be talked about. Google it if you want one. And if you’re unsure where to buy it, shoot me an email—I’ll help you find a reputable shop.

Paddle of the Week: Gearbox GX2 Hyper 16mm

The more I played this paddle, the more I respected it. The GX2 Hyper isn’t trying to grab attention with flash or hype—it’s just extremely well-executed.

The SST 2.0 Rib Structure with 22 tuned carbon ribs (foam-embedded, no frame) creates a paddle that’s quiet, consistent, and loaded with sneaky power. On soft strokes, it’s linear. On full swings, it kicks. This dynamic response is intentional, and it feels completely different than honeycomb builds or perimeter-foam models.

It’s fast in hand, stable on contact, and engineered to last. And the 4.0" molded handle? A game-changer. Most brands can’t offer that because their cores run through the grip. Gearbox built theirs from scratch.

This paddle was designed to solve real problems—vibration, breakdown, delam, certification issues. You can feel that difference every time you swing it.

No code, but this link will get you a free bonus and support the channel. If you’re looking for a paddle that plays clean, feels refined, and doesn’t self-destruct over time, this is the one to watch.

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Final Thoughts

This episode wasn’t about quantity. It was about depth. Each product featured brought something real—performance, construction, or feel that stood out over time. If any of these paddles sound like a fit for your game, grab them using the links on my site. It helps keep this kind of testing and reviewing going.

And if you haven’t tried the Paddle Finder yet, it’s live, it’s free, and it might just save you from another $200 mistake.

Appreciate you being here. More paddles, more content, and more deep dives are coming soon.

—Matt

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