Matt’s Pickleball Paddle of the Week – EP.6 🔍 | 8 New Paddles Tested... One Surprised Me

Introduction

Deep Testing. No Winner. But Plenty to Learn.

Welcome back. This week’s episode took a different turn. After dozens of hours on court, switching between updated thermo builds, unique composite faces, and entirely new tech platforms, one thing became clear—no single paddle stood out enough to claim the title of Paddle of the Week. But that’s not a loss. It’s a necessary part of the testing process. Some weeks you get a runaway winner. Other weeks, you just log data, collect impressions, and recalibrate. And that’s exactly what Episode 6 was about.

Below is the full breakdown of the paddles I tested, what stood out, what didn’t, and what’s still on deck for deeper evaluation.

Diadem Warrior BluCore Series – New Core, Familiar Questions

Let’s talk about Diadem’s all-new Warrior BluCore lineup. I’ve been testing two of the nine new models: the Standard 14mm and the Max 16mm. Both are early samples with pre-launch cosmetics, but structurally and materially, they’re the same builds Diadem plans to ship in May.

This line is built around a new concept—BluCore—which uses a closed-cell Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam core instead of the traditional polymer honeycomb. That’s a big departure from what most brands are doing right now, and Diadem is leaning into the message: longer-lasting, more consistent, and purpose-built for performance and durability.

All Warrior BluCore paddles use the same Kevlar + Carbon Matrix face, and all are hot-molded, which puts them in the same family as many thermoformed paddles—but without the exact same feel.

Let’s break them down.

Warrior BluCore Standard 14mm – Speed with Soft Feel

Don’t let the “Standard” name fool you—this is a hybrid-shaped paddle, measuring 16.25” by 7.5”. The swing weight is 108.55, but because of the narrow width, it plays even faster than the number suggests. In short: it’s fast.

But the surprising part? It doesn’t feel springy or overly poppy like most thermo-style paddles. The hit feel is plush, arguably softer than CRBN TruFoam or even the Selkirk 008. The ball compresses and stays on the face just a touch longer, giving it a calm, dense sensation—not muted, not mushy, but dampened in a controlled way.

However, it’s not all upside. The twist weight is just 5.75, which is low—and you feel it. Mishits drop off quickly. You lose some forgiveness, and the paddle won’t cover for bad contact.

This paddle works best for players who have fast hands and clean technique. If your timing is sharp, the speed and responsiveness are assets. But if you’re still developing consistency, this one might be too twitchy, especially out of the box. It could benefit from added weight—but you’ll want to keep reading for why that’s not so simple.

Warrior BluCore Max 16mm – Stability and Control, Held Back by One Detail

The Max model is Diadem’s widebody option: 15.625” x 8.125”, with a static weight of 7.83 oz and a very low swing weight of 100.85—the lightest paddle in my database right now. And yet, it doesn’t play flimsy. It feels stable, soft, and grounded.

Twist weight jumps to 6.9, making it noticeably more forgiving than the Standard 14mm. It excels at resets, blocks, and soft game control. It’s not a speed demon, but the shorter length gives it more maneuverability than you’d expect from a widebody.

The 16mm thickness adds dwell and feel. There’s still enough pop to finish points, but it’s a build-and-release type of power, not a slap. With a few grams of lead tape added to the top third, I saw measurable improvement in plow-through and counterpunching ability. It took weight well—mechanically.

But then came the problem.

The Edge Guard Problem

Both paddles use a new molded, low-profile Fusion Guard edge, which is great for durability and structure—but terrible for customization. The surface is so slick that tungsten tape (even high-adhesive Bodhi tape) refuses to stay on. I cleaned the surface, taped both sides, reinforced it—no luck. The tape flew off during gameplay.

This is a major issue. If you're a player who tunes your setup with lead or tungsten for swing weight, plow, or balance, you're going to fight the hardware. I may try sanding the edge slightly to give it more grip, but out of the box, this edge guard actively resists customization.

And in a market where most advanced players tune their paddles—it’s a notable drawback.

Hit Feel – Linear, Dampened, and Composed

The overall feel of both paddles is firm, dampened, and neutral. Spin comes more from dwell and face friction than from surface texture. It’s not a gritty paddle. It doesn’t give you raw carbon sharpness. It gives you smooth contact, with enough feedback to trust your placement.

The closed-cell EPP core eliminates the buzzy vibration found in many thermo builds. There’s no hollow ring, no tinny feedback. Just a solid, consistent thump—especially when you find the middle.

And perhaps most importantly—power is linear. It doesn’t ramp up unexpectedly or get jumpy on big swings. That makes it easier to trust, especially under pressure.

Surface Area Left on the Table

One last critique—Diadem left paddle dimensions on the table. Most brands max out their builds at the USAP 24-inch limit. These do not. The Standard shape falls short in both length and width, and the Max is under-length at just 15.625”.

Why does this matter? Because it leaves sweet spot potential and forgiveness on the table—especially on paddles this light. Diadem could have added a quarter inch in length or width without impacting swing weight dramatically. It’s a small miss with real consequences.

Final Thoughts

The Warrior BluCore series brings something new to the paddle landscape. The use of a solid EPP foam core, paired with Kevlar and carbon in a hot-molded frame, produces a quiet, consistent, and composed hit feel. The paddles are unique—and that’s worth highlighting.

The Standard 14mm is built for speed and precise hands—but less forgiving.
The Max 16mm is better out of the box—stable, soft, and ideal for the control player.

But the edge guard issue needs to be addressed. And Diadem should consider pushing its dimensions further.

These paddles are officially launching in May 2025, and I’ll keep testing through launch to see if anything changes in the final production runs.

If you’re looking for a structured, durable paddle with a soft core and predictable feel, Warrior BluCore is worth a look—but be ready to live with its quirks.

Gearbox GX2 Hyper 16mm – Built Different, and It Shows

Let’s talk about one of the paddles that’s quietly become a core part of my rotation: the Gearbox GX2 Hyper 16mm. While it’s not the Paddle of the Week this time, it’s still very much earning its keep. In a sea of copycat thermo builds and slight shape tweaks, the GX2 Hyper is structurally unique—and it plays like it.

Engineered Foundation: SST 2.0 Carbon Fiber Rib Structure

This paddle is built on Gearbox’s proprietary SST 2.0 Carbon Fiber Rib Structure—22 vertically segmented carbon ribs embedded in foam. It’s not a honeycomb. It’s not edge-injected. There’s no perimeter frame. The entire paddle is a one-piece molded structure, which creates a noticeably different feel on contact.

The soft ribs down the center offer dwell and touch, while the firmer outer ribs provide stability and energy transfer. That’s what makes the GX2 feel so connected. It’s not a muted carbon plank. It’s a layered, internally supported build that gives you softness when you need it and structure when you don’t.

Feel: Quiet, Plush, Controlled

I’ll say it again—this is the quietest paddle I’ve ever tested. Not just in sound, but in the way it absorbs chaos. There’s no buzz. No hollowness. Just a refined, plush response with controlled rebound.

When you flick, punch, or block, it’s linear. Predictable. But on full swings—especially drives and counters—you get what I’ve started calling “sneaky power.” It doesn’t explode off the face like a pop paddle. Instead, it builds and releases energy through the structure. That makes it extremely arm-friendly, even under heavy play.

What really stood out this week was how silent it is compared to the JOOLA Perseus IV. That paddle is loud. Coming off the Perseus and switching to the GX2 felt like flipping on a silencer. Even flushed shots barely register an audible crack. If you rely on sound for feedback, this may take adjustment—but in noise-restricted environments, it’s a major asset.

Performance Numbers & Specs

• Static Weight: 7.96 oz
• Swing Weight: 107.5
• Twist Weight: 6.6
• Serve Speed: 56.2 MPH
• Punch Volley Speed (pop): 37.8 MPH
• Spin RPM: 2,071

This is a well-balanced, fast-hand paddle with enough pop to finish points, but not so much that you lose control.

The Handle: A Standout Feature

The handle deserves a callout. Gearbox uses a true 4" molded carbon handle—not just an extension of a polymer core. It’s foam-filled, vibration-free, and perfectly sized for players who hate bulk or wrist bite. If you’re picky about your handle, this one is a standout.

Who It’s For

This isn’t necessarily a beginner’s paddle. The ball doesn’t trampoline off the face, and players with inconsistent mechanics might struggle with timing. But for intermediate to advanced players who value control, durability, and a composed feel, the GX2 Hyper is an excellent option. And if you play in noise-sensitive environments, this paddle is a no-brainer.

Final Thoughts

The GX2 Hyper isn’t about hype. It’s about feel, consistency, and trust. Every time I bring it into rotation, it just delivers. I’m not thinking about how to tune it or fix it mid-match—it just plays. And for me, that’s reason enough to keep giving it court time.

This one’s going to stay in the bag.

Honolulu Pickleball J2K – The Paddle I Keep Coming Back To

Let’s talk about the original J2K from Honolulu Pickleball—not the J2K+, not the J2X, just the straight-up 16mm hybrid version that quietly continues to earn court time no matter what else I’m testing.

And here’s the thing: the more paddles I rotate through, the more this one feels like home.

A Paddle That Grounds Your Game

When you test dozens of paddles a month, your sense of feel, timing, and rhythm can get scrambled fast. The J2K has become my go-to reset tool. It’s the paddle I reach for when I need to recalibrate, rebuild confidence, and remember how I actually like to play. It’s not flashy, it’s not chasing hype—it’s just solid, balanced, and reliable.

The feel is what sets it apart. The Kevlar face is soft, but not mushy. You get real feedback without sting. There’s no harsh vibration, no exaggerated pop—just a smooth, composed response that invites clean mechanics and clear decision-making. It lets you simplify your game when everything else feels noisy.

Fast Enough, Soft Enough, Strong Enough

This paddle strikes an unusual balance: it’s 16mm thick and clearly built for control, yet it feels faster in hand than expected. The swing weight is 110.27—moderate—but it plays quick thanks to the hybrid shape and lean profile. It holds up well in hands battles and flick exchanges without ever feeling too head-heavy.

Twist weight lands at 6.7, which gives you decent forgiveness across the face. Mishits aren’t erased entirely, but the paddle doesn’t twist or drop off as dramatically as many other thermoformed 16mm paddles in this weight class. That gives you more margin—and more confidence.

Power is there, but it’s earned. It’s not a cannon. It doesn’t hand you free winners. But if you accelerate, it responds. Serve speeds average 54.9 MPH, and punch volleys hit 36.2 MPH, which is plenty for putting pressure on opponents once you’re in rhythm. There’s enough behind it to finish points when needed, without overshooting during the soft game.

Spin measured at 2198 RPM, and I’d describe the surface as neutral—not gritty to the touch, but grippy in action. Rolls and shaped drives come off clean. You don’t need to overswing to create movement—it’s efficient and consistent.

What Makes It Stick

This isn’t a paddle I use because it’s trendy. I use it because it helps me reset my timing, simplify my patterns, and stop second-guessing my hands. It’s not magic—but it feels natural. And when you’re rotating through a half dozen builds every few days, that’s a rare gift.

When I’m off, the J2K helps me find my game again. When I’m on, it scales with me. And when I’m not sure what’s working, it doesn’t get in the way. It doesn’t feel “engineered for effect.” It just plays like something that’s been well-considered and well-made.

I’ve logged more time with this paddle than almost any other control paddle in the past year, and I still haven’t felt the need to add lead or modify the setup. The static weight is 8.09 oz, and it plays balanced—nothing feels like it’s missing.

Final Thoughts

In a category filled with paddles that try to impress you with flash and pop, the J2K stands out by doing the opposite. It’s understated. It’s consistent. And it does exactly what it says it will—without creating extra variables or artificial “wow” factors.

At $155, it’s also a strong value, especially when you compare it to control-oriented paddles in the $200+ bracket that don’t offer this kind of feel or feedback. You can use code MPBK to save $20 at 808pickle.com, or MPB for 10% off other Honolulu Pickleball paddles.

If you’re deep in the paddle rabbit hole and looking for something to help simplify your game—or just need a trustworthy baseline to compare against the next big thing—the J2K is that paddle. I’ll keep coming back to it for a reason.

Proton Flamingo – Still Holding Court

Let’s talk about the Proton Series Three Project Flamingo 15mm. If you’ve been watching the last few episodes, you already know—it keeps showing up. And no, I’m not forcing it into the lineup. It just keeps earning its place.

Familiar… But Still Fresh

This paddle didn’t sneak up on me. I’ve had it in my bag for a while now, and each time I rotate it out, I find myself pulling it back in. It’s not the flashiest paddle. It doesn’t introduce some wild new tech. But what it does—it does well, and it fits into my game with very little adjustment.

The Flamingo is built to compete in the modern thermoformed market: raw carbon face, thermo-injected edges, foam-filled throat, and a lean 15mm polypropylene core. But where it separates itself is in feel and court behavior—it doesn’t play like a clone. It plays with intention.

Strong Specs with Real Results

This paddle is designed for players who like to attack but still need control when the point slows down.

Swing weight comes in at 117.95, giving it a bit more mass than your average 15mm paddle, but not so much that it slows you down. In fact, the added plow-through gives you a lot of confidence on drives, counters, and blocks. When I’m playing someone who hits heavy, this paddle lets me hold my line.

Twist weight is 6.7, which is perfectly solid for an elongated build. You get forgiveness across the face, especially when stretched wide. It won’t save every mishit, but it’s more stable than most raw carbon 15mm paddles I’ve tested in this shape category.

Pop is one of the best parts of this paddle. Punch volleys clocked in at 37.3 MPH, with serve speed averaging 55.7 MPH. That’s not top-tier power paddle territory, but it’s more than enough to pressure your opponents. It plays snappy, and you don’t need full strokes to generate offense—it responds well to flicks, quick resets, and short-swing counters.

Spin hits 2196 RPM, which puts it near the top of what’s currently achievable with raw carbon peel-ply surfaces. It’s more than just surface grit—the feel of the face helps you time roll volleys, topspin dinks, and heavy topspin drives with ease. The paddle bites the ball without feeling harsh or sticky.

The Intangible Factor

Sometimes you pick up a paddle and it just fits. Not because it’s soft or plush or loud or hot—just because it behaves the way you expect. That’s the Flamingo.

It’s consistent. It’s reactive. It lets me simplify decisions in fast hands exchanges and stay aggressive without feeling like I’m gambling every shot. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not—it just plays clean.

When I’m in a rhythm, this paddle enhances it. When I’m out of sync, it doesn’t make things worse. And for me, that’s a huge part of why it keeps getting court time. Even when I’m testing newer or more experimental paddles, I come back to the Flamingo to remind myself of what “dialed in” feels like.

Bottom Line

The Flamingo isn’t a hype paddle. It’s not chasing innovation for innovation’s sake. What it is, is balanced, shaped for confident play, and backed by quietly strong performance data.

If you’re looking for a paddle that brings dependable spin, honest power, and a predictable feel across a wide range of shots, this one still belongs in the conversation. It’s already proven itself—and it’s not done earning time on my court.

Available now from Proton, priced at $280. No discount codes currently available, but if you’re on the fence and want help comparing it to what you’re currently using, feel free to reach out. Always happy to talk gear.

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm – Gaining Trust With Time

The Perseus IV 16mm is one of those paddles that doesn't scream for your attention out of the box—but the more time you spend with it, the more you realize it might be exactly what your game needs.

I first featured it back in Episode 4. At that point, I liked it—especially for resets and its calm, grounded feel. But since then, I’ve logged more hours with it across different matchups and shot scenarios, and it’s officially become one of my go-to picks when I need something I can trust under pressure.

Playing Profile

This paddle sits at the intersection of control and power. It’s not going to blow anyone off the court with raw pop, but it doesn’t leave you hanging either. If you commit to your swing, it responds. What makes the Perseus IV so playable is how measured that response is—you get exactly what you put in. No surprises, no misfires. It’s linear and predictable, and that’s exactly what I want when the pace picks up or I’m trying to reset the tempo.

Swing weight comes in at 116.5, so it’s a bit slower than the Hyperion IV, but it brings that added plow-through and composure you want when absorbing drives or redirecting pace. It’s a little less twitchy at the kitchen, but it makes up for that with forgiveness and shot stability. When I’m up against power players, this paddle keeps me from getting pushed around.

Twist weight is 6.4, which puts it in the solid-but-not-crazy-stable category. That said, the sweet spot feels generous for an elongated paddle, and I’ve found mishits to be more manageable over time—especially as I’ve learned to lean into the dwell time.

Power numbers are respectable: 57 MPH on serves and 36 MPH on punch volleys, both slightly below the Hyperion IV but still plenty to generate pressure. Spin sits at 2067 RPM, which is more than enough to shape third shot drops, roll volleys, and topspin counters. The surface doesn’t feel wildly gritty, but the Gen-3 foam-enhanced construction gives the ball time to grip—especially when you use that dwell to your advantage.

Feel and Feedback

This paddle has one of the most refined feels JOOLA’s released to date. There’s no harshness, no excessive dampening, and no hollow echo. Contact is clean and composed. You feel connected to the ball without needing to overthink your timing.

The Gen-3 foam that fills the throat and shoulder area helps dampen vibration, but it doesn’t mute the paddle. Instead, it delivers a stable, quiet thump—not a loud crack or an empty bounce. You know when you’ve hit it clean, but it doesn’t shout at you.

In resets and slow-game scenarios, that makes a difference. There’s a smoothness to the paddle’s energy return that gives you confidence to slow the game down without sacrificing readiness for the next speed-up.

No Lead Tape Needed

I’ve been running this paddle stock. No added weight. No balance tweaks. And that alone tells you something—because most paddles I test end up getting a little lead treatment. This one didn’t need it. The feel is dialed in. The balance is right. There’s nothing I’m trying to correct, and that’s rare.

Would some weight up top make it hit heavier? Sure. But it doesn’t need it to feel complete. If you like your paddles to feel finished right out of the box, this one fits the bill.

Summary

The Perseus IV 16mm isn’t a paddle that jumps out at you on Day One. It’s a paddle that grows with you. The more confident you get with it, the more you’ll find yourself using it to dictate pace—not just respond to it. And that’s been the real unlock for me.

If you want something predictable, composed, and capable of scaling as your game does, the Perseus IV absolutely holds its own in today’s premium paddle landscape. It’s become one of my most trusted options—and not because it’s flashy. Because it’s reliable.

Retail price is $279.95. Like the Hyperion IV, discount codes like mine—MPB—are disabled during the initial launch window. But you can still support the channel by using the link on my site or scanning the QR code in the video description. Every bit helps me keep testing.

Let me know if you’ve been swinging the Perseus—and whether it’s grown on you the way it has for me.

Gladiator Advanced II – Lightweight Build, Heavy Questions

Let’s get right to it—the Gladiator Advanced II is one of the strangest paddles I’ve tested this year. Not because it’s wildly unique or overly complex, but because I can’t quite figure out who it’s really for.

Gladiator is marketing this paddle as a high-performance option for advanced players. Sleek, edgeless design. Premium price point. Lightweight profile. Sounds solid in theory. But in actual play? It didn’t hold up—and I’m trying to understand why.

Quick Specs and Context

On paper, the paddle brings a swing weight of 112.95, static weight of 7.76 oz, and a twist weight of just 4.7—which is among the lowest in my entire database. That matters. Because stability isn’t just a bonus feature; it’s the foundation of playable performance.

The Advanced II is light and fast in hand, one of the whippiest paddles I’ve swung. But there’s a cost: it doesn’t feel connected. The impact feel is muted—but not plush, not crisp, and definitely not responsive. Even on clean hits, the feedback feels flat. The sweet spot is tight, and any shot off-center punishes you hard.

Let’s Talk Stability (or Lack Thereof)

Here’s where things break down. The 4.7 twist weight isn’t just low—it’s problematic. Slight mishits cause the face to twist noticeably, forcing constant micro-adjustments just to keep your paddle head steady. During fast exchanges or defensive play, this becomes exhausting. You’re not thinking about strategy—you’re thinking about surviving the next shot.

And that’s the core issue. A paddle this unstable doesn’t give you confidence. It demands compensation. And at $249.99, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

Can It Be Fixed with Weight?

Maybe. I haven’t tuned it yet. There’s probably potential to improve stability with lead tape. But here’s the thing: if I don’t like the core feel, I don’t want to build around it. The base-level hit experience has to be solid before weight tuning becomes worth the effort—and this just isn’t there yet.

Final Thoughts

There are simply too many paddles at or below this price point that outperform this one in nearly every category—spin, forgiveness, feel, pop, and consistency. Bread & Butter, Franklin, Joola, Mark Pickleball, Vatic Pro, Gearbox, Chorus, and Honolulu Pickleball are all putting out better all-around performers right now.

The Advanced II doesn’t feel like a premium product, but it’s priced like one. That gap is hard to ignore.

I’ll keep testing. I’ll try adding weight. But unless something major shifts, I can’t recommend this paddle—especially not at this price.

If you’ve played it and had a different experience, let me know in the comments. But for now, this one just doesn’t belong in the same conversation as the competition.

JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV 16mm – Speed, Spin, and Sharpened Intent

Let’s revisit the Hyperion IV 16mm—a paddle I initially reviewed in Episode 5. Since then, I’ve put in more reps, seen it in more matchups, and the differences between this and the Perseus IV are becoming clearer. Same construction, same Gen-3 build, same core components—but how they play on court? That’s starting to separate.

The Hyperion is not the same paddle in a different skin. It’s something else.

Faster Hands, Cleaner Cuts

The first thing that stands out is the hand speed. The balance point is 24.2 cm, a touch lower than the Perseus (24.5 cm), and that minor shift—paired with a slightly more rounded head—gives the paddle a quicker, easier swing path. It cuts through the air smoother, and in hand battles, flick exchanges, and quick counters, it just feels more responsive.

Swing weight clocks in at 116.15, right in line with the Perseus. But it plays faster. The shape and balance give it better acceleration when time is tight. It’s snappier. More reactive. And when you want to take initiative at the kitchen, it’s the better tool for the job.

Power That Plays Under Control

In terms of firepower, the Hyperion IV brings heat—but keeps it under wraps. Serve speed landed at 57.4 MPH (94th percentile), and punch volleys hit 36.4 MPH. That’s serious pop, but it’s controlled. You’re not getting trampoline launches or erratic rebounds. It’s power that rewards clean swings, not one that punishes you when you try to do too much.

The feedback on those counters and flicks is one of the reasons I’ve been leaning into this more—it lets you stay offensive without crossing into reckless territory. You get a tight, linear energy return, not wild or overcooked.

Spin Is Real

Spin continues to be one of this paddle’s strengths. 2178 RPM is right up there in the top tier. And even though the face doesn’t feel super gritty to the touch, the actual grip on the ball during contact is excellent. That’s a JOOLA hallmark at this point—faces that feel neutral but play aggressive.

From third shot rolls to sharp cross-court dinks, the spin is accessible and consistent. You don’t have to exaggerate mechanics to get results.

Feel and Sweet Spot

The feel is dialed in. The paddle isn’t overly muted, but it doesn’t buzz either. There’s a connected, grounded sensation on contact. You feel the ball compress, especially during resets, and you can control tempo and spin without having to fight the paddle.

With a twist weight of 6.35, the sweet spot is solid but not oversized. Still, for an elongated paddle, it plays bigger than the number suggests. The Gen-3 foam does its job. Mishits aren’t punishing, and the paddle stays stable during exchanges. I’ve had plenty of off-center hits still land soft and playable.

Stock Setup – No Adjustments Needed

I’ve been playing this paddle stock. No lead tape. No tuning. And I haven’t wanted to change anything. The feel is balanced, the weight distribution is intentional, and the swing response has felt natural since Day One. That’s not always the case with elongated power builds.

If you’re someone who likes to mod paddles, sure—you can. But for once, I’m not doing it. That should tell you something.

Summary

The Hyperion IV 16mm is, in many ways, the more aggressive counterpart to the Perseus. It’s not wild. It’s not loose. It just leans more offensive—quicker in transitions, sharper on speed-ups, and more dynamic on counterpunches.

The Perseus remains calm, stable, and ultra-consistent. The Hyperion is assertive, fast, and just a bit meaner. If you're up against a team that likes to press the middle or turn up the pace, the Hyperion is the better match. And that’s why it’s been earning more court time for me lately.

Retail is $279.95, and JOOLA has discount codes disabled during the initial launch, so MPB won’t apply for now. But if you use the link on my site or the QR code in the video description, it helps support the channel at no extra cost.

Let me know what you’re seeing with the Hyperion. Are you Team Hyperion or Team Perseus? Or—like me—do you keep both in your bag and reach for whichever one fits the day?

Revolin Drift Series – Flax, Basalt, and a Feel That’s Hard to Ignore

Let’s talk about something that’s genuinely different.

The Drift Series from Revolin Sports isn’t chasing carbon copy trends or jumping into the thermo arms race. Instead, they’ve gone all-in on their BioFLX+ face tech—a patent-pending combo of flax and basalt fibers—and the result is a paddle that feels unlike anything else I’ve tested this year.

This is not just a new surface. It’s a completely different approach to performance.

A Quick Look at the Face Tech

Here’s what matters: flax is a natural fiber—lightweight, flexible, and incredibly effective at damping vibration. It absorbs shock faster and more completely than carbon or fiberglass. Basalt, made from volcanic rock, adds strength and structure. That combo results in a paddle that’s plush, stable, and ridiculously smooth on contact.

These paddles don’t buzz. They don’t chatter. And they’re easy on your arm—especially during long sessions or recovery play.

Drift Pure – Control First, Widebody Comfort

The Drift Pure is the control model in the lineup. It’s a 16 by 8 widebody with a 16mm core and a slightly higher static weight at 8.32 oz. The swing weight is a moderate 113.3, and twist weight comes in strong at 6.8.

That means stability is real. And it plays like it.

The face is soft, but not dead. It absorbs pace and resets like a dream. Drops land soft. Blocks feel confident. You get time to think—and the paddle stays with you through the whole motion. If you're a control-first player or someone who prefers to slow things down and play with margin, this paddle feels tailor-made.

Serve speed is 56 MPH, punch volleys clock at 35.6 MPH, and spin measures a respectable 2202 RPM. You’re not going to blow people off the court with it, but it delivers clean, consistent results that build pressure over time.

Drift Reach – More Versatile, Longer Shape

The Drift Reach shifts the formula. It’s 16.5 inches long by 7.5 inches wide, still 16mm thick, but a bit quicker and lighter—8.04 oz static, 115 swing, and a lower 5.75 twist weight.

So what does that mean on court?

You give up a little forgiveness, but you gain reach, flick speed, and versatility. This one’s better when you want to shape shots, accelerate through counters, or sneak extra extension on dinks and counters. It’s still soft. Still dampened. But it feels livelier in the hand and better suited for dynamic play.

Spin sits at 2165 RPM, punch volleys at 34.2 MPH, and serve speed a tick higher at 56.7 MPH. The response is honest. You’re not getting artificial pop—but if you swing with intent, the paddle responds.

Who Are These For?

These aren’t paddles for players chasing maximum pop. They’re not built to win hands battles by force. But if you value control, dwell, and feedback without the downside of vibration or joint fatigue—they’re in a class of their own.

And here’s something worth noting: they’re hand-built in Michigan, with sustainable materials, and 3D-printed clamshell handles that feel solid and well-tuned. No filler. No gimmicks. Just thoughtful construction and real engineering.

Final Thoughts

The Drift Series offers a truly different feel—more like a precision instrument than a bludgeon. You don’t get wild acceleration. You get measured control, soft landings, and clear feedback.

For players coming off injury, or those who play with long-term comfort in mind, these are serious options. And for those just sick of every paddle feeling the same—these stand apart.

Both models retail for $219.99 and are available now. You can use code MPB to save at checkout and support the channel.

If you’re not sure which shape fits you better, shoot me a message—I’m happy to help you sort through it.

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