Paddle of the Week – Episode 4: Mexico Heat, Paddle Depth, and a Surprise Pick

Introduction

Alright, I’m back from spring break and diving headfirst into Episode 4 of Paddle of the Week. After a week in Mexico playing in brutal heat (yes, I still brought too many paddles), I’ve got a ton of impressions to unload. Private court at the Airbnb? Check. Competitive rec games across town? Check. Way too much paddle testing packed into a single trip? You bet.

This episode features ten paddles—some new, some returning—and one clear standout that surprised me more than I expected. Let’s get into it.

Bodhi Pickleball – Sponsor Shout

Quick thanks to this week’s sponsor: Bodhi Pickleball. Their DRYtack overgrips offer just the right blend of tack and absorbency—great dry, better when wet. If you’re trying to fine-tune your grip setup, Bodhi also has tungsten tape, paddle caps, and more. Use code MPB at bodhipickleball.com to save and support the channel.

1. Standout Pickleball CF4

Type: All-Court
Retail: $220 (save 10% with MPB)
Spin: 2227 RPM
Feel Rating: 3.1/5 (neutral)

Still holding strong in my rotation. The CF4 blends a springy power profile with a clean, neutral feel—think balance, not bias. Pop is controlled but responsive. No weird bounciness. The best part? It hasn’t “opened up” over time. What you feel now is what you’ll feel later.

Pros: Versatile, consistent, even balance
Cons: $220 feels high with similar performance available for less
Verdict: Worth a look, but cross-shop with 11SIX24 Power or Franklin C45 first.

2. Rev Pickleball Zeus

Type: Power-Leaning All-Court
Retail: $149 (save with MPB)
Face: T700 Raw Carbon, Gen 3 build
Spin: N/A

A dense, solid paddle that stays true over time—no break-in shift, no surprises. It’s a traditional power paddle in the best sense: sharp feel, easy acceleration, predictable response. Sweet spot is slightly tighter than others, but nothing deal-breaking.

Pros: Crisp power, stable, priced right
Cons: Slightly unforgiving on mishits
Verdict: No-nonsense, budget-friendly power paddle that just works.

3. Pickleball Apes Pulse X

Type: All-Court, Slight Control Lean
Retail: $199.99 (save with MPB)
Spin: 2167 RPM
Feel: Plush and smooth

A controlled, Kevlar/Nylon-faced 16mm that plays stable and soft. Power opens up slightly over time, but this is a finesse paddle first. Static weight leans light; swing weight is higher at 121.05. Doesn’t surprise you—just performs.

Pros: Plush resets, smooth response, consistent
Cons: Not a power beast, modest sweet spot forgiveness
Verdict: If you like Tecnifibre or control-centric builds, this one fits.

4. Pro Series Fuego 14mm – Element6 Pickleball

Type: Power
Retail: $169.99
Swing Weight: 122.2
Feel: Punchy, fast, but heavy

This one hits hard—like, Thrive Smoke-level impact. But with a 122.2 swing weight, it’s not for everyone. Twist weight is only 6.3, and without weight tuning, mishits feel thinner. Don’t buy this if hand speed is your game.

Pros: High-impact drives, solid feel
Cons: Heavy, not beginner-friendly
Verdict: Intermediate-plus players only. Control your resets or don’t bother.

5. Mark Pickleball UnMARKeD

Type: All-Court, Slight Control Lean
Retail: $159.99 (save with MPB)
Spin: 2037 RPM
Swing Weight: 117.99

A Gen 2 thermoformed option with a layered composite face. Slightly springy, slightly soft, and fairly forgiving for an elongated paddle. Nothing flashy—but consistent and very playable.

Pros: Balanced feel, predictable, plays well stock
Cons: Spin is below average, won’t mask poor technique
Verdict: Strong option in the $160 tier for players who value control.

6. Gearbox GX2 Elongated & Integra XL

Type: Control / All-Court
Retail: ~$250 (save with MPB when launched)
Spin: 2204 RPM (Elongated), 2194 RPM (Integra XL)
Core: SST 2.0 Carbon Rib

These are built differently—no foam, no honeycomb, just carbon ribs. Feel is dense, muted, but stable. The Elongated is slower but stronger in plow-through. The Integra XL is faster with slightly less heft. Slim 4" handles = huge plus.

Pros: Durable, refined feel, consistent response
Cons: Small sweet spots, low twist weights
Verdict: Innovative, durable, and great if you like a quiet, connected feel.

7. Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power 14mm

Type: Power
Retail: $274.99 (no discount; use affiliate link)
Spin: 2200 RPM
Swing Weight: 127 (too high for most)

This one’s powerful—but heavy. SST core delivers pop without breakdown, but the swing weight is a brick wall. Twist weight is low, which tightens the sweet spot. It feels solid, plays clean, but will slow you down.

Pros: Massive power, plush feel, no core degradation
Cons: Swing weight too high, unforgiving edges
Verdict: If you’ve got the strength and want an edgeless tank, go for it. If not, pass.

8. 11SIX24 Vapor Power 16mm

Type: Power-Leaning All-Court
Retail: $169.99 (save with MPB)
Spin: 2366 RPM
Swing Weight: 116.3

This is my favorite 11SIX24 shape. It plays quick, pops clean, spins great, and offers just the right blend of plush feel and explosive finish. Sweet spot is generous, and it’s equally capable on resets or counters.

Pros: High spin, stable, aggressive but playable
Cons: Soft shots feel a little jumpy
Verdict: Best value in the $170 power category. No-brainer pick for aggressive players who need balance.

9. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV – 14mm & 16mm

Type: All-Court (14mm = Speed / 16mm = Dwell)
Retail: $279.95
Spin: 2193 RPM (14mm), 2067 RPM (16mm)

The 14mm is becoming my go-to. Faster hands, better spin, and now—post break-in—it’s feeling softer and more connected. The 16mm has more forgiveness and dwell but plays slower in transitions.

Pros: Responsive, pro-level builds, excellent feel
Cons: Pricey, no discount
Verdict: Choose 14mm for faster play, 16mm for resets. Either way, solid paddle if you can stomach the cost.

10. Tecnifibre TF Select 15mm – Paddle of the Week

Type: All-Court, Slight Control Lean
Retail: $189.99
Spin: 2165 RPM
Swing Weight: 116.5
Feel: Plush, confident, precise

Total surprise here—this paddle gave me confidence to attack. It doesn’t overpower, but it lets you play aggressive without fear. Plush, responsive, and reliable in every scenario. Similar to the Pulse X, but tighter and cleaner in feel.

Pros: Great balance, controlled spin, responsive feel
Cons: Twist weight is midrange
Verdict: Just a blast to play with. Gave me that “I can’t miss” confidence this week—and that’s why it’s Paddle of the Week.

Final Thoughts

Episode 4 packed a lot in—from thermoformed powerhouses to plush control paddles. The TF Select 15mm stood out not because it was the flashiest or spun the hardest, but because it gave me the confidence to take risks and play my game. That’s what this series is about—finding what actually makes you better on the court.

If you’ve got a paddle you want reviewed or a question about one I covered, drop it in the comments. I read them all. And if you're picking up anything mentioned, check the links and use code MPB where applicable—it helps me keep testing and delivering the insights you care about.

Thanks for tuning in. Catch you next week.

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