PIKKL Hurricane Pro Review: Tyra Black Edition 14mm and 16mm – A Detailed Comparison

Introduction

In around two years, PIKKL has become a name that serious pickleball enthusiasts can’t ignore. The brand has burst onto the scene with a laser focus on developing paddles that give players maximum control and spin, without sacrificing durability. The flagship Hurricane Pro series, available in both 14mm and 16mm models, is a testament to this mission. With high-end materials like raw carbon fiber and innovative Pur-Cell foam cores, these paddles are built for players who demand precision and consistency in every shot.

A big part of PIKKL's rise to prominence is its Team PIKKL, featuring Tyra Black, who shocked the pickleball world with her stunning upset over Anna Leigh Waters in 2023. Her explosive performance, paired with her impressive 5.8 doubles DUPR rating, has made her a perfect ambassador for the brand. Alongside Black, notable pros like Gabe Tardio (6.7 DUPR), known for his aggressive style, and Christa Gecheva, David Dutrieuille, and rising star Camden Chaffin, bring a wealth of talent and variety to the PIKKL lineup. Each of them showcases the versatility of the Hurricane Pro paddles in different playstyles, making PIKKL a go-to brand for competitive players.

With founders like Mike and Erin Strommen, and Dan and Heidi Martinson, PIKKL was born from a passion for the game and a desire to push the boundaries of paddle technology. This isn’t just another pickleball company—PIKKL combines manufacturing expertise and performance-driven design to offer paddles that meet the needs of both recreational and pro players. If you want to improve your game and dominate the court, it’s hard to overlook what PIKKL is bringing to the table.

Testing the PIKKL Hurricane Pro Paddles

To really get a feel for the PIKKL Hurricane Pro series, I spent months playing with both the 14mm Tyra Black Edition and the 16mm model. Testing them across a variety of conditions, from cooler morning matches to blazing-hot afternoon games, allowed me to evaluate how each paddle performs in real-world situations.

• With the 16mm, I found it to be exceptional in the short game. It truly excels in dinking, resets, and any situation where precision is more important than power. For comparison, I matched it up against the Volair Mach 2 Forza and Monarch 11SIX24 All-Court, two paddles known for their combination of control and power. While those paddles offer more pop on drives, the Hurricane Pro 16mm felt like a scalpel for touch shots—surgical and precise.
• Testing the 14mm Tyra Black Edition was a different experience altogether. This paddle has a bit more juice compared to the 16mm, making it quicker through the air and better for all-court play. I put it up against the CRBN 2X 14mm, and the results were impressive. The Tyra Black Edition matched the CRBN 2X in terms of speed and spin, but with a slightly softer, more forgiving feel. It's a great option for players who like to transition quickly between offense and defense.

In-Depth Playing Experience

Let’s break down the playing experience with both paddles:

16mm Paddle

The 16mm Hurricane Pro feels incredibly soft, especially when you’re hitting those delicate finesse shots. Dinks, resets, and blocks are where this paddle shines. During testing, I found the paddle's response to be consistent, giving me control over every shot. However, in terms of raw power, the paddle underwhelms—on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate it around a 3 for power. That being said, the paddle's spin capabilities are fantastic, generating 2312 RPM on average. This is comparable to some of the highest-rated spin paddles on the market, making it ideal for players who like to slice or top-spin their opponents into oblivion.

14mm Paddle

The 14mm Tyra Black Edition feels much more lively and responsive. It reminded me of the CRBN 2X 14mm in how whippy and quick it felt in hand. This paddle delivers a bit more pop than the 16mm, with power around a 5 out of 10. With the 14mm, I could generate offensive plays more easily, especially during fast-paced exchanges at the net. It’s a great all-around paddle, especially for those who like to mix power with touch. Spin-wise, it produced around 2248 RPM, which is slightly lower than the 16mm, but still more than enough to put a heavy spin on the ball.

Who Will Like This Paddle

The PIKKL Hurricane Pro series is not a one-size-fits-all paddle, but it’s perfect for players who prioritize precision and spin above all else. Whether you’re a dinking master or someone who thrives on keeping opponents off-balance with soft resets, this series has something to offer.

• 16mm Version: If you’re a player who thrives in the soft game, enjoys dinking, and likes to control the pace of the match with precision, the 16mm version is ideal for you. Its thicker core is especially forgiving in resets and blocks, making it a strong choice for players who like to dictate rallies with control and finesse. Beginners to intermediate players who focus on placement rather than power will benefit the most from this paddle.
• 14mm Version: If you prefer an all-court game with a bit more speed and maneuverability, the 14mm Tyra Black Edition is for you. It’s quicker through the air, making it perfect for fast volleys and aggressive net play, while still retaining enough control to execute delicate shots. Intermediate to advanced players who want a lighter paddle with a balance of power and control will find the 14mm model highly effective.

That said, power players who rely on heavy drives might feel that both paddles lack the raw pop they need. Adding weight through customization can help, but in their stock form, these paddles lean toward control rather than all-court or power.

Aesthetics & Design

Visually, both paddles in the PIKKL Hurricane Pro series maintain a sleek and professional appearance. The black carbon fiber face gives the paddles a clean, modern look, while the green and red accents add a bit of flair without being overly flashy. The design is understated yet confident, signaling that these paddles are all about performance.

The white grip adds a sharp contrast to the dark face, though it may show wear and tear faster, especially for outdoor players. Despite this, the overall design is highly functional and visually appealing, fitting the needs of players who want a high-performing paddle that also looks great in action.

Surface Texture

One of the standout features of the Hurricane Pro series is the T700 raw carbon fiber surface. The texture is high-friction, meaning the paddle grips the ball exceptionally well, allowing you to apply topspin or slice with ease. Whether you’re hitting a topspin drive or adding underspin on a backhand slice, the paddle’s surface texture gives you complete control over the ball’s trajectory.

This grippy surface is a game-changer for players who rely heavily on spin, as it gives them the ability to manipulate the ball in ways that are difficult for opponents to handle. Additionally, the texture is durable, showing little wear even after extended use on rough outdoor courts.

Pricing & Value

At $159.99, the PIKKL Hurricane Pro paddles offer great value for players looking for top-notch control paddles with high spin potential. Considering their build quality and performance features, the price is reasonable for players seeking to invest in a paddle that will enhance their precision and spin game.

When you factor in the option to apply discount codes for even more savings, these paddles become a solid investment, particularly for players who value control over raw power.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The PIKKL Hurricane Pro paddles are excellent choices for players who prioritize control and spin in their game. The 16mm model is ideal for players who focus on touch and precision, while the 14mm Tyra Black Edition is a great fit for those who want a faster, more aggressive paddle with solid control.

Both paddles offer excellent durability, thanks to their thermoformed construction and Pur-Cell foam, and are trusted by top pros like Hurricane Tyra Black and Gabe Tardio. Whether you’re a beginner looking to refine your control or a competitive player seeking an edge with spin, the Hurricane Pro paddles are a strong choice.

Want to get one for yourself? Use my code MPB to save 10% on your purchase at PIKKL!

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