Roundup Reviews Ep 1
This week’s roundup is a true "buyer beware" episode. We’re looking at everything from $250 newcomers to hidden $139 gems. If you’re looking for high-performance foam or a more durable Gen 3, here is the breakdown of what's worth your money—and what’s not.
1. Luzz Blade 2: The Underwhelmer
Luzz has had some hits recently (the Inferno, the Cannon), but the Blade 2 isn't one of them.
The Specs: 14mm elongated MPP foam.
The Feel: Despite the foam core, the sweet spot is lackluster, and the 14mm thickness sacrifices too much stability.
The Verdict: Pass. At $169, it requires too much lead tape just to feel "okay." You’re better off with the Friday Aura (cheaper) or the Six Zero Coral (better performance/grit).
2. Gearbox GBX Powers: The "Durable" Gen 3
Gearbox is tackling the "core crush" issue with a cold-pressed, foam-enhanced polymer core.
The Performance: These play a bit springier and less stiff than a Joola Pro IV. It keeps up with the best on the firepower scale.
The Durability: While we've seen one report of a crushed core, they generally feel more robust than standard thermoformed paddles. Think "Gen 1.5" durability with "Gen 3" power.
The Verdict: Buy. At $180, this is a great price from a major brand for players who want massive power without their paddle dying in three weeks.
3. Maverix Havik 2: A Stability Specialist
This paddle looks amazing on paper with high twistweight (6.4) and low swingweight (116), but it comes with a specific "learning curve."
The Good: Incredible stability for resets and blocks at the kitchen.
The Catch: Because of the cut-off corners at the top, the sweet spot is lower than most elongated paddles. If you hit near the tip for flicks or dinks, you’ll likely clip the edge.
The Verdict: Recommended (with a caveat). If you don't mind adjusting your contact point slightly lower, it’s a high-stability steal at $165.
4. PaddleTap DNA: The Pricing Problem
PaddleTap is a new brand entering the market with both Gen 3 and Foam options.
The Performance: They are "fine." The Gen 3s hit harder and feel better than their foam counterparts.
The Verdict: Hard Pass. They are asking $250 for unproven tech. In a market where you can get a Gearbox or Luzz for $100 less, there is no performance justification for this price point.
5. Element 6 Sirocco: The Hidden Powerhouse
If you want a hard-hitting hybrid that won't break the bank, this is the standout of the week.
The Feel: It’s a "hard hitter" right out of the box with high pop and power. The feedback is similar to the Zephyr—crisp but not overly stiff.
The Tuning: It’s light (111 swingweight), so we recommend adding 3g of tape at 9 and 3 to help with the slightly unforgiving sweet spot.
The Verdict: Best Value. At $139 (pre-discount), this is one of the most fun, aggressive foam hybrids currently available.
Gear Discount Codes
Ready to upgrade? Use these codes to save on your next purchase:
Luzz: DMVPBALL
Maverix: DMVPBALL
Element 6: TickleMyPickleball
Gearbox GBX: TICKLEPB
PaddleTap: AllDriveNoDrop
