Pickleball is one of America’s fastest-growing sports. Here are 3 Steps to Getting Started in Pickleball by Rush Walters.

3 Steps to Getting Started in Pickleball

“For the rapidly decreasing number of Americans who’ve never heard of pickleball, the obscure paddleball game is one of America’s fastest-growing sports.” Shannon Mullen, npr.org. But how do you get going? Let’s go through the 3 Steps to Getting Started in Pickleball.

So you want to join in on the fun, but you have some questions. What is Pickleball? Is it like ping pong on a tennis court?

Well, not exactly, but you do use paddles, and you do play on a smaller court.

My favorite aspect of the growing sport is that it is a lifetime sport. I can continue playing this game even when I get older. Honestly, most of the players I play against at my community center’s open court are 45+. I am not going to lie; some of them can school me. Never underestimate age and strategic ball placement.

Also, before we dive into the three steps to starting your pickleball career, do not worry about your previous racquet or paddle ball sports experience. I came from a tennis background and could apply my technique to pickleball. Obviously, tennis, racquetball, or other similar sports will help you pick up the game, but you do not need any requirements or previous experience to get started.

STEP 1: Understanding the Game

Pickleballmax.com provides an excellent diagram of the court’s dimensions, as seen below:

The classic game of pickleball is played in two formats, either singles or doubles. Now there are variations of other pickleball “games” played, such as cutthroat and skinny singles, but those are more or less modified games. The big reason why you would play cutthroat is that you have an odd man out for doubles. Therefore you only have 3 players. Skinny singles are just a slower-paced game; all you do is play singles on half of the court.

Basic Rules for Singles and Doubles

The first player to 11 points wins the game, but you have to win by two points. For example, if the game is scored 10-11, it is not over until one player is two points ahead of the other player after already having made it to 11 points. You can go on and on and on until someone reaches two points ahead of the other player. Before each serve, the player serving must call out the score. You always start with your score first, then your opponent’s. In doubles, you begin by stating your score first, your opponents, then who is serving on your side. If the score is 3 for you, 2 for your opponents, and you are the second server, you would state “322.”

You can only score a point when you are serving. If you are not serving and you win the “point,” you are only winning the ability to serve or possessing the ball. You typically win a point when your opponent messes up a shot or cannot return your shot. Examples: your opponent hits the ball out of bounds or hits it at the net, they allow the ball to bounce twice on their side of the court, and anything, where a player cannot return a ball, is considered a point for the other team.

The first serve of the game is always started on the right side of the court. The server always serves across the court. Determining who serves first can be decided in several ways, you could flip a coin, play rock paper scissors, or spin your paddle, similar to tennis. That being said, during open court play at my community center, by default, we always have the left side of the court serve first (I put an “FS” on the diagram above to better explain where players serve first at my community center).

When serving, you can only make contact with the ball below your waist. Making contact with the ball above your waist during a serve is illegal. You must always serve behind the baseline.

Two-Bounce Rule

A player cannot hit the ball in the air, before it makes contact with the ground within the first 2 passes of the ball. The ball must bounce on the ground first before you hit it from a serve and before you hit it from the return of the serve. This rule essentially eliminates a player from hitting a “dominating” shot right off the bat.

Kitchen Rules

“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” – Unknown

This quote existed way before pickleball, but the principle behind it applies. The kitchen can be an intense play area, especially when the ball gets moving.

You can only step inside the kitchen when the ball has bounced inside the kitchen. If you step in the kitchen accidentally or on a follow-through, it is a fault, and you give a point to your opponent.

For a full run-down on the extensive rules of pickleball, I would suggest referencing the 2023 USA Pickleball official rule book.

STEP 2: Equipment Needed

Shoes, and paddles, knees and toes, knees and toes.

This step is fairly self-learned, but I wanted to give you a rundown on the equipment you need to get started.

Obviously, wear athletic clothes to play pickleball, no jeans or any type of formal wear. As for shoes, you can start with an athletic shoe, but if you decide to truly pick up the sport I would recommend using an official pickleball shoe or a tennis shoe. I wear my tennis shoes when I play, and they work great. You could easily get away with using an official pair of racquetball and/or ping-pong shoes. The big difference between a run-of-the-mill athletic shoe and a pickleball shoe is its ability to grip the court. Official tennis and pickleball shoes are reinforced with a great amount of rubber on the soles in order to grip the court and last for a longer period of time. The gritty surface of an outdoor court can eat away at simple athletic shoes quickly!

I currently wear Adidas’ Defiant Bounce 2.0.

Also, as for a bag, you do not have to have one to start out. I used to hold my pickleball gear in an older drawl-string bag in my closet. My wife bought me the Franklin Pickleball Sling Bag for Christmas, which comfortably holds three paddles. I can force it to hold four if needed; I probably need to upgrade my bag sometime.

Paddles

My paddle recommendation for a beginner player differs for intermediate and advanced players.

When you are just getting started and testing the waters/unsure if you want to invest yourself in the sport truly, I would recommend just getting a pack of two paddles, such as Niupipo Paddles.

My wife bought me that exact set for Christmas a couple of years ago when I was testing the waters of Pickleball. As soon as I got serious about it, I researched what type of paddle I wanted based on my tennis style of play. I chose to focus on spin and control rather than power. Therefore I read reviews online and concluded that the Joola Vision CGS 14 was the paddle for me. Check out my review of it here.

If you want to go more of a power route, I would recommend starting with Stiga’s Aviox Fiber Poly Pro Paddle, and then upgrading to the Stiga Aviox Carbon Nomex.

As for a top-tier power paddle, I would suggest looking at ProKennex Black Ace Pro. I have yet to review this paddle, but it is on my to-do list! This would be a paddle for an upper intermediate to advanced player.

There are plenty of mid-range paddles too, where offer a unique blend of spin and power. Paddle choice truly comes down to personal preference and your goals with Pickleball.

STEP 3: Practice Practice Practice

As with anything else, if you want to get better at something, you must consistently practice it over and over and over; consistency is key especially in Pickleball. The saying “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it,” very much applies to Pickleball as well.

I try to play with a group at my community center weekly consistently. We play doubles from 12-3 Monday – Friday and then Monday nights from 6-8. People of all ages and skill levels play this sport. Open play is perfect for anyone wanting to learn pickleball. You might run into a grumpy person every now and then, but from my experience, most players are happy to teach others how to play during open court.

Strive to learn the following swings: forehand, backhand, serving, dinks, overheads, and volleys. I plan to cover these forms in detail in a future tennisnerd.net article.

Once you have gained some experience, I challenge you to enter into a local tournament. Grow, grow and keep on growing. You can only get out of it, what you put into it. When I used to coach a local high school boy’s tennis team I would tell them that I am giving you this seed of knowledge and you must water it to make it grow. I cannot water it for you, I can teach you how to water it, but I cannot nor can anyone else water it for you. Storms, weeds, droughts will come, but you must strive to continue to grow your seed.

I pull this from the parable of the seed in Matthew 13 from the Bible.

In terms of Pickleball, the seed is the learning of the game. Only you can improve yourself/water your seed to make it grow. There will be those out there to help, but only you can make yourself better. There will be challenges too, the weeds, storms, droughts, etc. You need to keep watering your seed, keep growing.

Rush Walters is back with another pickelball paddle review, this time of the interesting Joola Method CTS 12 paddle.

Joola Method CTS 12 Review

The Joola Method CTS 12 can be bought from our partners at Total Pickelball. Click the link if you want to check out our other pickleball paddle reviews.

Specifications

Head Dimensions (Length x Width): 15.8 x 8.4 in.
Paddle Thickness: 12 mm.
Grip Length: 5.5 in.
Standard Weight: 8.2 oz.
Paddle Material: Response Honeycomb Polymer Core
Notable Features: Carbon Touch Surface (CTS)

The majority of my pickleball paddle review so far have been over Joola’s paddles. When I first picked up the Joola Method 12 CTS, I thought “it must be different from the other Joola paddles due to its color.” Then after getting home from playing a good amount of matches, and realizing that I already completed a review over a Joola Method I thought “crap I already did this one.” I quickly realized I was wrong. Yes I completed a Joola Method review, but it was over the Method CGS 14. The CGS 14 & CTS 12 are fairly similar, but have some noticeable differences. Obviously the look of the paddle is the first thing a player would notice, but I am here to review its performance, not just its looks. I will admit I do like the white honeycomb look it has on its face though; fancy.

So here is the big question that this review really boils down to: what is the difference between the Method CGS 14 and CTS 12?

What is the difference between Joola Method CGS 14 and CTS 12?

Let’s start with the name. CGS stands for Carbon Grip Surface and the CTS stands for Carbon Touch Surface. Two words: Grip and Touch. The CGS gives you more spin whereas the CTS gives you more control. Next step, 14 & 12, as I am sure most of you realize, these numbers stand for the paddles’ thickness. Ideally the thicker the paddle, the more power absorption it can take and, therefore the more control it gives you. The thinner the paddle gives you more power or “pop” as some might say behind your hits.

A quality that both of the paddles shares is their surface size. Both of them have a 15.8 x 8.5-inch head, which contributes to their large sweet spot. A larger sweet spot gives players more forgiveness if their swings are slightly off.

Back to the paddles’ hitting surface for a moment, this paddle made me take a second glance and its ability to spin. Although it has a carbon surface, it is not nearly as gritty as its brother, the Method CGS 14. That said, I was puzzled because I could still produce a fair amount of topspin on my serves. Then I took it to the kitchen and quickly realized that it’s CTS was perfect for dinks. The paddle received an easy 5/5 score on dinks, soft touch, and control mostly due to it’s CTS. Man, I could easily strategically place the ball with this paddle. I was always in control of ball placement and this paddle delivered.

How does it play?

The paddle’s ability to produce spin, power, and successful deep shots followed closely behind with scoring 4/5. I had a hard time grading the paddle’s ability to spin. I could not decide between 5 or 4, I ultimately went with 4 because I have played with other better spin-producing paddles and realized that the spin I was able to produce was from the CTS. The grit on the paddle’s surface was designed for having ample control and soft touch for dinks near the kitchen. The paddle was built with soft touch and control in mind, but from these qualities I was able to get a fair amount of spin from it too.

As for power and deep shots, the paddles’ large sweet spot and 12mm thickness contributed to its “pop” of power. From the baseline I had to put a little force behind my hits but not much. Again though, the paddle was built for control and soft touch, so I was impressed with its power even though it isn’t a power-focused paddle.

Only one feature scored the lowest, its maneuverability at 3/5. The Method CGS 14 scored the same in this area because of the paddles’ larger head. The head makes it slower to move in the kitchen and recover to a ready position.

Performance

Time Tested:__2 hours & 45 minutes____
Date(s) Tested:__01/23/23__

Final Grade: 30/35 85% B

Grading Scale:
A 100-90%
B 89-80%
C 79-70%
D 69-50%
F 49-0%

Conclusion

To sum up this review, it seems that Joola gave a paddle a thin core, coming in at 12mm for “pop” for power, but focused it’s head and face for control and soft touch. I must say it is an interesting and smart combination of features especially those who enjoy control near the kitchen. The paddle is not power focused, nor is it spin focused, but yet it still produced these features decently. Decently enough to be beneficial along with its purpose of being a control/soft-touch focused paddle.

I would recommend this paddle for one who likes the slow game. Who focuses on strategic ball placement and slowing down the game. I see some players go hard at the first chance they get, but there is something to say about playing smart over power; as they say, slow and steady wins the race.

The Joola Method CTS 12 and other pickleball paddles and products, can be bought from our partners at Total Pickelball.

Rush Walters is back with another pickleball paddle review, this time of the ProKennex Pro Flight, an arm-friendly paddle.

Pickleball Paddle Review: ProKennex Pro Flight

The ProKennex Pro Flight paddle can be purchased at our friends at Total Pickleball. And you can check out more pickleball paddle reviews here.

Specifications

Head Dimensions (Length x Width): 15.5 x 7.875 in.
Paddle Thickness: 11 mm.
Grip Length: 4.875 in.
Standard Weight: 7.3 – 7.6 oz.
Paddle Material: Cloud Cell Polymer Core
Notable Features: Carbon Face & Kinetic Technology

The first tennis racquet that I ever used was an old ProKennex that I found in my dad’s closet. I can remember using it my freshman year of high school and then quickly realizing that its strings were so old and brittle, they were junk.

Arm-friendly Pickleball Paddles

Seeing that ProKennex produced a line of paddles, I knew I had to take one for a spin. The company boasts about their paddle’s Kinetic Energy technology. The technology essentially focuses on preventing players from absorbing forces/vibrations when hitting the ball. This helps with reducing arm and elbow injuries. According to ProKennex.com, “An independent study by MIT Labs found that the ProKennex’s Kinetic system reduced vibration by 43% causing significantly less damage to the arm.”

As of writing this review, I am only 29 years old; therefore, I can take the potential arm and elbow strain from swings, but I can see how this could be very helpful for older people and those with preexisting shoulder and/or arm injuries. One of the players I play with at my community center’s open court was excited to pick up pickleball because she no longer played tennis due to arm injuries. She would be a prime candidate for ProKennex’s Kinetic technology.

Technology

The technology also creates a successful transfer of energy from the paddle to the ball. Feel free to read more about it on their website. Pretty interesting technology; they use tungsten beads to absorb the shock from hitting the ball.

My first impression of the paddle was that it was a fairly thin paddle with a lot of power. After rallying in a few games, I realized my hypothesis was correct, but it also produced a little spin that surprised me. The paddle does have a carbon surface but is not as grippy as some of the other paddles I have played with, such as Joola’s Vision CGS 14 or Diadem’s Warrior Edge.

How it plays

Some of my opponents at open court commented on the top spin I produced on my serves from this paddle, but when it came to slicing, I could only spin it from time to time on short shots and dinks. Honestly, I had more success with not attempting to slice the ball at the kitchen and instead focusing more on the paddle’s power ability.

Therefore the paddle scored 3/5 for spin, but 5/5 for power. I could really smack that ball when given the opportunity, even on my drives, I noticed strong, consistent power with each hit. Even though the paddle has a carbon face, it wasn’t super grippy. Enough to give me a little spin, but not enough. The paddle’s ability to spin combined with its soft touch did not give me ultimate control of the ball.

Along with spin, the paddle’s amount of control came in at 3/5. At first, I had some trouble gaining full control of the ball. With the paddle’s soft touch coming in at 4/5, it also contributed to its low amount of control. I had to adjust my spin style of play to be more power focused.

Since the paddle did not have great spin or soft touch, I strived to focus on power regarding my drives and dinks. The paddle’s drinks came in at 4/5, too, mostly because they were good but not great. I truly had to focus on adjusting my power. With an ok soft touch and ability to fully grip the ball, I did not have quick time to decide on the amount of power I put behind my dinks.

As for maneuverability and my deep shots, the paddle was excellent. Great power from the baseline on my drives and I could move very quickly in the kitchen when needed for my dinks.

Performance

Time Tested:__3+ hours____
Date(s) Tested:__01/16/23___

Final Grade: 29/35 82% B

Grading Scale:
A 100-90%
B 89-80%
C 79-70%
D 69-50%
F 49-0%

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would definitely play with this paddle again. The paddle provides a unique blend of power and maneuverability with a dash of spin. Also, although I’m only 29 without any arm injuries, the paddle would be great for those not wanting to absorb the shock of the ball. Reflecting on my hits, the paddle did absorb a lot of the vibration compared to other paddles I have in my collection. This experience was truly the first of its kind for me, not that the kinetic energy technology is something I really look for in a paddle, but it is a nice touch and I could see it being very helpful for those who are older or have had previous arm/shoulder injuries.

The Pro Flight is definitely more of a power paddle and I enjoyed using it in the kitchen. The paddle produced a decent amount of topspin on my serves but not as much as I would like on my drinks. I am more of a placement, control, and spin type of player, but if I decided to be more aggressive for a few games this paddle would be in my hand.

The ProKennex Pro Flight paddle can be purchased at our friends at Total Pickleball.

Pickleball, pickleball, pickleball. Everyone is playing pickleball these days. At least in the USA. Coach Evan decides to give it a go.

Everyone is playing pickleball

“Have you played that Waffle Ball?” my Dad asked me.
“Nope.”
“All the oldsters are playing it down here.”
My Dad’s in Florida for the winter. With my mother. They’ve been spending the last fifteen winters there. Roughly. I don’t keep track anymore.
“Being down here in the Winter has added five years to my life.”
“Yup.”
“Seriously.”
“Uh-huh.”
“So…have you played that Waffle Ball?”
“I told you I haven’t yet,” I lied.

Everyone has played pickleball

For the record, I have now played twice.
…Once during a break at a Softball fundraiser like five years ago and once yesterday for ten minutes.
But here’s the thing.
I’m a maniac.
If I get into something….it generally doesn’t take long for a quick transition.
Here’s another thing.
I hate to lose….
Not like a baby…
Like I’ll train in my free time….

It’s all about the paddle

Once my Paddle comes in….

I went big and ordered a Joola Simone Jardim Hyperion CFS 16 Swift. Check out our other pickleball paddle reviews here. I’m going to jump right in with the retirees at lunchtime. And I’m going to focus entirely on crosscourt consistency. I will mess around with the middle of the court and the sideline during those “rallies.” They can “poach” all they want. They probably won’t. Why?

I’ve been watching them during tennis lessons. Studying. Crazy. I know. But I never leave a stone unturned. Like today. I arrived at the tennis club a few minutes early. I watched the pickle ballers battling—a foursome of ladies. They looked seasoned. Regs (regulars). Getting to the “Kitchen” quickly. That kitchen space reminds me of the movie “A Field of Dreams,” when Charlton Heston’s younger self crosses the line and turns old.

All about the kitchen

I saw one lady holding the paddle in her right hand with her index finger pointed upward straight up the paddle. Classic mistake. When you do that, it doesn’t allow for wrist flicks…it creates more of a “block,” but man, that lady cracked a few forehands. I just wouldn’t let her hit forehands. Easier said than done on a paddle court, but she could combat that by getting to the kitchen first. Either way….she’s all forehand and no backhand, just like a chihuahua…all bark and no bite….

Kidding. She had some bite. A thought just popped into my head. Can a game of keep-away work in pickleball? Well, we shall see. I already know the answer. Of course, it can. It’s probably “frowned upon” during a “friendly game,” but boy, oh boy…if I catch the right victim and play a game of keep away….they are going to “lose it.” Playing dumb is a must…
This is a little Bush League, but I might have to mumble, “Why won’t the waffle go where I want to go,” etc..…

Side note**Talking about Bush League tactics.

Today, during a semi-private, while we were working on point structure, one of the players looked at the ground after he missed a shot as if it had something to do with it. Happens each week. And each week, I talk to him about not leaving doors open for opponents to attack.

“If I were playing you,” I said. “After seeing you do that….I would mumble to myself after I made an error….just loud enough for you to hear….how there’s something wrong with the courts….and watch and listen to you follow suit.” The player smiled. “Misery loves company, and I would “pretend” to be upset about the courts….” And you know the rest. Classic Bush League. This is part of the game that’s disappearing.

When did sports become friendly?

Dude! Let the trash-talking begin (Just not with the Wednesday lunch crew….” the gray ghost hour”). I will refrain from between the leg shots (but will secretly practice them against the wall when no one is around).

After I hit the waffle ball yesterday….my mind started “cooking.” For the rest of the day, I was in a Pickle Ball Fog. Daydreaming about patterns. Attack the center, right? Seems pure. But if you cut the area from a smidgen off the center of the net and draw a diagonal….that’s the area I want to get after….and…. OPEN UP THE CENTER OF THE COURT! Create space!

Here’s a trick 5.0. + tennis players have over pickle ballers (At least the ones who have “doubles” volleys and spend a lot of time at the net…..

Angle volleys. Carving the outside of the yellow plastic ball. Do you have that shot? You should. It’s chaos. A point ender
And a knee buckler… And I plan to use it… A lot.

I know! I Know! I know! Don’t use it on Wednesdays!

**More to come on my Pickle Ball journey. I will review the paddle (stay away from Dick’s Sporting Goods for Paddles….they are Clunkers….like an Old Ford Pinto….They’re like using a plastic paddle in ping pong….no control….like Michael Jackson after a birthday party).
Adieu! Until next time.

Our pickleball expert, Rush Walters, is back with another pickleball paddle review. This time he reviews the Joola Method.

Pickleball Paddle Review – Joola Method

The one pickleball paddle brand I have reviewed the most on Tennisnerd has been Joola. The Joola Vision CFS 14 was my first official paddle. Well, I supposed I technically owned two Niupipo paddles, but I just consider those as ultra-beginner paddles. My wife bought me a pack of two Niupipo paddles for Christmas one year, and I can remember thinking, “I’ll just start with these. If I get more serious about the sport, I’ll invest in a more advanced paddle.” Coming from tennis, I already had a racquet sports background. Therefore I picked up pickleball reasonably quickly, and it wasn’t too long until I made my first big paddle purchase, the Joola Vision CFS 14.

You can purchase the Joola Method pickleball paddle from Total Pickleball.

Specifications

• Head Dimensions (Length x Width): 15.8 x 8.4 in.
• Paddle Thickness: 14 mm. 
• Grip Length: 5.5 in.
• Standard Weight: 7.8 oz
• Paddle Material: Response Polymer Honeycomb Core 
• Notable Features: Carbon Grip Fiberglass Surface

Getting back to the Joola Method, starting out, the first significant noticeable feature that this paddle displayed was its large head. The larger the head of the paddle, the larger the sweet spot it provides. I was also impressed by the amount of spin I was able to produce with this paddle, so much so that I would lean towards it having a higher ability to produce spin and control compared to power. Don’t get me wrong, the paddle does produce power, but it seems as if Joola took the design of a spin/control-focused paddle and just gave it a large sweet spot in order to increase its power and shot-forgiveness; an exciting combination to say the least. I love Joola’s extra grippy carbon fiber surface, it feels like sandpaper and truly grips the ball.

How does it perform?

The Method scored 5/5 on both control and spin. When compared to its brother, the Joola Vision, I’d argue that the vision had a better amount of strength when it came to spin and control because it was specifically built for those features. Nonetheless, the Method still earned a 5/5 in these areas because it strongly delivered.

Not far behind was its ability to produce power. The paddle is powerful, but it was not built with power in mind. I have played with stronger power-focused paddles. The method scored 4/5 on power, as well as almost everything else: soft touch, deep shots, and dinks. The paddle’s large head compensated a lot in these areas because the larger sweet spot gives players forgiveness in these areas and increases the ability to perform stronger drives from the baseline for deep shots, ample area for a soft touch in the kitchen, and nice pops for dinks near the kitchen as well.  

The paddle received a middle-of-the-road score on maneuverability, 3/5. The score truly comes down to the size of the paddle’s head, it is big. Undoubtedly, I could still get around, but moving the paddle from side to side was more work compared to paddles with a smaller width.

Performance Rubric

Time Tested:__4+ hours____
Date(s) Tested:__10/3 & 10/25___

Final Grade: 26/35 74% C

Grading Scale:

• A 100-90%
• B 89-80%
• C 79-70%
• D 69-50%
• F 49-0% 

Conclusion

Overall, I would prefer to play with Joola’s Vision, but the Method’s larger head was a nice touch. As I said earlier, this paddle had an interesting combination of features. The paddle’s carbon fiber grip surface truly adds to its ability to produce spin and control. Adding the larger sweet spot essentially amplified its power, dinks, deep shots, and soft touch. While I’d choose the Vision over the Method, I would definitely pick up this paddle again for a match or two.

Our pickleball expert, Rush Walters, is back with a pickleball paddle review, this time dealing with the Diadem Warrior Edge.

Pickleball Paddle Review: Diadem Warrior Edge

You can purchase the pickleball paddle Diadem Warrior Edge from our partner, Total Pickleball.

Specifications

Head Dimensions (Length x Width): 16.4 x 7.5 in.
Paddle Thickness: 16 mm.
Grip Length: 5 in.
Standard Weight: 8.0 oz
Paddle Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
Notable Features: Etched Carbon Fiber Surface, Aero Edge Guard

I did not think much of it when I first picked this paddle from my pile of paddles to review. I thought maybe it was one of those simple recreational paddles no one had heard of, and boy was I wrong. Before taking the paddle out for a spin, I looked it up to see what I was working with. I saw that it cost around $175, then I realized this isn’t just some run-of-the-mill paddle; this is a Warrior, the Warrior Edge specifically.

When it comes to the strong characteristics of the paddle, I want to start by recognizing its ability to spin the ball. I have yet to play with a paddle that can produce a better/similar amount of spin compared to Joola’s Vision CFS 14, but the Warrior Edge gave the Vision CFS 14 a run for its money. Both paddles boast a carbon-hitting surface.

Control Control Control

The Warrior Edge seems like Diadem took a power-focused frame and then combined it with a spin-focused hitting surface and control-focused core. The combination of features results in a paddle that delivers great soft touch, control, and spin, with a large sweet spot that gives an ample amount of power for an overall control-focused paddle. That’s a mouthful, it is self-evident that Diadem took great attention to detail in the design of its Warrior Edge.

The Warrior Edge quickly scored a 5/5 in spin, soft touch, control, and dinks. Along with its sizeable etched carbon fiber surface, the paddle also boasts a thick 16mm frame. The thicker the frame, the better soft touch it provides. I enjoyed using this paddle in the kitchen because it has the ultimate soft touch, spin, and even enough pop, delivering power due to its core and sizeable hitting surface. Win, Win, Win!

The only downside

The only downside that I have to be honest about when it comes to kitchen-play is its maneuverability. According to Diadem.com, “the Edge is incredibly maneuverable, allowing for quick resets and recoveries.” They also designed the paddle with an Aero channel guard, making it more movable because it is the larger paddle, but I have played with faster paddles. I do not 100% agree with Diadem’s statement from above because it is a big paddle, 8.0oz and 16.4 x 7.5 on the hitting surface. That being said, for the paddle being as big as it is, it is reasonably maneuverable. Still, I have played with paddles that are significantly faster to move in the kitchen, such as Stiga’s Aviox Carbon Nomex paddle. You can see my review of Stiga’s paddle here.

The paddle also received a 4/5 on power and deep shots because it is not a “power paddle.” It is a control-focused paddle with a significant amount of spin. Under the deep shots category, it also scored a 4/5 due to its lack of power in this area. I was certainly surprised and happy with the amount of power it offered, but it was not built as a power paddle. I had to put a little physical power behind my swings from the baseline, but I was ok with that because I had great control in placing my shots. The control came in handy when attempting 3rd shot drops and aiming my serves.

Performance

Time Tested:__3.5+hrs____
Date(s) Tested:__9/14 & 9/25___

Final Grade: 31/35 88% B

Grading Scale:
A 100-90%
B 89-80%
C 79-70%
D 69-50%
F 49-0%

Conclusion

Overall, I would add this paddle to my lineup. As I have mentioned in my previous reviews, I strive to play with control over power style. This paddle is most definitely tailored to my playing style, but I do admit I had to get used to its thick 16mm core. I would recommend this for upper intermediate to advanced players because although it scored a 5/5 on many categories, you, as the player, need to know how to use these features in your swings and game-play strategy. Hands down, though, I loved using it near the kitchen.

Our pickleball reviewer, Rush Walters, is back with a HEAD Gravity pickleball paddle review. You might know this name from tennis racquets!

HEAD Gravity Pickleball Paddle

In the hunt for a pickleball paddle? Check out our other reviews here.

Specifications

Head Dimensions (Length x Width): 15.75 in. x 8.1 in.
Paddle Thickness: 14 mm.
Grip Length: 4.5 in.
Standard Weight: 8.1 oz
Paddle Material: Polymer
Notable Features: Graphite/Composite Surface

I have long been a fan of the tennis brand HEAD. As you can see in the picture below, I lined up all my tennis racquets next to Head’s Gravity paddle. For the most part, I have always used Head racquets throughout the game of tennis. I admire paddle/racquet companies expanding their products in the pickleball world. They are taking the leap of faith. They are reputable companies expanding their business; Stiga goes from ping pong to pickleball, Head going from tennis to pickleball, etc. I have also heard that Gearbox started with racquetball racquets. Reviewing a Gearbox pickleball paddle is on my to-do list!

I was initially excited when using Head’s Gravity paddle because I have long trusted Head’s tennis racquets. I was not too surprised that the Gravity prides itself on having a large sweet spot. The large sweet spot reminds me of my first tennis racquet: the oversized liquid medal (the black racquet on the far right in the picture below). The larger sweet spot on the Gravity provided more stability and power.

Powerhouse

Power is the name of the game when it comes to the Gravity paddle. According to totalpickleball.com, the paddle “…offer[s] the largest sweet-spot HEAD’s ever created.” That being said, my control declined when I gave it too much physical power behind my swings. In my opinion, with many paddles, you sacrifice control for power. With great power comes great responsibility in controlling your shot. I do not mean to quote Spiderman, but finding a paddle with a great balance between control and power is hard. Therefore with the Gravity focusing on power, you need to be responsible with your shots and go for the smart strategically placed shots, do not get greedy with the amount of power that the Gravity offers. Gravity receives 5/5 on power and 3/5 on control due to the factors above. The paddle also received a 3/5 for maneuverability due to its larger Head that provides the larger sweet spot, its Head’s 14mm thickness, and it weighs 8.1 oz. I have played with other paddles that are much more maneuverable, but it does get around for as big as it is.

Soft touch, dinks, and deep shots all received 4/5 because although they delivered, the paddle’s ability to control the ball affected them all. As for spin, it also received a 3/5 primarily because although it does offer spin, its sole focus is not spin. Its spin features are a plus, no doubt, but its primary objective is power, not spin. Therefore its spin features are secondary/sub-par to its power.

The soft-touch was great, but I noticed that I had to fine-tune my physical power behind my swing, not too soft of a hit. For soft touch, I am not wanting to hit it hard necessarily because I am trying to softly touch it for drop shots at the net therefore, I gave my dinks power but only a bit. Deep shots gave me almost the opposite result. I could not hit it too soft nor too hard; I had to find a suitable medium. That being said, I could still maintain a decent amount of control with some of my hard deep shots. I appreciated the paddle’s ability to allow me to put power to them and still have a decent amount of control to place my shots strategically.

Performance

Time Tested:__4+hrs____
Date(s) Tested:___8/31,9/8___

Final Grade: 26/35 74% C

Grading Scale:
A 100-90%
B 89-80%
C 79-70%
D 69-50%
F 49-0%

Conclusion

Head’s signature equals a larger head, a larger sweet spot, and a larger amount of power; classic. The Head Gravity paddle put the pedal to the metal when it came to power. I recommend this paddle to the intermediate player because you need to know how to adjust your swing and dinks to the amount of power this paddle offers. Not saying that a beginner couldn’t start with this paddle and learn as they go, but when using it in a pick-up game, I’d recommend it for players with some experience. I enjoyed HEAD Gravity’s power and look forward to using it in future games.

You can check out the HEAD Gravity pickleball paddle at our affiliate Total Pickleball

The online learning platform TopCourt launches pickleball content. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. at the moment.

When TopCourt announced a big release was coming, I wasn’t expecting to see that TopCourt launches pickleball content. I thought it was all tennis on the popular learning platform. But with the massive growth of pickleball (we even have a pickleball writer on Tennisnerd.net) in the US, it makes some sense. I find pickleball silly and fun at the same time. If you’re from Sweden, it’s mentally challenging to play a racquet sport with the ball you use for floorball. But I have played pickleball multiple times (even took part in the Maltese championship) and I do understand that people like it.

I’m going to check out the pickleball content on TopCourt and if you’re into pickelball, I suggest you do that too. If you use my link, you will get a 14-day free trial to check out the platform for both tennis and pickleball. A risk-free way to see if it’s for you or not.

Do you play pickleball?

My buddy started playing pickleball with his son and finds it to be a fun activity that they can enjoy together. He is not the most fit guy, but can still play at a decent level in doubles. Tennis requires a lot more fitness and time, while sports like padel and pickleball, are easier to get into. This also explains the popularity. The technical ability required to sustain a rally in tennis is higher, while pickleball and padel seem to attract a lot more racquet sport beginners at the moment.

This is something tennis as a sport needs to think about. How can we make it more accessible and engaging to players who have never tried to sport? More team tennis? Tennis has a tendency to get stuck in tradition and it could be clever to challenge ourselves (meaning us fellow tennis nerds and people playing and/or working in tennis) in coming up ways to keep the sport one one of the most engaging ones in the world. And I don’t think that UTS is the format.

Pickleball is a fun sport and activity and the more people exercise and get engaged in sports, the healthier and happier the world. So in that respect I’m all for it.

Have you tried pickleball?

If you want to get some pickleball paddles and gear, check out our friends at Total Pickleball. And why not read our pickleball reviews before you buy a paddle?

It’s time for another pickleball paddle review. This time Rush tries the power-oriented paddle Stiga Aviox Carbon Nomex.

Pickleball Paddle Review: Stiga Aviox Carbon Nomex

Buy the Stiga Aviox Carbon Nomex at Total Pickleball

Check out our other pickleball reviews here.

Specifications

Head Dimensions (Length x Width): 16 in. x 7.5 in.
Paddle Thickness: 10.5 mm.
Grip Length: 5 in.
Standard Weight: 7.8 oz
Paddle Material: Nomex Core
Notable Features: Carbon Fiber Surface

I really enjoyed reviewing the Stiga Aviox Carbon! I truly enjoyed playing with this paddle because it produced consistent power and did not sacrifice too much control. Although it’s a powerhouse, I could still manage to produce consistent shot placement. As a player, I mostly focus on control and spin, but when I want to focus on power, I stick with the Aviox Carbon!

When playing with a powerhouse paddle, who doesn’t enjoy an excellent overhead slam? I do feel like I need to apologize sometimes when I hit a hard slam towards an opponent, but then I am like, “I have to take the shot,” then I smile as I tell them, “I have to take it.”

Power, Consistent Power

Similar to my tennis style of play, I like to focus on control. Therefore playing with a power paddle changed the game for me, but I liked it. The Aviox Carbon is very much an aggressive paddle. You can be a beast at the net with this paddle. I gave it a 5/5 for power, but I also gave it a 5/5 for deep shots, dinks, and maneuverability. Aviox Carbon’s brother, Aviox Fiber (which I also reviewed), was very maneuverable. Both paddles are designed with a “diamond” shape, allowing for faster movement.

According to stigasports.com, “The paddle’s offensive diamond shape offers several advantages during volley play close to the net, with extra reach and the possibility of faster moves.” I couldn’t agree more. The Aviox Carbon is definitely designed for aggressive net play rather than hanging out at the baseline, but it still delivered when it came to deep shots from the baseline. Sure, I lost a little bit of control when taking groundstrokes from the baseline, but if I worked at it, over time my baseline shots would improve. Over the long run, I would need to fine-tune my groundstroke form for this paddle because of its aggressive power, but I can see the potential for solid, powerful drives from the baseline. All in all, the Stiga Aviox Carbon shows consistency and power.

Performance

Time Tested:__3+hrs____
Date(s) Tested:___7/14,7/20___

Final Grade: 28/35 80% B

Grading Scale:
A 100-90%
B 89-80%
C 79-70%
D 69-50%
F 49-0%

Conclusion

Stiga’s Aviox Carbon paddle is an upgrade from its brother, the Aviox Fiber. Carbon comes in at a $149.00 price point, whereas Fiber comes in at $89.00. I would attribute the price point to the material that is put into the two different paddles. In terms of performance, I scored Fiber at 77% C, but was still a great all-around paddle. Carbon came right in at a solid 80% B because it had almost everything the Fiber had, but it also brought consistent power to the table. I love the consistency in power that this paddle produced and that I still had decent control of the ball. The paddle is an excellent weapon at the net that I recommend any player to have at their disposal. I would recommend this paddle for the intermediate to advanced player because although it can produce consistent shots, you as the player need to know how to gauge its power and how to control it. I would definitely keep this paddle in my lineup when it comes to playing a more aggressive power game.

Buy the Stiga Aviox Carbon Nomex at Total Pickleball