Weekly Roundup

Today's edition is brought to you by Tifosi Optics — offering a wide selection of eyewear designed for clarity and comfort on pickleball courts.

Thoughts on the Hyperion C2— From Paul Guyas

Hey everyone, given all the backlash over Joola’s generation 3 paddles, I decided to take another look at their older models. The Hyperion C2 is now on sale, and honestly, it’s a fantastic paddle. It’s built on the Perseus tech and has the modern shape of the Hyperion. It's probably Joola’s best paddle right now, especially among the ones approved for sanctioned play. It’s great for high-level players, but I think it can help anyone up their game.

First off, the Hyperion C2 keeps the elongated shape of its predecessor and adds some features from the Perseus. The packaging is pretty basic, but the paddle itself feels super solid and high-quality. The grip is comfy and the surface texture is great for spin. Joola’s been around forever in racquet sports and partnered with USAPA, so they know their stuff. They’ve managed to create a paddle that balances control and power. It’s aimed at intermediate to advanced players, but if you’re a beginner and willing to spend a bit more, it could be a good investment.

The Aero-Curve design and carbon construction with Hyperfoam edges make swings more efficient, and it’s got great stability and a big sweet spot. Personally, the Hyperion C2 has really boosted my power, control, and spin. I did have a minor issue with the handle getting loose after a lot of use, but Joola’s customer service was great and sent me a replacement. This paddle has helped me go from a 2.5 to a 3.83 rating, I would say. If you’ve got any questions, let me know.

Thoughts on the Vantage Pro— From Kip Lacey

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share my experience with the PIKKL Vantage Pro paddle, one of the two paddle entries from PIKKL and the go-to for rising pro Gabe Tardio. It comes in two thicknesses, 16 mm and 14 mm, and features Generation 2 thermoforming for great power and a forgiving sweet spot. The Multi-weave Raw Carbon Fiber Face makes spin easy, thanks to its soft feel and dwell time. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the Vantage Pro fits the bill for all-court play.

In terms of performance, this paddle is incredibly accurate and consistent. From dinks to serves, every shot lands where you want it. It has an impressive power, with serves averaging around 49.6 mph. The spin capability is also top-notch, allowing for effective topspin dinks and drives. The paddle's weight of 8.4 ounces makes it versatile, easily transitioning from defense to offense. The feedback is soft and plush, with a large sweet spot that forgives off-center hits. The design is clean and available in five different frame colors.

I’m really excited about PIKKL's future, especially with pros like Gabe Tardio and Tyra Hurricane Black onboard. They also offer "skins" to restore the paddle's surface, which is a game-changer. Overall, the Vantage Pro is a great paddle at an affordable price.

Pro Tips— From James Ignatowich

Hey guys, today I’m going to cover how to set up your serve. Some folks like a big backswing on the serve, while others, like me, prefer a simple low-to-high motion. Either way works fine to get started.

Weight Transfer

The key is the weight transfer. Make sure you're stepping back and getting all your weight moving forward toward your target. Use all your momentum to get as much power as possible.

Set Up

I prefer a small motion because there's less that can go wrong. With less backswing, there's more margin for error. However, some people like a big backswing, which is fine as long as you come through and under the ball. If you side-arm it and come over the side, it’s tough to get topspin and you'll have inconsistencies.

Big Back Swing

If I used a big motion, I would ensure my paddle is almost perpendicular to the ground at contact to maintain control and consistency. For more tips.

Thoughts on the latest Six Zero Paddle— From Nitesh Vijay

Six Zero Pickleball released their latest paddle in May, the Triple Black Diamond (Willinator). It's an upgrade from the Double Black Diamond, featuring an elongated shape and a few tweaks. If you don't use a two-handed backhand, this paddle might not be for you. The head feels heavy (swing weight 126), slowing down hand speed for most players. I'd call it a control paddle since it doesn't generate much power. The sweet spot is higher up due to the shape and feels smaller than the Six Zero Ruby and Double Black Diamond. The 18K Toray carbon fiber creates spin but isn't as good as other carbon fiber paddles. It's a solid choice for those who like two-handed backhands.

The paddle weighs 8.3oz with a 16.6” length and 6” handle. The weight is mostly in the head, making it feel heavy during swings. I'm planning to add some lead tape to the neck to balance it better. The paddle excels in control with an 8/10 rating, good for soft shots and mid-court plays, though the sweet spot is smaller. The spin is decent at 7/10, but not the best. It’s not a power paddle either, scoring 8/10 in that department. The warranty isn’t as good as some competitors, offering a six-month limited warranty and a 120-day coverage for core defects.

Overall, the Triple Black Diamond is suited for players who prefer a two-handed backhand and an elongated paddle. Friends who tried it agreed that the heavy head reduces hand speed but it's close to the Double Black Diamond otherwise. View at SixZeroPickleball.com