I've been testing out some JOOLA pickleball paddles lately, and I'm here to share my thoughts on these increasingly popular options. Let's dive into what makes JOOLA paddles stand out and whether they're worth your hard-earned cash. TL;DR: JOOLA paddles offer excellent performance with some innovative features, but there are concerns about durability and customer service. They're great for intermediate to advanced players looking for power and control. Here's the full scoop: 1. Models Tested: - Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 - Hyperion CFS 14 - Perseus MOD TA-15 2. Price Range: - $150-$280, depending on the model 3. Key Features: - Carbon fiber faces for enhanced spin - Polymer honeycomb cores - Hyper-foam edge walls (on some models) - Carbon forged handles (on CFS models) 4. Performance Breakdown: Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16: - Excellent power and control - Great for all-court play - Heavy head weight can take getting used to Hyperion CFS 14: - Similar performance to the 16mm, but with less head weight - Better maneuverability - Still offers great power and control Perseus MOD TA-15: - Impressive accuracy and control - Good power and spin - Slightly hollow sound 5. Pros: - Excellent performance across the board - Innovative features like hyper-foam edge walls - Good spin potential - Suitable for intermediate to advanced players 6. Cons: - Concerns about durability, especially with the handles - Some models may lose spin potential over time - Customer service issues reported by some users - Higher price point 7. Who are these paddles for? - Intermediate to advanced players looking for high-performance paddles - Players who prioritize power and control - Those willing to invest in a premium paddle Pro tip: If you're considering a JOOLA paddle, make sure to buy from a retailer with a good return policy, given the durability concerns some users have reported. Fun fact: Ben Johns, one of the top pickleball players in the world, has been spotted using both his signature Hyperion paddle and the JOOLA Vision, depending on playing conditions[1][4].

I've been testing out some Holbrook pickleball paddles lately, and I'm here to share my thoughts on these increasingly popular options. Let's dive into what makes Holbrook paddles stand out and whether they're worth your hard-earned cash. TL;DR: Holbrook paddles offer excellent value, with features typically found in more expensive paddles. They're great for beginners to intermediate players, with some models suitable for advanced play. Here's the full scoop: 1. Models Tested: - Mav Pro 2.0 (16mm) - Power Pro (16mm) 2. Price Range: - $80-$220, depending on the model and sales 3. Key Features: - Carbon fiber faces for enhanced spin - Polypropylene honeycomb cores - Comfortable grips - Various thickness options (12mm, 14mm, 16mm) 4. Performance Breakdown: Mav Pro 2.0: - Excellent control and spin - Soft feel with good touch - Decent power, but not a power-focused paddle - Great for dinks, resets, and finesse shots Power Pro: - More power-oriented - Still offers good control - Excellent for aggressive players - Solid spin potential 5. Pros: - Great value for money, especially the Mav Pro 2.0 - High-quality construction - Suitable for a wide range of skill levels - Good balance of power and control 6. Cons: - Some models have a smaller sweet spot - Power players might want more pop from the Mav Pro 2.0 7. Who are these paddles for? - Mav Pro 2.0: Great for beginners to intermediate players focusing on control - Power Pro: Suitable for intermediate to advanced players who like an aggressive style Pro tip: If you're on a budget, the Mav Pro 2.0 offers incredible value at around $80-$100 when on sale. It competes well with paddles twice its price. Fun fact: Holbrook is a family-run business based in Utah, founded in 2021. They've quickly gained popularity among recreational and competitive players alike. Remember, paddle preference is highly personal. What works for one player might not work for another. If possible, try before you buy or take advantage of return policies to find your perfect match.

I've been testing out the Friday Pickleball Paddle, and I'm here to share my thoughts on this budget-friendly option that's been making waves in the pickleball community. TL;DR: The Friday Paddle offers impressive value at $50, with features typically found in more expensive paddles. It's great for beginners and early intermediates, but has some limitations. Here's the full scoop: 1. Price and Value: - MSRP of $69, often on sale for $50 or 2 for $99 - Incredible value for the features offered 2. Construction: - Carbon fiber face - Thermoformed, foam-injected walls - Similar construction to pricier paddles like the JOOLA Hyperion C2 3. Performance: - Good spin potential, especially for its price range - Solid power, thanks to its 8.3 oz weight - Decent all-court performance 4. Design: - Fun, funky patterns that stand out - Comfortable "tennis style" grip 5. Pros: - Excellent value for money - Good spin and power for the price - Comfortable grip - Suitable for early intermediates 6. Cons: - Inconsistent sweet spot - Expect some mishits, especially early on - Not as refined as high-end paddles 7. Who it's for: - Beginners looking to upgrade from basic paddles - Recreational players on a budget - Early intermediates seeking good performance without breaking the bank Pro tip: Give yourself some time to adjust to this paddle. The sweet spot can be tricky at first, but many players adapt with practice. Fun fact: The Friday Paddle is challenging more expensive options like the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash for the title of best value in pickleball. Remember, while this paddle offers great bang for your buck, it won't perform quite at the level of $200+ paddles. But for $50, it's an impressive piece of equipment that can definitely up your game.

I've noticed a lot of confusion about the infamous "dink" in pickleball, especially among newcomers. So, let's break it down and serve up some knowledge! TL;DR: A dink is a soft, controlled shot that lands in the opponent's kitchen, designed to keep the ball low and make it hard to attack. Here's the full scoop on the pickleball dink: 1. Definition: A dink is a soft, arcing shot that lands in the opponent's non-volley zone (kitchen). 2. Technique: - Hit the ball with a gentle, upward motion - Aim to clear the net by just a few inches - Let the ball drop below net height before hitting it 3. Purpose: - Keep the ball low and hard to attack - Force opponents to hit up on the ball - Set up opportunities for put-away shots 4. When to use it: - When you're at the kitchen line - When the ball is too low for a strong attack - To change the pace of the game 5. Key benefits: - Neutralizes opponents' power - Creates defensive trouble for opponents - Improves your control and touch 6. Common mistakes: - Hitting too hard (it's not a drive or a drop shot) - Aiming too high (should barely clear the net) - Not moving forward after dinking 7. Pro tip: Practice "dink rallies" where you and your partner (or opponent) only hit dinks back and forth. Great for improving control and patience! Fun fact: The term "dink" might come from the soft "dink" sound the ball makes when it's hit gently. Remember, mastering the dink is crucial for advancing your pickleball game. It's the shot that often separates recreational players from more competitive ones. What's your experience with dinking? Any tips for newbies trying to improve their dink game? Share in the comments!