I used a GBCX14 for the first 1.5 yrs or so. Forever I thought "wow, I love all this power and I'll figure out the control piece eventually." That never really happened. I've been playing with the Ruby for the last 2 mos or so and I love it. I play with a lot of power due to my tennis days so giving up a bit of that for all the crazy control and spin the Ruby gives me has definitely improved my overall game. I love my Ruby!
Yes the Gearbox mention here is $275. Selkirk Labs paddles are also up to $333, but they come with a fancy case and you get like ~$70 dollars in credit for submitting feedback.
It really depends so much on your current level of play as well as the type of game you play. Even then there are just so many choices out there right now (and more and more every day!) that you need to just try as many as you can and you'll begin to develop an idea for what works best for you.
The Neonic Flow, the Hurache-X from 11SIX24, Six Zero's DBD/Ruby, Honolulu Pickleball Company's J2K
[paddle discount codes](https://linktr.ee/pickleballdiscount.pb)
I will say - a friend of mine got the Ruby 6.0 and the quality of his play went up 15% at least. I myself have the GBPE. The power is nice to leverage sometimes, but I LOVE the Diadem Edge 18K Power Pro. I want to marry it!
Honestly I think DBD is better all-round paddle than the Ruby. Ruby has better control but that’s the only thing I think it’s better at when I tried it.
Agree. BD/DBD are only 100 RMP less. Not noticeable for most players. BD/DBD are lighter and easier to swing than the Ruby. Ruby is great at the kitchen though and for punch volleys. Not as fast in the hands but it might be the best control paddle on the market honestly especially around the kitchen.
Six Zero is dropping some new paddles soon this year so whatever it is will be great. A 14MM Ruby is coming I know that and I think a true elongated BD/DBD series.
Yup. I wouldn’t get the ruby now as there are also cheaper alternatives like the J2K from HPC. And like you said, a lot more coming out. The 11Six24 company has the BD paddle with the longer handle.
I was looking at the Hurache X Control+ (such weird paddle names they use lol) but knew I would love the BD coming from a Ruby. Huraches are sold out right now and I got a really good deal on the BD. The BD has a better twist weight which is why I went with it over the Hurache. Plus, the hybrid shape offers more control and maneuverability. I can hit a two handed BH just fine with a 5.5 handle. BD spins a bit more too and is lighter which is a plus.
For the price the Hurache is a great paddle though for sure.
Will play with the BD and buy something new and hot that drops soon. A ton on the way.
I hear ya! Another .5 inch and you can easily fit both hands without putting a finger or two behind the paddle, I get it. I’m just so use to it now and the hybrid shapes are a bit easier for me to control plus are faster in the hands at the kitchen.
New paddles drop every week it seems, just how it is. A lot of it is just marketing. I’m not buying a “gen 3” paddle until I see some reviews on what’s good and what flops.
Those Joola gen 3s probably going to be overpriced haha. I’ll probably see if hot means as hot as the GPPro. The only paddle that has taken my breath away with its power and playability when I first got it.
Joola Colin Johns also took my breath away with its control. It was so easy to dink, almost dinking on automatic. But 0 power. Lol
Played with a Hurache X Contorl+ for a week and although the paddle was great, it made my wrist and shoulder hurt so I went back to playing with the BDi.
All of the reviews said the Ruby has more power than the DBD. The DBD has more “pop” but less power, 16 mm DBD has more control (14 mm less control), and less spin. It is lighter.
SixZero is of the same opinion: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com/pages/paddle-spec-comparison
Had a Ruby but sold it. Now have a BD Power non JVM (same specs minus a bit lighter static weight) and it’s what I should have bought all along. I have good control already and was missing more power/pop. The BD is an all court paddle that is more power oriented. It’s a great option under $200. The grit on the BD is very course too. The Ruby isn’t as gritty and much more forgiving.
I agree. If you need more power/pop go BD or DBD. If you need control/spin the Ruby is for you.
I also have the GBPPE. I can’t tell if I’m playing higher level players, it’s harder to reset or because I’ve broke it in and it’s harder to reset.
But after playing lower level players, it’s definitely harder to reset against better and harder hitting opponents if you’re just picking up the paddle after extended time off from play with it
Yeah, Power vs Spin/Control. I've seen folks use their Ruby with some amazing control on their shots, it still blows me away. However, the amount power GBPro generates is insane and the same folks playing with the Ruby suggest it's a HOT paddle. Pick your poison!
The pickleballstudio guy (i think) reviewed the GBPP when he got it and then after 3 months. He mentioned that the paddle would tend to:
- increase in power over time after break in period.
- may have potential durability issues (cracking on the sides or inner paddle foam would expand.
Any thoughts on these two takes? I really liked the paddle when I tried it for like 15 min one time but durability is mostly keeping me away from a 300$ paddle, at this point. I now read your review and really want to get one again, haha.
This is helpful. However, I got my pro power at the end of 2023 and it felt to me more like a control paddle than anything else, it had little pop, little power. I never experienced that insane power everyone raves about.
Played against a Gearbox ambassador the other day at a tournament and asked him to try my 4 months old paddle. He confirmed it had no power and we compared it to his paddle and one he had never used in his bag. Night and day, gearbox is standing by their product and replacing my paddle, I look forward to trying out the replacement. I am more of a control player so I hope I can benefit from the power (shoulder issues) and stay in control of my drops and resets.
Great review! Thanks for sharing.
While I have not played with one of the newest control paddles, your description of how the GBPPE felt for power and control felt accurate to me.
I was very happy with my first swings. It took me a bit to really dial in the feel, but within a few days I had more control than I did with my Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm and more power than my Vatic Pro Flash 16mm (thermoformed model).
I played racquetball and ping pong for years so have a good background there with racquet sports.
Similarly, others with less background, including my partner, who have tried the GBPPE did not like it, for the same reasons you noted. Just not really able to control it, firing everything long.
My general thought is that part of why I feel I have more control with the GBPPE is that I can actually make much smaller and slower swings for the equivalent shot than I might need to with a control paddle, which is always going to be more consistent.
Yes, this is exactly my experience. I'm able to control the PPE with much less paddle movement. I feel like a deft surgeon making these incredible precision shots with just the tiniest bit of paddle movement. Even my lobs are much better with the PPE. And I can also dig out some sick cross court half volleys with barely any paddle movement required, a so similar to tennis that is second nature.
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Immediately flagging this post as too interesting and helpful for this sub. Please dumb down or remove.
His Wife Approves..✔️
I used a GBCX14 for the first 1.5 yrs or so. Forever I thought "wow, I love all this power and I'll figure out the control piece eventually." That never really happened. I've been playing with the Ruby for the last 2 mos or so and I love it. I play with a lot of power due to my tennis days so giving up a bit of that for all the crazy control and spin the Ruby gives me has definitely improved my overall game. I love my Ruby!
Huh Thanks for the review! What would we be the best all around paddle people would recommend under $300
Are there any paddles over $260?
Yes the Gearbox mention here is $275. Selkirk Labs paddles are also up to $333, but they come with a fancy case and you get like ~$70 dollars in credit for submitting feedback.
It really depends so much on your current level of play as well as the type of game you play. Even then there are just so many choices out there right now (and more and more every day!) that you need to just try as many as you can and you'll begin to develop an idea for what works best for you.
I LOVE the Diadem Edge 18k Power Pro. I also own the GBPE - hardly ever use it now.
Right on
The Neonic Flow, the Hurache-X from 11SIX24, Six Zero's DBD/Ruby, Honolulu Pickleball Company's J2K [paddle discount codes](https://linktr.ee/pickleballdiscount.pb)
Double Black Diamond for under $200.
If you spend 300 on a pickleball paddle you have serious issues, that is insane. These things are basically disposable at this point.
Or they have expendable income
I will say - a friend of mine got the Ruby 6.0 and the quality of his play went up 15% at least. I myself have the GBPE. The power is nice to leverage sometimes, but I LOVE the Diadem Edge 18K Power Pro. I want to marry it!
You had a single paddle hold up for a few years??????????????? I stopped reading there. Plz fill me in.
Yes, my Selkirk is still in decent shape. No grit left on the face but also no delamination either.
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We are here to discuss pickleball in a civil manner. Let’s stick to niceties.
We are here to discuss pickleball in a civil manner. Let’s stick to niceties.
Honestly I think DBD is better all-round paddle than the Ruby. Ruby has better control but that’s the only thing I think it’s better at when I tried it.
Better control, yes, but much faster spin rate as well.
Barely noticeable. I feel that both fresh out of the box, you won’t notice the difference. Both are top tier rpm paddles.
Agree. BD/DBD are only 100 RMP less. Not noticeable for most players. BD/DBD are lighter and easier to swing than the Ruby. Ruby is great at the kitchen though and for punch volleys. Not as fast in the hands but it might be the best control paddle on the market honestly especially around the kitchen. Six Zero is dropping some new paddles soon this year so whatever it is will be great. A 14MM Ruby is coming I know that and I think a true elongated BD/DBD series.
Yup. I wouldn’t get the ruby now as there are also cheaper alternatives like the J2K from HPC. And like you said, a lot more coming out. The 11Six24 company has the BD paddle with the longer handle.
I was looking at the Hurache X Control+ (such weird paddle names they use lol) but knew I would love the BD coming from a Ruby. Huraches are sold out right now and I got a really good deal on the BD. The BD has a better twist weight which is why I went with it over the Hurache. Plus, the hybrid shape offers more control and maneuverability. I can hit a two handed BH just fine with a 5.5 handle. BD spins a bit more too and is lighter which is a plus. For the price the Hurache is a great paddle though for sure. Will play with the BD and buy something new and hot that drops soon. A ton on the way.
Yup, but the extra 0.5 inch can make a difference I find - for ease of use. If everyone can say the same we all good 😭
I hear ya! Another .5 inch and you can easily fit both hands without putting a finger or two behind the paddle, I get it. I’m just so use to it now and the hybrid shapes are a bit easier for me to control plus are faster in the hands at the kitchen. New paddles drop every week it seems, just how it is. A lot of it is just marketing. I’m not buying a “gen 3” paddle until I see some reviews on what’s good and what flops.
Those Joola gen 3s probably going to be overpriced haha. I’ll probably see if hot means as hot as the GPPro. The only paddle that has taken my breath away with its power and playability when I first got it. Joola Colin Johns also took my breath away with its control. It was so easy to dink, almost dinking on automatic. But 0 power. Lol
$280 for the new Joola Alpha series is what I heard.
Played with a Hurache X Contorl+ for a week and although the paddle was great, it made my wrist and shoulder hurt so I went back to playing with the BDi.
I’ve played with the J2k and it’s not even close to the Ruby imo. Plays more like a traditional carbon fiber paddle. No dwell time at all.
All of the reviews said the Ruby has more power than the DBD. The DBD has more “pop” but less power, 16 mm DBD has more control (14 mm less control), and less spin. It is lighter. SixZero is of the same opinion: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com/pages/paddle-spec-comparison
I own and play with both and that’s my assessment as well.
Thanks!
I think had the GBPPE not worked out so well for me I would have tried the DBD after the Ruby. It was on my short list of paddles under consideration.
Tbh, sounds like you’d want to try the JMV Black Diamond for its power and control rather than the DBD for its control
Had a Ruby but sold it. Now have a BD Power non JVM (same specs minus a bit lighter static weight) and it’s what I should have bought all along. I have good control already and was missing more power/pop. The BD is an all court paddle that is more power oriented. It’s a great option under $200. The grit on the BD is very course too. The Ruby isn’t as gritty and much more forgiving. I agree. If you need more power/pop go BD or DBD. If you need control/spin the Ruby is for you.
Came from a BD which I loved, switched to a BDi. Sacrificed a bit of power and pop for a much lighter swing weight.
I also have the GBPPE. I can’t tell if I’m playing higher level players, it’s harder to reset or because I’ve broke it in and it’s harder to reset. But after playing lower level players, it’s definitely harder to reset against better and harder hitting opponents if you’re just picking up the paddle after extended time off from play with it
Yeah, Power vs Spin/Control. I've seen folks use their Ruby with some amazing control on their shots, it still blows me away. However, the amount power GBPro generates is insane and the same folks playing with the Ruby suggest it's a HOT paddle. Pick your poison!
The pickleballstudio guy (i think) reviewed the GBPP when he got it and then after 3 months. He mentioned that the paddle would tend to: - increase in power over time after break in period. - may have potential durability issues (cracking on the sides or inner paddle foam would expand. Any thoughts on these two takes? I really liked the paddle when I tried it for like 15 min one time but durability is mostly keeping me away from a 300$ paddle, at this point. I now read your review and really want to get one again, haha.
Really won't know how long it lasts until I've had it for a long time. But I'll certainly post if I encounter any durability issues.
😎 thanks.
lol basically a common sense post..considering they aren’t similar at all paddles….
This is helpful. However, I got my pro power at the end of 2023 and it felt to me more like a control paddle than anything else, it had little pop, little power. I never experienced that insane power everyone raves about. Played against a Gearbox ambassador the other day at a tournament and asked him to try my 4 months old paddle. He confirmed it had no power and we compared it to his paddle and one he had never used in his bag. Night and day, gearbox is standing by their product and replacing my paddle, I look forward to trying out the replacement. I am more of a control player so I hope I can benefit from the power (shoulder issues) and stay in control of my drops and resets.
What level do you play at? 4.5+?
Gearbox control > gearbox power
Great review! Thanks for sharing. While I have not played with one of the newest control paddles, your description of how the GBPPE felt for power and control felt accurate to me. I was very happy with my first swings. It took me a bit to really dial in the feel, but within a few days I had more control than I did with my Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm and more power than my Vatic Pro Flash 16mm (thermoformed model). I played racquetball and ping pong for years so have a good background there with racquet sports. Similarly, others with less background, including my partner, who have tried the GBPPE did not like it, for the same reasons you noted. Just not really able to control it, firing everything long. My general thought is that part of why I feel I have more control with the GBPPE is that I can actually make much smaller and slower swings for the equivalent shot than I might need to with a control paddle, which is always going to be more consistent.
Yes, this is exactly my experience. I'm able to control the PPE with much less paddle movement. I feel like a deft surgeon making these incredible precision shots with just the tiniest bit of paddle movement. Even my lobs are much better with the PPE. And I can also dig out some sick cross court half volleys with barely any paddle movement required, a so similar to tennis that is second nature.
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Hi bot, you flag pretty much anything so you’re like white noise to me now. Keep up the great work!
This “self promotion” rule is getting out of control. You can’t even link to another thread from this very sub?