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Not your run-of-the-mill paddle
(picture Kip Lacey)
Verdict
The Gearbox Pro Power does what it does well….really well. This paddle has tremendous power that is easily accessible.. But, with the power comes the risk. There will be flyers. The ball will occasionally go long, wide or both. Everything this paddle does well, the power, accuracy and spin requires some patience and diligence. Don’t expect this paddle to have instant gratification. You will have to spend some time with the Pro Power to bring out all the positive attributes, of which there are many.
Specs
Description
Paddle Weight
8.0 oz
Paddle Face Material
Toray T700 (Raw Carbon Fiber)
Paddle Core Material
Toray T-700 Carbon Fiber
Paddle Shape
E (Elongated)
Paddle Length
5-1/2″
Paddle Width
7-3/8″
Grip Size
4” grip
Handle Length
5-1/2″
First Look
The Pro Power Elongated is one of the four latest paddles from Gearbox, that includes the Pro Control Elongated, Pro Power Fusion and Pro Control Fusion. The Pro Power elongated is a radical departure from the traditional Gearbox paddle. While it still has the classic SST Core, the structure has been changed from the conventional carbon rods to a power matrix formation that Gearbox promises to deliver unmatched, explosive power. Along with the core change is an additional surface change. Gearbox has added a Toray T-700 Carbon surface and a TXR Surface Grip to unlock remarkable ball grip and increase spin rate levels.
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Performance Review & My Experience
Consistency/Accuracy
The Gearbox Pro Power is very accurate when proper tempo is used. It was a little shocking how accurate this paddle is when a short, concise and smooth swing is incorporated. However, if your swing gets long or violent the accuracy goes down due to the trampoline effect of the power ring. Thus, consistency can be a concern. Take some time with this paddle and both consistency and accuracy will approve.
Power
The Gearbox Pro Power has tremendous power that is easily accessible. The power ring structure along with the core matrix allows the ball to trampoline off the face with a plush, quiet ease. Depth and velocity on every shot comes without effort, taking time away from your opponent, creating instant pressure. Power is in the name!
Spin
This is yet another area where the Gearbox Pro Power really excels. There is easy access to top spin and back spin on all shots. There is an abundance of dwell time on the Pro Power. The ball seems to stay on the face for an abundance of time, even allowing for a semi western or even full western grip for impressive top spin.
Defense to Offense
The Pro Power is easy to maneuver and quick to react. The paddle moves through the air rapidly at the net after reliable resets. There is no need to swing in the transitional area up to the non-volley zone as the ball will come off the Pro Power with ease. This paddle also shines at the net during fast hand battles as the ball explodes off the surface.
Feedback/Feel
This paddle is very solid yet there no vibration, even on off center hits. The feedback is also nice. The paddle is very quiet and has a nice luxurious feel on every shot. The player can easily tell exactly where the ball comes off the face.
Sweet Spot
The sweet spot on the Pro Power is large and easily accessible. Shots will be predictable and reliable from all areas except for the extreme distal areas of the paddle face where the power ring resides. Shots from that are will not respond well at all.
(Illustration: Pickleball Portal)
Looks/Design
The looks are above average, but where this paddle really rises to stardom is in the advanced technology from the surface to the core. Gearbox took a swing at trying a new SST core, the power matrix versus the traditional SST core really pays off with outstanding performance. The Toray T-700 Carbon surface is a worthy addition as well and really pays off.
Additional Thoughts
The Gearbox Pro Power Elongated is a tremendous paddle with a huge upside. The trampoline effect does as many good things as bad, but once you spend some time with this bad boy the positive attributes will begin to come through.
(Richards thoughts about this paddle).
About Kip Lacey
Pickleball Portal Contributor
Kip Lacey is a contributor to Pickleball Portal, sharing insights and expertise to help players of all levels improve their game.
2 comments from our community
These comments were originally posted on our WordPress site and have been preserved here. New commenting coming soon.
Thank you but the PORTAL promo code doesn’t do anything. It accepts the code but it doesn’t change the price of the paddle
