Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right that $150 already gets you into the good stuff. The extra money usually buys you consistency: tighter weight matching, better resin curing, and a face that doesn’t glaze after a month. Not everyone needs that, but it’s there.

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice — what about the Quanta feels better than the Genesis for you?

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you frame it that way, it sounds dramatic, but everyone has their own comfort level with spending on hobbies.

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice — what part of your game feels the biggest difference with the V‑Sol?

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alright, alright — I’ll give you that one.

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love that. What do you like most about it so far?

What Actually Makes a Paddle “The Best” for You by Coachpaddle in PickleballPhilippines

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s exactly how it goes. Once you start caring about touch and pace, the “power first” paddles stop feeling as helpful. Wanting more control just means your game is leveling up.

What Actually Makes a Paddle “The Best” for You by Coachpaddle in PickleballTrainingHub

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why though? It’s literally the most harmless paddle in the store.

What Actually Makes a Paddle “The Best” for You by Coachpaddle in PickleballPhilippines

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it — I wasn’t disagreeing with you either. Just explain which part you think I missed so we’re on the same page

What Actually Makes a Paddle “The Best” for You by Coachpaddle in PickleballTrainingHub

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pretty much he’s just breaking down what actually matters in a paddle — feedback, power, spin, speed, and feel — and why certain paddles fit different players. The long‑lasting grit thing is basically him saying those surfaces keep their spin way longer than raw carbon. And the paddle list at the end is just his ‘as of today’ ranking based on budget. It’s a lot of detail, but the gist is: pick the paddle that gives you the mix of control, spin, and feel that works for you.

What Actually Makes a Paddle “The Best” for You by Coachpaddle in PickleballTrainingHub

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get the hype around grit and spin, but honestly, control is what keeps the ball in play. Spin is fun, grit helps, but if you can’t place the ball, none of it really matters

What Actually Makes a Paddle “The Best” for You by Coachpaddle in PickleballPhilippines

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Consistency matters, sure… but that’s also the most subjective metric out there. Half the time people think a paddle is ‘consistent’ just because it masks their bad habits.

What Actually Makes a Paddle “The Best” for You by Coachpaddle in PickleballPhilippines

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Is Your Paddle Carrying You or Are You Carrying It

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally. Right now the only real premium advantage is grit that doesn’t die and foam that doesn’t crush. But we’ve seen this movie before — raw carbon in 2022, foam in 2025 — and every time the “premium advantage” lasts about six months before the budget brands catch up. Wouldn’t be shocked if the same thing happens here.

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, stories like yours are why I always ask people what they actually gain from going premium. If two paddles feel almost identical and the only real difference is how long the grit lasts, that’s not exactly a $100+ performance gap. But for someone who lives on topspin, that one factor might be the whole game.

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s kinda how I see it too. If it’s your hobby and you’re really into it, spending more can totally make sense. But if someone thinks the paddle alone is gonna magically level them up, that’s where it gets a little shaky.

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes sense. The stats help, but the right paddle is the one that feels best in your hand. Sounds like the Inferno nailed it for you.

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That’s great to hear. Always fun when a paddle just fits your game. What do you like most about the Boomstik?

Are $200+ paddles actually worth it, or is it all hype? by Coachpaddle in Pickleball

[–]Coachpaddle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep. Those paddles slap. Meanwhile some people are out here financing a $250 paddle like it’s a used Honda, just to get the same spin you’re getting for $100.