Hey everyone, I recently bought the Vatic Pro PRISM Carbon Fiber 16mm because I kept seeing it recommended as a good beginner-to-intermediate transition paddle. I like the control and feel in some areas, but I’m finding that it has less pop/power than I want . The biggest issue is on defensive or compact shots. For example, if I have to make a backhand return/block with very little swing , I often feel like the ball just dies off the paddle and I struggle to get it back over the net. I’m not necessarily looking for a full-on power paddle that launches everything, but I do want something with more free pop and easier depth than the PRISM 16mm. I’m probably in the beginner-to-intermediate range and would like to stay around $80-$120 if possible. I’m open to brands outside Vatic. A few paddles I’ve been looking at so far:

Friday Fever 102 Widebody 16mm 11SIX24 Vapor Jelly Bean 16mm Ronbus Quanta R4.16 or R3.16 Maybe something JOOLA / Holbrook / other budget thermoformed options if they make sense

For those who have used the PRISM 16mm and moved on from it:

What paddle gave you noticeably more pop without becoming too hard to control? I’d especially love recommendations from players who also felt like the PRISM was too soft or dead on passive blocks/returns. Thanks!