Being new to pickleball, this year, I wanted to upgrade my cheap aluminum paddle to a carbon fiber one but I did not want to spend over $100. Like many of us, we go online and search in YouTube and Google.
Throughout my search I couldn't believe how many paddles and companies are USAP approved. With different paddle shapes, handles, material and length I was very overwhelmed with which paddle to go with. I kept searching as to why people were purchasing these carbon fiber paddles and during my first visit to Camp Pickleball I asked to try a demo paddle. They let me try a Joola Scorpeus 3 14mm and I was impressed until I asked them how much paddles were. She said, around $300!!!! I couldnt believe how much one paddle was but anything over $150 was stretching it for me.
During my search I noticed that most companies and paddles seem to have similar dimensions and materials with a variety of prices. But why were some paddle companies charging $200-$300 while others were selling theirs for $80-$100.
Another day passed by and while I was at Target with my family, I decided to go to the sports equipment isle to look at what they had and surprised I saw a Joola and Franklin paddle on sale for 50% off. I was excited at first but still questioned as to why they were on sale from $99 to $49. But I had $50 from Christmas and my father's birthday was around the corner at that time so I bought them both. These paddles were made of fiberglass but the Franklin had more of a sand like feel to the paddle, which I wasnt a fan of. So I bought one for my dad's birthday and kept the Joola Seneca for myself. I was feeling good about my purchase at that time but kept looking online. After trying the paddle for the first time I was somewhat happy but not fully convince that $50 for this paddle was the right purchase for me. I felt like $50 was still a good chunk of money to put into a paddle. Then I came across Vatic Pro.
I quickly returned my Joola paddle to Target and Joola carrying case to Amazon to use that money to get my first carbon fiber paddle from Vactic Pro. Their prices were $89.99, with discount code/coupon, shipping included was a no brainer. While many other companies were still well over the $100 or more for their paddles Vatic Pro still keeps their mission the same. Lower cost paddle with high quality materials that pros use today in the league. Was it worth it? Yes, no doubt but I recommend all beginners getting into pickleball to go with the Vatic Pro Prism Bloom.
Why the Prism Bloom?
The reason why I went with a wide paddles is to have more control. Having the fiberglass paddle before I noticed that the ball would pop in places that I did not intent or respond harder than I wanted to. It has a larger wide body which helps beginners and recreational players
to have more control and spin. I played yesterday in my first open
play at a local indoor pickleball facility and noticed the difference right away. Right now as a beginner Im not looking to slam these balls but work on my control and get some spin on the ball. This paddle did just that. I was extremely happy with my purchase and recommended them to all.
After trying pickleball for fun and learning more about the sport, I thinking that I might be more of a balanced player on the court. Like previously noted, Im not trying to hit the ball as hard as I can but work more on placement, spin, mechanics and foot work. Plus being a heavy guy with knee issues I dont have the agility and ability to move back and forth around the court. I never played tennis but when my father, brother in and and friend played. I was hooked. It was the best workout I have had in a long time. Especially with having a major knee surgery 15 months ago I am ready to get moving on the courts.
Since I have purchased this paddle I have noticed how much response, spin and control I have in my game. I am still learning about the game and looking forward to connecting to this community of pickleballers in CT. It has been a great place to connect and if you are looking for a budget friendly paddle get the Prism Bloom 16mm or the Prism Flash 16mm. If you are in Connecticut and would like to test the paddle feel free to reach out to me to schedule a time to play.
When you are ready to purchase from Vatic Pro use my name jonathantorres as a coupon to help save you $10 on your purchase or click on the link.When you do please let me know what paddle you went with and where you are from and what court is your place to play.
Camp Pickleball in Plainville Connecticut
