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- 🤾 1 vs 2 handed resets
🤾 1 vs 2 handed resets
Plus, a new standout paddle that doesn't break the bank, attack like a dink, and much more...
Brandon Mackie
May 22, 2025
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
🤑 A new standout paddle that doesn't break the bank
🤾 1 vs 2 handed resets
💥 The secret to serving FAST in pickleball!
🤯 Attack like a dink!
🤑 A new standout paddle that doesn't break the bank
Every new paddle these days seems to launch at $250 with some flashy new tech. And sure, they're great—but most players don't need a thermoformed rocket.
Enter the Friday Fever ($99). It's Friday Pickleball's latest release, and it feels like they asked: "What if we took our original paddle and made it tournament-worthy?" In a lot of ways, they did.
The Fever delivers spin you can feel, a large sweet spot, and a consistent face—all at a price most players can actually afford. It's not built for bangers or singles-first players chasing max pop, but for most doubles players, it strikes a great balance of spin, control, and value.
In a market full of overpriced hype, the Fever is refreshingly grounded.
🤾 1 vs 2 handed resets
I’m stoked to welcome back James Ignatowich, top-5 ranked pickleball player in the world, for this week’s Level Up.
One of the most common questions I get: When should I use a one-handed vs two-handed backhand in the transition zone?
The simplest answer? It depends. Each one has its moment.
If you're under pressure and your opponent is rifling balls at you, it's way easier to absorb the pace and reset with two hands on the paddle.
But if the pace slows down and you’ve got a little more time? Go for a one-handed backhand slice—it’s much easier to control with a single hand when you're not rushed.
To recap:
In a rush? Two hands, fend it off.
Got time? One-handed slice for the win.
Want to see James in action explaining this week’s tip in full? Click the thumbnail below. 👇
🤫 Our biggest product launch yet
We just released a major update to our app, and it might be the coolest thing we’ve ever built.
You can now create a real mini-tournament — with a partner, a bracket, and bragging rights — all from your phone.
These mini-tournaments only take a couple of hours, and you can run them at your local courts with your regular crew.
Built for rec players like you. No clipboards required.
We’re always testing new gear to bring you the good stuff. Here are a few quick hits from this week’s sessions:
 | Cool tech, rough fit: I was excited to try the HEAD Motion Pro BOA Pickleball Shoes ($199) — the dial system used to tighten them up is slick and super convenient. But once I hit the court, the fit just didn’t work for me. The BOA tightens fast, but not evenly. I kept getting pain near my heel arch—something I’ve never dealt with in other shoes. I had to wear them loose just to stay comfortable, which isn’t ideal for pickleball. |
On the plus side, they feel durable and the grip’s solid. If you’re a convenience-first player with feet that never complain, these might be worth a shot. The quick adjustments are really neat. But for me, the comfort issues were a dealbreaker.
 | Gift-ready paddles that play above their price: Bison Pickleball built its rep on budget carbon fiber paddles, but their new $150 models—The Untamed and The Peak—feel way more premium. The unboxing is legit Apple-level, with extras like lead tape, paddle cleaner, and a slick cover. It would be a great gift pick for Father’s Day or graduation. |
The Untamed has a big sweet spot and covers up mis-hits well.
But The Peak is the star—tons of pop, great feel, and enough dwell time to really place your shots. It played well above its price point. Also: the grip is incredible. Best I’ve ever used, no exaggeration.
 | Built for battles, not for feel: Anytime Holbrook drops a new paddle line, it turns heads—and the ARMA series is their latest push into the power-player space. I tested both the ARMA S and ARMA Metallic, and immediately gravitated toward the S. Out of the box, the paddle felt stiff. But after a couple games, it started to loosen up and really came alive at the kitchen. If you like hand battles, this thing is a weapon. Fast, stable, and great for countering hard hitters. |
But I’ll warn you: It’s not a touch paddle. Drops, spins, and shaped drives were a struggle for me. The ball just doesn’t sit on the face long enough. But if you’re switching from a softer paddle and want more structure, the ARMA S might hit the sweet spot.
💥 The secret to serving FAST in pickleball!
🤯 Attack like a dink!
👏 Want faster hands?
Terlingua Ghost Town, TX
You’ve heard of off-the-beaten-path. But how about off-the-grid?
Welcome to Terlingua, Texas—a remote desert town near Big Bend National Park known for its ghost town vibes and, apparently, pickleball.
Tucked among dusty roads, cacti, and old mining relics sits what might be the most surprising permanent pickleball court in the country.
It’s not glamorous. There’s no clubhouse or pro shop. Just a couple of chairs and a community net setup that says: we play because we love it.
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