🤾 Hit a 3rd shot drive like a pro

Hey reader,

Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

🏓 What’s the best paddle you’ve never heard of?
🤾 Hit a 3rd shot drive like a pro
🙈 Stop making this mistake
👏 This backhand speed up catches everyone off guard

🏓 What’s the best paddle you’ve never heard of?

Most players stick with the big names—JOOLA, Selkirk, CRBN—for good reason. They’re reliable, well-built, and everywhere. But I kept wondering: what if we’re missing something?

What if there are paddles out there—without pro endorsements or flashy launches—that actually hold their own?

So I pulled five paddles from brands most players haven’t heard of and brought them into competitive rec play with a group of 5.0-level players. Everyone got 2–3 games on each paddle. We compared notes, debated tradeoffs, and paid close attention to feel, performance, and shot-making under pressure.

The Luzz Pro 2.0 Berserker was the clear standout. It had the kind of explosive pop, control, and spin shape you expect from a $250 paddle—but it comes in under $200. Several players compared it directly to JOOLA builds. I could see myself using it full-time.

A couple others, like the Aireo Falcon Pro-L16, showed real value—especially for players looking to upgrade from beginner gear without spending a fortune. But most reminded us why the top-tier brands earned their place.

Read the full piece to find out which paddles held up, which fell flat, and which under-the-radar brands are seriously impressing.

🤾 Hit a 3rd shot drive like a pro

I’m pumped to welcome back Kyle from That Pickleball School to this week’s Level Up.

Hey Pickleheads readers,

This week, I was joined by Patrick Kawka, pro pickleball player–who’s known for having one of the best drives in the game.

If you're blasting drives long or just feeding your opponent an easy return, this is for you.

Here are a few quick fixes:

• Grip: Semi-Western gives you natural topspin without messing up your backhand.

• Spacing: Keep the ball away from your body. Straight arms = better control.

• Spin beats Speed: You don’t need to crush it. A dipping drive is way harder to return than a flat rocket.

• Body weight: Step into the shot. If you lean back, you’ll sail the ball long.

Watch the full video where PK and Kyle break down the 7 key pieces every great drive needs.👇

We’re always testing new gear to bring you the good stuff. Here are a few quick hits from this week’s sessions:

11SIX24 Paddles

A group of 8 (4.5-5.0 level) players tested 11SIX24’s Pegasus (standard), Vapor (hybrid), and Hurache (elongated) paddles over a 2-hour session. Here’s what they said:

Jellybean Series – Best Value

Price: $99 (all models)

Pros: Great sweet spot, solid control, soft feel—the group agreed that this was the best paddle under $100 and a good option for beginner to intermediate players.

Cons: Lacks high-end power, so not ideal for advanced play.

Verdict: Great entry-level or budget option depending on shape preference. Everyone agreed that this is a major steal.

All-Court Series – Best Solid All-Around Performance

Price: $149

Pros: Well-balanced with good control, spin, and feedback that felt responsive and consistent across all shapes.

Cons: Doesn’t quite match the explosiveness of high-end paddles (e.g., JOOLA Gen 3/4).

Verdict: Excellent value for those wanting balanced play. Recommended even for some advanced players.

Power Series – Good, But Not Elite Power

Price: $169

Pros: The Hurache Power had the most consistent power performance and a better sweet spot than Vapor Power, and delivers noticeably more power than Jellybean or All-Court.

Cons: Power tops out at ~8.5 - 9/10; doesn't match top-tier paddles like JOOLA Gen 4 or Gearbox paddles.

Vapor Power had an inconsistent sweet spot and trampoline effect, making it harder to control than the Hurache power.

Verdict: It almost has the power that high-level players need, but not quite the level of the Joola, Paddletek, Gearbox, etc.

Our Rankings:

1. Hurache Power ($169) – Best combo of pop, sweet spot, and shape.

2. Hurache All-Court ($149) – Most well-rounded; consistent bounce and feel.

3. Vapor All-Court  ($149) – Stable and fast.

4. Pegasus Power ($169) – Good sweet spot; more consistent than Vapor Power.

5. Pegasus Jellybean ($99) – Solid control at great value.

6. Vapor Power ($169) – Big pop, but unpredictable trampoline effect.

Only a few of each design left

Last Tuesday, Eklipse dropped their Elements Collection. Five custom-designed paddles inspired by Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Metal.

Only 10 of each design were made. Now? There are just a few left of each.

These are playable art pieces—bold, limited-run paddles made for players who want something no one else has.

If you’re into gear that stands out and exclusive drops that don’t restock, now’s the time. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Park Hyatt, Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts,

Some courts come with ocean views. Others come with a stone sugar mill.

Tucked into the hills of St. Kitts, and set beside a replica of a 100-year-old sugar mill, these courts offer lessons, open play, and a seriously unique backdrop.

And when you’re done playing, step inside the mill itself, which doubles as a wellness sanctuary hosting yoga, sound healing, and spa rituals.

Not a bad cooldown, if you ask us.

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