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- š„ Why your power paddle doesn't feel powerful...
š„ Why your power paddle doesn't feel powerful...
Plus, how pros decide when and when not to attack, a quick tip you can start using today, and much more...
Brandon at Pickleheads
May 15, 2025
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
š„ Why your power paddle doesn't feel powerfulā¦
š¤¾ How pros decide when and when not to attack
š„ A quick tip you can start using today
šŗ A pro player cheat code
š„ Why your power paddle doesn't feel powerfulā¦
ā¦and what it probably says about your sweet spot
You shelled out for a paddle that promised pop. Big power. Maybe even āpro-levelā results.
But on the court? It feelsā¦ flat. Dead. Like youāre swinging hard and still getting nothing back.
Our lead gear tester Stephen Mijangos has seen this a hundred times. And heās got a theory: itās not your swing, and itās not the paddle. Itās your sweet spot.
Most āpowerā paddles only deliver when you hit them perfectly. Miss the sweet spotāeven by an inchāand your shots lose their punch. Thatās why so many players end up disappointed.
Stephenās take? Instead of chasing raw power, look for forgivenessāa paddle with a big sweet spot that helps you connect clean more often. Thatās what actually puts more oomph behind the ball.
Read more here:
š¤¾ How pros decide when and when not to attack
Iām pumped to welcome back Kyle from That Pickleball School to this weekās Level Up.
Hey Pickleheads readers,
Want to win more points at the kitchen line? Here's one simple rule:
Only attack when the ball is out of the air and above the net.
In a recent drill, I tested this against pro player Augie Geāand when I attacked from above the net, I won 8 out of 10 points!
Why? Because when the ball is out of the air and above the net, you can hit faster, flatter, and give your opponent less time to counter.
Attack from below the net and you'll often float the ball upāand get punished for it.
So next time you're looking to speed things up, ask yourself: Can I hit this down, or should I to reset?
In my full video, Augie Ge (a top pro and a member of MLPās Dallas Flash) and I break down the decision-making process you need to develop to know when (and when NOT) to attack in pickleball. š
Weāre always testing new gear to bring you the good stuff. Here are a few quick hits from this weekās sessions:
 | Proton is one of the hottest new paddle brands in the game: Their drops sell out fast, and we finally got our hands on the Flamingo Series 3āa pro-level paddle thatās built for power players. The pop is wildāeasily a 9.5 or 10. Drives and overheads come off hot. But itās not the most forgiving paddle out there. |
The sweet spot is small, and the fast, stiff face makes it tough to control touch shots or shape spin the way we can with paddles like the JOOLA Gen 4s or the TKO-C. It would benefit from some lead tape to calm it down and expand the sweet spot.
If youāve got fast hands and love to hit big, the Flamingo might be your weapon. Just be readyāitās not made for casual play.
 | We tested a half-dozen new balls this week: The new Gen 2 Vulcan VPRO Flight (save 20% with code PICKLEHEADS) came out on top. Itās not replacing the Franklin X-40 as our go-to, but itās closer than we expected. Itās Stephenās current favoriteāthanks to its solid mix of speed, spin, durability, and bounce. |
Earlier versions had issues with going out of round, but thatās been fixed. It holds up well under aggressive play and doesnāt crack as easily as some budget options.
At ~$2 per ball in bulk, itās one of the best values out there right now. Definitely worth a try.
 | A lot of players want to show up with a big-name paddle: Weāre always curious about the brands flying under the radar. We brought a few lesser-known paddles out to the court this week and found a standout: the Aireo Falcon Pro L-16. At $99, this paddle delivers surprising control, a soft feel, and consistent performance across the face. |
It has solid weight in hand and is especially great for players still building their game.
No, it doesnāt have the pop or power for advanced playābut for beginner to intermediate players ready to upgrade from an entry-level paddle, this might be one of the best values on the market.
š„ A quick tip you can start using today
šŗ A pro player cheat code
šāāļø THE pickleball warm up
Choosing your first (or next) Adidas paddle
Adidas has been making waves in pickleball with its latest paddle drops, and for good reason.
Their lineup is built with intention, helping players grow from first serve to fierce competitor.
If youāre just starting out, the Match paddle is your go-to. Lightweight, forgiving, and easy to swing, itās perfect for learning control, building confidence, and keeping rallies going.
Moving up? Try the RX. It gives you more spin and control. And a great fit for intermediate players who are starting to hit with more purpose that want a paddle that keeps up.
Ready to go all in? Then the Metalbone is tournament-ready, built for power and speed, helping advanced players dominate quick exchanges at the net. Plus, itās fully customizable, so you can fine-tune the weight and feel to match your game.
These arenāt one-size-fits-all paddles. Choose one that fits your skill level and playing style.
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