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- đ„ Why your power paddle doesn't feel powerful...
đ„ 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 Mackie
May 15, 2025
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
đ„ Why your power paddle doesn't feel powerfulâŠ
đ€Ÿ How pros decide when and when not to attack
đ„ A quick tip you can start using today
đș A pro player cheat code
đ„ Why your power paddle doesn't feel powerfulâŠ
âŠand what it probably says about your sweet spot
You shelled out for a paddle that promised pop. Big power. Maybe even âpro-levelâ results.
But on the court? It feels⊠flat. Dead. Like youâre swinging hard and still getting nothing back.
Our lead gear tester Stephen Mijangos has seen this a hundred times. And heâs got a theory: itâs not your swing, and itâs not the paddle. Itâs your sweet spot.
Most âpowerâ paddles only deliver when you hit them perfectly. Miss the sweet spotâeven by an inchâand your shots lose their punch. Thatâs why so many players end up disappointed.
Stephenâs take? Instead of chasing raw power, look for forgivenessâa paddle with a big sweet spot that helps you connect clean more often. Thatâs what actually puts more oomph behind the ball.
Read more here:
đ€Ÿ How pros decide when and when not to attack
Iâm pumped to welcome back Kyle from That Pickleball School to this weekâs 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 Geâand 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 upâand 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 MLPâs Dallas Flash) and I break down the decision-making process you need to develop to know when (and when NOT) to attack in pickleball. đ
Weâre always testing new gear to bring you the good stuff. Here are a few quick hits from this weekâs 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 3âa pro-level paddle thatâs built for power players. The pop is wildâeasily a 9.5 or 10. Drives and overheads come off hot. But itâs 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 youâve got fast hands and love to hit big, the Flamingo might be your weapon. Just be readyâitâs 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. Itâs not replacing the Franklin X-40 as our go-to, but itâs closer than we expected. Itâs Stephenâs current favoriteâthanks to its solid mix of speed, spin, durability, and bounce. |
Earlier versions had issues with going out of round, but thatâs been fixed. It holds up well under aggressive play and doesnât crack as easily as some budget options.
At ~$2 per ball in bulk, itâs 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: Weâre 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 doesnât have the pop or power for advanced playâbut for beginner to intermediate players ready to upgrade from an entry-level paddle, this might be one of the best values on the market.
đ„ A quick tip you can start using today
đș A pro player cheat code
đââïž 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 youâre just starting out, the Match paddle is your go-to. Lightweight, forgiving, and easy to swing, itâs 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, itâs fully customizable, so you can fine-tune the weight and feel to match your game.
These arenât one-size-fits-all paddles. Choose one that fits your skill level and playing style.
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