11six24 Vapor Power 2 Review: Could HexGrit Solve Pickleball’s Grit Problem?
The pickleball industry has a quiet problem.
Most paddles don’t fail because they break, they fail because the surface dies.
Spin drops off. The grit wears down. The paddle still looks fine structurally, but it no longer plays like it did when it was new. And if you care about performance, that usually means replacing it sooner than you’d like.
Enter the 11six24 Vapor Power 2.
Not only is this a strong all around power paddle, but it introduces something that could matter far more long term: HexGrit, a new surface designed to maintain spin performance longer than traditional raw carbon fiber.
After about 10-15 hours on court, here’s where things stand.
The Basics
The Vapor Power 2 is the hybrid shape in 11six24’s new Power 2 lineup and the successor to both the original Power and Alpha Pro Power lines. It will launch with just this hybrid shape with the elongated Hurache and standard Pegasus coming later.
Specs (tested unit):
16mm thickness
8.04 oz static weight
112 swing weight
6.6 twist weight
Gen 4 floating foam core
Retail: $209 ($199 with code pickleballblast)
On paper, this sits squarely in the modern foam core power category, but how it plays is what matters.
How the Vapor Power 2 Plays
This is a power paddle, but not a top end uncontrollable rocket launcher.
In terms of raw power, I’d place it under paddles like the Boomstik, Black Opal, or Loco. That’s not a knock, it actually makes this paddle far more usable for a broader range of players. It has more than enough power for pretty much anyone and doesn’t sacrifice in other areas as much to accomplish that, making it a safer option for a lot of people than some of the very top end options.
Feel
Slightly hollow
Crisp and slightly sharp off the face
On the stiffer side, but not harsh
It feels controlled, responsive, and predictable. My guess (though unconfirmed) is that there may be a fiberglass layer in the layup based on the feel and sound, as well as previous builds from 11six24.
Pop & Hand Speed
Pop sits on the higher end of the spectrum. It’s noticeable in hand battles and at the net, but not so explosive that it becomes difficult to manage.
If you’re coming from a very control oriented paddle you may need a short adjustment period, and if you’re coming from something poppy and / or slightly stiff I still found there to be a little bit of dialing in needed but it wasn’t too extreme. In either case though, the spin generation helps balance that transition.
Customization Potential
This paddle has room to grow.
It plays well in stock form, but the 112 swing weight leaves room to add weight. I’ll likely start with 4 grams on each lower corner working it’s way up to increase stability and add more plow through.
If you enjoy dialing in your setup, the Vapor Power 2 gives you that flexibility, but again, I was pretty happy with it in stock form as well.
The Real Story: HexGrit
Now we get to the part that actually matters.
The Vapor Power 2 features HexGrit, it’s take on the solution to the grit problem. And based purely on feel, it is one of the grittiest paddles currently on the market. Spin generation is strong right out of the gate, but the real question isn’t how it spins today, it’s how it spins in three months.
The Hidden Cost of Pickleball
One of the biggest hidden expenses in pickleball isn’t broken cores, it’s worn out surfaces.
Raw carbon fiber faces typically lose spin performance gradually over time. That degradation curve is something most players just accept. HexGrit is attempting to change that equation.
If this surface truly maintains its grit longer, then we’re not just talking about another good paddle, that sits amongst plenty of other good paddles, we’re talking about a potential shift in how players evaluate value.
Because suddenly:
$200 isn’t just about performance today
It’s about performance over time
Also after 10-15 hours of play, I’ve noticed something interesting. There are almost no ball marks on my paddle face. Sure there are a few little scuffs, but that’s unusual. It’s not proof of longevity, or proof of anything for that matter, but it does suggest something different is happening with the surface construction.
The jury is still out long term, but the early signs are promising.
Power vs Longevity: The Value Equation
Let’s say HexGrit lasts twice as long as traditional surfaces. Does that justify the price? Does it need to last 3x longer? Would extending top tier performance from one month to six months change how often you replace paddles? That calculation is different for everyone but ultimately it’s the question to ask yourself
But the fact that companies like 11six24, along with Selkirk, Six Zero, Spartus and a few more, are actively addressing durability tells me we’re entering a new phase of paddle development.
And that’s exciting.
Approval Status: Important to Know
The Vapor Power 2 is currently:
UPAA Approved
NOT USAP Approved
What does that mean?
✅ Legal for PPA events
❌ Not legal for APP events
⚠️ Local tournament legality may vary. My experience is that most won’t give you any problems but it’s always good to check
Final Thoughts
If we ignore the grit conversation entirely, the Vapor Power 2 is already a very solid power focused foam core paddle:
Good usable power
High end pop
Strong spin
Forgiving enough for most players
But that’s not why this paddle matters.
What makes the Vapor Power 2 interesting is what it represents. If HexGrit truly extends surface life in a meaningful way, this paddle won’t just be competitive, it could change how players think about durability and long term value.
I’m continuing to put hours on it and will report back once we get real wear data.
For now, the performance is there. The foundation is there. And the direction of this technology is one of the most important in paddle development right now.
