One Year Later: Is the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Still Worth It?
The Six Zero Double Black Diamond has been my go-to paddle for over a year now. It’s seen me through countless matches and been my main weapon on the court. But with paddle technology moving at warp speed lately, the big question is: is the Double Black Diamond still worth your money?
Let’s dive into a one-year-later review—where this paddle stands today, what still makes it great, and where it might be falling behind. If you're short on time, here’s the quick answer:
Yes, it's still a terrific paddle in 2024—especially for players upgrading from a starter paddle or looking for a well-rounded, reliable option.
If you want the full breakdown, let's get into it.
Quick Overview: Specs & Shape
The Six Zero Double Black Diamond is a thermoformed hybrid paddle available in 16mm and 14mm thickness. Here are some key specs from the 16mm version I’ve been using:
Average Weight: 8.1 oz
Swing Weight: 114
Twist Weight: 6.8
Grip Length: 5.5 in
Grip Circumference: 4.25 in
Face Material: Toray T700 carbon fiber
It delivers great spin, pop, and forgiveness, making it an extremely accessible option for intermediate players or those looking to level up from beginner gear.
Power: Where It Started vs. Where It Stands
When the Double Black Diamond first dropped, it was early in the thermoformed paddle wave and packed a noticeable punch. It was technically labeled a “control paddle” by Six Zero, but that was in comparison to its more powerful sibling, the Black Diamond.
A year later, the paddle landscape has changed—with powerful newcomers like the Gearbox Power Pro, JOOLA Gen 3, and Mod TA15 entering the chat. These have nudged the Double Black Diamond more squarely into the all-court category.
That said, this paddle still brings the heat. In my tests, using a well-worn version, I saw:
Average Serve Speed: 49.9 mph
Top Serve Speed: 56 mph
There’s also a noticeable break-in period. Out of the box, it felt a bit underwhelming, but after a few sessions, it loosened up and found its power groove.
Control: Great, Once You Adjust
The paddle does lean slightly towards pop (more on that next), so drops and resets can take some adjusting—especially if you’re coming from something ultra-soft like the Selkirk Luxx.
But once you dial it in, the feel and feedback are excellent. I’ve found myself becoming more intentional with resets and dinks, which has actually improved my game.
Pop: A Net Player’s Friend
One of the paddle's biggest selling points when it launched was its pop, and that’s still a standout feature today.
In fast hand battles at the net, you’ll appreciate the easy power it gives with minimal effort. Yes, the pop can make touch shots a bit tricky at first, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off for offensive play.
Spin: Still Competitive
Even though the surface doesn’t feel super gritty, the Toray T700 carbon face gives you plenty of spin.
Other testers saw RPMs over 2,000 when it first launched. My well-used paddle still hit around 1850 RPM—very solid for a paddle that’s taken a beating for nearly a year.
Speed: My Favorite Feature
This is where the Double Black Diamond really shines.
With a swing weight of 114, the paddle feels lightning-quick in hand, which is perfect for reflex volleys and net exchanges. It’s also easier on the arm over time, especially if you’ve dealt with elbow or wrist fatigue in the past.
Sweet Spot & Forgiveness
Typical of many thermoformed paddles, the sweet spot is large and forgiving. But with the Double Black Diamond, that forgiveness is especially noticeable.
On mishits, while the ball may not land exactly where you want, it still ends up being a playable shot more often than not. That reliability makes it a great option for those still dialing in their consistency.
A Minor Downside: Handle Grip
If I had to nitpick, the handle can get a little slick when sweaty. The size and shape are great, but in hot or humid conditions, you might want to slap on an overgrip for better traction. It’s not a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of.
Final Verdict: Is It Still Worth It in 2024?
Absolutely. Even with all the new paddles flooding the market, the Six Zero Double Black Diamond remains:
Well-rounded
Fast and forgiving
Durable after a year of heavy use
Perfect for players upgrading from entry-level paddles
While it’s no longer the top dog in power, it's carved out a solid place in the all-court category. And with new Six Zero models offering variations, it’s easier than ever to find something that fits your style.
Six Zero Discount Code
If you’re interested in purchasing the six zero double black diamond or any other paddle, you can use the code PickleballBlast for an additional 10% off of your purchase over at Six Zero Pickleball
What’s Next?
This is my first written paddle review, but definitely not the last. More to come soon, so stay tuned!
Let me know in the comments if you’re still rocking the Double Black Diamond or if you’ve moved on to something else—I’d love to hear what’s working for you.
Until next time, see you on the court!
