Paddle Roundup 5 | February Was Crazy

The pickleball paddle market has been moving at an incredible pace, and February may have been one of the busiest months yet for new releases.

While full reviews provide the deepest look at a paddle, it’s not always possible to produce a dedicated video for every new release. That’s where the Paddle Roundup series comes in. These videos highlight a variety of new paddles, provide key specs, and offer quick impressions on how they play.

In this roundup, we’re taking a look at several paddles that recently launched, ranging from foam core power paddles to softer control focused options.

Chorus Coda

The Chorus Coda marks the company’s first move into foam core paddle technology. Chorus has built a reputation for producing quality paddles at competitive prices, and the Coda continues that trend.

The paddle uses a new Treblefoam core construction, featuring three different foam densities:

• EPP foam center

• EVA foam ring

• PU foam edge layer

The Coda also uses a layered face consisting of soft carbon fiber, fiberglass, and another layer of soft carbon fiber.

On court, the Coda plays like an all court paddle with good stability and speed through the air. There are moments where the pop shows up more than expected, giving it a bit of extra power when attacking balls at the net.

Beyond Measure Ronin

The Ronin stood out immediately because of two things: price and feel.

Coming in at around $117 after discount, the Ronin offers something that has become increasingly rare in the paddle market, a very soft, controlled feel.

Unlike most new releases, the Ronin uses a Gen 3 polypropylene honeycomb core instead of a foam construction. That gives it a more traditional response and a more unique feel in today’s market. However, while gen 3 was also chasing power, the ronin stands out with an incredibly soft feel.

Players who generate their own power will likely enjoy the Ronin the most, as the paddle leans more toward control than raw power.

Head Triflex Radical

The Head Triflex Radical features one of the more interesting core designs in this roundup.

The paddle uses a three layer core structure consisting of:

• Polypropylene honeycomb center

• EPP foam layer

• EVA foam outer ring

This construction creates a paddle that feels extremely predictable and controlled on court. The Radical is best described as an all court paddle that offers solid control and a consistent feel rather than explosive power. One standout feature is the handle, which is among the most comfortable grips currently available in pickleball paddles.

Maverix Havik 2

The Havik 2 continues Maverix’s tradition of producing paddles with unique shapes and designs.

The paddle features an elongated shape with an extremely low swing weight, which allows it to move through the air much faster than most paddles of similar length. This combination of reach and hand speed is the biggest selling point of the Havik 2 while also being priced very well.

Because of the lighter swing weight and moderate twist weight, the paddle benefits from adding weight to increase stability and expand the sweet spot, making it even better and still remaining very light.

Mark Pickleball 02R3

The Mark Pickleball 02R3 ended up being the standout paddle in this roundup. Despite fairly average measured stats, the paddle played better than expected during testing. The paddle uses a KinetiCore foam core construction with an EPP center and EVA foam ring, along with a carbon fiber and Kevlar face.

On court, the 02R3 feels like a power paddle with surprisingly good touch, making it easier to control than many other paddles in the power category. Because of the balance between power and feel, this paddle was the one I found myself playing best with during testing.

Pickleball Apes Joy

The Pickleball Apes Joy brings an interesting design to the sub $100 paddle market. It features the brand’s diced core design, which uses circular cutouts within the EPP foam core to adjust flex and response.

The paddle also uses a blended CFK face, combining carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar. On court, the Joy plays as a stiffer paddle with good power and pop, though players who prefer softer feeling paddles may find it a bit firm.

Aireo Cyclone

The Aireo Cyclone is easily one of the most powerful paddles in this roundup. It uses a floating foam core with an MPP center, which contributes to its explosive power and distinctive sound profile.

Compared to many elongated paddles, the Cyclone maintains a relatively manageable swing weight, allowing it to remain fairly quick in hand despite its power potential.

Players looking for a high powered paddle will likely find the Cyclone worth considering.

Luzz Pro Blade 2

The Luzz Pro Blade 2 aims to be a 14mm version of the popular Inferno paddle, but it offers a different playing experience. While the paddle is quick through the air and lightweight, it doesn’t provide quite the same level of power or stability as the Inferno.

However, the paddle has plenty of room for customization through added weight, which can help improve both stability and overall performance.

Paddle Roundup Winner

Every paddle in this roundup offers something different, and the best choice will always depend on player preferences and play style.

But if I had a tournament tomorrow and could choose just one paddle from this group, the paddle I’d reach for would be the Mark Pickleball 02R3.

It offered the best combination of power, control, and overall comfort during testing.