Pickleball Apes Pulse Review: Power Meets Control

** I want to post a quick update at the top to let you know that Pickleball Apes has seen some extreme break in with some of their paddles, and I specifically saw it happen with the Pulse V. After break in that thing hit HARD. I believe they have made some adjustments to address this and it should no longer be a problem and they have honored warranty exchanges with anyone who has had an issue **

** Second update, they’ve also launched the Pulse X which is a more standard elongated shape as opposed to the E which was extra long and narrow **

The Pickleball Apes Pulse Paddle is the latest Gen 3 paddle to hit the market, and it actually launched the same day this video went live. Now, I know what you might be thinking—"Do we really need another over-the-top, power-focused Gen 3 paddle?" Well, let me tell you that the Pulse is not that.

Before we dive in, I want to let you know that Pickleball Apes did send me this paddle, but they're not paying me, and they don't get to see this video before it goes live. But if you're interested in picking up the Pulse, you can use my code PickleballBlast for 10% off!

And hey, if you're here just for the highlights, I’ve got you covered. Gone is the typical Gen 3 focus on power, and in its place, we have an all-court, control-oriented paddle that is an absolute joy to play with. It’s the first Gen 3 paddle to feature a Kevlar face and comes in three different shapes: standard, slightly elongated with a curved top, and extra elongated. It’s incredibly stable and forgiving, but still offers enough power when you need it, making it a paddle that I think you're going to start seeing everywhere. Once you pick it up, I think you’ll have a hard time putting it down.

Now, if you're sticking around for the in-depth review, let's get into it. But first, make sure you hit that subscribe button down below!

The Basics:

I’m going to run through some basic stats for all three shapes—the Pulse V, Pulse S, and Pulse E—as they vary slightly between the three. Feel free to pause here if you want to review those!

Power

When it comes to power, the Pulse series is interesting. People online have used a lot of different words to describe this paddle, and it seems like there’s some confusion about whether it’s a power paddle or a control paddle. From my experience, I’d describe the power as available, but not overwhelming. It’s not a power paddle, but it does have some power built into its design, which is what you’d expect from Gen 3 paddles. When testing serves, I saw an average speed of 54 miles per hour, with high serves getting up to 60 mph. So, while it doesn’t feel like a pure power paddle, there’s definitely enough juice there when you need it.

Control

This is where the Pulse really shines. Control is probably the best part of this paddle. It’s super forgiving, with a massive sweet spot, making it incredibly stable and consistent on almost every shot. The stability is especially noticeable in the Pulse V, thanks to its high twist weight, which is complemented by a double foam wall that helps reduce vibrations. The feel of the paddle is also something I love—it’s soft but not in an overly plush way. It’s soft in a way that still feels crisp and responsive, so you don’t lose any ball feel. The dwell time also feels great, letting the ball sit on the face just long enough to shape your shots with precision.

For me, that level of control makes it a really forgiving paddle to play with, especially when switching mid-game to other paddles.

Pop

Now, pop can be a tricky thing with Gen 3 paddles, and I didn’t have numbers to back this up, just my feel. But I was pleasantly surprised by the pop of the Pulse. It’s definitely not crazy like some other Gen 3 paddles, which I think is a huge benefit. The pop feels manageable, and I think that’s a big part of why this paddle works so well for all-court play—it won’t send the ball flying when you least expect it, especially in tight net situations.

Spin

The spin on the Pulse series is solid, hovering around 2000 rpm, which is more than enough for most players. It’s not the highest spin paddle I’ve tested, but it’s more than capable of adding that extra dip to your shots when needed.

Speed

When it comes to speed, the Pulse V and Pulse S are both pretty quick, especially at the net. The standard shape of the Pulse V feels lightning fast, making it great for fast exchanges and quick reactions. The Pulse E with its extra reach feels a little slower due to a higher swing weight, but that’s the tradeoff for added reach and power.

Design

Now let’s talk design. Personally, I really like the clean look of these paddles, especially with the purple color scheme. It’s a nice change from the sea of black and white paddles out there. The design is simple but stands out, and it’s definitely eye-catching on the court.

Overall Thoughts

To wrap up, the Pickleball Apes Pulse is just a solid all-around paddle. It’s really fun to play with, offering excellent control, stability, and just enough power when you need it. The Kevlar face adds a unique element, and the build quality is top-notch. If you’re looking for a Gen 3 paddle that leans more towards control without sacrificing power completely, this could be the perfect fit for you.

As far as improvements go, honestly, I’m having a hard time coming up with anything. Sure, there are pros and cons to each shape, and it really comes down to personal preference. But in terms of overall performance, Pickleball Apes has done a great job of making a paddle that’s well-rounded and enjoyable to play with.

I also want to take a quick moment to shout out their CEO, Ivan. In my experience, he’s been super approachable and genuinely passionate about the sport and the product. I got the chance to chat with him and my friend Matt from Matt’s Pickleball before filming, and it really solidified my respect for both the company and their product. You can tell Ivan isn’t just building paddles for the business—he’s doing it because he loves the game.

Pickleball Apes Discount Code

If you’re planning to purchase the pickleball apes pulse v, pulse s, pulse e or the new pulse x consider using the code PickleballBlast to save 10% on your purchase over on the Pickleball Apes Website

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new paddle, especially one in the Gen 3 space, I definitely recommend giving the Pulse series a try. It has a lot to offer, and it’s a great choice for players of all levels.

Don’t forget, you can use the code PickleballBlast to get 10% off your order. Thanks so much for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video!

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