Speedup Tide Review – A 14mm That Doesn’t Feel Like One
The Speedup Tide is one of the more interesting paddles I’ve tested recently. Not because it’s flashy, but because it feels different.
On paper, it’s a 14mm floating foam core paddle. In hand, it doesn’t play like most 14mm paddles I’ve tested.
Let’s break it down.
Build & Technology
The Speedup Tide uses an MPP (microcellular polypropylene) foam core instead of the more common EPP foam.
According to conversations with the owner, the choice to use MPP over EPP was centered around consistency. EPP foam contains larger cells and more air, which can compress slightly over time with repeated impact. That doesn’t “kill” the paddle, but it can soften response gradually.
MPP foam is designed to reduce that break in effect and maintain a more consistent response over the life of the paddle.
Surrounding the core is a TPE perimeter foam ring, rather than EVA. The goal here is to offset the rigidity of the MPP core and increase rebound, response, and dwell time.
The result is a paddle that feels rigid, but with noticeable dwell and connection to the ball.
The face features:
3 layers of carbon fiber
Top layer angled at 45 degrees
A grittier than average raw carbon texture
Spin generation is strong, and the face grabs the ball well.
Shapes & Specs
The Tide comes in standard, hybrid, and elongated shapes. I tested the elongated and hybrid, and ultimately preferred the elongated but there’s a catch there.
Elongated (14mm)
Static Weight: 8.2 oz
Swing Weight: 122.5
Twist Weight: 6.5
Hybrid (14mm)
Static Weight: 8.04 oz
Swing Weight: 111.7
Twist Weight: 6.1
These numbers are… interesting.
The elongated version has an unusually high swing weight for a 14mm paddle, even higher than many 16mm elongated paddles. That limits customization but contributes to power and stability.
The hybrid has a very low swing weight, which gives you room to add weight, but also starts with a surprisingly low twist weight for a hybrid shape. It almost plays like a slightly reshaped elongated which actually makes sense based on the paddle dimensions of 16.4” x 7.5”
How It Plays
This is where things get unique. The elongated version quickly became my preference which is rare for me. It feels solid, connected, and feedback heavy. Not overly hollow. Not springy in a trampoline way. The pop has mass behind it, more of a “thud” than a rocket.
Power is strong, but very controllable. I found it especially effective in singles where I could take full swings without feeling like the ball would sail. Spin generation is very good, and ball shaping feels natural.
The hybrid, in stock form, felt less stable especially on mishits. I suspect adding weight would significantly improve its performance.
Value & Pricing
Preorder pricing is competitive:
$160 preorder
10% off with code PICKLEBALLBLAST
~$144 after code during preorder
At that price, it’s positioned very well in the foam core market especially with it’s unique material makeup.
Final Thoughts
The Speedup Tide is intentional in it’s build and material choice and it shows. It provides a unique feel and expands the 14mm market.
It offers:
A unique MPP foam feel
Strong spin
Connected feedback
A very playable power profile
Competitive pricing
It won’t be for everyone, especially those sensitive to swing weight in the elongated version, but it’s one of the more interesting 14mm paddles currently available.
And in a market where many paddles feel increasingly similar, that matters.
