Volair Shift Pickleball Paddle Review: 14mm Foam Core With a Unique Feel

The Volair Shift just launched with a brand new core design entering the pickleball paddle space, and after spending time on court with it, this paddle immediately stood out to me. Between the feel, the design choices, and how it plays across different shots, the Shift firmly puts Volair back on the map.

Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this paddle different, how it performs on court, and who it’s best suited for.

Volair Shift Overview and Specs

The Volair Shift is a 14mm foam core paddle that comes in three shapes: elongated, hybrid, and widebody. All three shapes feature a longer handle (5.5–5.6 inches), making them a great option for players who rely on a two handed backhand.

Here’s a breakdown of the key specs:

Elongated

• Static Weight: 8.24 oz

• Swing Weight: 122.7

• Twist Weight: 6.2

Widebody

• Static Weight: 8.2 oz

• Swing Weight: 108.2

• Twist Weight: 7.3

Hybrid (manufacturer listed)

• Static Weight: 8.1 oz

• Swing Weight: 116

• Twist Weight: 6.67

The Shift also introduces a new split colorway design, with multiple color options depending on the shape. Pricing lands around $170 after using the code PickleballBlast, which puts it right in line with many other foam core paddles on the market.

A New Take on Foam Core Technology

Foam cores are clearly the hot thing in pickleball right now, but Volair didn’t simply copy what’s already out there. Instead, they went back to the drawing board and came up with a unique approach to foam construction.

The Shift uses a routed EPP foam core wrapped in an EVA foam ring, but rather than a solid block of EPP foam in the center, Volair routes channels through the foam. Two of these routed foam pieces are then bonded together, and you can actually see this structure reflected in the graphics printed on the paddle face.

This design is intended to influence dwell time, responsiveness, and overall feel, and in my experience, it absolutely does.

From the very first hit, the Shift felt different. Even though this is a 14mm paddle, it doesn’t feel as stiff or harsh as many thinner paddles. It offers noticeably better dwell time and a slightly softer touch than expected, while still maintaining solid responsiveness and power.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say it plays exactly like a 16mm paddle, but it definitely bends the rules of what a 14mm paddle can feel like. The swing weight and twist weight numbers are closer to what we typically see from thicker paddles, which helps explain why it plays the way it does.

Power Performance

In terms of power, the Volair Shift lands in the lower to middle range of the power paddle category. It’s still clearly more powerful than a control or all court paddle, but it doesn’t quite reach the top end power of paddles like the Selkirk Boomstik or the Six Zero Black Opal.

That’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s probably a positive for most players. The Shift offers plenty of putaway power when you need it, but it’s also much easier to pick up and play compared to some of the more demanding pure power paddles on the market.

I felt the most power on putaways when I could really leverage the longer handle, but my drives were solid as well. The power feels usable and predictable rather than overwhelming.

Control, Feel, and Ball Shaping

This is where the Volair Shift really shines.

While it’s not plush or mushy, it also doesn’t have the sharp, rigid feel that some other 14mm paddles do. Compared to paddles like the Bread & Butter Loco or the Boomstik, which feel very quick and crisp off the face, the Shift lets the ball sink into the paddle just a bit more.

That added dwell time plays a big role in the paddle’s shot shaping ability, which I think is one of its strongest attributes. As we’ve seen the market move slightly away from chasing maximum power, ball shaping has become one of the most important performance metrics for many players. The Shift delivers here in a big way.

Spin, grit, dwell time, and predictability all work together nicely, and I consistently felt confident rolling balls, hitting aggressive topspin shots, and controlling pace during exchanges.

Sweet Spot and Stability

I spent most of my time playing with the elongated version, which ended up being my favorite shape, so keep that in mind.

The sweet spot feels solid and slightly elongated vertically, and Volair clearly put effort into avoiding a dead spot near the tip of the paddle. Even shots higher on the face felt responsive and predictable.

Stability is good for a 14mm paddle, though there’s still room for improvement. I only really noticed mishits on fast exchanges near the bottom corners of the paddle. Shots hit wider toward the sides, while technically outside the sweet spot, didn’t feel nearly as punishing.

Personally, I plan to add a bit of weight to improve stability even further, but even stock, it performs well for its category.

Design and Aesthetics

I also want to shout out the design, because I’m a big fan.

The split colorway not only looks great but also fits the name of the paddle perfectly. The graphics that outline the routed foam channels add visual interest without being overbearing.

Final Thoughts: Who Is the Volair Shift For?

I think the Volair Shift is going to be very well received and should absolutely put Volair back on the map.

It’s an appealing paddle for a wide range of players. It offers strong overall playability, good power and pop, excellent ball shaping ability, and a feel that stands out from much of what’s currently on the market. At the same time, it’s approachable and forgiving enough for players who are still refining their game.

If you’re curious about 14mm paddles but haven’t quite found the right fit, the Shift is especially worth a look. Its unique core design gives it a feel that’s different from most thinner paddles, making it a compelling option in a crowded foam-core landscape.