Warping Point Nightblade Pickleball Paddle Review – Insane Swing Weight
The Warping Point Nightblade is the latest paddle from a relatively new brand looking to shake things up in the pickleball world. While Warping Point has released paddles before, this is the first time I’ve seen them step outside the "catalog clone" zone and try something original. The result? A bold, powerful paddle with pro-level ambition — but one that ultimately falls short in some areas.
Let’s dive into what makes the Nightblade such an interesting and polarizing release.
Nightblade Specs at a Glance
Here’s a quick rundown of the Warping Point Nightblade specs:
Core: 14mm foam-filled polymer honeycomb
Design: Edgeless
Shape: Elongated (16.7” x 7.3”)
Handle Length: 5.8” (great for two-handed backhands)
Static Weight: 7.78 oz
Twist Weight: 5.7
Swing Weight: 127.5 (incredibly high)
Certifications: USAP & UPA approved
Price: ~$112 with code PICKLEBALLBLAST (not valid on Amazon)
Availability: Direct from Warping Point or on Amazon
TL;DR: Is the Nightblade Worth It?
The Nightblade is Warping Point’s most ambitious paddle yet. It brings some serious power — particularly noticeable on punch volleys and shorter swings — and features a less seen foam-filled core that creates a really full, connected feel on contact.
But this paddle is absolutely not beginner-friendly. The ultra-high swing weight, combined with an edgeless design and narrower sweet spot, means it’s best suited for advanced players who can handle the quirks and get the most out of its potential.
What I Liked About the Nightblade
🔹 Foam-Filled Polymer Core
This type of core isn’t brand new (we’ve seen it from companies like Spartus), but it’s still relatively uncommon. I appreciate Warping Point for doing something a little different here. The result is a solid, vibration-reducing feel with predictable power and a very linear response off the face.
🔹 Punch Power
What surprised me most was its punch volley performance. Despite not feeling like an overly “poppy” paddle, I consistently clocked around 40 mph on punch tests — rivaling paddles like the Franklin Dynasty. At the net, it hits hard.
🔹 Fair Price
At $112 (with my code), it’s a reasonable investment — especially for a paddle that’s targeting more experienced players. Add in dual certification and a longer handle for those two-handers, and you’re getting some nice features at a budget-friendly price.
What Didn’t Work for Me
🔸 Swing Weight Is Too High
At 127.5, this is one of the highest stock swing weights I’ve ever tested. After a couple hours of play, I started to feel it in my elbow — and I’m someone who’s used to testing paddles regularly. For many players, especially those prone to joint issues or just starting out, this level of swing weight will be a dealbreaker.
🔸 Edgeless Tradeoffs
Typically, an edgeless design brings a lighter swing weight and a smaller sweet spot. The Nightblade keeps the small sweet spot without the benefit of a lower swing weight — which left me confused. It felt better than some other edgeless paddles in terms of sweet spot size, but I still found myself hitting some dead spots, especially on mis-hits.
🔸 No Room to Customize
Normally I’d recommend adding lead tape to the sides or throat to improve stability and expand the sweet spot. But with the swing weight already this high, adding more weight just isn’t viable for most players — myself included. What you get out of the box is what you’re working with.
Final Verdict: Who Is This Paddle For?
The Warping Point Nightblade isn’t for everyone — but it is for someone. If you’re a strong intermediate or advanced player who:
Likes a heavy, high-swing-weight paddle
Wants power, especially in the compact/net game
Doesn’t want a Gen 3 or full foam paddle
Can handle the sweet spot tradeoffs of an edgeless design
...then this might be a paddle worth checking out.
Even if it won’t be my daily driver, I genuinely respect Warping Point for swinging for the fences here. They’ve shown a willingness to take feedback (from myself and others), and they’re already working to bring the swing weight down in future versions. That kind of responsiveness is what drives paddle innovation — and keeps the game moving forward.
Where to Buy the Nightblade
You can purchase the Warping Point Nightblade directly from their website or on Amazon. If you want a discount, make sure to use code PICKLEBALLBLAST (only applies to purchases from Warping Point’s site).
Final Thoughts
If you're curious about paddles that push boundaries — and you’re not afraid of a challenge — the Nightblade could be your next experiment on court. Let me know in the comments: Is this paddle a step in the right direction or a bit too extreme?
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