Review of Pickleball Paddles in Malaysia

Many brands of pickleball paddles have descended upon the Malaysian market. The dynamic of this market is quite different from other racket sports such as badminton, tennis and squash. The primary reason is due to the fact that many top foreign brands don't have a direct presence here. They do not appoint a Malaysian agent. Instead, they encourage everyone to purchase directly from their website. For instance, Selkirk, Joola, Engage, Vulcan; just to name a few.

Any customer can just buy directly from their websites, mostly based in the US. You may then ask, "what is the difference then, between end-users and resellers buying from these websites?"  Well, when you buy more from these websites, you usually get a slightly higher discount. For instance, when you purchase 10pcs and above, you might get an extra 3-5% discount. End-users usually don't buy so many, but resellers do. Moreover, end-users usually do not want to take the risk or trouble to buy from overseas website. They would rather buy locally. Hence, resellers can make money this way; though the margin is not big

With all the above background information being laid out, let's get straight into the popular models of pickleball paddles in Malaysia. The selections of paddles in Malaysia are more limited than in the US, so what is popular overseas might not be true here, and vice-versa. Here, we intend to present to you a brief review of some of the best-selling paddles in Malaysia. We will include more review details and cover more paddles in the near future. The list below is not in any particular order.

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta

Overview: Known for its powerful spin and precision, the Vanguard Power Air Invikta combines aerodynamic design with advanced technology for top-tier performance.

Pros: Excellent power, large sweet spot, great spin control.
Cons: Premium price point.

 

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16

Overview: Designed in collaboration with pro player Ben Johns, this paddle features a carbon fiber surface for enhanced spin and durability.

Pros: Outstanding control, durable build, pro-endorsed.
Cons: Slightly heavy for beginners

 

Six Zero 6.0 Ruby

Overview: Tailored for players seeking exceptional spin and control. While it may require some adjustment for those accustomed to more lively paddles, the Ruby rewards players with enhanced precision and the ability to shape shots effectively. 

Pros: Exceptional spin capabilities, enhanced control with a soft feel, large sweet spot
Cons: Slightly heavier swing weight may require adjustment, less pop compared to power-focused paddles.

 

Head Radical Nite

Overview: Stands out with its advanced materials and innovative construction, offering an excellent blend of power, control, and spin. 

Pros: Enhanced stability with ThermoTech construction, impressive spin capabilities, extended reach suitable for two-handed backhands
Cons: Slight complaints of durability issues, including delamination

 

Prokennex Black Ace LG 

Overview: Made for advanced players seeking a powerful and responsive paddle. Smaller sweet spot and edgeless design make the paddle precise and weightless

Pros: Lightweight and aerodynamic design, effective vibration dampening reduces injury risk, enhanced spin capabilities
Cons: Smaller sweet spot requires high shot precision, edgeless design may be prone to damage without an edge guard

 

Osone Evo II

Overview: Offers an excellent combination of power and control. Thick core enables precise shot placement while long handle allows double-handed use for greater power

Pros: Excellent control, double-handed backhands, great feel
Cons: No fancy features such edgeless design or aerodynamic "holes" 

 

Wilson Fierce Pro 13

Overview: Suitable for those looking to enhance their spin and shot precision. Good for beginners and intermediate players

Pros: Textured surface aiding in spin generation, balanced performance suitable for various shot types
Cons: Some users might prefer a thicker core for additional control

 

CRBN 3X

Overview: Offers a versatile option for players seeking a combination of power, spin, and control. 

Pros: Durable construction with reduced vibration, greater spin capabilities
Cons:  Slightly smaller sweet spot requires precise shot placement

 

Osone Evo I

Overview: A decently lightweight paddle with good control. A shorter handle and thicker face enable precise execution of shots

Pros: Excellent control, good spin.
Cons: Shorter handle impedes double-handed backhanded

 

Diadem Warrior Edge

Overview: The etched carbon fiber surface delivers exceptional spin, allowing players to execute effective topspin and slice shots; while a thicker core yields excellent control

Pros: Excellent spin capabilities and control
Cons: Requires adjustment for power shots from the baseline.

 

Selkirk Amped S2

Overview: Suitable for those looking to enhance their aggressive play and shot precision. Catered to intermediate and advanced players

Pros: Textured surface aiding in spin generation, FiberFlex fiberglass face combined with an X5 polypropylene honeycomb core provides a larger sweet spot, enhancing shot consistency and forgiveness. 
Cons: Does not cater for two-handed shots due to shorter handle