PickleballCentral Expert's Corner:
Test Reviews of the Gamma 206 Pickleball Paddle:"I have tried many different paddles over the 11 years that I have been playing the wonderful game of Pickleball. The advancement made in the technology used to make these paddles has increased exponentially as the game has become more and more popular over time and players demand better and better paddles. Nowadays paddles have different configurations as far as the length, width, and thickness of the head of the paddle, the smooth or textured surface of the paddle face, the length and circumference of the handle, as well as the weight. Some folks like the light weight for speed and some heavier for power. So, depending on what kind game you like to play, power or control with more dinking, you might choose one paddle over another.
Gamma's newest Pickleball paddle, the Riley Newman Signature 206 paddle with NeuCore Technology packs quite a wallop! Most of the 8 ounces feels like it's in the head of the paddle which gives it its explosive power. Gamma's Honeycomb grip makes holding this paddle comfortable and the tackiness makes for a good solid grip. The handle has an extended length (5 1/4" long) for those who have a two-handed backhand or for those who, like myself, switch hands...the two-forehand style of play. Another thing about the handle is that it's more like a tennis racquet as it is squared off which makes it easier to switch grips for forehand or backhand strokes, if that's your style of play. The circumference of the handle (4 1/8") is a good size for both men's and women's hand sizes. I would say for those who like to play a power game and also like to put spin on the ball (as the surface has a nice texture to it for spin control) this is the paddle for you."
- Tricia Hoffman
Sonoma County Pickleball Club
Test Reviews of the Gamma 206 Pickleball Paddle:"I have tried many different paddles over the 11 years that I have been playing the wonderful game of Pickleball. The advancement made in the technology used to make these paddles has increased exponentially as the game has become more and more popular over time and players demand better and better paddles. Nowadays paddles have different configurations as far as the length, width, and thickness of the head of the paddle, the smooth or textured surface of the paddle face, the length and circumference of the handle, as well as the weight. Some folks like the light weight for speed and some heavier for power. So, depending on what kind game you like to play, power or control with more dinking, you might choose one paddle over another.
Gamma's newest Pickleball paddle, the Riley Newman Signature 206 paddle with NeuCore Technology packs quite a wallop! Most of the 8 ounces feels like it's in the head of the paddle which gives it its explosive power. Gamma's Honeycomb grip makes holding this paddle comfortable and the tackiness makes for a good solid grip. The handle has an extended length (5 1/4" long) for those who have a two-handed backhand or for those who, like myself, switch hands...the two-forehand style of play. Another thing about the handle is that it's more like a tennis racquet as it is squared off which makes it easier to switch grips for forehand or backhand strokes, if that's your style of play. The circumference of the handle (4 1/8") is a good size for both men's and women's hand sizes. I would say for those who like to play a power game and also like to put spin on the ball (as the surface has a nice texture to it for spin control) this is the paddle for you."
- Tricia Hoffman
Sonoma County Pickleball Club
PickleballCentral Expert's Corner:
Test Reviews of the Gamma Havoc Pickleball Paddle:"I have been an avid Pickleball player for eleven years and have tried many, many paddles during this time. Since I began playing, the technology has improved immensely making play more fun, enabling players to develop better skills over time, and those who play competitively in tournaments have better equipment with which to play. Pickleball paddles vary depending on the materials used, the shape and size of the head, the weight, and the handle length and circumference. Being that some players are power players and others are more into control and dinking, their preferences for types of paddles might differ.
This new Gamma Lindsey Newman Signature HAVOC paddle with NeuCore Technology is a wonderful paddle for those who want to really up their game. It has excellent control as well as being able to hit crisp powerful shots. I love its versatility! The handle is slightly longer than some other paddles which gives those who hit two-handed backhands more surface to hold onto. Also, the handle is squared off, more like a tennis racquet, so that if you change your grip from forehand to backhand, it makes for an easier transition. The Honeycomb grip provides great cushioning as well as tackiness and the 4 1/8" circumference of the handle is a good size for both men's or women's hands. The face of the paddle has a nice textured surface which will enhance any spin you put on the ball. I like this paddle also because the weight is evenly distributed from the head through the handle, so it's not top-heavy. The weight is 8 ounces with a 25% thicker large-celled core which gives plenty of power and responsiveness. The HAVOC has a large sweet spot so that no matter where you hit the ball on the paddle, you get quite a bit of accuracy. You can tell right away that this paddle is made of very high quality materials (and, it's made in the USA!). It will enhance your skills the more you practice with it. This Gamma HAVOC is one of the best paddles I've played with over the years and I highly recommend it whether you're just starting out or a Pro who plays competitively in tournaments."
- Tricia Hoffman
Sonoma County Pickleball Club
Test Reviews of the Gamma Havoc Pickleball Paddle:"I have been an avid Pickleball player for eleven years and have tried many, many paddles during this time. Since I began playing, the technology has improved immensely making play more fun, enabling players to develop better skills over time, and those who play competitively in tournaments have better equipment with which to play. Pickleball paddles vary depending on the materials used, the shape and size of the head, the weight, and the handle length and circumference. Being that some players are power players and others are more into control and dinking, their preferences for types of paddles might differ.
This new Gamma Lindsey Newman Signature HAVOC paddle with NeuCore Technology is a wonderful paddle for those who want to really up their game. It has excellent control as well as being able to hit crisp powerful shots. I love its versatility! The handle is slightly longer than some other paddles which gives those who hit two-handed backhands more surface to hold onto. Also, the handle is squared off, more like a tennis racquet, so that if you change your grip from forehand to backhand, it makes for an easier transition. The Honeycomb grip provides great cushioning as well as tackiness and the 4 1/8" circumference of the handle is a good size for both men's or women's hands. The face of the paddle has a nice textured surface which will enhance any spin you put on the ball. I like this paddle also because the weight is evenly distributed from the head through the handle, so it's not top-heavy. The weight is 8 ounces with a 25% thicker large-celled core which gives plenty of power and responsiveness. The HAVOC has a large sweet spot so that no matter where you hit the ball on the paddle, you get quite a bit of accuracy. You can tell right away that this paddle is made of very high quality materials (and, it's made in the USA!). It will enhance your skills the more you practice with it. This Gamma HAVOC is one of the best paddles I've played with over the years and I highly recommend it whether you're just starting out or a Pro who plays competitively in tournaments."
- Tricia Hoffman
Sonoma County Pickleball Club
Review of Prince Response paddle from Pickleball Central
Reviewed by Tricia Hoffman, Sonoma County Pickleball Club
Pickleball Central sent us a Prince Response paddle to review. A number of players in our club tried it out and the response (as in the name of the paddle) was “this is a great paddle!” The paddle is light weight (weighing approximately 7.5 ounces) and has a small grip (4 1/8 inches). The paddle head is rounder (more like a tennis racquet head) than some of the other Pickleball paddles that are on the market, making it wider at the base. It has a large sweet spot because of this innovative shape and it is weighted slightly heavier near the base of the head, closer to the handle. This would allow for a quicker response when hitting an overhead shot because of the “whipping” ability due to the weight distribution within the paddle head. Also, it has a nice texture which allows for good control and spin as well as power. The women in our club particularly liked this paddle and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Those with larger hands, or players who would like a heavier paddle with more texturing on the face might want to go with the newer version called the Response Pro also by Prince.
To purchase this fine paddle contact Pickleball Central at 888-854-0163 or 253-854-0163 or you can place an order on their website: PickleballCentral.com. To go directly to this paddle on Pickleball Central use this :https://www.pickleballcentral.com/Prince_Pickleball_Paddles_s/297.htm
If you mention our club code CRSRP, you will receive a 5% discount. The Prince Response sells for $73.99.
Our Club has been doing business with Pickleball Central for many years. They are an excellent company and I highly recommend them. They carry a wide variety of paddles from which to choose, are extremely reputable, are very knowledgable about their products, and have excellent customer service.
Reviewed by Tricia Hoffman, Sonoma County Pickleball Club
Pickleball Central sent us a Prince Response paddle to review. A number of players in our club tried it out and the response (as in the name of the paddle) was “this is a great paddle!” The paddle is light weight (weighing approximately 7.5 ounces) and has a small grip (4 1/8 inches). The paddle head is rounder (more like a tennis racquet head) than some of the other Pickleball paddles that are on the market, making it wider at the base. It has a large sweet spot because of this innovative shape and it is weighted slightly heavier near the base of the head, closer to the handle. This would allow for a quicker response when hitting an overhead shot because of the “whipping” ability due to the weight distribution within the paddle head. Also, it has a nice texture which allows for good control and spin as well as power. The women in our club particularly liked this paddle and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Those with larger hands, or players who would like a heavier paddle with more texturing on the face might want to go with the newer version called the Response Pro also by Prince.
To purchase this fine paddle contact Pickleball Central at 888-854-0163 or 253-854-0163 or you can place an order on their website: PickleballCentral.com. To go directly to this paddle on Pickleball Central use this :https://www.pickleballcentral.com/Prince_Pickleball_Paddles_s/297.htm
If you mention our club code CRSRP, you will receive a 5% discount. The Prince Response sells for $73.99.
Our Club has been doing business with Pickleball Central for many years. They are an excellent company and I highly recommend them. They carry a wide variety of paddles from which to choose, are extremely reputable, are very knowledgable about their products, and have excellent customer service.