What is Pop?
Let’s start with defining pop. Pop is how fast the ball comes off the paddle with either no swing or a short swing.
Think about counter punches, blocks, and short strokes during hands battles. If you want to see a visual of this, check out the video to see a demonstration of the difference between pop and power.
How We Tested/Video Review ‹
To measure the pop of a paddle, I do ten punches and measure the speed with a radar gun. I then average those speeds out to arrive at the top speed in miles per hour (MPH). This isn’t a perfect method of testing, but it helps give me a frame of reference when going through a lot of paddles, and I can go back and test again if my results seem different than my real feel gameplay.
These are the top pop paddles in my spreadsheet so far out of over 60 paddles. I am working on adding more as time goes on.
I am starting from the top and working my way to the bottom of the list. I went in order purely based on most pop to least pop on the list. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each paddle to give you an idea of which pop paddle is right for you.
Let’s jump into my top pop paddles, and we will start from the top pop paddle on my list and get to the least poppy of the seven.
Overview:
- 37.6 MPH – ProKennex Black Ace Pro
- 37.1 MPH – Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
- 36.8 MPH – GRÜVN MÜVN 13S
- 36.4 MPH – Electrum Model E Stealth
- 36.2 MPH – Mark Kinetic
- 36.1 MPH – Volair Mach 2 Forza
- 36 MPH – Six Zero Infinity Black Diamond
7 Best Paddles For Pop
ProKennex Black Ace pro
8.75 Overall Score
Pros
- The most pop of any paddle I've tested
- Low swing weight for fast hands.
- Great design
- Decent Stability for a 10mm paddle
Cons
- Small sweet spot
- Lower spin than most paddles on the list
- Off-center shots can feel jarring
- Expensive
| Specs Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.8" x 7.6" |
| Handle Length | 5.3" |
| Weight Range | 7.9 – 8.0 oz |
| Face | Toray Carbon Fiber |
| Pop (Punch) | 37.6 MPH |
| Power (Serve) | 52.7 MPH |
| Spin | 1860 RPM |
| Twist Weight | 6.18 |
| Swing Weight | 105 |
Power
8.5
Pop
10
Spin
8.5
Control
8
The ProKennex Black Ace Pro has the most pop of any paddle I’ve tested, and it is also one of the loudest paddles, if not the loudest paddles I’ve tested. It is 10mm, making it one of the thinnest paddles on the market, too. If you want an all-offensive paddle that has all the pop you will ever need, then this is it.
The low swing weight helps you take advantage of that pop, too, in hand battles. With all that pop comes a big sacrifice in control and a smaller-than-average sweet spot. It takes a lot of time to dial in this paddle in control, and off-center shots feel jarring.
My preferred setup with this paddle is with 3g of lead or tungsten tape on each side at 4 and 8 o’clock to provide more Stability and a bigger sweet spot. This paddle won’t be for everyone, but if you are looking for a premium paddle ($250!) with a lot of pop, then this is your top option if you want to maximize the pop.
Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
9.13 Overall Score
Pros
- Excellent Pop
- Great Spin
- Top Tier Power
Cons
- Smaller sweet spot
- Hard to Control
- Expensive
| Specs Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.5" x 7.6" |
| Handle Length | 5.35" |
| Weight Range | 8.0oz |
| Face | T-700 Carbon Fiber |
| Pop (Punch) | 37.1 MPH |
| Power (Serve) | 55.6 MPH |
| Spin | 2014 RPM |
| Twist Weight | 5.35 |
| Swing Weight | 121 |
Power
10
Pop
10
Spin
9.0
Control
7.5
The Gearbox Pro Power Elongated doesn’t fall too far behind the Black Ace Pro in terms of pop, and it brings the most power from any paddle I’ve tested. The spin is great as well, making this paddle all offense.
The control can be rough as the sweet spot is smaller, and off-center shots are hugely different than sweet spot shots because of the dramatic power difference. If you can dial in the pop and power, then this paddle is a lot of fun.
My preferred set up with this paddle is with 3g of lead or tungsten tape on each side at 4 and 8 o’clock to provide more Stability and a bigger sweet spot. Oh yeah, the price tag is $275, and there are no discounts available, so it will cost you a premium.
Another downside to this paddle and why you might prefer the Black Ace Pro if you are looking for top pop is the swing weight is 121 on the Gearbox which is a lot higher than the 105 of the Black Ace Pro making this slower in hands battles.
GRUVN MUVN-13S
9.0 Overall Score
Pros
- Excellent pop
- Super low swing weight for fast hands.
- Good control for a pop paddle
Cons
- Lacks reach
- Smaller Paddle Face
| Specs Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.7” x 8.1” |
| Handle Length | 5.4” |
| Weight Range | 8.0 oz |
| Face | T700 Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Pop (Punch) | 36.8 MPH |
| Power (Serve) | 52.8 MPH |
| Spin | 2016 RPM |
| Twist Weight | 6.35 |
| Swing Weight | 100 |
Power
9.0
Pop
9.5
Spin
9.0
Conrol
8.5
The 13S has some of the best pop in the game and still maintains great power on serves, drives and overheads. This is the first paddle with a swing weight of 100 that I have played with that is able to be played without adding weight to it.
It didn’t twist in my hands, and the sweet spot felt great. There are two places the paddle has drawbacks and that is the reach, and the pop can be hard to control. If you want the ultimate speed machine at the net that is easier to master in control then this is one of the best choices on the list.
Electrum Model E Stealth
9.0 Overall Score
Pros
- Great Pop
- Low swing weight for an Elongated
- Unique Colorway
- Great Power
Cons
- Needs weight to be stable
- Not the best spin
| Specs Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.5" x 7.5" |
| Handle Length | 5.5" |
| Weight Range | 7.6 – 7.9 oz |
| Face | T700 Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Pop (Punch) | 36.4 MPH |
| Power (Serve) | 54.7 MPH |
| Spin | 1875 RPM |
| Twist Weight | 5.35 |
| Swing Weight | 107 |
Power
9.5
Pop
9.5
Spin
8.5
Control
8.5
This is my favorite low swing weight elongated paddle. It’s a lot of fun to play with. Such a low swing weight elongated paddle that lets you get into hand battles and finish points with ease. It is harder to control and has a low twist weight.
It is playable without weight but, my preferred set up with this paddle is with 3g of lead or tungsten tape on each side at 4 and 8 o’clock to provide more Stability and a bigger sweet spot. It doesn’t have the best spin but still gets the job done.
Mark Kinetic
9.13 Overall Score
Pros
- Great Pop
- Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Blend
- Great Power
- High Twist Weight
Cons
- Can be hard to control.
| Specs Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.25" x 7.5" |
| Handle Length | 5.3” |
| Weight Range | 8.2oz |
| Face | Dynamic Kevlar |
| Pop (Punch) | 36.2 MPH |
| Power (Serve) | 54 MPH |
| Spin | 2064 RPM |
| Twist Weight | 6.55 |
| Swing Weight | 116 |
Power
9.5
Pop
9.5
Spin
9.0
Control
8.5
The Mark Kinetic offers a blend of great pop, power, and spin. It also throws in a high twist weight but I think it actually plays below the twists weight. The sweet spot is still decent due to the hybrid shape.
It doesn’t feel as big as a DBD 16mm which is a similar shape. This is a great choice if you want great pop but you want something more controllable than paddles higher on this list and you don’t need to add weight at all to make this paddle playable.
Volair Mach 2 Forza 14mm
9.25 Overall Score
Pros
- Low swing weight for fast hands.
- Big sweet spot and great control.
- Elite spin.
- Great pop.
Cons
- Average to sub-average power.
- Lacks reach.
| Specs Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.88" x 8.12" |
| Handle Length | 5.5" |
| Weight Range | 7.7 oz |
| Face | T700 Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Pop (Punch) | 36.1 MPH |
| Power (Serve) | 50.6 MPH |
| Spin | 2318 RPM |
| Twist Weight | 6.99 |
| Swing Weight | 108 |
Power
8.5
Pop
9.5
Spin
10
Control
9
The Volair Mach 2 Forza 14mm is my favorite paddle on the list and is my current paddle of choice due to it having great pop, low swing weight and elite spin while still have great Stability due to the wide body shape.
It has a big sweet spot and is very stable blocking drives. It does lack power but it still has enough being a thermoformed paddle that unless you really need to access it (I add weight to mine too for a little extra power and increasing the sweet spot) then you will have a lot of fun with this one.
Some might turn their nose at using a widebody paddle but with a 5.5″ handle this paddle is awesome and worth a try if you are looking for a more controllable pop paddle.
Six Zero Infinity Black Diamond
8.9 Overall Score
Pros
- Great Pop
- Amazing Spin
- Low swing weight for fast hands.
- Cool Design
Cons
- Smaller Sweet Spot
| Specs Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.88" x 8.12" |
| Handle Length | 5.5" |
| Weight Range | 7.7 oz |
| Face | T700 Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Pop (Punch) | 36 MPH |
| Power (Serve) | 51.4 MPH |
| Spin | 2260 RPM |
Power
8.5
Pop
9.0
Control
8.5
Spin
9.5
The Six Zero Infinity is a very maneuverable paddle making it excellent for quick hands battles combined with its great pop. It has good Stability for an edgeless paddle, and you do not have to add weight you could easily adjust to the sweet spot and Stability of it but room to add weight if you want.
Excellent spin with Six Zero’s new grit. Power is average, and the control is decent. A good option if you want a hybrid shape that excels at the net but can be great for drives and drop with the elite spin.
Conclusion
Some of the paddles on this list won’t be good fits for players, but as you move down the list, I think everyone could learn to control some of the paddles. Pop is a lot of fun, but it makes controlling the ball harder if it comes off the face too fast.
If you have any questions or want more input on selecting the best pop paddle for you, then you can check out my video review on the best pop paddles or drop a comment with your questions. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
