Pickleball Paddle Shapes
Click HERE for a full comparison chart with specs
- Shape: Longer and narrower (17.5 x 7.5”).
- Benefits: Provides extra reach, making it ideal for players who want to cover more court area, especially at the net. The longer shape generates more power, useful for drives and passing shots. However, the sweet spot is slightly smaller, requiring greater precision.
- Ideal For: Power players, singles players, and those who prioritize reach.
- Shape: A blend of elongated and standard paddles, (16 1/4” x 7 5/8”).
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Benefits: Combines the reach of elongated paddles with a slightly larger sweet spot,
offering a balance of power, control, and reach. It’s more versatile than elongated paddles but still provides some extra length. - Ideal For: All-court players who need a balance between control and reach.
- Shape: Traditional size (16” x 8”).
- Benefits: Offers the largest sweet spot for maximum control and consistency. The standard shape is great for balanced play, allowing for solid control and power without the limitations of a smaller sweet spot or reduced width. At the net, the Standard Paddle is more maneuverable and ideal for quick volleys and exchanges.
- Ideal For: Beginners, those who value control and consistency over reach and power, and those who spend more time engaging in net play.
Let customers speak for us
Introduction
Body Helix continues to innovate with its latest offering, the X5 Kevlar paddle. This paddle features a Kevlar face, promising a blend of durability and performance.
Performance Testing
I put the X5 Kevlar paddle through rigorous drills to evaluate its performance. The paddle felt slightly heavier than my usual choices, but this difference was minimal. It demonstrated excellent touch around the net and on third shot drops, while still delivering impressive power on serves and groundstrokes.
The paddle's narrow shape is best suited for players with advanced control and fewer off-center hits, in my opinion.
Specifications
• Shape: Elongated
• Surface: Gold Kevlar
• Weight: 8.1 oz
• Handle Length: 5.25"
• Grip Size: 4.25”
• Total Length: 16.5”
• Width: 7.5”
• Thickness: 16mm
• Swing Weight: 122
• Twist Weight: 6.85
• Balance Point: 236
Detailed Specifications Analysis
• Swing Weight: The swing weight of 122 indicates that this paddle can generate significant power. This is relatively high, making it ideal for players who rely on strong, powerful swings.
• Twist Weight: With a twist weight of 6.85, this paddle offers excellent torsional stability, meaning it resists twisting during off-center hits. This is crucial for maintaining control with a light grip, typical in pickleball.
• Balance Point: The balance point of 236 suggests a head-heavy design, beneficial for players who prefer more power over maneuverability. This is slightly above the typical balance point of 6, enhancing power for big swingers.
Summary
The X5 Kevlar paddle is an excellent choice for players with a strong understanding of ball control and placement. Priced at $140, it sits comfortably in the mid-range category.
INTRODUCTION
Body Helix continues to elevate its paddle offerings by integrating cutting-edge technology. The latest addition is the Kevlar-faced version of their popular X1 paddle. With Kevlar's flexibility surpassing that of carbon fiber, this new face provides enhanced power without compromising the control that seasoned players expect from the X1.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Shape: Elongated
• Surface: Gold Kevlar
• Weight: 8.1 oz
• Handle Length: 5.25"
• Grip Size: 4.25”
• Total Length: 16.5”
• Width: 7.5”
• Thickness: 16mm
• Swing Weight: 122
• Twist Weight: 6.85
• Balance Point: 236
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS ANALYSIS
• Swing Weight: At 122, the swing weight is on the higher end, translating to significant power generation. This is ideal for players who rely on powerful swings.
• Twist Weight: A twist weight of 6.85 ensures excellent torsional stability, crucial for maintaining control during off-center hits, especially with a light grip typical in pickleball.
• Balance Point: The balance point of 236 suggests a head-heavy design, favoring players who prioritize power over maneuverability. This is slightly above the typical balance point, enhancing power for big swingers.
TESTING
• Dinking: The X1 Kevlar performed admirably, comparable to high-end paddles like the Six Zero Double Black Diamond and CRBN. The added weights didn’t negatively impact dinking; in fact, they allowed for more relaxed shots.
• Serves: My serve strategy focuses more on spin than power, and the X1 Kevlar excelled in generating spin. The additional weights at the paddle's top contributed significantly to my topspin serves.
• Ground Strokes: The paddle allowed for both power and spin in ground strokes. Underspin returns were effective in keeping the ball low. The handle length facilitated a comfortable two-handed backhand for ground strokes, dinks, and even backhanded overheads.
• Volleying (Firefights): The X1 Kevlar truly shone during volleys. In over two hours of skinny singles, the paddle excelled in quick exchanges. It allowed for precise ball placement and powerful shots, exceeding my expectations.
SUMMARY
The X1 Kevlar paddle is best suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its power. Beginners might find it too powerful, but for those with experience, it offers a great balance of power and control.
Quality shipping. Awesome looking paddle
Love the knee brace. Received my order the next day.
The paddle feels light in the hand, well balanced and has plenty of pop and control. Also spins the ball really well
Really nice shirt. The material is nice and it has become one of my husbands favorites
These are genuinely the most comfortable and nice performance shirts i've ever worn! Cant get enough of them!
Thanks to John Kew review on YouTube I found out about this paddle. The x4 Kevlar is by far the best kevlar paddle out there. I've owned almost all of them. The power and spin is really good. Better than advertised. The control is what really surprised me. Dinks and drops was easy
No problem resetting either. Serving was great. Then to top it off it's the best looking paddle out there. The cover is really awesome. Who cares that much that they would put the best paddle cover out there. It's not a cheap cover. Very impressed with this company. I just ordered another paddle after just playing and day with my x4
Amazing paddle, picked it up and went straight into a tourney with it
This is the best pickleball paddle I ever have. I used it right away after it was delivered, and I like it already on my first play. Three days after, I had my skills assessed and I successfully executed beautifully. Compared to my previous well-known paddle, the body helix X1 has more control, and I like the power once the ball hit on the paddle. My punching really works in this. Since I got this paddle, I’m always excited to play pickleball.
I recently tried the Body Helix X-4 Gold Kevlar Pickleball Paddle, and it has quickly become my top choice. This paddle stands out with its soft yet poppy feel, offering an excellent balance between control and power. The gold kevlar material not only adds a unique touch but also enhances durability and performance.
One of the standout features is the impressive sweet spot, which makes every hit more forgiving and accurate. In my experience, this paddle competes with the best on the market and has quickly become my go-to choice for both recreational and competitive play. Highly recommended for anyone looking to elevate their game!
Fantastic low swing weight paddle. Take off the little rubber band to eliminate the vibration you
feel.
The X4 Kevlar is a top level paddle. 5.0 player and I highly recommend. Great balance of power, spin and control. Excellent feel.
I love my new Kevlar paddle … I have been using engage paddles for 3 years but glad to find one with a bigger sweet spot.
Love the X4. Love the Body Helix shirts.
What customers think about the store
Body Helix offers high-quality pickleball paddles, compression sleeves, and other products for an active lifestyle. Customers praise the X-1, X-4, and other paddles for delivering great power, spin, and control. The compression sleeves provide effective suppor...