Unveiling the Monarch Series: A New Contender in Widebody Paddles
Earlier this year, 11SIX24 made waves in the paddle sports world with the launch of their Hurache Control + paddle. My initial thoughts were cautiously optimistic; I admired its design and functionality but wondered if it was just a fleeting success. It turns out, 11SIX24 is here to stay and has now expanded its lineup with the impressive Monarch series. This new series brings three models to the table—All Court, Control, and Jelly Bean—each featuring the same widebody design and an extended handle measuring 5.75 inches. What sets them apart is the diverse choice of facing material combinations, offering players an array of options tailored to their playing style.
The Advantages of Widebody Paddles
Widebody paddles are celebrated for their oversized sweet spots and impressive maneuverability. Typically, these paddles have been known for their defensive capabilities, but the Monarch All Court is changing that narrative by injecting a level of offense previously unseen in widebody designs. Meanwhile, the Control and Jelly Bean models excel in providing a reach and feel that focuses more on precision and consistency. Notably, these paddles are all competitively priced, with the Jelly Bean coming in at a remarkable $90 after discounts.
After thoroughly testing these paddles over two weeks, I’m excited to share my insights.
Focusing on Performance: The All Court Paddle
Among the Monarch series, the All Court model really caught my attention. It successfully fulfills a niche in the widebody category by offering enhanced offensive capabilities. Most paddles in this market, like the Engage Pursuit EX and the Paddletek ALW 12.7, boast shorter handles but lack the offensive edge provided by the All Court. Priced at just $130 after discounts, it offers a significant advantage over competitors that often exceed $200.
The All Court paddle features an excellent balance of drive power and control. It has moderate pop levels, making it effective for various shots, especially when finishing points. The paddle doesn’t sacrifice maneuverability despite its extended handle. Normally, paddles with longer handles tend to be heavier and less agile, but the All Court dispels that myth. Its design showcases an ideal mix of speed and control without relying on excess weight.
Its swingweight is pegged at 110, while the twistweight is measured at 7.4, aligning perfectly with expectations for widebody paddles. Stability and forgiveness were notable aspects when I tested the paddle. However, switching from a standard paddle may require some adjustment due to the differences in shape and coverage.
The moment I unwrapped this paddle, I noticed its plush feel in the center, with stiffer edges—an encouraging sign of its durability. Over time, this feel adjusted to a medium-stiff flex, which improved the consistency of my shots. While it may not have the rigidity of some paddles like the J2K, it doesn’t feel overly soft either. This striking balance enhances control without sacrificing power, a feat that is not easily achieved.
In terms of spin capabilities, the All Court really shines. I recorded an average of around 1980 RPMs during testing, but it felt like the spin improved during play, particularly on serves, which exhibited a notable dip-and-dive effect.
Who Should Consider the All Court Paddle?
If you are already playing with a widebody paddle and want to introduce more offensive power, the Monarch All Court is an excellent choice. Similarly, if you’re accustomed to using a hybrid or elongated paddle but are curious about the widebody style, this model is worth a try.
Diving into the Monarch Control Paddle
The Monarch Control model is thermoformed in a way similar to the All Court but features a distinct combination of facing layers. With three layers of carbon fiber surfaced with kevlar, this paddle provides a different playing experience.
When you compare it to the All Court, the Control offers a softer touch and excels in pace absorption, making it easier to control resets and dinks. While it may not dominate in power, it gives additional pop when needed at the net, creating angles that keep opponents guessing. Although it doesn’t reach the extreme control levels offered by models like the Volair Mach 2 Forza 16, it still delivers satisfying performance in the control department.
Players will find that it is nicely maneuverable and forgiving. With a bit stiffer feel than the Jelly Bean, the Control encourages players to improve their game by reducing mishits. This model shines when defending against drives or resetting the ball.
Who Is the Control Paddle Ideal For?
The Control model is perfect for players seeking a balanced paddle that also has a bit of a firmer feel. If soft paddles don’t suit your style, this may be your best option.
The Jelly Bean: A Blend of Power and Control
The Jelly Bean paddle differs from its Monarch siblings in that it isn’t thermoformed. Instead, it utilizes perimeter foam injection but features the same carbon-fiberglass-carbon layering as the All Court. This unique construction grants the Jelly Bean a softer and denser sensation, which can be appealing in tight matches.
Although I’d classify the Jelly Bean as a control paddle, it surprises with its level of power and pop. During tests, it provided performance outputs similar to the Control model. Yet, on the court, players may find it slightly more potent. The defining characteristic between the Jelly Bean and the Control is the overall feel during play; the Jelly Bean edges out with a seamless connection on impact.
In terms of playability, the Jelly Bean maintains the same commendable qualities of maneuverability, pace absorption, and forgiveness. Players can control the game’s tempo quite effectively, resulting in fewer errors.
Pricing and Value: A Steal at $90
One of the most outstanding features of the Jelly Bean is its price, coming in at $90 after discount. This pricing places it on a higher pedestal compared to other models in the same category. This paddle feels underrated for what it truly delivers.
Why is it so affordable? The absence of thermoforming reduces production costs. As a smaller, direct-to-consumer brand, 11SIX24 can effectively trim the prices while offering outstanding quality. They also accept lower profit margins to gain a competitive edge. No cheap materials are used; they simply keep the base production costs low.
Who is the Jelly Bean Paddle Suitable For?
If you’re looking for your first paddle that balances performance, control, and affordability, consider the Jelly Bean or its close competitor, the Vatic Pro Prism Flash. Both options excel in this price range. Additionally, seasoned players who prioritize control without sacrificing feel will appreciate what the Jelly Bean has to offer.
Handle Length and Versatility
While the 5.75-inch handle length sounds substantial, it feels comparable to paddles with longer handles, like those measuring 5.5 inches. Side by side, the Monarch All Court might appear slightly elongated, yet it’s not dramatically different. The longer handle can contribute to improved leverage, without feeling cumbersome.
Having used widebody paddles more frequently lately, I’ve realized they provide a softer touch, enhancing forgiveness, especially for novice players. They offer a greater maneuverability factor, all without the added weight of elongated designs. As more varieties of widebody paddles become available featuring different lengths and styles, I urge players to explore this option.
Widebody paddles tend to enhance paddle speed and forgiveness but may require a brief adjustment period, usually about a week. This timeframe allows players to adapt to the differences in shape and reach.
Many players will find that both the Monarch All Court and Jelly Bean cater to their needs effectively. I’m confident in recommending them as great options in the growing market of paddle sports gear. With innovative designs and reasonable prices, 11SIX24 is sure to continue establishing themselves as a strong competitor.
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