Introducing the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper Paddle
The Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper is the newest addition to the gear lineup, featuring a standard paddle shape that contrasts with the longer Pro Ultimate introduced earlier this year. Having previously reviewed the elongated version, I found several aspects of that paddle appealing. It delivered a satisfying feel suitable for power players and offered more forgiveness than its Pro Power counterparts. However, the heavier swingweight of 124 limited its usability for many.
The Hyper variant, on the other hand, retains the key positive traits of its predecessor while boasting a lighter swingweight of 115, leading to improved stability during play. Although you sacrifice some reach due to its shorter and wider design, this balance makes it an attractive option for players seeking **power** without the downside of excessive weight.
This paddle performs well on the court, but Gearbox has faced some hurdles in durability, which I will address later. Let’s kick things off by discussing the innovative technology that sets this paddle apart. Then we will examine how the paddle performs during matches and end with a close look at its durability.
Unique Technology Behind the Paddle
Gearbox has pushed the boundaries with a core design that is unlike anything else on the market. In fact, about 96% of paddles you’ll see today utilize a polymer honeycomb core. The Pro Ultimate Hyper, however, is equipped with Gearbox’s proprietary Power Matrix, a clever mix of carbon fiber tubes and expandable foam. All of Gearbox’s power paddles incorporate some version of this Power Matrix technology.
I conducted some x-ray analysis of both the elongated Pro Ultimate and the Pro Ultimate Hyper to see their insides and discover any differences between the two. The Power Matrix is visible in the center section, but I was surprised to find that it is quite narrow and does not extend across the full width of the paddle face. The width of the Matrix is consistent between the Hyper and its elongated counterpart. Instead of widening the core, the Hyper fills the edges with expandable foam to minimize noise and vibration during play.
One feature of the Power Matrix is its impact on both the sweet spot’s location and the drop-off in power towards the edges, which I’ll touch upon when discussing performance.
Additionally, a significant distinction between the Ultimate series and the Power series from Gearbox lies in their thickness. The Ultimate is 16mm thick, while the Power series measures 14mm. This difference enhances the sweet spot of the Ultimate paddles while causing only minimal loss in power and pop.
All in all, the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper stands out as one of the **juiciest** standard-shaped paddles currently available, although it’s not the most powerful in its category. In my power and pop tests, it ranks above the 80th percentile, indicating it is still a viable option for players seeking power. However, compared to other paddles in the standard shape category, like the JOOLA Scorpeus 3S or the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 12.7, the Hyper has slightly less power and pop.
A Blend of Power and Feel
One of the most remarkable traits of Gearbox’s power paddles is their **unique, plush feel**, which enhances performance without losing the ability to generate power. This impact experience is often reminiscent of control-style paddles. Most power paddles tend to feel harsher or stiffer, but the Hyper offers a more distinctive connection to the ball, resulting in a generally more comfortable experience.
While the paddle remains relatively poppy, it allows for better control than many other power paddles in the standard shape category, such as the aforementioned Paddletek model. You can better feel the ball upon impact, which aids in **precision shots**.
During my testing, I noticed some inconsistencies with the results—while some were high, others were lower than expected. Typically, I see more uniform results. I discovered that the sweet spot is positioned higher on the paddle face, likely corresponding with the paddle’s smaller cell structures visible in the x-ray images. This feature contributes to a feeling of extended length that may not accurately reflect its size.
While performing pop tests, I also observed that my results varied. Although not a dealbreaker, this fluctuation did catch my attention a couple of times in a match. In general, I found the Hyper to deliver more stability than its elongated counterpart, which led to more successful mishits crossing the net. However, it doesn’t boast the oversized sweet spot commonly found in many standard 16mm paddles.
Improved Maneuverability and Handling
Maneuverability is another area where the Pro Ultimate Hyper excels. The paddle is much easier to handle compared to its elongated sibling. Moving the paddle from forehand to backhand while at the net feels seamless, allowing players to be better positioned for their next shot. My model had a swingweight of 115, classifying it as midweight, but it feels lighter due to its edgeless design. The balance and weight distribution impress me—you don’t feel encumbered, and it carries enough heft to ensure effective ball control.
The paddle’s spin performance is consistent with Gearbox’s other models. Due to its technology, the paddle grips the ball exceptionally well, allowing you to achieve good spin from the baseline. However, once you are at the net and begin dinking or attempting roll volleys, the spin performance averages out.
Durability Considerations
Since the introduction of Gearbox’s first paddle featuring the Power Matrix core in late 2023, the company has encountered certain durability issues. Players often notice what’s termed a “break-in” period, where the paddles gradually become hotter and more powerful with use. The challenge arises when the power becomes excessive, leading to loss of control and potential erratic shots.
Fortunately, Gearbox has a reliable support team and offers a solid one-year warranty, ensuring that any problems will be addressed. Still, it’s essential for players to remain vigilant.
In my view, this paddle represents Gearbox’s most effective product to date. It combines **increased forgiveness**, a unique plush feel, and a significantly lighter design compared to past power paddles. This paddle is a great fit for a variety of players looking to boost their offensive play, without falling victim to the stiffer feel and reduced sweet spots often found in similar paddles. While it does have its flaws, particularly in terms of speed drop-off from the sweet spot to the edges and ongoing durability concerns, its strengths certainly make it a **desirable option**.
This paddle could arguably be the game-changer in any serious player’s arsenal, ready to elevate your racket sport experience.
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