Navigating a Crowded Paddle Market: Thrive’s Unique Approach
Entering the paddle market as a newcomer can be quite a challenge these days. The industry has matured, leaving established brands and affordable options firmly entrenched in their positions. For new brands to thrive, they have to find a way to stand out in a sea of competition. Unfortunately, many simply copy popular paddle designs, which isn’t enough to make a meaningful impact anymore.
Thrive is a fresh brand that launched last year and managed to distinguish itself. While their initial lineup of paddles was certainly commendable, it was their unique feature that truly captured my interest. Thrive allows players to choose the exact swingweight they want when they purchase a paddle, a standout selling point. This innovative option sets them apart in the marketplace, and now they’ve introduced their third model, the Azul 16. After extensive testing over a two-week period, let’s explore its performance.
Paddle Specifications and Features
Here’s a quick rundown of the Azul 16’s specifications:
- Static Weight: 8.1 – 8.35 ounces
- Swingweight: 115 – 118 (Midweight)
- Twistweight: 6.6 – 6.8 (High)
- Spin RPMs: 1948 (High)
- Length x Width: 16.3″ x 7.7″ (Hybrid)
- Face Material: Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Weave
- Grip Circumference: 4.25″
- Handle Length: 5.5″
- Core Composition: 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb with Foam Walls
- Special Features: Thermoformed design
- Paddle Type: Power
- Price: $199 (or $180 with code 10EFFECT)
- Warranty: 120 days (four months)
Power and Offense: A Closer Look at Performance
The Azul 16 leans heavily into the power category. In my experience, it stands out as one of the most powerful, lively paddles featuring a kevlar/carbon surface that I’ve tested. It provides excellent support for deep serves and returns, delivering extra force on counters and allowing for easier point closures, especially with high balls.
Even though the paddle is classified as midweight, with a swingweight between 115 and 118, this doesn’t stem from a head-heavy design. This unique blend of attributes allows for increased power without sacrificing agility, an essential factor during fast exchanges at the net.
While it fits into the power-playing realm, it isn’t the most overpowering paddle available. This characteristic makes it more accessible to a broader range of players. If you currently use an all-court paddle and are seeking more power without being overwhelmed, the Azul 16 is worth considering. Its lighter power profile also enables players to execute tougher angles on lower balls. You can place shots more deftly than with bulkier power paddles, like those from the Gearbox Pro Power series or the Engage Pursuit models.
In terms of spin, my tests revealed averages in the mid-1900 RPMs, placing it among the best for spin capability. Throughout my sessions, I never felt lacking in spin, regardless of the circumstances.
Size and Maneuverability: A Blend of Stability and Agility
I’ve previously noted that the Azul 16 has a manageable swingweight, which allows for enhanced maneuverability. Many power paddles rely on heft to deliver strength, but not this one. By staying moderately weighted, it offers superb agility.
Furthermore, the paddle feels robust and stable. Many power paddles compromise stability due to thinner cores, but the Azul’s hybrid shape and 16mm core provide a blend of stability and forgiveness that is rare in power-focused options. It’s somewhat astounding that this paddle can deliver more power while maintaining a design similar to others on the market. Whatever they achieved in its construction is clearly effective.
Feel and Control: Finding the Balance
When comparing my experience with the Azul 16 to other kevlar-faced paddles, I found a notable difference. Previously, I’ve encountered paddles like the Six Zero Ruby, which provide a softer, more muted sensation. In contrast, the Azul serves up a stiffer feel. While it’s tighter than 16mm carbon paddles, it doesn’t approach the rigidity of fiberglass options, such as the Six Zero Black Diamond. It strikes a balance.
I didn’t find this stiffer feel undesirable, but I personally lean toward a softer touch. To adjust, I added some tungsten weight tape to soften the response, a modification I quite enjoyed. I’ll provide details about my weight setup below.
As for control, this paddle does require an advanced touch to manage its power effectively. Although I began feeling comfortable enough for drop shots and net approaches within a few sessions, managing volleys and delicate dinks required a bit more finesse. For context, my primary paddle is an all-court model, so I noticed the shift in pop and power. Nevertheless, I believe the Azul 16 is one of the easier power paddles to control, particularly for players who have honed their soft game skills.
Interestingly, my missteps using this paddle primarily came from letting the ball rise too high, rather than making total mishits. Many high-power paddles feature narrower sweet spots, leading to mishaps, like pop-ups or mis-hits. Yet with the Azul 16, concerns revolve around soft shots due to its forgiving design. This quality gives it a significant edge over many other power paddles, especially those designed with elongated shapes.
My Weight Adjustment Strategy
Given that the paddle has a firm feel straight out of the box, I aimed to add some weight to create a more familiar touch while enhancing stability. I found the paddle’s forgiveness and twistweight numbers suitable, so the goal was to achieve a more comfortable feel.
To this end, I applied 2 ½ grams of 1g per inch tungsten tape to the bottom corners of the paddle. This tweak provided a softer sensation, increased stability, and only raised the swingweight from 117 to 118. By adding my overgrip and weights, the static weight transitioned from 8.2 oz to 8.5 oz.
Choosing Your Ideal Swingweight
The swingweight range of the Azul 16, spanning from 115 to 118, categorizes it as midweight. The ability to choose the exact swingweight of your paddle at purchase is a distinctive feature. Opting for 115 will give you a more headlight paddle, offering greater maneuverability, while 118 feels a bit heavier, reducing agility but enhancing power.
I recommend aiming for 116 if you are uncertain. It balances the benefits of both extremes, offering a solid foundation that allows you to add weight later without losing control over the swingweight.
This customization feature is fantastic for two reasons:
- If you know your preferred swingweight or simply want a lighter or heavier model, you can receive exactly what you need.
- If you decide to buy a second paddle, you can match the swingweight of the first one, ensuring consistency in performance.
A common issue with other manufacturers is the vague weight ranges they present for their paddles. For instance, a paddle might be listed as 8 to 8.3 oz. However, when you order, you leave it up to chance, risking variations in performance and feel between purchases. This inconsistency can be frustrating.
I genuinely hope that other brands follow Thrive’s lead. Allowing customers to choose their weight at the point of purchase significantly reduces uncertainty, facilitating repeat purchases that feel the same. This is an essential advancement for paddle lovers.
Final Thoughts on the Thrive Azul 16
In summary, the Azul 16 combines an impressive mix of power, amenity, and forgiveness, making it approachable and friendly for a variety of players. One of its notable trade-offs is the stiffer feel that may require a bit of adjustment. Additionally, it currently comes in only one hybrid shape—though this design is widely favored by numerous players.
If you crave more power but don’t want to dive headfirst into a heavier paddle like the Gearbox Power Pro series or the Engage Pursuit Pro series, the Azul 16 could be the perfect fit. For those already using powerful paddles, the Azul might win you over, given its generous sweet spot and reduced likelihood of unforced errors.
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