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Discovering the Ascend LX Paddle: TMPR Sports’ Innovative Approach
TMPR Sports has started making waves in the pickleball world since its inception in 2018. Their latest product, the Luxe Series, has quickly gained traction, becoming a favorite among players. Among the paddles in the Luxe Series is the Ascend LX, crafted with input from tennis professionals, making it suitable for athletes coming from a racquet sports background.
Unmatched Paddle Design
Core and Material Quality
Every paddle in the Luxe Series boasts a robust polymer core complemented by a textured fiberglass face. This unique blend enhances the paddle’s overall feel while providing a power boost during gameplay. With a thicker core, the Ascend LX not only ensures better control but also delivers surprising power, setting it apart from many other paddles of similar design.
Distinctive Shape for Enhanced Play
The paddle’s dimensions significantly influence how it performs on the court. While all paddles in the Luxe Series share the same core materials, their individual shapes result in unique play characteristics. The Ascend LX features a compact head and a steep neck, making it particularly aerodynamic.
With a handle length of 5.5 inches, compared to the customary shorter handle options, this paddle provides an extended reach. The total length of 16.25 inches mirrors that of elongated paddles, allowing for greater maneuverability. The smaller head shape aids quick wrist movements, making it easier to execute forehand rolls or backhand flicks.
By positioning the head farther from your hand, the Ascend LX feels familiar to those who have experience in racquet sports, like tennis or racquetball. However, this design might pose a challenge for newcomers to these sports, as it can be a bit unwieldy for players who haven’t had practice handling a paddle at a distance.
Game Performance Insights
Mastering the Soft Game and Defense
During my experience with the Ascend LX, I found it to excel at the net. It offers a remarkable feel that translates effectively into dinking, while the paddle’s length grants an advantageous reach for making quick plays. Dropping shots and controlling their speed and distance felt natural, although I noticed challenges when facing faster or spin-heavy balls.
In those instances, I occasionally caught the edges of the paddle due to its smaller head design and extended handle. However, as my gameplay progressed, I became more accustomed to its structure, resulting in fewer edge shots over time.
Defensively, this paddle performs exceptionally well. Its lightweight feel, along with the extended reach, proved vital when I needed to scramble or stretch for challenging returns.
Attacking Power at the Net
The Ascend LX truly shines when you find yourself in fast-paced net play. Leveraging its unique shape allows players to conceal their intended speed and power on shots. The combination of the elongated handle helps players generate spin or quick movements without needing to exert significant effort. Placing shots low and fast is a breeze, making it easy to capitalize on pop-ups or unfavorable returns from opponents.
Throughout attempts at net play, I discovered that this paddle generated the most power among all in the Luxe Series. However, I found greater challenges when working on my drives and slices from the baseline.
Improving Drive Techniques
Initially, I encountered difficulties when executing drives or returns, particularly due to how the paddle’s design differs from what I was accustomed to. At first, I’d occasionally hit these shots off the edge. But, as I continued to practice, I gradually improved and began connecting more consistently at the center of the paddle.
Getting used to the paddle’s structure took some time, particularly with the face being farther away from my grip. Over time, I became more comfortable with it and consistently hit better shots from the baseline, though I still didn’t find it as natural as with the other paddles in the Luxe Series.
Listening to Fellow Players’ Experiences
To gather diverse opinions on the Ascend LX, I reached out to friends who are seasoned tennis and racquetball players. Their insights shed light on how well the paddle caters to various skill levels and backgrounds.
One of my friends, a dedicated racquetball athlete with six months of pickleball experience, was impressed with the Ascend LX. He immediately noted how natural it felt compared to other paddles. His enthusiasm led him to purchase the paddle after our session—a testament to its user-friendly design.
Another friend, an experienced tennis player, provided additional feedback. Though he had been using a Gearbox paddle, he discovered that the Ascend LX offered a different experience. He found its soft feel and control advantageous, although he noted a few extra mishits when using it from the baseline. His willingness to give it another try showcased the paddle’s appeal to players transitioning from other sports.
In general, advanced players seemed to appreciate the unique characteristics of the Ascend LX, while intermediate and novice players expressed a preference for the other paddles in the Luxe Series.
Personalization and Custom Options
Variety is key when selecting the perfect paddle, and TMPR Sports provides four exciting color options for the Ascend LX: blue, red, yellow, and pink. Moreover, players can choose from three weight classifications, catering to individual preferences and play styles.
– Lightweight: 7.1 – 7.5 oz.
– Medium Weight: 7.6 – 8.0 oz.
– Heavy Weight: 8.1 – 8.5 oz.
A lighter paddle can be easier to maneuver, helping players develop faster swings. However, a heavier paddle can offer extra power behind shots, crucial for making impact on strong dinks and volleys.
Final Thoughts on the Ascend LX
The Ascend LX paddle demonstrates remarkable control and excellent net attacking capabilities. Its distinct length, sleek profile, and responsive design contribute to its overall appeal. Players looking to maximize their net play will find much to love about this paddle.
However, those who focus heavily on their baseline strokes may initially struggle to find their groove. It may require time and practice to reach their full potential with this paddle.
If you come from a tennis or racquetball background and seek a paddle that feels familiar, the Ascend LX is worth considering. Its design offers the responsiveness needed at the net, making it an excellent fit for advanced players.
For those new to the sport or preferring a more accessible and forgiving paddle, I would recommend exploring the other options within TMPR’s Luxe Series.
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