Introducing the Vatic Pro Prism Series: A Game-Changer in Pickleball Paddles
The Vatic Pro Prism series has caught the attention of the pickleball community since its launch, and excitement continues to grow with the unveiling of their latest paddles: the Prism-Flash and Prism-V7. Priced at just $100 each, these paddles are making waves due to their standout quality and affordability.
Exploring Design Features for Exceptional Performance
Both paddles from the Prism series feature impressive construction. They are built using top-tier Toray T700 raw carbon fiber with foam injected into the design, all combined within a unibody structure. This engineering approach draws comparisons to the well-known Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16, which boasts a similar design yet comes with a significantly higher price tag of $220.
Considering the remarkable similarities in material and construction between these two paddles, I was eager to see how the performance matched up. If the Prism paddles deliver comparable results, they could disrupt the market, especially considering that many players favor the Hyperion CFS 16, a bestseller that costs more than double the price of the Prism series.
After many practice sessions with the Prism-Flash and Prism-V7, I was excited to share my findings on their performance.
Performance That Rivals Expensive Competitors
To put it simply, both the Prism-Flash and the Prism-V7 measure up to the Hyperion CFS 16, and in some ways even exceed it. I categorize them primarily as control paddles, a shift from my previous perception of them as all-court models. These paddles perform exceptionally when it comes to precision and finesse.
The V7, in particular, feels strikingly similar to the Hyperion CFS 16. It maintains a soft touch, offers excellent spin, and surprisingly delivers more power than expected. What’s more, both the V7 and the Hyperion CFS 16 share a head-heavy design, with a swingweight around 128. While this higher swingweight can make the paddles feel slightly hefty, it contributes significantly to their plush feel and ease of control. It’s worth noting that the V7 lacks the Carbon Forged handle seen on the Hyperion CFS 16, which was known to break under the strain of powerful hitters, potentially making the V7 more durable overall.
Lightweight Versatility: The Prism-Flash
The Prism-Flash, while sharing several characteristics with its counterparts, sets itself apart with a lighter swingweight of 114. This makes it effortless to handle and maneuver on the court. The paddle provides a soft feel that is noticeable right from the start, leaning more toward feather-light rather than the heavy, dense feel of the V7 and the Hyperion CFS 16.
For players who admired the Hyperion CFS 16 but found its head-heavy design cumbersome, the Prism-Flash presents an excellent alternative. With its balanced weight of 114, it delivers remarkable control while retaining essential attributes like plush feel and decent power.
Precision and Control: Elevating Your Game
Both of these paddles excel in terms of control, and I believe they are among the top choices in that category. Their soft responsiveness allows players to effectively take pace off the ball and place their shots with precision. During my first practice session with them, I consistently placed my resets and drop shots neatly in the Kitchen, a phase of my game that often requires some adjustment with new paddles.
The spin production was impressive too. I recorded an average spin of around 1650 RPMs during my tests. This level of spin is sufficient for aggressive net play, including roll volleys, drives, and serves, although they might not lead the pack in this regard.
In terms of power output, the Prism-Flash offers slightly less than the V7. However, both paddles outperform the first-generation carbon fiber models lacking foam injection and bridge the gap to more advanced thermoformed paddles design-wise.
Understanding the Key Differences Between Models
The primary distinction between the Prism-V7 and Prism-Flash revolves around their respective weight. The V7’s heavier swingweight of 128 gives it a richer, more solid feel, while the lighter Prism-Flash allows for quick, agile movements on the court. While the two paddles feel similar, I personally found the V7 a bit more satisfying in terms of touch and control during delicate shots.
The extra weight of the V7 enhances power in drives and finishing shots slightly. However, it’s important to note that this additional weight can lead to slower response times, which may pose challenges for those prone to injuries such as tennis elbow. If you’re sensitive to heavier paddles, the Prism-Flash might suit you better. Still, for those who can handle the extra weight, the improved control and density of feel are well worth it.
To summarize, both paddles operate almost like shorter-handled versions of the Hyperion CFS 16 while performing similarly. Choosing between the two ultimately hinges on personal preferences regarding shape and weight, although weight remains the main differentiator.
Which Paddle Should You Choose?
If you’re leaning towards a lighter paddle, the Prism-Flash will deliver a manageable experience. Conversely, if you appreciate a denser feel, the Prism-V7 is likely more appealing as long as you are okay with the added heft. I suspect many players will gravitate toward the Prism-Flash due to its lightweight nature and ease of customization with lead tape.
In my experience, I added lead tape to my Prism-Flash and achieved a denser, plush feel similar to the V7, all while maintaining its lighter swingweight.
There’s no denying the value of these paddles; I feel almost guilty they only cost $100. They made a fantastic first impression as control paddles, regardless of their price point. I would confidently choose these over many higher-priced alternatives. For novice players, they offer great value due to their affordability and potential to enhance your soft play. These paddles will evolve alongside you as you transition into more experienced gameplay.
Even for seasoned players who traditionally shy away from thermoplastic paddles, these models offer an optimal blend of control and responsiveness. They effectively bridge the gap between classical carbon fiber paddles and their thermoformed counterparts.
A Bright Future for the Prism Series
Another appealing aspect is their durability. Since these paddles are not thermoformed, players don’t need to worry about issues like delamination or core damage, which often plague other models. As the Prism series gains popularity, it’s crucial to recognize that the only potential drawback might be if someone prefers a more powerful paddle or simply doesn’t resonate with a softer feel. There is talk of possibly offering 14mm options in the future, which could expand their appeal.
The Prism series paddles deliver compelling performance and feel that challenge expectations for paddles in their price range. Whether you’re just starting or seeking something new, it’s hard to overlook the incredible quality and value these paddles represent.
Heads up, team! If you snag some gear through our Mystiltein links, we might score a tiny commission—think of it as our victory dance! This little boost helps us keep the awesome, free journalism coming your way! No need to fret; our game plan for editorial content stays as fair as a referee with a whistle. Want to throw us a high five? You can do that right here!
