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Our picks for the top 3 paddles contending to replace our mains. Plus, secret shopper spin-durability results for the Honolulu J2CR Blue Grit and Six Zero Coral Pro after 200 wear impacts. Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Preview of show 3:50 Is pickleball less fun at higher levels and when you're competing in tournaments? 11:24 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: USAP's Response to the Jason Aspes Letter 35:03 Paddles of the Week: Gearbox Pressure-X hybrid shapes 43:23 Top 3 paddles competing to replace our current mains 1:07:33 I retested spin on the Owl, and OMG... 1:13:48 Updated results: spin on 11SIX24 Ultré P2, after 4 months (200 games) 1:22:59 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Secret Shopper Results 1:28:29 Revised policy for paid spin durability testing 1:33:11 Kew & A: commenter is impressed with LifeTime Fitness after switching from a local franchise 1:34:54 How many cannon hits before a full-foam paddle loses power? 1:37:05 Which overgrips do each of you prefer? Products discussed in this podcast (affiliate links): 🔹 11SIX24 Ultré Power 2 – save $10 with code JOHNKEW: https://11six24.com/products/ultre-power-2?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹 Bread & Butter Loco 2 – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/Qj390x 🔹 Honolulu J6CR Blue Grit – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com/products/j6cr-crystal-blue-endurance-surface%E2%84%A2-pre-order?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn 🔹 Luzz Cannon XPP – save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzz-cannon-xpp-m1-paddle?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL 🔹 Neonic Swift FLX – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://neonicpickleball.com/products/neonic-pickleball-swift-flx?sca_ref=5483926.I2u0jGSSKQ 🔹 RPM Jade – save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://rpmpb.com/JOHNKEW 🔹 Spartus Spitfire – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com/products/spitfire-elongated?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI In KewCast 128, John and Eddie give their top 3 paddles contending to replace their current mains. We break down power, spin, swing weight, feel, and the tradeoffs that could convince us to switch. Also, our first secret shopper results: Six Zero Coral Pro and J2CR Blue Grit put through the 200 impact accelerated wear test. We also revisit the spin on John’s 11SIX24 Ultré Power 2 after 200 games, discuss an OWL paddle spin retest, and look at the Gearbox Pressure-X hybrid shapes. Then we dig into the USAP and UPA-A certification debate, including Jason Aspes’ criticisms and Carl Schmits’ response on behalf of USA Pickleball. Also in this episode: Are tournaments making pickleball less fun? Does getting better change what you enjoy about the game? And why is John winding down paid spin-durability development testing while continuing independent review testing? What paddle are you playing now, and which one has the best chance of replacing it? Let us know in the comments. PADDLE DATA AND COMPARISONS https://www.johnkewpickleball.com DISCLOSURE AND TESTING CONTEXT: Links to paddles above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Paddle companies may have paid for prototype spin durability testing. The production-model results discussed here were independently produced without a testing fee or editorial input. Cannon wear-test tiers are comparative lab results. Tier 1 ratings discussed here are provisional pending supporting real-world evidence. Accelerated wear does not translate directly into games played or predict a paddle’s lifespan. Human-generated spin RPM and cannon spin RPM are separate measurements. #Pickleball #PickleballPaddles #KewCast

Four buzzworthy paddles. Two head-to-head matchups. Bread & Butter Loco 2 vs RPM Jade, and Spartus Spitfire vs Luzz Cannon XPP: which would you buy? We compare spin, power, feel, handling, price and provisional spin durability results. Chapters/ Timestamps 0:00 Intro and episode preview 0:50 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Selkirk S2 Pro ball dropping October 20th 2:49 Picklr Bankruptcy 8:05 New favorite podcast: Friday pickleball 9:00 Consumer report on paddle sales/satisfaction 14:57 Paddles of the Week: Vanwin Alpha Control Elongated 18:42 CPX Hyper + 22:51 Paddle Matchup: Spartus Spitfire vs. Luzz Cannon XPP 31:33 Matchup: Bread & Butter Loco 2 vs. RPM Jade 42:00 Tales from the Ball Cannon: clearing up ambiguity regarding Tier 1 status 47:39 Kew & A: Control and power paddles are separated by only a few of miles an hour - how can that be? 51:01 How did you measure swingweight when choking up on the same paddle? My Briffidi only allows this if I tilt the paddle. 52:00 Does a softer rating mean slower ball speed, regardless of whether the paddle feels hollow or dense? 54:01 Favorite 3 paddles right now? 57:06 Why are other gritty paddles getting USAP approval while 11SIX24 HexGrit remains UPA-only? In KewCast Episode 127, John and Eddie break down two paddle matchups and the tradeoffs behind the numbers. The Loco 2 and Jade both delivered Tier 1 (Provisional) cannon results, while the Spitfire and Cannon XPP pair similar firepower with different wear-test outcomes. We also clarify the path from prototype testing to an independent production-model rating, why real-world play matters, and why we haven’t set a fixed percentage-loss threshold for confirming Tier 1. Also in this episode: •Latest gear and industry news, including the Selkirk S2 Pro ball and The Picklr •Paddles of the Week: Vanwin Alpha Control Elongated and CPX Hyper+ •KewCOR and Firepower explained, and why a score difference is not a percentage difference in ball speed •Measuring swing weight when you choke up on the handle •Our paddle choices, the Feel Map, and a viewer question about the Ultra’s certification Which matchup would you choose: Loco 2 or Jade, and Spitfire or Cannon XPP? Tell us what matters most to you: feel, handling, price or spin durability. Paddle data, resources, and links mentioned in podcast: Explore the paddle database and comparison tools: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com Paddle consumer report discussed in the episode: https://pickleballunion.com/paddle-consumer-report/ Friday Pickleball Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uzsj8RBxyA&t=3660s The Dink’s coverage of Picklr’s bankruptcy: https://tinyurl.com/2ujxcbws Paddles discussed Bread & Butter Loco 2 – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/Qj390x RPM Jade – save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://rpmpb.com/JOHNKEW Spartus Spitfire – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com/products/spitfire-elongated?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI Luzz Cannon XPP – save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzz-cannon-xpp-m1-paddle?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL Disclosure and testing context: Links to paddles above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Bread & Butter and RPM paid for prelaunch Loco 2 and Jade prototype spin durability testing. The production-model results discussed here were independently produced without a testing fee or editorial input. Cannon wear-test tiers are comparative lab results. Tier 1 ratings discussed here are provisional pending supporting real-world evidence. Accelerated wear does not translate directly into games played or predict a paddle’s lifespan. Human-generated spin RPM and cannon spin RPM are separate measurements. #Pickleball #PickleballPaddles #KewCast

RPM Jade, Bread & Butter Loco 2 and Luzz Cannon XPP are giving us promising early reasons to watch their spin performance. But how much can early testing really tell us about whether that spin will last? In KewCast Episode 126, we discuss the buzz around the Jade and Loco 2, take a first look at the Cannon XPP, and dig into how ball-cannon wear results compare with actual games. The Jade retained essentially all its measured spin after cannon testing and 20 games. But that is still an early checkpoint, not a final durability verdict. This episode explains why, including a surface that held spin in the lab but lost spin early on court. Also in this episode: •RPM Jade’s SiCMatrix texture and early spin retention •Bread & Butter Loco 2 elongated and hybrid models, human-generated spin and a closer look at the grit •Luzz Cannon XPP full-foam construction, green silicon carbide texture and first spin measurements •HexGrit and BlueGrit: where cannon testing and logged games agree, and where they diverge •Enhance ArmorGrit Batch 2 and Mark VelosiGrit wear results •Engage Pursuit Pro 2, RPM Diesel and new arrivals in the Kew Queue •Kew & A: can an early spin drop skew a durability rating, and how do local and global deflection relate to paddle feel and power? The cannon gives us a controlled way to compare surfaces. It does not provide a fixed conversion from impacts to games, and initial spin alone does not establish durability. Real-world testing is ongoing. Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Episode preview 0:28 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: "Prickled" animated series 2:57 Kew Queue: Vanwin Alpha Control Elongated 5:18 CPX Hyper+ 7:42 Paddles of the Week: Engage Pursuit Pro Power 2 12:32 RPM Jade 22:21 RPM Diesel 28:15 Bread & Butter Loco 2 38:38 Luzz Cannon XPP 45:52 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Correlating spin loss on cannon versus logged games 47:32 11SIX24 HexGrit test results 51:25 Honolulu Blue Grit test results 57”13 RPM Jade SICmatrix test results 1:00:01 Enhance Armor Grit (Batch 2) test results 1:03:02 Mark Velosigrit test results 1:04:51 Lessons learned about the cannon versus real-world play 1:06:23 Kew & A: Could local versus global deflection explain paddle feel and power better than terms like “dwell” and “pocketing”? Would a global deflection test with the paddle’s edges braced help distinguish their effects? 1:11:45 Does spin durability testing penalize paddles whose initially high spin drops, then stabilizes? Could manufacturers improve their tier rating by pre-wearing the surface before shipping? Products mentioned in podcast: •Bread & Butter Loco 2 – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/Qj390x •RPM Jade – save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://rpmpb.com/JOHNKEW •Luzz Cannon XPP (launching Oct. 15) – save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL •CPX Hyper+ - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://cpxpickleball.com/products/cpx-hyper-pre-order •Engage Pursuit Pro 2 - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.engagepickleball.com/JOHNKEW Explore the paddle database, test results and calculators: https://johnkewpickleball.com “Prickled” animated series: https://youtu.be/VDgNGrxpqnI?si=cwxkJ-I9DhIQRfVi #Pickleball #KewCast #PickleballPaddles

What do Tier 1 pickleball paddles have in common? I went back through 50 accelerated wear tests, and every Tier 1 result shared two traits in the surface roughness left after wear. In KewCast 125, we unpack what those findings could tell us about durable grit and lasting spin. All 10 Tier 1 results cleared two post-wear roughness levels: Rz of at least 33.6 microns and Rt of at least 50.2 microns. But paddles can clear those levels and still miss Tier 1. We explain why these patterns are useful clues, what they cannot prove yet, and how they will help me double-check future spin durability results. The Vatic V-Sol Tour cautionary tale helped prompt this deeper look. We discuss unit-to-unit variation, why a borderline Tier 1 result deserves more scrutiny, and how profilometer readings can provide a separate sanity check on the ball cannon results. Also this week: JOOLA Power FX results, a second batch of the Enhance MPP Turbo with ArmorGrit, Neonic FLX with NeoGrit, the Ascend Sonic, and Fortix Lance. Then we tackle your questions about twist weight, ball hardness, secret shopper testing, power versus spin, and why I prefer “pocketing” over “dwell time.” Our accelerated wear method uses 100 ball cannon shots at 70 MPH with the paddle clamped at 30 degrees, plus before-and-after spin measurements at 60 MPH. Surface roughness is measured before and after wear with a Starrett profilometer. The patterns discussed here are strong leads from this dataset, not confirmed physical laws. Chapters/ Timestamps 0:00 Episode 125 preview 3:54 JOOLA Power FX spin durability results 18:03 Enhance MPP Turbo ArmorGrit batch 2 20:47 Neonic FLX with NeoGrit 27:15 Ascend Sonic 31:56 Gear of the Week - Update on Franklin X-44 and Selkirk S2 Pro balls after a 2 weeks of use 40:19 What 50 wear tests reveal about Tier 1 grit 41:24 The Vatic V-Sol Tour cautionary tale 45:36 The two roughness traits shared by all Tier 1 results 47:41 Why those numbers do not guarantee Tier 1 50:56 How these findings change future testing 58:10 Can a paddle have too much twist weight? 1:02:51 Secret shopper paddle comparisons 1:04:04 Does more power or pop create more spin? 1:06:38 Why replace “dwell time” with “pocketing”? Could we keep the familiar term “dwell” and add something like “slippage” to describe the difference? Products mentioned in podcast: JOOLA Power FX (affiliate link): https://joola.com/products/perseus-power-fx-pickleball-paddle?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ Ascend Sonic - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://ascendpickleball.com/products/sonic-full-foam-mpp-paddle/johnkew Enhance MPP Turbo ArmorGrit - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW Franklin - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/WqZr1O Selkirk - digital coupons with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv Explore the paddle database, testing reports, and calculators: https://johnkewpickleball.com Subscribe for independent pickleball paddle reviews, lab testing, and weekly KewCast discussions. Have a question for Kew and A? Leave it in the comments. #Pickleball #PickleballPaddles #KewCast

For the first time, Justin from Pickleball Etc. and I sit down together for a full KewCast. We recorded at Pickle Pro Labs in Boca Raton, Florida, the official testing lab of the PPA pro tour. If you like the technical side of pickleball paddles, this one goes deep. Justin shares his perspective as the engineer and designer behind the Volair CMD, including how it feels on court. We also discuss its production model spin durability result, tour the lab, revisit KewCOR on an 11SIX24 Ultré Power 2 after 100 games, and compare new ball data for the Franklin X-44 and Selkirk Pro S2. Later, Pickle Pro Labs engineers join us for questions about paddle measurements, spin, construction and the mysteries still worth testing. We also cover the JOOLA Power FX announcement and take viewer questions on concentrated weight, permanent grit, manufacturing variance, foam cutouts and more. Chapters 0:00 Introductions and episode preview 1:57 Why we are sitting in front of a ball cannon 3:40 JOOLA Power FX updates 10:39 Volair CMD with Justin, its engineer and designer 27:22 Volair CMD production model spin durability 28:59 Pickle Pro Labs tour impressions 31:51 KewCOR retest of 11SIX24 Ultré Power 2 after 100 games 36:36 Franklin X-44 and Selkirk Pro S2 ball data 45:26 Justin enters Nerd Town 45:45 Why does concentrated weight feel better on foam paddles? 53:41 Does permanent grit necessarily make a paddle stiff? 57:30 Why does durable grit vary between factory samples? 1:00:23 Favorite paddle technology innovations 1:03:19 Most underrated paddles 1:05:02 Funniest lab failure 1:10:37 Paddle dissection race: who wins? 1:12:53 The most rewarding part of developing a paddle 1:15:35 Favorite paddles from lesser known brands 1:18:10 Do foam cutouts cause local deflection and inconsistent shots? 1:19:26 Why highlight paddles outside USAP specifications? 1:23:24 Pickle Pro Labs engineers: the most misunderstood measurement 1:31:19 Are paddle companies converging? 1:37:32 What stood out during the lab tour? 1:40:04 What predicts spin? 1:42:07 Why are we obsessed with paddles? 1:47:22 Biggest mysteries in paddle technology What paddle measurement do you think is most misunderstood? Tell us in the comments. High speed impact and ball deformation footage: https://youtu.be/fllRlFS1HRw Big thanks to Pickle Pro Labs (Gary, Curtis, Kayla, Lisa, et al.) for hosting the event and allowing us to film on location. #Pickleball #PickleballPaddles #KewCast

The new Franklin X-44 and LT Pro-48 started remarkably close, then both lost about 18% of their pop during the first 100 impacts. Nearly all of that change happened in the first 50. We break down what the lab data says about how quickly a new pickleball becomes a broken-in ball. Also in KewCast Episode 123, we cover the latest movement in JOOLA's propulsion-core patent litigation, including Friday's settlement and what remains unresolved. Then we look at several new paddles, including the Volair Mach 1 Forza CMD Hybrid with licensed HexGrit, the Wika QD Fire 2, Wika Next, Wika Verica, and the Ronbus Quanta Pro. The ball comparison used two brand-new balls, 100 impacts per ball, and the same cannon on the same afternoon. Out of the box, the X-44 and LT Pro-48 measured only about 2% apart in COR, and both were roughly 20% more powerful than the Franklin X-40 in this test. The key finding was not which ball won. It was how quickly both changed. Chapters/Timestamps: 0:00 Franklin X-44 vs LT Pro-48 preview 1:20 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: JOOLA Patent Updates 8:24 Paddles of the Week: Wika QD Fire 2 17:55 Wika Next X 24:04 Ronbus Quanta Pro 28:30 Volair CMD HYB with HexGrit 36:57 Gear of the Week: Franklin X-44 balls 42:56 Lab Comparison: LT Pro 48 versus Franklin X-44 49:21 Kew & A: Should durability tiers account for absolute spin, not just spin retention? 50:50 What are your impressions of the RPM Jade? 51:43 When do we get updated results for bad batch paddles like the PAKLE Fuse? 52:57 Does greater power create a larger sweet spot, or merely hide performance loss outside it? 55:44 Is Firepower accurate across the database? Why is the Luzz Cannon classified as All-Court? 57:20 Should more brands license HexGrit instead of developing less durable alternatives? Products mentioned on podcast: 🔹Volair CMD-HYB - save 10% with code JOHNKEW (pre-order): https://volair.com/collections/cmd-collection/products/volair-cmd-hyb-pickleball-paddle-16mm-dylan-frazier?rfsn=7599845.416c48&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7599845.416c48 🔹Ronbus Quanta Pro - save $20 with code JOHNKEW: https://ronbus.com/collections/quanta-series Use code JOHNKEW where available to support the channel and receive the listed discount. Affiliate links may generate a commission at no additional cost to you. Brands do not pay for reviews or control our conclusions. Subscribe for independent paddle testing, accelerated spin-durability results, KewCOR measurements, high-speed camera analysis, and weekly pickleball gear discussion.

A new batch of accelerated spin tests just produced a brutal run of Tier 4 results for paddles marketed with durable or permanent grit. The lone bright spot: the new Gearbox Pressure X held on well enough for Tier 2. In KewCast 122, we break down the latest durability data on the Diadem Edge Flex, Element 6 Ignis, Engage Axiom, Gearbox Pressure X, and Pickleball Apes Zen S+. We also look at the microscopic images and surface-roughness measurements behind the RPM changes. The standout is Gearbox Pressure X, which lost 8.1% of its spin in our accelerated wear test and landed in Tier 2. By comparison, the Element 6 Ignis lost 26.0%, Engage Axiom Elongated lost 25.4%, and Pickleball Apes Zen S+ lost 31.2%, all Tier 4 results. The Diadem Edge Flex also showed a 21.1% average RPM loss, along with substantial measured surface-texture loss. Important context: these are controlled accelerated-wear results, not a claim that every paddle will lose the same amount of spin in normal play. Sample-to-sample variation and the ongoing correlation between cannon testing and real-world use still matter. We also cover first impressions and KewCOR data for the Diadem Edge Flex, Gearbox Pressure X, Engage Axiom, Engage X3 Pro, and Pickleball Apes Zen+, plus a follow-up human-generated spin check on the Apes Zen+ and Enhance MPP Turbo with ArmorGrit. Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Spin durability results preview 2:04 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Changes to the way KewCOR is presented on the website 6:08 Paddles of the Week: Diadem Edge Flex 24:22 Gearbox Pressure X 52:31 Engage Axiom 59:12 Engage X3 1:06:18 Apes Zen + 1:17:52 Tales from the Ball Cannon: remaining spin durability results 1:19:33 Retesting spin on Apes Zen+ and Enhance ArmorGrit 1:26:10 Kew & A: Does KewCOR correlate with deflection and where a paddle lands on the Feel Map? 1:28:18 Can you reduce pop by adding weight to a paddle? Use code JOHNKEW where available to save on paddles and gear. Affiliate purchases help support the channel and provide you with a discount. Brands do not pay for reviews or control our conclusions. Products mentioned in podcast: Apes Zen+ - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com/products/zen-new-paddle?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA Diadem Edge Flex (release date unknown) - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://diademsports.com/pages/edge-flex?sca_ref=6541890.ZymzZY8Ua9 Gearbox Pressure X (pre-order now; launch date October 1) - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gearboxsports.com/pages/pressure-x-series?rfsn=7659766.b5c963 Engage Axiom and X3 - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.engagepickleball.com/JOHNKEW #Pickleball #PickleballPaddles #PaddleReview #SpinDurability #KewCast

A $100 paddle just earned the first Tier 1 spin-durability rating I’ve seen at a true budget price — but the Vatic V-Sol Tour result comes with an important caveat. The Luzz Inferno 2 also posted a strong Tier 2 result, yet both paddles lost more measurable surface texture than their retained spin would suggest. So are these breakthroughs, or results we need to watch more closely? In KewCast 120, we dig into a new round of accelerated wear testing, including the Vatic V-Sol Tour, Luzz Inferno 2, Boulder Opal, and Mark Unmarked 2. The V-Sol Tour lost just 4.8% of its measured RPM after accelerated wear, landing in Tier 1, while the Inferno 2 lost 8.8% and landed in Tier 2. But the Starrett roughness measurements tell a more complicated story: both showed double-digit declines in surface texture. That leaves me cautiously enthusiastic. Retained spin is ultimately what matters to performance, but players may still notice or dislike a surface that feels substantially smoother over time. These are intriguing results, not a final verdict, and I want more testing and real-world correlation before fully embracing what they mean. The big story this week is spin durability, but the stranger finding may be the disconnect between retained RPM and measurable surface texture. That’s something I’ll be watching closely as more paddles go through the protocol. Chapters/Timestamps: 0:00 Preview of show 1:05 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: UPA-A releasing surface roughness & deflection measurements 7:08 PPA tournament discount codes 7:31 Selkirk & Tesla team up again (Aurum) 9:09 MLP Finals this weekend 10:12 Paddles of the Week: Six Zero Boulder Opal 17:29 Luzz Inferno 2 24:20 Vatic V-Sol Tour 30:49 Mark Unmarked 2026 35:38 Enhance MPP Turbo with Armor Grit 38:27 Gear of the Week: Brioti Velox Eyewear 43:10 Selkirk Pro Line 2.0 Bags 52:01 Tales from the Ball Cannon: The KewCOR method, explained 1:06:39 Tales From the Ball Cannon, Part 2: New Tool Developed – Ball Speed in Play 1:15:26 Kew & A: When Do KewCOR Hot Spots and Dead Spots Actually Matter? 1:17:55 Will Tier 1 spin paddles that aren’t currently USAP approved become legal under the new spin-testing system this fall? 1:19:37 Could your spin durability testing create a Goodhart’s Law problem, where brands optimize for your protocol rather than real-world performance? Products mentioned in podcast: ➜Brioti Velox Eyewear - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://brioti.com/products/velox-matte-onyx/johnkew ➜Enhance MPP Turbo with Armor Grit - save $20 with code JOHNKEW (September 20 launch): https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW ➜Luzz Inferno 2 - save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/collections/inferno-paddles?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL ➜Mark Unmarked 2026 - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://markpickleball.com/collections/paddles/products/unmarked-2026?sca_ref=6367831.WhS3ko26w7 ➜Selkirk Pro Line 2.0 Backpack - $30 gift card with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-pro-line-2-0-team-backpack-25l?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv ➜Six Zero Boulder Opal - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://us.sixzeropickleball.com/products/boulder-opal?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ➜Vatic V-Sol Tour - save $10 with code JOHNKEW (August 31 launch): https://vaticpro.com?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb #Pickleball #PickleballPaddles #KewCast

Spin durability may not work the way we’ve been measuring it. Spin doesn’t necessarily fade gradually. On some paddle surfaces, it crashes early, then levels off. For this test, I doubled my normal wear protocol to 200 impacts and added checkpoints every 50 hits to see the actual shape of the spin-loss curve. The results were striking. Selkirk’s Infinigrit on the OMNI suffered 63% of its total 200-hit spin loss in the first 50 impacts. Raw carbon fiber on the Loco was even more front-loaded at 76%. Note that this result is not unique to the Loco - most raw carbon fiber paddles I've tested have performed similarly. Then there’s 11SIX24’s HexGrit on the Pegasus Jelly Bean 2. No crash at all. RPM actually increased 3.4% over 200 impacts. There are some important caveats. The OMNI’s ball cannon-impacted area was too small for my human spin test, so I used my well-worn Boomstik, at roughly 50 games, as a real-world proxy. It showed 12% spin loss, although the readings were noisier than I’d like. For HexGrit, my Ultré with 72 logged games is down just 4% from new. Two very different tests, accelerated wear and real-world play, pointing toward the same durability story. KewCast 119 also covers: ●11SIX24 Jelly Bean 2: the first pickleball paddle built with EMA foam, what that material actually is, and how it’s made. ●Thrive Ignite Pro: why the Elongated and Elongated Arc feel noticeably hollower than the original Hybrid, despite all three sharing the same full-foam core. ●Gear Gossip: a recap of MLP Orlando, including a case for the best point in the format’s history, and your Q&A on hybrid shapes, ball compression, launch angle, twist weight, and the Coral Pro grit debate. So next time you assume a paddle’s spin fades gradually, remember: for most surfaces, the damage is already done by hit 50. → Explore the paddle database, comparison lab, and x-ray lab: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/ → Best point ever played in pickleball? https://youtu.be/xqif5SdIIaU?si=yNNtdHwj6IotBjA-&t=3541 Chapters/ TImestamps: 0:00 Preview: What's in KewCast 119 1:38 Paddles of the Week: 11SIX24 Jelly Bean 2 15:49 Paddles of the Week: Thrive Ignite Elongated and Elongated Arc 25:36 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Mapping the Spin Loss Curve (Extending Accelerated Wear) 27:52 Spin Life of Selkirk Infinigrit 37:00 Spin life of Bread & Butter Loco 38:43 Spin Life of 11SIX24 Hex Grit 46:13 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: MLP Orlando Delivers - Best Point Ever Played in Pickleball History? 52:37 If you had to choose a pro pickleballer to babysit your child, who would it be? 54:54 Kew & A: If the most popular paddle on your website is best at nothing but weak at none, does that also apply to paddle shape? 1:00:39 I'm praying you cover the Coral Pro Rainbow grit controversy somewhere in this episode (grit is different from Coral Pro Black) 1:03:10 What about ball compression instead of paddle pocketing? Could the ball flattening against the face create more friction, giving the paddle more opportunity to “catch” the ball and generate spin? 1:05:00 If a soft grip reduces rebound in tennis, why doesn’t a loosely clamped pickleball paddle do the same in cannon testing? 1:10:29 Why do thinner paddles seem to have a lower launch angle than thicker paddles? Products Mentioned Every product named in the episode, with its current discount code. Verify each link resolves correctly before publishing. ● 11SIX24 Jelly Bean 2 — $160 with code JOHNKEW, launches 8/21: https://11six24.com./collections/frontpage?by=series&value=jelly-bean-2?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v ● Thrive Ignite Pro Hybrid — $198 with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/y4h8w745 ● Thrive Ignite Pro Elongated — $198 with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/38w57jzh ● Thrive Ignite Pro Elongated Arc — $198 with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/yycbkwxw ● Bread & Butter Loco Hybrid — $179.10 with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/0GAxPR ● Selkirk OMNI — $300 with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://tinyu

How many times have you heard that a paddle's "dwell" helps spin the ball, supposedly because the ball sinks into the face more, or it dwells longer, giving you more spin? Well, I put that to the test. I ran 12 paddles through one fixed rig and checked whether face deflection, the closest thing we can measure to dwell, actually predicts how much a ball spins. It doesn’t. Deflection barely moved with spin at all (an R² of 0.02). The number that actually tracked spin was launch angle, at 0.89 — about as tight as real-world paddle data ever gets. Those turn out to be two separate design levers, not one. KewCast 118 covers three things worth your time: ● The spin experiment: why “dwell time” may be the most repeated idea in pickleball that nobody has actually tested, and what the data says is really driving spin (probably surface friction at contact, not pocketing). ● RPM vs. JOOLA: RPM became the one brand answering JOOLA’s patent suit in court while most of the field paused behind the ITC. We break down its 13 defenses, the “your patents are invalid” nuclear option, the honeycomb-core “gap” argument, how JOOLA narrowed its own claims to get the patent granted, and the boldest line in the filing: RPM asking the court to make JOOLA pay its legal fees. ● The Dink (movie): our spoiler-light take on the new Jake Johnson pickleball comedy — is it really the best pickleball movie ever made, and does it actually “get” the sport? ● Plus Gear Gossip: the Chris Haworth signature paddle, the Gen-3 Luzz Glider 2026, and Kaitlin Christian suing Proton for breach of contract. We finish with your questions in the Q&A. So next time someone tells you a paddle’s “dwell” is why it spins more, you can politely point them to this episode. Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Eddie punches John in the face as an experiment for PBCOR (J/K - everyone just skips over this if I write "Intro") 1:14 Latest News/Gear Gossip: Chris Haworth signature paddle - Luzz Glider 2026 5:34 Kaitlyn Christian suing Proton for breack of contract 7:18 RPM responds to JOOLA Lawsuit 19:43 Our thoughts on the movie The Dink 25:33 Tales from the Ball Cannon: does "dwell" (pocketing) affect spin and launch angle? 38:28 Kew & A: Have you compared multiple identical paddles to see how much manufacturing variability exists or whether specs change after launch? 40:26 How would you compare the playstyle and feel of the J6CR versus the J2CR Long Handle? I love a two-handed backhand and am considering switching. 44:48 If durable grit is making paddles feel stiffer or deader, could applying it in a non-continuous pattern help preserve feel while maintaining durability? 47:06 What are the trade-offs of durable grit? Do Tier 1 coatings inevitably change paddle feel or swing weight, or can manufacturers achieve long-lasting grit without those compromises? 51:00 John, I recently rediscovered your channel after rewatching your drum covers. Many of us have missed your music and wondered what happened. Would you ever share why you stepped away from drumming on YouTube, and do you still play today? 👉 Explore the newly revamped paddle database, comparison lab, and x-ray lab: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/

JOOLA has filed a continuation patent application that appears to expand beyond its existing Propulsion Core patents toward a fully floating core surrounded by foam. What does that actually mean—and could it affect the future of pickleball paddle design? In Episode 116 of KewCast, we break down the patent claims, discuss prior art, and explain why protecting innovation and protecting competition are both essential parts of a healthy patent system. We also cover: • New spin durability testing on the PAKLE Fuse, Spartus Spitfire, and Ronbus Tenon • Why the PAKLE results were disappointing • What USAP's new direct spin testing limit actually means • Whether USAP and UPA-A appear to be converging on spin testing • A fascinating new research article analyzing over 22,000 professional pickleball shots • Engage's upcoming X2 Pro • Mission First's new FireFight Pro • Viewer Q&A covering Quanta vs Tenon, Coral Pro, JOOLA Gen 4, MPP foam, and more. ➡️ Check out my newly updated paddle database/comparison lab: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/ Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Preview 2:27 JOOLA continuation patent going for full foam ring 21:11 Is modern pro pickleball won with power or with touch and spin? 30:09 Paddles of the Week: Engage X2 Pro 34:51 Paddles of the Week: Mission First FireFight Pro 37:57 Tales from the ball cannon: spin durability testing updates - PAKLE Fuse 41:49 Spartus Spitfire Spin Durability Results 43:52 Ronbus Tenon Spin Durability Results 45:42 Tales from the ball cannon Part 2: Are USAP and UPA-A aligned with direct spin testing, and what does the 2,100 RPM limit actually mean? 56:17 Kew & A: Will Today's Elite Spin Paddles Pass Future USAP/UPA-A Spin Testing? 57:18 My B&B lost its grit fairly quickly - is the Six Zero Coral Pro a good alternative? 59:24 Anna Bright mentioned that most pros do not prefer full foam Gen-4 paddles. Curious to know your thoughts 1:00:48 Is the MPP Foam Feel Profile Better Suited for Amateurs Than Pros? 1:02:56 Viewer Spotlight: A Look at Pickleball's Rapid Growth in the Philippines 1:03:44 Viewer Perspective: Is Pickleball in Southeast Asia Transitioning from Boom to Sustainable Growth? 1:06:41 Are "All-Court" Labels Being Influenced More by Feel Than Actual Performance? 1:07:29 Which Offers Better Control—the Quanta R2 or the Ronbus Tenon? 1:09:02 Where's the Line Between Inspiration and Copying in Paddle Reviews? 1:11:48 How is it that your controlled cannon testing puts the Spartus Spitfire in Tier 3, while Braydon's testing puts it in Tier 1? ➡️Products mentioned in podcast: 🔹Engage X2 Pro (launching end of July) - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.engagepickleball.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Mission First FireFight Pro - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://missionfirstpickleball.com/products/project-matic-firefight-pro-edition?sca_ref=11830625.l0kpr7cFhZHVyPA 🔹Spartus Spitfire (launching end of July) - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI 🔹PAKLE Fuse - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://paklepickleball.com/products/fuse-new-gen5-pickleball-paddle?rs_ref=2aQegQcw 🔹Ronbus Tenon (coming July 24) - save $20 with code JOHNKEW: https://ronbus.com/collections/tenon-series

Will the Spartus Spitfire with "PermaGritNano" become the first true budget paddle to deliver durable spin, or is that still reserved for paddles costing twice as much? Welcome to KewCast Episode 113! We also introduce KewCOR Curves, a new visualization tool that maps paddle response along the centerline of the face to help explain why some paddles feel incredibly consistent while others have pronounced hot spots. Do these curves finally quantify sweet spot quality? Also in Episode 113: • Spartus Spitfire details and launch expectations • Proton Series One prototype updates • Aireo Cyclone Hybrid impressions • Website upgrades including comparison tools and KewCOR surface maps • Thoughts on MLP and recent player moments • Why losses are essential for improvement in pickleball and life • Viewer questions on perimeter weighting, handle weighting, and whether skateboarders have an advantage in pickleball. Timestamps/Chapters: 0:00 Introduction/ Preview of Show 1:01 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: General thoughts on MLP – is it growing on you – did you watch much over the past few weeks? 6:10 Website updates: spin tiers, comparison lab with z-scores and KewCOR curves 9:41 Paddles of the Week: Spartus P1 Widebody 15:54 Spartus Spitfire 21:38 New Proton Nanotac Gen-4 Paddles 31:58 Aireo Cyclone Hybrid UPA-A Only 38:44 KewCOR Curves - do they match our perception of paddle performance? 52:17 Deep Thoughts with John & Eddie 53:49 John's Deep Thought: Man in the Arena Quote 59:40 Eddie's Deep Thought: Survivorship Bias 1:04:47 Kew & A: Does adding perimeter weighting change the data for the new feel wheel values? 1:08:23 Handle/End Cap Weight: Balance Point, Swing Weight, and Twist Weight Effects? 1:10:41 Do Skateboarders Have an Advantage Learning Pickleball? 1:14:39 Miscellaneous anecdotes: what music we're listening to lately 🔗 Check out the new Paddle Comparison Lab (with KewCOR curves) here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/paddle-comparison-lab 🔽 Products Mentioned in Podcast (Affiliate Links) ▫️Spartus Spitfire (coming July) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI ▫️Spartus P1 Widebody - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com/products/p1-standard?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI ▫️Aireo Cyclone Hybrid (UPA-A Version) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/4kfc8ne8 STAY CONNECTED ➜Subscribe to JohnKew Newsletter for weekly insights into paddle and gear news: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ ➜New paddle database and analytic tools: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/paddle-database ➜Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/

We updated our paddle leaderboard, revisited pickleball eye protection with Part 2 of our ballistic dummy testing, discussed JOOLA settling with Proton over Propulsion Core patents, the return of Proton's NanoTac Series One, and whether paddle feel might actually be quantifiable. Timestamps/Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:43 JOOLA Settles Propulsion Core Patent Dispute with Proton 5:33 Proton Series 1 Nanotac Returns 10:08 Someone pretending to be me scammed Juciao 14:43 Ballistic Dummy Head Eyewear Impact Testing, Part 2 36:59 Can the Feel Wheel be Quantified? 47:01 Kew & A: Who’s actually nerdier? The people discussing paddles for 90 minutes, or the people tuning in? 47:46 Can a 45° Carbon Fiber Layup Actually Improve Spin? 50:05 Can We Now Predict Feel and Performance From Construction Alone? 51:59 How Much Does Court Surface Affect Bounce and Spin? 53:59 Concentrated Weight vs. Distributed Weight 57:08 C45 Dynasty Owners: OMNI, Ultre, or Something Else? 58:26 11SIX24 Ultre vs. Coral Hybrid: Which Should You Buy? 1:00:44 The Irony of USAP's Spin Testing 1:03:13 Paddle Leaderboard Updates Products Mentioned in Podcast: Paddles: 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Grit (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://808pickle.com/products/j6cr-crystal-blue-endurance-surface%E2%84%A2-pre-order?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn 🔹11SIX24 Ultré (save $10 with code JOHNKEW): https://11six24.com/products/ultre-power-2?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹Enhance MPP Turbo (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Friday Aura Pro (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Six Zero Coral Pro (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://us.sixzeropickleball.com/products/coral-pro?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹Selkirk Boomstik (receive $40 digitage coupon with code INF-JOHNKEW): https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹Spartus P1 (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://gospartus.com/products/p1-hybrid?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI Eyewear: 🔹Brioti (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://brioti.com/johnkew 🔹CRBN Drift & Pivot (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW 🔹Gearbox Vision (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://gearboxsports.com/collections/eyewear-all-eyewear?rfsn=7659766.b5c963 🔹Kitchen Blockers: https://kitchenblockers.com/products/kitchen-blockers In this episode: • Updated Top 5 paddle rankings from John and Eddie • Ballistic dummy eyewear testing – Part 2 • ANSI vs ASTM impact standards explained • Kitchen Blockers, Gearbox, CRBN and Tifosi eyewear discussion • JOOLA settles with Proton • Proton Series One NanoTac returns • Quantifying paddle feel using sound and vibration data • Weight clips vs tuning tape • Omni vs Ultre • Coral Hybrid vs Ultre • Are smaller brands really designing their own paddles? • USAP spin durability irony Links: Technical Pickleball Study on Quantifying Feel Chart: https://www.technicalpickleball.net/feel JJ Pickleball's interview with Charles Darling of Proton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kevwqucK-k JOOLA Settles Propulsion Core Patent Dispute with Proton: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/joola-settles-propulsion-core-patent-dispute-with-proton-302801589.html?tc=eml_cleartime Kitchen Blockers safety testing: https://kitchenblockers.com/pages/pickleball-eye-safety-testing

What happens when you independently test USAP-approved paddles against USAP's own surface roughness limits? I tested 42 paddles from 42 different brands using the same methodology described in the USAP standards. The result was shocking: only 2 paddles passed. Does that mean everyone is cheating? Not necessarily. In this episode, we discuss why modern paddle technology may have outgrown the current roughness standards, what these measurements actually mean, and why approval standards may need to evolve alongside the sport. We also examine two new grit technologies through accelerated wear testing: • Luzz EP-12 Surface • Scoop DEF (Durable Epoxy Fusion) Grit Plus: • Facolos Elite X removed from USAP certification • Anna Leigh Waters named among TIME's most influential athletes • Nerdy Tourney recap • New paddles from Slamopus, Neonic, and 11SIX24 • Listener Q&A Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:20 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Facolos Elite X removed from USAP certification 6:09 Anna Leigh Waters makes Times Magazine's 100 Most Influential Athletes 8:23 Nerdy Tourney Recap 22:09 Experiment: I tested 42 paddles from 42 different brands to see which pass USAP surface roughness standards 32:13 Paddles of the Week: Slamopus Core X 37:41 Neonic FLX Series 44:11 11SIX24 Ultré 47:50 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Testing the durability of Luzz's new grit 52:35 Spin durability testing for DEF Grit (Scoop Sidewinder) 1:04:24 Kew & A: Should spin testing include a low-speed protocol to measure spin on dinks and drops? It could help differentiate grit technologies that produce similar spin numbers on full-speed shots. 1:09:22 As foam-core and other modern constructions continue to improve sweet spot size and stability, is twist weight becoming a less important metric than it used to be?

We just found another Tier One durable grit paddle. Check out my updated paddle database/interface here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/paddle-database Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: New Paddle Database Interface at johnkewpickleball.com 4:53 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Inferno Frozen 12:41 Scoop Sidewinder ($100 MPP paddle with claimed durable grit) 20:04 24Seven Turbo and Vantage ($100 full foam paddles with claimed durable grit) 30:11 Selkirk OMNI 39:20 11SIX24 Ultré 41:25 Vyce Honey Grips 46:06 E6 balls - a cheaper Life Time option? 50:35 Six Zero Ball 53:33 High speed footage comparing ball rebound for LT48, Franklin, Six Zero, and E6 58:07 Experiment: Hitting paddles with noise canceling headphones on 1:02:38 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Spin Durability Results for Selkirk OMNI, Six Zero Coral Pro, and PIKKL Skins 1:16:16 Kew & A: Can you identify which top spin-tier paddles are USAP vs. UPA-A certified, and what are the highest-spinning USAP-approved paddles right now? 1:19:08 What all-court paddles keep that stiff, hollow Boomstik-style feel? How do the CR series and Coral Pro fit into that conversation? Also in this week's KewCast, we're seeing that the paddle industry may be entering its next major phase. After months of relatively slow releases, we're suddenly seeing multiple brands chasing the same goal: a high-performance paddle around the $100 price point with genuinely durable grit. In this episode, we discuss several new releases including the Luzz Inferno Frozen, Scoop Sidewinder, 24Seven Turbo and Vantage, Selkirk OMNI, and the new 11SIX24 Ultré shape. We also take a closer look at the technologies these brands are using in an attempt to improve long-term spin durability. Also, an experiment using noise canceling headphones and loud music while hitting different paddles. It's wild - without hearing the paddles, they all feel nearly the same. Then it's time for another round of controlled ball cannon testing. The biggest finding? The Six Zero Coral Pro became the newest member of our Tier One durability category, showing essentially zero spin loss after accelerated wear testing. We also review fresh data on Selkirk Infinigrit and PIKKL Skins to see how they compare. Plus: • New paddle database updates • Vyce Honey Grips • E6 and Six Zero pickleballs • Noise-canceling paddle experiment • Viewer Q&A Products mentioned in podcast: 🔹11SIX24 Ultré - take $10 off with code JOHNKEW (coming soon): https://11six24.com/?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹24Seven Turbo and Vantage - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://24sevenpickleball.com/products/turbo-pickleball-paddle 🔹E6 Outdoor Balls - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://e6pickleball.com/product/outdoor-pickleballs/ 🔹Luzz Inferno Frozen - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL 🔹Scoop Sidewinder - not available for sale yet 🔹Six Zero Coral Pro (coming 6/14): https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹Selkrik OMNI - use code INF-JOHNKEW at Selkirk for a $30 digital gift card: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-omni-pickleball-paddle?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹Six Zero Outdoor Balls - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://us.sixzeropickleball.com/products/6-0-pro-pickleball?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹Vyce Honey Grips - use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://vycesports.com/products/honey-grip-blush-pink If durable grit, paddle technology, and objective testing are your thing, this is a packed episode. #pickleball #pickleballpaddle #sixzero #selkirk #11six24 #durablegrit #johnkew #kewcast #pickleballgear

What happens when a paddle GAINS spin after wear testing instead of losing it? We may have underestimated the true spin ceiling in pickleball. 🔹Save $20 on Enhance MPP Turbo hybrid with code JOHNKEW at checkout: https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Selkirk extending warranty on Bread & Butter paddles from 6 months to 1-year 3:31 Paddles of the Week - Enhance MPP Turbo – new hybrid shape 10:22 Tales from the Ball Cannon, Part 1: Spin durability on traditional grit paddles (Selkirk Power Air and Engage Encore) 17:40 Tales from the Ball Cannon, Part 2: Spin Durability on Proton Nanotac and Owl Paddles 23:52 Is the spin ceiling higher than we thought, or are Nanotac and Owl felt getting elastic snapback? 28:33 Kew & A: Are you going to test the durability of the Gearbox GX2 Power paddles, and is Gearbox going to enter the field with an extended durability surface? 29:58 Should USAP and UPA-A drop surface roughness/spin limits and instead ban only materials that create rebound effects like ping pong rubber, since friction-based spin appears to have a natural ceiling anyway? 32:43 Do I even need to clean my paddle? Is that for aesthetics or is there some performance reason to clean my paddle? 34:55 Best foam-core paddle recommendations for soft resets and blocks with long-lasting grit that minimizes pop-ups? 36:42 Why do you think an edge guard is important for making a good paddle, and what role does it play in paddle performance and design? 38:53 Can you recap some niche pickleball gadgets you’ve tried — like the red light therapy device, cap coins, and handle weights — and whether you still use them or if they eventually faded out? 55:26 Gear of the Week: Update on JOOLA R4LLY shoes and Selkirk Legacy shoes 59:54 Blind Rank - Can We Rank These Paddles WITHOUT Knowing What’s Next? 1:17:21 Selkirk OMNI In this episode of KewCast, we break down surprising spin durability test results from Proton Nanotac and Owl paddles—spoiler alert: spin actually INCREASED in a big way after accelerated wear testing. We also explore whether these surfaces are doing more than simple friction… and whether tangential snapback might be entering pickleball. Plus: •Blind ranking mystery paddles with locked placements •Enhance MPP Turbo first impressions •New paddle from Selkirk: the OMNI •JOOLA R4LLY shoe durability after 6 weeks •Selkirk Legacy shoe discussion •Red light therapy gadgets •Firefly Recovery claims and evidence •Foam-core paddle recommendations •Why edge guards matter •The future of paddle spin regulations If you’re into paddle tech, spin science, durability testing, and gear nerd discussions… this one gets weird.

Aireo’s Nanograph and Thrive’s Clear Fusion Grit were finally tested — which spin durability tier did they rank in? In this episode of KewCast, we test the Cyclone and Ignite/Clear Fusion grit technologies using accelerated wear testing, radar gun RPM testing, ball cannon analysis, and Starrett surface roughness measurements. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: PPA receives $225 million investment 6:49 Tama becoming superstar overnight 13:27 ALW dropped out of singles for Finals in San Clemente 15:46 Thoughts on “Partners” – New PPA Documentary 22:28 Article: Can you trust paddle reviewers because of different commissions? 39:14 Paddles of the Week: Gherkin Draco elongated and widebody 45:50 Warping Point Sophon 50:58 Aireo Cyclone with NanoGraph Grit 54:51 Pickle Poppers Pop N Pink 1:02:55 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Spin/Grit Durability Testing: Aireo Cyclone Nanograph & Thrive Clear Fusion Grit 1:10:59 Tales from the Ball Cannon Part 2: Comparing texture loss to spin loss (Starrett Results) 1:23:23 MPP Paddles & Disbonding 1:30:21 Kew & A: Do MPP or EPP foam cores offer better sweet spots at lower swing weights? 1:31:44 Could a rubber-like paddle face be legal under UPA-A rules if it passes all performance tests? 1:34:12 Does UPA-A test surface roughness, or only spin/RPM similarity testing? 👉 Products Mentioned in Podcast (Affiliate Codes): 🔹Aireo Cyclone (Nanograph) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/ybecf22t 🔹Gherkin Draco (all shapes) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/45n7nzk6 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹11SIX24 Power 2 Series (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/5npfvt9y 🔹Pickle Poppers Pop N Pink - take 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/46me5rts 🔹Thrive Ignite (Clear Fusion Grit) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/2wjk2c9c 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/yrk7t94r 🔹Warping Point Sophon - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://warpingpoint.com/ In this episode, we also break down: •Texture loss vs spin loss •Rz vs Rt Starrett readings •Why some paddles lose spin faster than others •MPP vs EPP foam core discussion •UPA-A surface roughness testing •PPA Atlanta reactions •ALW singles withdrawal •Pickleball Inc.’s massive new investment •New paddle releases from Gherkin, Warping Point, Aireo, and more #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #johnkew #kewcast

What if I told you most paddles already max out spin… and more grit doesn’t actually increase it? And at the same time, new UPA-A rules could completely change how paddles are judged mid-match. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Proton is back 4:00 UPA-A is now nonprofit 501-C(3), and has new rulebook 4:27 Who is this rulebook for? 7:19 Paddle compliance 11:04 Weight modification - Slyce Slyders and Pickleclips are not allowed 12:00 Paddle Challenges 16:40 Spin Penalty 19:53 Ball interaction - no more blowing the ball over the net 21:48 Balls - No more stopping play or redo unless ball is SERIOUSLY damaged 22:51 Line Calls 26:10 Serve Rules 28:15 Video Challenges 29:05 Card System 31:37 What constitutes "unsportsmanlike" behavior? 33:53 Weird / Edge Case Rules 35:43 Will local tournaments eventually adopt UPA-A rules? 36:40 Key differences between USAP & UPA-A rules 40:11 Paddle of the Week: Honolulu J2CR LH Blue Grit 49:09 Tales from the Ball Cannon: We tested a rubber surfaced paddle…and it broke everything 55:09 The Spin Ceiling Explained 56:11 If roughness can't take you beyond the spin ceiling, why are grittier paddles better? 58:56 Why rubber breaks the spin ceiling 1:00:37 My experiment: high speed footage of ball spin with ping pong rubber 1:05:16 Testing spin with radar gun 1:06:20 Takeaway: Why RPM Numbers Cluster 1:07:14 Takeaway - what this experiment tells us about the future of paddle grit technology 1:17:50 Kew & A: Will future paddles reduce noise, or is sound an important feedback mechanism that’s here to stay? 1:20:13 Why does Eddie prefer the J6CR over the J2CR, despite typically favoring hybrid/widebody paddles? 1:22:00 Will pros start using durable grit paddles, or will they remain mostly for non-pro players? 1:23:07 Is yelling after an opponent’s error more unsportsmanlike than blowing the ball over the net? 1:25:21 Do higher RPM differences between arm vs. cannon testing correlate with swing weight or added rotational velocity? In this episode of KewCast, we break down the brand-new UPA-A rulebook and what it means for both pro and amateur pickleball—along with one of the most important discoveries we’ve ever made in paddle testing. We tested a rubber-surfaced paddle… and the spin numbers weren’t even close. Tennis Warehouse study by Crawford Lindsey (2023): “Pickleball Spin — Why Is A Rubber Hitting Surface Illegal?” 👉 https://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/pickleball/rubberpaddle.php This leads to a bigger question: 👉 Is there actually a limit to how much spin a pickleball paddle can produce? We explain the concept of the spin ceiling, why most paddles are already near it, and why durability might matter more than peak grit. Latest News / Gear Gossip: •Proton is back (kind of?) 👉 Charles & Brant IG post: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXiKc1IEeq_/ On the rules side, UPA-A is introducing major changes: 👉 https://upaa.unitedpickleball.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-UPA-A-Rulebook-V0.7-4.20.2026.pdf •Ongoing paddle compliance (even after approval) •Paddle challenges mid-match •New serve enforcement standards •Strict rules on ball interaction (yes—blowing on the ball is banned) •A pro-style penalty system with cards and point penalties We also compare UPA-A vs USAP and ask the big question: 👉 Can both systems coexist—or will one take over the sport? 🧪 Topics Covered: •New UPA-A rulebook breakdown •Paddle compliance and performance drift •Paddle challenges and penalties •Spin ceiling explained (friction vs elasticity) •Rubber vs grit paddles (and why rubber is banned) •Why RPM numbers cluster •Durability vs peak spin performance •Future of paddle technology 🏓 Paddle Featured: •Honolulu J2CR LH Blue Grit 💬 Q&A Topics: •J6CR vs J2CR paddle preference •Future of paddle sound and noise •Will pros adopt durable grit? •Sportsmanship debates in pickleball •Cannon vs arm spin differences

Durable grit might be the biggest paddle innovation right now. We explain how it’s made, why it matters, and where it’s going next. In Episode 104 of the KewCast, we dig into the latest paddle tech, including how durable grit is actually made, what it costs manufacturers, and which brands are pushing the boundaries next. Plus, we break down new paddle releases, updated ball cannon spin data, and answer your questions about control vs power paddles, swing weight decisions, and more. If you're trying to choose the right paddle—or just want to stay ahead of where the sport is going—this episode is packed with insight. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:52 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Oncins/Black posted zero errors on serves, drives, and 3rds during gold medal match 6:25 Oncins blowing ball over net - poor sportsmanship? 13:07 Hunter Johnson's paddle throwing incident 15:20 JOOLA expands lawsuit to monetary damages 19:24 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Pro-Blade 2 24:03 Luzz Glider 28:49 Enhance MPP Turbo Widebody 34:14 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Generating Spin with Arm vs. Ball Cannon, Revised 44:59 Kew & A: As a 3.25 player struggling with pop-ups, is the J2CR Blue Grit too much compared to what I preferred in the J2NF? 47:25 What is durable grit made of, how is it applied, what does it cost to manufacture, and which brands are expected to adopt it next? 53:28 Why do some companies intentionally undersize paddle dimensions—does it help control overall weight and swing weight? 🔗 Products Mentioned in Pod (save on all with code JOHNKEW): 🔹Luzz Glider and Pro-Blade 2: https://luzzpickleball.com?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL 🔹Enhance MPP Turbo (release date April 15): https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit: https://tinyurl.com/38nk37we 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹Selkirk Boomstik (code INF-JOHNKEW): https://tinyurl.com/5dcka9sy 🔹Six Zero Coral: https://tinyurl.com/yc2sru9u 🔹Spartus P1: https://tinyurl.com/yzd5t7rx

What if you had to pick just 3 paddles for ANY player in the world, without knowing skill level or preferences? In this episode of KewCast (Episode 103), we break down the safest bets, plus the latest paddle drops, PLUS we pit Honolulu Blue Grit up against all the other durable grits. And in one of our most fun segments yet, we chose famous musicians who reminded us of the top 20 pickleball pros. This one gets surprisingly deep… and a little chaotic. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:22 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Elongated shapes now available for CRBN Barrage 2:47 Paddles of the Week: NOX X-Foam 9:14 Engage X2 14:03 Head to Head: Honolulu Blue Grit vs. 11SIX24 Hex Grit vs. Spartus Permagrit vs. Chorus Harmony Grit 37:49 3 Paddles for Anyone 52:13 If pickleball pros were musical artists, who would they be? 53:49 Noe Khlif 56:10 Jade Kawomoto 57:34 Eric Oncins 58:51 Lea Jansen 1:01:13 Gabe Tardio 1:03:16 Parris Todd 1:04:38 Fed Staksrud 1:06:45 Kate Fahey 1:08:11 Andrei Daescu 1:09:59 Rachel Rohrabacher 1:11:10 CJ Klinger 1:12:41 Catherine Parenteau 1:13:35 Chris Haworth 1:14:57 Jessie Irvine 1:16:18 Hayden Patriquin 1:17:38 Tyra Black 1:18:38 JW Johnson 1:19:43 Jorja Johnson 1:21:29 Christian Alshon 1:23:01 Anna Bright 1:24:26 Ben Johns 1:26:37 Anna Leigh Waters 1:29:42 Kew & A: If brands invest in innovation (like Six Zero’s Diamond Tough grit), can they realistically stop copycats—and should we expect legal action? 1:31:17 Do Paddle Shapes Affect Power? Does the data show consistent power differences across shapes—like elongated paddles hitting harder than standard or widebody—and are any clear trends emerging? 1:35:43 Do lighter paddles actually help younger players, or could they limit development compared to standard or elongated shapes? 🔗 Products Mentioned in Pod (save on all with code JOHNKEW): 🔹11SIX24 Power 2 Series: https://tinyurl.com/yc6taeh5 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit: https://tinyurl.com/38nk37we 🔹Enhance MPP Turbo: https://tinyurl.com/mut2nnzb 🔹Engage X2: https://tinyurl.com/bdhr9ryv 🔹Friday Aura: https://tinyurl.com/3395yabc 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹JOOLA Pro V: https://tinyurl.com/yc3p5hhj 🔹NOX X-FOam: https://tinyurl.com/ms4e8myc 🔹Selkirk Boomstik (code INF-JOHNKEW): https://tinyurl.com/5dcka9sy 🔹Six Zero Coral: https://tinyurl.com/yc2sru9u 🔹Spartus P1: https://tinyurl.com/yzd5t7rx Find all paddle data, rankings, and deals here: 👉 https://www.johnkewpickleball.com

This lawsuit could reshape pickleball paddle design overnight… Episode 102 of the KewCast breaks down one of the biggest moments in pickleball gear history — JOOLA’s ITC lawsuit targeting multiple paddle brands and technologies. We explain what the patents actually cover, why this isn’t just about “Gen 3” paddles, and how this could impact EVERYTHING from foam cores to hybrid designs. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:48 JOOLA lawsuit against 11 other paddle companies 23:21 PPA Hanoi Cup standout moments 27:54 Paddle of the Week: Thrive Ignite 34:06 Gear of the Week: JOOLA R4LLY Shoes 44:57 Deep Dive: Study on Grip Strength, Impact Location and Ball Speed 1:06:44 Kew & A: Franklin Aurelius for junior players (8–12)? 1:09:10 Paddle erasers: safe or damaging? 1:13:03 Can UPA ban blacked-out Proton paddles? We also dive into: Thrive Ignite (new full foam paddle) JOOLA’s new R4LLY pickleball shoes PPA Hanoi Cup takeaways And a fascinating study showing grip strength might NOT matter for power Key Topics 🔹 JOOLA lawsuit explained (ITC, patents 826 & 891) 🔹 Brands and paddles named in the complaint 🔹 Could foam + hybrid cores be restricted? 🔹 Thrive Ignite paddle breakdown 🔹 JOOLA R4LLY shoe tech + weight comparison 🔹 PPA Hanoi Cup observations 🔹 Grip strength vs ball speed (Technical Pickleball study) Podcast Takeaway At the sweet spot, the ball is gone before your grip even has time to matter — impact location is doing almost all the work. Helpful Links 🔹Technical Pickleball Study: https://www.technicalpickleball.net/grip 🔹Thrive Ignite: save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://thrivepb.com?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9 🔹JOOLA R4LLY shoes (releasing in May): https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ

Pickleball just hit 24 MILLION players—but the biggest story right now is a pro paddle ban… In Episode 101 of KewCast, we break down the Proton ban (what we know vs what we don’t), why pickleball is still the fastest-growing sport in America, and what’s happening behind the scenes at the PPA. We also dive into new gear—including the Six Zero Coral Lightweight, Franklin C45 Aurelius, and the $400 Kobo Thunder Axe—and unpack one of the biggest debates right now: why spin results differ between the ball cannon and real gameplay. Plus: giveaway winners, audience Q&A, and what high-speed footage is revealing about pro-level mechanics. If you're into paddle tech, data-driven testing, and where the game is headed—this one’s for you. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:51 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Proton Banned from PPA 11:06 Pickleball the most dominant growth leader across all sports 16:52 John's experience at PPA Black Desert/Zion Cup 24:55 Winners of 100th Episode Paddle Giveaway 29:22 Top 10 Favorite Podcast Moments (From Audience Responses) 35:59 Paddles of the Week: Six Zero Coral Lightweight 42:10 Franklin C45 Aurelius (ALW) 50:34 Kobo Thunder Axe 1:04:07 Gear of the Week: Babolat Jet Mach 4s 1:07:48 Update: Blumaka Konnect Insoles 1:10:08 Selkirk Legacy shoes 1:13:29 What we're learning from high-speed footage of pros 1:20:41 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Another high speed camera down :( 1:25:56 Kew & A: Could premium brand perception and industry consolidation sustain $300 paddles even without clear performance advantages—and would a failure from JOOLA challenge that idea? 1:27:52 Could differences in paddle head speed—driven by swing weight and maneuverability—explain why spin results vary between your arm tests and the cannon? 1:29:56 Is comparing cannon RPM to serve RPM misleading since real shots involve incoming ball speed—potentially changing average contact speed compared to serves, drives, or drops? 1:32:24 Should we all play with the same paddle to keep pickleball simple, affordable, and focused on skill over equipment? 1:35:36 How can Life Time sponsor the PPA as the official ball if it can’t keep products in stock—and shouldn’t there be a more reliable partner? Products discussed in podcast: 🔹Babolat Jet Mach 4 Shoes: save 20% with code JOHNKEW at checkout: https://www.babolat.com/us/jet-mach-4-all-court-men/30S26629B.html 🔹Blumaka Nonslip Performance Insoles: save 20% with code JOHNKEW: https://blumaka.com/products/nonslip-insoles?sca_ref=9901941.bcFPwzuTR4v 🔹Franklin C45 Aurelius Anna Leigh Waters: save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/OYYNEn 🔹Kobo Thunder Axe: save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.kobopickleball.co/JOHNKEW 🔹Selkirk Legacy Pro Shoes: receive $20 digital gift card with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com/collections/legacy-pro-shoes?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹Six Zero Coral Lightweight: save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://us.sixzeropickleball.com/products/coral-16mm-lightweight?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q

In KewCast Episode 99, John Kew and Eddie take a deep dive into one of the biggest questions in pickleball paddle technology: Do “durable” grit surfaces actually last longer? Using a ball cannon, high-speed camera, and controlled spin testing, John runs a durability experiment comparing modern permanent grit technologies against traditional raw carbon fiber surfaces. Paddles tested include: • 11SIX24 Hex Grit • Six Zero Diamond Tough Grit • Spartus PermaGrit • Selkirk InfiniGrit • Raw Carbon Fiber (control) Each paddle was tested brand new, then struck 100 times at ~70 mph before measuring spin loss. The results reveal major differences in spin durability, with some surfaces losing 4× less spin than traditional carbon fiber. We also cover: • New Gearbox GBX Power Gen-3 paddle • JOOLA Cosmos vs Gearbox GBX Power comparison • Paddle feel profiles and power differences • Upcoming paddle shapes from Friday Pickleball • Q&A on Coral vs J2CR and foam paddle alternatives If you’re wondering how long modern paddle surfaces really last, this episode reveals the first lab-style durability data. Chapters 0:00 Episode intro 3:52 Latest News/ Gear Gossip - Andrei Daescu now with CRBN 5:50 11SIX24 Power 2 Hurache-X and Pegasus shapes UPA-A approved 7:14 Paddles of the Week: JOOLA Pro V vs. Gearbox GBX Power 20:31 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Testing Durable Grits 40:57 Kew & A: Coral Hybrid vs. J2CR for power and control— which would you pick? 42:44 Friday Aura vs. Enhance EPP Turbo—and will the Aura Pro get hybrid or widebody versions? 45:27 My Agassi Pro 14mm core crushed—what full-foam paddle with a similar shape should I try? Products Discussed (includes affiliate links): 🔹11SIX24 Power 2 Series – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://11six24.com/?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹Friday Aura Pro – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Gearbox – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p 🔹JOOLA Kosmos Pro V: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ 🔹Selkirk – digital gift cards with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹Six Zero – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹Spartus P1 – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com/johnwilliams Subscribe for more pickleball paddle science, lab testing, and gear analysis.

In KewCast 96, we cover the latest pickleball gear news, new paddle releases, spin durability testing results, and answer some great listener questions. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:16 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: JOOLA Pro V Teasers 11:30 Pickleball comedy 'The Dink', produced by Ben Stiller; debuts on Apple TV in July 12:47 Paddles of the Week: Update on Apes Joy break-in 21:01 Maverix Havik 2 29:19 Enhance MPP Turbo 37:36 Tales from the Ball Cannon: New spin durability testing methodology 47:02 Accelerated break-in coming soon 53:08 Kew & A: Please create a video about the paddle with most durable grit on the market after extended testing for us: Spartus P1 or 11six24 Power2 53:48 Even though testing RPM with a cannon and clamped paddle produces less RPM than your arm, do you trust the results of the cannon more? 58:02 A player drilling outdoors in cold weather compares LT and Selkirk S1 pickleballs, noting that LT stays lively, durable, and round in all weather, while Selkirk is very durable but can temporarily go out of round when hit hard in cold temperatures. 1:00:26 A user asks whether the Franklin ball’s tendency to become less perfectly round could increase its dip after leaving the paddle by enhancing the Magnus effect compared to a more consistently round LT ball. Products mentioned in pod: 🔹 11SIX24 - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://11six24.com/?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹Enhance - take $25 off with code JOHNKEW: https://enhancepickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpaddles 🔹Maverix - take 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.maverixpickleball.com/ 🔹Pickleball Apes - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA 📰 Latest News • JOOLA Pro V confirmed for March 3 release • Honeycomb graphics + flex references • Pickleball comedy “The Dink” coming to Apple TV 🏓 Paddles of the Week • Apes Joy update (break-in + release info) • Enhance MPP Turbo launch details 🎯 Tales from the Ball Cannon 📏We’re building a repeatable spin durability testing protocol: • Paddle locked at 30° • 100 impacts @ 70 MPH • Example Result: • Vatic Saga Flash • New: 1,906 RPM • After 100 impacts: 1,565 RPM • Loss: -341 RPM 📏Controlled accelerated break-in • 550 Newton applied force • 80 impacts @ 50 MPH We also discuss how grit durability testing is evolving and how this could shape 2026 paddle innovation. 🗣 Q&A Topics • Most durable grit: Spartus P1 vs 11six24 Power2 • Stationary paddle spin vs player-generated spin • LT vs Selkirk S1 vs Franklin ball durability • Does ball distortion increase Magnus dip? Thanks for listening to KewCast. See you in the lab. 🎧 Listen, learn, and nerd out with us. 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter

In KewCast Episode 95, we dive deep into pickleball gear rumors, new paddle releases, and high-speed spin science using real ball-cannon data and flight modeling. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 02:22 - Latest News/ Gear Gossip - Rumors about the JOOLA Pro V 09:16 - Paddles of the Week: Apes Joy 19:41 - Enhance EPP Turbo 27:15 - Gear of the Week: Selkirk Court Strike shoes (2.0) 37:23 - Tales from the Ball Cannon: Direct Spin Testing with Ball Cannon 40:02 - Here's why different paddles have different launch angles 50:30 - Using ball cannon to compare spin on a new Six Zero Coral to a used one 52:42 - Does the LifeTime ball actually get less spin than the Franklin X40? 54:15 - Kew & A: Because the LT ball springs off the paddle so quickly, can that explain why it gets less spin? 56:39 - Am I the only one who thinks full foam paddles are too poppy and hard to control, and which ones are closest to Gen-3 paddles? 01:00:26 - On the question of the LT ball in cold weather taking bad bounces and cracking 01:02:33 - Your thoughts on the specs (dimensions) of Anna Leigh Waters Signature C45° Paddle Series - would you play with those specs? Products mentioned in pod: 🔹 Pickleball Apes - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA 🔹Enhance - take $25 off with code JOHKEW: https://enhancepickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpaddles 🔹Selkirk - Receive digital gift card up to $40 with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv We start with the latest JOOLA Pro V rumors — including release timing, price, shape changes, and what isn’t changing from the Pro IV. Then we break down two Paddles of the Week, including new full-foam EPP designs, shape updates, and pricing. But the heart of this episode is spin. Using a ball cannon, high-speed video, and aerodynamic modeling, we show how launch angle, paddle surface, and spin rate completely reshape ball flight — from net clearance to landing depth. A 6-degree change in launch angle can add nearly two feet of net clearance and move the landing point by over four feet on the other side of the court. This episode explains why spin isn’t just about RPM — it’s about trajectory, dip, and control. 📰 Topics Covered • JOOLA Pro V rumors: Gen-3 flex system, new “Cosmos” shape, pricing & release timing • Apes Joy paddle: Full foam EPP/EVA core, CFA layup, new S+ shape • Enhance Pickleball Turbo: EPP vs MPP foam options and shape lineup • Selkirk CourtStrike 2.0 shoes (FTC-compliant impressions) • Ball cannon spin testing: New vs used paddles • Launch angle vs spin RPM (16° vs 20° = massive differences) • High-speed video analysis of ball rotation and paddle interaction • Magnus effect, dip, and drag in pickleball flight modeling • LT vs Franklin X-40 ball spin behavior • Community Q&A and wrap-up discussion 🔬 Key Data Highlights • 16° launch angle: ~1,185 RPM • 20° launch angle: ~2,192 RPM • Same ball speed, 21 inches more net clearance • Landing points separated by 53 inches • Spin reshapes the entire ball flight, not just bite This episode blends lab data, real-world play, and physics-based modeling to explain what players actually feel on the court — and why.

In this episode of the podcast, we break down the latest pickleball news, give our impressions of the new Honolulu J6CR, and take a deep dive into spin testing methodology using high-speed cameras and lab tools. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Updates on pro paddle sponsorships 7:49 Interesting pro partnerships for Masters 14:43 Paddles of the Week: Gherkin Draco 23:32 Honolulu J6NF 37:51 Where popular paddles fall on the new Feel Chart 43:10 Tales from the Ball Cannon - using the cannon and high speed camera to measure spin RPM 53:13 Is dwell time real? High speed video evidence 1:07:07 Kew & A: Why not try a UPA-style spin test ? Seems like this sort of test could remove variability in serve technique over time. 1:08:29 Will the Z scores be overlayed or comparable between paddles similar to the way the radar charts could be overlayed? 1:10:11 What’s the KewCor on the E6 Zephyr? 1:11:02 Is there any evidence that paddle cleaners actually can prolong the life of carbon fiber surfaces on paddles? 1:12:45 Am I dumb for leaving my pickleball bag and paddles in my car during the winter?? 1:14:42 Does swing weight acutally affect spin RPM? Recommend filtering database to paddles of the same model with different thicknesses, and re-running the test. Products mentioned in pod: 🔹 Honolulu J6CR - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com/products/j6cr?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn 🔹 Gherkin Draco - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.gherkinusa.com/products/draco?sca_ref=10051505.1mdqlhmR9j We start with pro sponsorship and partnership rumors, including reported changes involving Anna Leigh Waters, Andre Daescu, Gabe Tardio, and several interesting doubles pairings heading into upcoming Masters events. Next, we cover our Paddles of the Week, including: The Gherkin Draco, a new self-sourced nanocellular polymer (NCP) foam. A breakdown of the Honolulu J6CR, its design and technology. We also place popular paddles on a feel chart to visualize how different designs compare in real-world play. Then it’s time for Tales from the Ball Cannon, where we explore spin testing using a Freefly Wave high-speed camera, controlled paddle angles, and a lab-style setup. We discuss why the data shows a concave-down trend, what that means for RPM, and how dwell time, swing weight, and paddle thickness may interact in ways players don’t expect. Finally, we jump into a packed Q&A, covering: • UPA-style spin testing vs cannon-based testing • Why percentiles can be misleading and how Z-scores may offer better comparisons • KewCOR numbers for underrated paddles • Whether paddle cleaners actually extend carbon fiber surface life • If leaving paddles in your car during winter is a terrible idea • A scientist’s critique of spin vs swing-weight assumptions — and why dwell time might complicate everything We wrap things up with final thoughts, observations from ongoing testing, and a few personal anecdotes. If you enjoy data-driven paddle reviews, pickleball gear science, and behind-the-scenes testing, this one’s for you. 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments — they may end up in a future episode. 🎧 Listen, learn, and nerd out with us. 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter

In Episode 91 of the KewCast, we break down one of the wildest weeks in pickleball—from Anna Leigh Waters’ paddle sponsor shake-up, to pro contract drama, to where paddle technology is heading in 2026. John also shares some exciting news about new lab gear, and updates to the paddle database. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:10 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Anna Leigh Waters and PaddleTek split. Next sponsor? 14:13 Dekel Bar signs with 11SIX24 18:16 Gabe Tardio leaving PIKKL 21:42 Quong Duong leaving Sypik 22:24 Vivienne David & Thomas Wilson leaving CRBN 27:19 Parris Todd fined $50K & suspended for 2 events 29:25 Paddle of the Week: Mark 02 R3 43:48 2026 Predictions: Pro Scene 44:25 Best Men's Player 45:27 Best Women's Player 46:41 Men's Zero to Hero 50:12 Women's Zero to Hero 53:24 Will Quang Duong sign a new contract with the PPA? 55:29 Paddle Predictions: Will foam be king at end of 2026? 59:15 Honeycomb polypropylene: continue to decline, or resurgence? 1:00:43 Biggest driver of paddle innovation for 2026? 1:06:51 Will USAP develop direct spin testing and eliminate/alter Starrett limits? 1:10:52 Paddle testing – less controversy in 2026? 1:15:22 What will be the biggest durability issue? 1:16:38 Innovation (currently unknown) that will become popular in 2026? 1:21:00 What will JOOLA’s next big hit look like? 1:24:57 Will Selkirk have another hit as big as the Boomstik? 1:28:29 Will CRBN have another hit as big as the TruFoam Genesis? 1:30:47 Deep Dive - Big things in the works for the paddle database and metrics We start with the latest gear gossip and pro news, including the ALW–PaddleTek split, what paddle she should play with next, and why she’s been spotted using Franklin gear. We also dive into major sponsor moves involving Gabe Tardio, Quang Duong, Dekel Bar, Vivienne David, and Thomas Wilson, plus the implications of Parris Todd’s suspension. Then we put the Paddle of the Week under the microscope—the Mark 02 R3, a full-foam design using floating EPP in EVA, internal voids, and reinforced neck foam that delivers a connected, semi-dense feel without going mushy. From there, it’s full 2026 prediction mode: Will foam still dominate paddle design? Is honeycomb polypropylene officially on the way out? What will be the biggest durability and testing controversies? Will USAP change spin testing standards? Could 3D-printed foam and elastomeric cores become the next big thing? We also get nerdy with data science, explaining why we’re shifting from percentiles to Z-scores for paddle metrics—and why that matters when RPM differences are small but clustered. Finally, we wrap up with listener Q&A, paddle shape discussions, swing-weight variability, and how we stay sane while constantly demoing new paddles. This one’s packed - nearly 2 hours long! Only the diehard will listen front to back. 🎧 Listen, learn, and nerd out with us. Keywords / Topics Covered: pickleball podcast, ALW paddle sponsor, foam pickleball paddles, 2026 pickleball predictions, paddle technology, spin testing, full foam paddles, Mark 02 R3, paddle durability, Z scores vs percentiles, pickleball gear news, pro pickleball contracts

In this, our last episode of 2025, we cover some juicy gear and industry news, including a patent infringement lawsuit, a few corrections from previous episodes, and each of our picks for the 2025 Pickleball Paddle Awards. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:40 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: CRBN Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Vatic Pro 5:40 Corrections: Spartus Permagrit is not using an epoxy-based peel ply 7:18 GRUVN paddles correction 8:30 Dink awards nominations are live: https://dinkawards.com/?ref=thedinkpickleball.com 10:07 Six Zero New Year Giveaway: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSq_QdxEdAw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 11:50 Paddles of the Week: Volair Shift 23:40 Enhance Duo Widebody 26:30 2025 Paddle Awards - John & Eddie's lists 1:04:38 Kew & A: What are your swing weight range recommendations for each paddle shape? 1:10:45 Clarification on what generates spin on PIKKL Pro Skins 1:13:46 If the sweet spot of the paddle face moves up according to where you hold the handle, what happens if you choke all the way up to the top of the handle? Is the sweet spot off the face of the paddle? 1:16:16 When will you do durability testing for Six Zero Diamond Tough grit? 1:17:36 Thoughts on the lensless glasses? Also, what happened to your plans to test glasses with ballistic gel head and cannon? 🏆 Paddle Award Highlights • Paddle of the Year • Best Power Paddle • Best All-Court / Control Paddle • Most Influential Paddle • Core Science Award • Best Paddle Innovation • Best Value Paddle • Best Paddle & Training Accessories • Eddie's own "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" Award 👇 Links ▶️ Full Kew Paddle Awards video: https://youtu.be/V-YERD0UdL4 📌 Dink Awards nominations are now live: https://dinkawards.com/ 📌Six Zero’s New Year paddle giveaway details: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSq_QdxEdAw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 🔹 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://11six24.com/collections/alpha-pro-power?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹 Bread & Butter Loco – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/55PRPo 🔹 CRBN TruFoam Genesis – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW 🔹 Gearbox GX2 Power – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://gearboxsports.com/collections/gx2-series/products/gx2-power-hybrid-limited-edition?rfsn=7659766.b5c963 🔹 Honolulu J2FC+ – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://808pickle.com/products/sword-shield-j2fc-plus?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn 🔹 Honolulu J2NF – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://808pickle.com/products/sword-shield-j2fc-beta-pre-order-copy?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn 🔹 JOOLA Pro IV Perseus: https://joola-usa.myshopify.com/products/joola-perseus-iv-16mm-pickleball-paddle-1?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ&utm_source=John%20Williams&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_campaign=Influencer%2010 🔹 Luzz Inferno – use code JOHNKEW for 15% off: https://luzzpickleball.com/collections/all/products/luzzpickleball-pro-4-inferno-mpp-pickleball-paddle-large-sweet-spot-durable-core?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL 🔹 PaddleTek – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://www.paddletek.com/6xAhP5 🔹 Selkirk Boomstik – use code INF-JOHNKEW for $40 digital gift card: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹 Six Zero Black Opal – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com/products/black-opal-14mm?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹 Six Zero Ruby Pro – use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com/products/ruby-pro-14mm?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q This episode is perfect for pickleball gear nerds, competitive players, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of what’s really happening behind the scenes in paddle development and the pickleball industry at large. If you enjoy lab-tested reviews, honest discussion, and zero hype, you’re in the right place. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your own Paddle of the Year pic

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dig deep into some of the things that drive pickleball paddle performance, backed by lab testing and real-world experimentation. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:45 Kitchen poll verifies ‘enthusiast’ paddles are more prevalent than SFAI-DUPR study 7:49 UPA terminates contracts of James Ignatowich, Ryan Fu, Viv Glozman 14:01 Close call with a ball to the eye - saved by safety glasses 18:08 Updates on Boomstik Infinigrit vs Luzz Inferno spin durability 26:53 How much does Dwell account for Spin? Experiment using PIKKL skins 39:45 Deep Dive: Choking up on your paddle at the kitchen improves hand speed, but it also changes your paddle’s sweet spot 54:19 Tip of the Week: Think less about technique and more about footwork 1:00:00 Kew & A: Boomstik really needs a "consumer" version that's like $220-250 1:01:57 Curious to see if Slyce Slydrs cause stress/edgeguard issues like the MOI system on Boomstik paddles. Same concept essentially. 1:03:19 Which full foam paddles play like or closest to Joola Gen 3 paddles, in terms of feel? 1:08:30 How many weeks until the Honolulu J6CR replaces the Boomstick on your list mr kew???? 1:11:20 Do you predict 2026 trend will be all brands chasing the longer-lasting grit? ▶️ We start with a new poll from The Kitchen, asking a simple question: ➜ “What was the last paddle you purchased?” With nearly 400 responses, the results tell a very different story than the earlier SFIA–DUPR industry study. While Selkirk and JOOLA still lead the pack, enthusiast brands like Bread & Butter, Ronbus, Vatic, Honolulu, Luzz, Friday, RPM, and 11SIX24 collectively account for roughly 32% of recent purchases — a meaningful shift in the market. ▶️ From there, we dive into spin durability testing, comparing brand-new vs used paddles, including the Selkirk Boomstik and Luzz Inferno, to see how much RPM is actually lost after dozens of hours of play. ▶️ We also explore one of the most debated topics in pickleball right now: ➜ How much does dwell time really contribute to spin? Using controlled testing — including PIKKL skins and even a wooden paddle — we isolate dwell from grit, swing weight, paddle thickness, and head speed to see what actually matters. ▪️ Spoiler: dwell helps, but not as much as you might think. ▶️ In our deep-dive segment, we break down what happens when you choke up on your paddle at the kitchen and how that changes: 🔹Hand speed 🔹Sweet spot location 🔹Center of percussion (COP) 🔹Where you feel vibration in your hand Using impact hammer data, G-force comparisons, and real physics (yes, including joules), we cover a new study from Technical Pickleball explaining what’s happening during a 25 MPH ball impact — and why it feels the way it does. ▶️ We wrap things up with a Tip of the Week ("Kew-Tip"?), a Q&A covering full-foam paddles, Boomstik pricing, edge-guard stress questions, and some final thoughts. If you like lab-tested pickleball gear, real data, and no-nonsense explanations, this one’s for you. 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned 🔹 Project Rudy Cutline Glasses (eye-saving moment): https://alnk.to/dLkuRnM 🔹 Clear Lenses: https://alnk.to/8tRLPyp 🔹COP Study (Technical Pickleball): https://www.technicalpickleball.net/cop 🔹Backpaddle Pickleball Footwork Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYmvlUMGM2I 🔔 Subscribe for weekly pickleball paddle reviews, lab testing, gear breakdowns, and honest analysis. 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #pickleballgear #pickleballreview #kewcast #swingweight #pickleballscience

In Episode 88 of KewCast, we break down new full foam paddles from Spartus, Holbrook, and GRUVN, and we discuss gear gossip, swing weight science, and viewer questions, all through a data-driven lens. 🔬 Free swing weight estimator tool: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/swing-weight-calculator Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:27 Latest News-Gear Gossip: Swing Weight Estimator tool published 6:47 ALW's New YouTube Channel 8:51 Paddles of the Week: new GRUVN full-foam paddles 18:25 Spartus P1 with Permagrit 27:23 Holbrook Fuze 36:15 Gear of the Week: Slyce SLYDRS 37:05 Blumaka Konnect Insoles 41:00 Eddie's Fun Fact - Pickleball's parallels to racquetball 48:36 John's Fun Fact: The quiet mind spots the loose thread 52:11 Kew & A: What are your preferred shapes for each of the picks on the leaderboard? 54:18 Is the Boomstik price warranted, given the issues with edge guards and face cracking? 56:02 Do we know how full foam paddles will handle cold weather? 57:44 Thoughts on not being able to lock-in to softer "catch and release" full foam paddles? 1:00:35 Regarding the survey by DUPR and Sports & Fitness Industry - how are none of the enthusiast paddle brands in their data? 1:02:23 What would a poll look like that breaks down the percentages of paddle shapes? 1:03:36 Why is there a grid pattern drawn on John's Loco? 1:04:29 Thoughts on the grit degradation on the Loco Products mentioned in the pod: ★Blumaka Insoles - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://blumaka.com/products/nonslip-insoles?_pos=10&_sid=357223863&_ss=r&sca_ref=9901941.bcFPwzuTR4v ★GRUVN - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://gruvn.co?sca_ref=4937714.X1H4Uman8f ★Spartus - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com/johnwilliams ★Slyce SLYDRS - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/mrxypxuh What We Cover in This Episode 🔹 Swing Weight Estimator Tool 🔹 Paddles of the Week GRUVN MUVN 16HD • KewCOR: 0.38 • 8.12 oz | 116 SW | 6.8 TW • 16.2” x 7.8” GRUVN LAZR 16X • KewCOR: 0.41 • 8.0 oz | 118 SW | 6.4 TW • 16.5” x 7.5” • Updated middle-layer foam vs previous LAZR & MUVN builds Spartus P1 (Hybrid Shape) • Gen 4 floating foam core (EVA ring + EPP center) • Carbon fiber / fiberglass / carbon fiber layup • PermaGrit ceramic-hybrid grit, applied in the USA • ~116–119 SW | ~6.8 TW | ~8.1–8.3 oz Holbrook Fuze (Elongated & Hybrid) • Both versions clock in at 0.40 KewCOR • Notable swing weight & twist weight differences 🔹 Manufacturing & Grit Talk How PermaGrit is made, applied, and quality-checked 🔹 Gear of the Week Blumaka Foam Lock Max Cushion • $12 off with code (now ~$48) 🔹 Pro Pickleball Fun Facts Anna Leigh Waters launched a YouTube channel “In the Kitchen” cookie episodes with Anna Bright & Ben Johns spinach dip (yes, really) 🔹 Mental Game & Philosophy Takeaway from a personal story from Athens, Greece: It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters. Why staying calm on (and off) the court is a force multiplier — and how mental clarity creates leverage. 🔹 Q&A + Wrap-Up Rapid-fire listener questions, final thoughts, and a few personal asides before closing out the episode. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly pickleball paddle reviews, lab testing, gear breakdowns, and honest analysis. 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #pickleballgear #pickleballreview #kewcast #swingweight #pickleballscience

Welcome back to Episode 87 of the show! This week we dive into the 2025 Pickleball Market Playbook, new paddle-usage analytics from the latest Sports & Fitness Industry Association study. We also do a head-to-head paddle battle for the Bread & Butter Loco versus the Six Zero Coral. Plus, swing weight prediction formulas. 2025 Pickleball Market Playbook: https://sfia.users.membersuite.com/shop/store/f147b189-00ce-c7a1-d05c-0b48e5ac09ac/detail Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:27 New study reveals paddle preferences among random sample of US population 35:26 Paddles of the Week: Bread & Butter Loco vs. Six Zero Opal 56:43 Paddle Leaderboard Updates 1:09:12 Predict your paddle's swing weight without a machine 1:19:21 Kew & A: Your top paddle choice in four categories: power, all-court, control, and just for fun 1:22:45 What's your opinion on the new Honolulu J6CR paddle? Products mentioned in pod: ★Bread & Butter Loco: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/55PRPo ★Gearbox GX2 Power: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD ★Honolulu J6NF - 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com/products/j6nf-pre-order?sca_ref=9901941.bcFPwzuTR4v ★Luzz Inferno: Take 15% off using code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzzpickleball-pro-4-inferno-mpp-pickleball-paddle-large-sweet-spot-durable-core ★Ronbus Quanta - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html ★Selkirk Boomstik: get a $40 gift card using this affiliate link: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv ★Six Zero: Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3 ★Thrive Fury - Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://thrivepb.com/products/fury-hybrid-15-5-mm-gen-3-5-power-series-6-month-warranty-copy?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9 ★Vatic V-Sol Pro - $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com/products/v-sol-pro-16mm?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb 🎧 Listen & Subscribe 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter

👇 Timestamps & Topics 0:00 - Intro & Latest Pickleball News 3:25 - Updated thoughts on main paddles this week 19:06 - Gear of the Week: Neonic Sidekick bag 28:19 - Bodhi Backpack 32:14 - Holiday Gift Guide - Our favorite BF/CM deals 1:06:14 - Deep Dive - measuring paddle frame flex with digital force gauge 1:18:56 - Pickleball ball comparisons - ball cannon data 1:26:34 - Two Fun Facts (Deep Thoughts with John & Eddie) 1:33:25 - Kew & A: When tuning your paddle, what's your goal for swing weight & twist weight? 1:38:38 - Are the strips of carbon fiber along the sides of a paddle visible in x-ray preventing the core from floating? John & Eddie’s Favorite Black Friday–Cyber Monday Deals (Many stack with code JOHNKEW. Prices may vary during BF/CM windows.) $5 Gifts 🔹 Chorus 3g Lead Tape Pods – $3.00 https://tinyurl.com/bdzk8apw 🔹 Body Helix UV Arm Sleeves – $6.00 https://tinyurl.com/5n8b8pe7 🔹 Personalized Neck Bands (2-pack) – $6 https://amzn.to/48j8mep $10 Gifts 🔹 Bodhi Grips – 25% off Nov 28–30 https://tinyurl.com/2p8xkek4 🔹 PBEffect Tuning Tape – $10.50–$11.90 (stacks w/ JOHNKEW) https://tinyurl.com/ad2j6pah 🔹 PIKKL Pro Skins – 35% off https://tinyurl.com/75et9zvv 🔹 LT Pro 48 Balls, 3-pack – $11.69 https://tinyurl.com/mam6djm8 🔹 Gamma Librarian Balls – $11.69 https://tinyurl.com/c8eu5u49 🔹 Theraband Flex Bar – $12.74 https://amzn.to/44wNcYS 🔹 Custom Paddle Head Cover – $10 https://amzn.to/43NRQSb $20 Gifts 🔹 Pickleball Mindset by Dayne Gingrich & Jill Martin – $21.94 https://amzn.to/3JTKhCQ 🔹 Selkirk Lightweight UPF Hoodies – $20 (code INF-JOHNKEW) https://tinyurl.com/rjvdb2n6 🔹 Slyce Slydrs – $24 with BF + JOHNKEW stacking https://tinyurl.com/mrxypxuh 🔹 Giant Pickleball – $17.99 https://tinyurl.com/ykn892c7 $30 Gifts 🔹 Gherkin Blackout Prototype — $28.80 (Gen 3 Hybrid) https://tinyurl.com/4aztbpk6 🔹 Baller Performance Tee (B&B) https://tinyurl.com/mwyydv5k 🔹 Chorus Echo SX – $35.10 after code https://tinyurl.com/4ajpkmb3 🔹 Six Zero Outback Hoodie — $35 (50% off) https://tinyurl.com/9747yyjc 🔹 YETI 36 oz Rambler Bottle — $35 https://amzn.to/3XQAssp $40 Gifts 🔹 Chorus Supercourt SX – $44.10 https://tinyurl.com/mskwba3f 🔹 Blumaka Foamlock Insoles – $48 (code JOHNKEW) https://tinyurl.com/4utcnsas $50 Gifts 🔹 Chorus Phoenix Prototype 2-Pack – $99 https://tinyurl.com/y8xekdke 🔹 Chorus Shapeshifters – $50–$60 https://tinyurl.com/9ahbfw77 🔹 FORWARD Cross Court Sling – $80 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/53u568zn $100 Gifts 🔹 Ronbus Quanta – $89.99 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/3ufrpr3u 🔹 Vatic V-Sol Pro – $89.99 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/mr2svd6t 🔹 Neonic Sidekick Bag – $89 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/33r3deh6 🔹 11Six24 Jelly Bean – $80 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/2b6z7j88 🔹 Diadem Court Burst Shoes – $105 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/ycycy9ts 🔹 Yobow Massage Gun – $126 w/ JOHNKEW https://bit.ly/4iwvo67 $200 Gifts 🔹 11Six24 Alpha Pro Power – $150 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/45ehe29v 🔹 Thrive Fury – $160 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/493wpntv 🔹 Rudy Project Eyewear – 35% off (typically $130–$150) https://alnk.to/btqE6LE 🔹 ADV Backpack V2 – $225 w/ JOHNKEW + free gifts https://tinyurl.com/bdfz9btn 🔹 ADV Flex Backpack – $202.46 w/ JOHNKEW https://tinyurl.com/hkencyn4 🔹 Rudy Project Cutline Stealth – $194.51 https://alnk.to/dLkuRnM $300 Gifts 🔹 Selkirk Boomstik Regal (Presale 11/28) – $333 + $40 digital gift card (INF-JOHNKEW) https://tinyurl.com/2h49m3jy 🔹 Dink Master 3.0 – $280 BF/CM sale https://tinyurl.com/y55tsau9 🔹 SpinPro – $254 https://amzn.to/48Cwg5J 🔹 Briffidi SW1 – $250 https://www.briffidi.com/product/sw1/ Money Is No Consideration 🔹 Titan Ace or One Ball Machines — $350 off w/ JOHNKEW ($1,849–$1,949) https://tinyurl.com/2jhmevj4 🙌 Thanks for supporting the channel! More deals updated daily at: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals

Topics this week: paddle leaderboard shakeups, Black Friday/Cyber Monday updates, paddle testing insights, gear reviews, and a brand-new analysis of sweet spot consistency using ball cannon data. UPDATED Black Friday Paddle & Gear Deals: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals Summary of new deals this week: 🔥 11Six24 giving away $10K on the 20th (every dollar spent is an entry) – All paddles 20% off, plus 10% stack with code JOHNKEW: https://11six24.com/?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔥 Bodhi – 25% off sitewide Nov. 28–30: https://bodhipickleball.com/?sca_ref=6485713.jagcSYeM4dlg3 🔥 Bread & Butter – starting now, use code BADABING to get Loco for $169.69: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/55PRPo 🔥 JOOLA – Now to end of year: Pro IVs $230 (includes paddle cover and 3 balls); bundles (Perseus Pro IV + Tour Elite Bag + water bottle for $350; affiliate link: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ 🔥 Titan ball machines – starting now, take $350 with code JOHNKEW: https://titanballmachines.com?sca_ref=8396817.xE0IjEU9l4 Thanks to our sponsor for this episode: Centerline Athletic Apparel • GripTek™ tech for better hand-drying • AirLite breathable moisture-wicking fabric • SPF protection 💸 20% off with code JOHNKEW: https://centerlineathletics.com/kewcast Technical Pickleball's study on sweet spot mapping: https://www.technicalpickleball.net/sweet-spot2 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:57 New Black Friday Deals 8:30 Paddles of the Week – Update on Enhance Duo 15:16 Proton Peacock and new widebody Flamingo 21:16 Six Zero Coral 31:14 Paddle X-Ray Backlog 35:35 Paddle Leaderboard Update 56:30 Gear of the Week: Blumaka shoe inserts 1:03:52 Deep Dive – Study on Paddle Sweet Spot Mapping 1:14:09 Kew & A: Does the grit on the Luzz Inferno wear out more quickly than others? 1:16:30 Does the LT ball wear down paddle grit faster than others? Products mentioned in pod: ★Apes Charm - take 10% off at checkout with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com/collections/charm-series?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA ★Blumaka Shoe Inserts - save 20% with code JOHNKEW: https://blumaka.com/discount/JOHNKEW ★Bread & Butter Loco: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/55PRPo ★Enhance: Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://enhancepickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpaddles ★Gearbox GX2 Power: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD ★Honolulu J6NF - 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com/products/j6nf-pre-order?sca_ref=9901941.bcFPwzuTR4v ★Luzz Inferno: Take 15% off using code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzzpickleball-pro-4-inferno-mpp-pickleball-paddle-large-sweet-spot-durable-core ★Proton - buy on Pickleball Central and get the maximum discount using this affiliate link: https://pickleballcentral.com/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★Ronbus Quanta - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html ★Selkirk Boomstik: get a $40 gift card using this affiliate link: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv ★Six Zero: Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3 ★Thrive Fury - Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://thrivepb.com/products/fury-hybrid-15-5-mm-gen-3-5-power-series-6-month-warranty-copy?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9 ★Vatic V-Sol Pro - $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com/products/v-sol-pro-16mm?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb 🎧 Listen & Subscribe 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter

In Episode 84, John and Eddie cover gear gossip, tournament drama, and some of our most surprising paddle experiments yet. We break down the latest news from around the pickleball world, recap the biggest moments from Worlds, and test some of the most talked-about paddles—including new weight-mod options and paddle neck-flex research. In this episode, we cover everything from Warping Point paddles to Gearbox GX2 Power stiffness vs. flex experiments, plus a full update on the community leaderboard and our paddles of the week. If you love paddle tech, fun experiments, and hearing what’s coming next in the pickleball gear world… this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Products mentioned in pod: ★ Flik Weights - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gd20a0-mc.myshopify.com/johnkew ★ Pickleball Apes - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA ★ Pickleball Central - automatically apply the best discount possible at checkout with this link: https://pickleballcentral.com/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★ Six Zero - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ★ Slyce - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://slycesport.com?sca_ref=6327245.4GAmN4sm0v ★ Warping Point paddles - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://warpingpoint.com/ Chapters: 1:17 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: John's recap of Worlds 11:05 Paddles of the Week: Warping Point Rainbow 14:52 Warping Point NightShade 19:57 Warping Point Neon 24:20 Warping Point Phoenix (Tina Pisnik signature) 30:36 Gear of the Week: new Flik Weight accessories 33:42 Slyce SLYDRs 39:13 Tales from the Ball Cannon - Gearbox GX2 Power Neck Flex Experiment 47:04 Kew & A: Did the Six Zero Black Opal production model chnge enough to require recertification? 49:07 How does the Apes Charm compare to the Pulse? 51:04 What to do if you hit a weak, short return of serve? Come in or stay back? 54:43 What is your preferred weight setup on the Vatic V-Sol Bloom? 🎧 Listen & Subscribe 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter 👇 Support the channel & save: ★ 11SIX24: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: http://tinyurl.com/65zfxjb5 ★ Bread & Butter: Get 15% OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/5n956578 ★ Body Helix: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW ★ CRBN: Get 10% OFF CRBN using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/47dvfre3 ★ Gearbox: Take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p ★ GRUVN: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/5e5hyjer ★ Honolulu Pickleball: Get $20 OFF any Kevlar paddle using code JOHNKEW-KEVLAR, or 10% off any other paddle using code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/3Yl0OnI ★ JOOLA: Get 10% off of most products with code JOHNKEW: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ ★ PaddleTek: Get 10% OFF your purchase with code JOHNKEW: https://www.paddletek.com/6xAhP5 ★ Pickleball Apes: Get 10% OFF at checkout using code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/4crabzvw ★ Pickleball Central: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: https://pickleballcentral.com/ ★ Ronbus: Get $20 OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/ ★ Selkirk: Get digital gift cards up to $40 off with code INF-JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/57np7947 ★ Six Zero: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3 ★ Vatic: Get $10 OFF purchases up to $220, and $20 OFF above that using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/mum92h26

The biggest deals of the pickleball year are here: Black Friday through New Year, and we’re breaking down what’s actually worth your money. From Selkirk’s 60% off sale to JOHNKEW discounts for Babolat, Engage, Holbrook, and Apes. Find the latest Black Friday Paddle Deals Here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals We’re also diving into: 🔬 New updates from PBVision improve rating accuracy. 🧩 EPP + EVA hybrid builds in the new Enhance Duo paddle. 🧠 “Diced-Core” foam tech from Apes Charm and how it changes flex & rebound. 🎮 Paddle leaderboard updates – what John and Eddie are swinging now. 🎧 Fun Fact segment: Misophonia, the “brain short-circuit” behind emotional reactions to sound—and why it might explain why musicians feel music so deeply. ❓Q&A highlights from the community: power curves, PBCOR balance, and paddle weighting setups. Plus, John heads to PPA Worlds with JJ—3,500 players strong—and shares tactical insight for 4.0-level doubles (how to counter the shake-n-bake). 📅 Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:24 Black Friday Deals – Updates 4:52 John heading to Worlds this week - plans 9:49 PBVision Update 17:42 Paddles of the Week: Enhance Duo 28:34 Apes Charm 38:01 Paddle Leaderboard Updates 42:00 Gear of the Week: Franklin bags 48:00 Neonic Sidekick bag 51:17 Sqairz XRZ Shoes 54:27 Tip of the Week: Proactive 4ths 59:27 Two Fun Facts: World Series // Misophonia 1:05:07 Kew & A: Why is it that the top paddles for reviewers are not the ones pros use? 1:08:25 For a sweet spot curve, wouldn't it be better for the top of the paddle to have lower power than the bottom, because the top of the paddle is moving faster during the swing arc? 1:11:16 On the Boomstik it seems like the power goes up as you move to the throat. Would that help correct missed shots for the part of the paddle that isn’t moving as fast? 👇 Support the channel & save: ★Gearbox: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p ★Body Helix: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW ★GRUVN: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/5e5hyjer ★Honolulu Pickleball: Get $20 OFF any Kevlar paddle using code JOHNKEW-KEVLAR, or 10% off any other paddle using code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/3Yl0OnI ★PaddleTek: Get 10% OFF your purchase with code JOHNKEW: https://www.paddletek.com/6xAhP5 ★Pickleball Central: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: https://pickleballcentral.com/ ★Selkirk: Get digital gift cards up to $40 off (contingent on total price) with code INF-JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/57np7947 ★JOOLA: Get 10% off of most products with code JOHNKEW: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ ★CRBN: Get 10% OFF CRBN using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/47dvfre3 ★11SIX24: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: http://tinyurl.com/65zfxjb5 ★Bread & Butter: Get 15% OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/5n956578 ★Pickleball Apes: Get 10% OFF at checkout using code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/4crabzvw ★Ronbus: Get $20 OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/ ★Six Zero: Get 10% OFF using code 10JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3 ★Vatic: Get $10 OFF purchases up to $220, and $20 OFF above that using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/mum92h26 ★Vatic Saga Flash: Take $10 off this paddle with the code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48V3yM4

In Episode 82 of the KewCast, John and Eddie break down their personal Top 5 pickleball paddle leaderboard — including the Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid, Selkirk Boomstik, Luzz Inferno, Ronbus Quanta, and Six Zero Black Opal. We rate each paddle on power, control, feel, spin, and value — plus share our X-factor scores for connection and play style. Hear how these new foam-core and hybrid models stack up across the firepower-control spectrum, and which paddles truly deliver that balanced performance every player wants. ⚡Black Friday Deals Roundup (Updated Daily): https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals 💥 Gear Spotlight: Franklin ACV Pro shoes, Diadem Court Burst, and Bodhi Protour Duffel review — complete with capacity and materials breakdown. 🎾 Bonus Segment: “Tales from the Ball Cannon” dives into KewCOR sweet-spot consistency — what it means for performance maps and how it differs from vibration and feel. 🕰️ Fun Fact: We rewind to 2020 for a “Time Warp” look at how pro pickleball looked before the PPA and MLP boom — which pros were bigshots, and what paddles they used. 👉 Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:00 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Black Friday deals already coming - here's what to watch out for 8:57 Gear of the Week: Franklin ACV Pro Pickleball Shoes 17:53 Diadem Court Burst Shoes 21:35 Bodhi ProTour Duffel 25:29 Tales from the Ball Cannon - can we use KewCOR score across the paddle face to map sweet spot? 44:18 Time Warp: How far has pickleball come in just 5 years? 53:30 Paddle Leaderboard: John & Eddie's Top 5 Picks 1:36:48 Kew & A: What’s your initial feeling, J2FC+ long handle would be better or the Luzz paddles? 📦 Shop Deals on Products Mentioned in Pod → ⭐Bodhi - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bodhipickleball.com/?sca_ref=6485713.jagcSYeM4dlg3 ⭐Diadem - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://diademsports.com?sca_ref=6541890.ZymzZY8Ua9 ⭐Franklin - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/WqZr1O ⭐Gearbox - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p ⭐Luzz - 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/ ⭐Ronbus - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/ ⭐Selkirk - Digital gift card with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv ⭐Six Zero - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ⭐Vatic - $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb 🎧 Listen Everywhere → Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 💬 Drop your favorite paddle in the comments — and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly gear reviews, KewCast episodes, and exclusive discount codes like JOHNKEW for extra savings. #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #KewCast #pickleballgear #Selkirk #Gearbox #Ronbus #Boomstik #foamcorepaddle

In KewCast Episode 81, John and Eddie break down the biggest new stories in pickleball tech and gear. If you love deep-dive paddle analysis, pickleball gear science, and philosophical detours, you’ll love this episode. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 🧠 PB Vision launches an AI-powered DUPR alternative — measuring how you play, not just whether you win 8:24 🥇 Atlanta Open singles recap — Lea Jansen, Parris Todd, Federico Staksrud, and the brutal grind of 5-game matches 🏓 Paddles of the Week: 10:31 Forge + Bond Runout – Fusion Fiber Technology, thermoplastic forged carbon, 100 % recyclable 19:36 Engage Alpha Pro – foam-injected, EVA-wrapped design with KewCOR 0.38 26:36 Engage Encore Pro V3.0 – cold-pressed carbon at an affordable $70 28:59 🔍 X-Ray catch-ups: Engage ProFoam, Adidas AdiPower, E6 Zephyr, Friday Fever 102, Honolulu J6NF 37:44 Luzz Inferno break-in 43:12 💡 Tip of the Week: Hunter S. Thompson’s advice — don’t chase goals, build a way of life 49:38 🤯 Fun Fact: the Fruit of the Loom Mandela Effect — did it ever have a cornucopia? 55:01❓ Kew & A: “Which foam paddles have the most consistent KewCOR across the face?” 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #dupr #pickleballnews #kewcast #paddletech #pbvision #pickleballai #engagepickleball #forgeandbond #foamcore #huntersthompson #mandelaeffect

In KewCast Episode 80, John and Eddie dive into our favorite bags and backpacks, discuss the latest pickleball news, including the Uspenski scandal, talk about the new Adidas and Engage paddles, and examine how neck flex on a paddle affects PBCOR. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:48 🗞 News & Gear Gossip: BMack, Samson, and Marcus launch the first PPA Pick’em Podcast 5:52 JOOLA 3S drops to $200 with new dual certifications 7:05 College Pickleball Boom: Alabama, Texas A&M, Maryland, Ohio State, Georgia & Michigan add major court expansions 11:20 UPA suspends Denis Uspensky for cheating & abusive behavior during a PPA Challenger Series match 16:01 Did Honolulu invent the floating EPP core used in all the most popular paddles right now? 21:46 🏓 Paddles of the Week: Adidas Adipower • Engage Full Foam • Friday Fever 102 • Thrive Fury Elongated 44:35 🎒 Gear of the Week | Bag Roundup - ADV Backpack • CRBN Sling Bag • FORWRD Sling • Ethos Venture Backpack ($230) • FORWRD Court Caddy ($325) • GRUVN Small Court Backpack • FORWRD Court Ranger ($175) • Six Zero Pro Tour & Performance Backpacks • CRBN Tour bag • Chorus Tour bag • Holbrook Podium Pickleball Bag 1:15:16 🔬 Tales from the Ball Cannon: How do stiff vs. flexy paddles score on PBCOR? 1:23:33 🎙 Eddie Unplugged — 20 Questions Get to know Eddie like never before — from his childhood and creative process to his philosophy on data vs. feel in paddle testing. 💡 Plus: John reveals his Myers-Briggs type (INTJ-A, “The Architect”) and what that means for how he approaches pickleball science and content creation. Use Discount Code JOHNKEW and Affiliate Links for Products Mentioned in Pod: ★ ADV: https://www.advtennis.pro/discount/JOHNKEW ★ Adidas: https://pickleballcentral.com/adidas-adipower-pro-edition-attk-14mm-pickleball-paddle/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★ Chorus: https://choruspickleball.com?sca_ref=5913065.peNkMfPr6F ★ CRBN: https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW ★ Engage: https://engagepickleball.com/products/profoam ★ FORWRD: https://forwrd.co/?ref=dqdbjrty ★ Friday: https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW ★ GRUVN: https://gruvn.co?sca_ref=4937714.X1H4Uman8f ★ Holbrook: http://bit.ly/4fha6Xc ★ Honolulu Pickleball: https://808pickle.com?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn ★ JOOLA: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ ★ Six Zero: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ★ Thrive: https://thrivepb.com?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9 Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

In KewCast Episode 79, John and Eddie break down whether handle flex changes PBCOR, and its affect on paddle performance. We review findings from Dr. Daniel Russell’s Penn State study on bat flex and explore how those insights apply to pickleball paddles. Plus, we test how pivot point placement affects PBCOR results in our Ball Cannon experiments — and the results might surprise you. Referenced Study: “Do Flexible Handles Affect the Performance of Baseball or Softball Bats?” 👉 https://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/bats/handle-flex.html ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:44 Adidas new paddles; signs CJ Klinger, adding to pro roster 3:14 Bread & Butter Locos shipping early to 3 JOHNKEW code users 4:38 Paddles of the Week: Body Helix Falcon 17:25 Element 6 Zephyr 23:26 Bread & Butter Loco Production Models 31:26 Tales from the Ball Cannon: what happens to PBCOR if you change the pivot point from 2- to 3-inches? 39:14 Deep Dive: Paddle neck flex and paddle performance 1:00:06 Kew & A: Eddie's 20 questions for John 1:09:46 If you’re launching a pickleball paddle line and HAVE to skip a shape, which one are you leaving out? Discount Codes for Products Mentioned in Pod: ★ Element 6: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://e6pickleball.com/product/pro-series-16mm-zephyr/ ★ Body Helix: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW ★ Adidas (on Pickleball Central): 10% off with this link: https://pickleballcentral.com/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★ Bread & Butter: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/Qj390x Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

In Episode 78 of the KewCast, John and Eddie break down the latest pickleball gear, paddle tech innovations, and tournament highlights you won’t want to miss: Topics Covered: –PPA Sacramento Vintage Open: Surprising performances from tennis pros like Jack Sock & Genie Bouchard –Paddle Deep Dive: Luzz Tornazo, Gherkin Wraith, RPM Friction Pro, Six Zero Ruby Pro, Diadem Edge BluCore, and more –Full-Foam Paddle Iterations: EVA, EPP, MPP & SCF foams explained—density, stiffness scaling, and real-world performance –Black Opal Break-In Updates: KewCOR scores before & after break-in –Fan Q&A: Wide-body power paddles, all-court vs control paddles for sub-4.5 players, and more Subscribe for more paddle reviews, tech insights, and pro tournament analysis every week! ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:10 LT Ball is in stock at PBCentral 3:59 Thoughts on wooden paddles used at PPA Sacramento Vintage Open 11:02 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Tornazo 17:24 Gherkin Wraith 21:13 RPM Friction Pro 27:14 Six Zero Ruby Pro 34:43 Diadem Edge BluCore 45:14 Chorus Phoenix 50:48 Chorus Tour Bag 53:40 Vatic V-Sol updates 1:05:28 Foam Deep Dive 1:20:05 Selkirk Court Strike Shoes 1:28:24 Update on Six Zero Black Opal Break In 1:33:10 Kew & A: Should paddle companies consult with reviewers before going to market with a paddle only to get killed by bad reviews? 1:40:45 Should we still be recommending less powerful paddles for beginner players when there's plenty of control in modern power paddles? 1:43:23 What do we do with all the paddles after we're done reviewing them? Discount Codes for Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Chorus Phoenix: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://choruspickleball.com/collections/phoenix?sca_ref=5913065.peNkMfPr6F ★Diadem – 11% off with code JOHNKEW: https://diademsports.com?sca_ref=6541890.ZymzZY8Ua9 ★LT Ball: 10% off here – https://pickleballcentral.com/lt-pro-48-performance-pickleball/?oid=17&affid=7926664 ★Luzz Tornazo – take 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzzpickleball-pro-4-tornazo-carbon-fiber-pickleball-paddle-dual-layer-core ★Gherkin Wraith – take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: ★RPM Friction Pro – 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://rpmpb.com/products/rpm-friction-pro-16mm-pickleball-paddle ★Selkirk Court Strike shoes – use code INF-JOHNKEW for digital gift card: https://www.selkirk.com/collections/courtstrike-pickleball-shoes ★Six Zero – take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ★Vatic V-Sol – take $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com/products/v-sol-pro-16mm?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

John and special guest Pickleball Will break down the latest pickleball paddle releases and give their first impressions on: –Six Zero Black Opal and Ruby Pro –Vatic V-Sol Pro & Power –Several more We also do a deep dive on why PBCOR doesn't change when you add perimeter weight to the paddle. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:12 What's Will been doing? 13:54 Will's new paddle line 22:48 Paddles of the Week: Rapid Fire with Will 23:34 Franklin C45 Parris Todd 25:48 Bread & Butter Loco 28:21 Luzz Cannon & Inferno 32:24 Ronbus Quanta 34:03 CRBN TruFoam Waves 37:03 Vatic V-Sol Pro & Power 41:18 Six Zero Ruby Pro 46:51 Six Zero Black Opal 52:32 Deep Dive: Why does adding weight not make a difference to PBCOR? 1:01:17 Kew & A: Can you clarify how much the swing weight on the Ronbus Quantas went up after your perimeter weighting? 1:03:24 How does the Luzz Inferno compare to the Bread & Butter Loco? 1:06:46 Will's new bag collab: Courtside 1:08:59 ADV Flex Backpack Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Bread & Butter Loco - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/dvdvmhv6 ★CRBN – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW ★Franklin – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/WqZr1O ★Luzz Pro 4 Inferno – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/48ehxhF ★Luzz Cannon – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/47F9URk ★Ronbus Quanta: Take $20 off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html ★Six Zero – take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

Episode 76 of the KewCast John and Eddie break down the latest pickleball paddle releases and give their first impressions on: –Honolulu J6NF/FC+ –Friday Fever Widebody –Pakle Evo-01 –Reload 14mm We also do a deep dive on the LT pickleball—comparing it to the Vulcan VPRO and Franklin X-40—to see how it performs in terms of speed, spin, and durability. Plus, we discuss the latest pro paddle shakeup at the PPA Tour, what it means for pro players, and how it could impact the game moving forward. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:11 Paddle shakeup at PPA Cincinnati 9:00 Kawamoto Twins Upset Everyone 12:20 PPA Cincinnati Pick-Em Results: "Influencers" Battle 17:36 Other notable matches in PPA Cincinnati 19:40 Paddles of the Week: Honolulu J6NF and J6FC 26:14 Friday Fever Widebody 34:01 Pakle Evolution 01 38:44 Reload 14mm4 46:12 Ball Analysis: LT Ball vs. Vulcan vs. Franklin X-40 57:32 Gear of the Week: PIKKL Skins Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Friday Fever Widebody (Releases mid-October) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW ★Honolulu - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn ★LT Ball - https://pickleballcentral.com/lt-pro-48-performance-pickleball/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★Pakle - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://paklepickleball.com/products/evolution-01-new-gen3-pickleball-paddle ★PIKKL Skins (Releasing 9/18) - take 20% off with code JOHNKEW: https://pikkl.com/ ★Reload - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://reloadpickleball.com/johnkew Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

John and Eddie break down the major paddle shakeup happening at the PPAs after the new UPA-A rule regulations went into effect. 🏓 We share first impressions of the latest paddles hitting the scene: –CRBN TruFoam Waves –Luzz Pro-Cannon & Pro4 Inferno –Facolos Elite-X Plus, we dive deep into the Ronbus Quanta, including how adding weight affects PBCOR performance and whether it gives you that extra edge on the court. 🔔 Subscribe for more paddle reviews, gear breakdowns, and the latest pickleball news. UPA-A Certified Paddles List: https://upaa.unitedpickleball.com/approved-paddles/ Current list of which paddles pros are playing: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/top-pro-paddles Poll – your favorite pro player: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/poll-peoples-choice-pro-rankings Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 5:08 UPA-A Regs and Pros Scrambling for Paddles in Cincinnati 6:00 Selkirk Boomstik with MOI weights not allowed at PPA 12:38 Current status of paddles NOT approved for PPA pros 22:48 Unexpected paddles pros are playing with in Cincinnati 27:00 After years of dragging my feet, I'm now a fan of the MLP format 36:25 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Pro-Cannon 44:32 Luzz Pro4 Inferno 51:52 Facolos Elite-X 56:40 CRBN TruFoam Waves 1:01:33 Ronbus Quanta: Updated Thoughts Products Mentioned in Pod: ★CRBN – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW ★Luzz Pro 4 Inferno – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/48ehxhF ★Luzz Cannon – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/47F9URk ★ Pickleball Effect Tuning Tape – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/4gg2K88 ★Ronbus Quanta: Take $20 off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html

In KewCast Episode 74, John and Eddie discuss John's trip to China to visit faddle factories and production, the Ronbus Quanta, upcoming releases, and updates on spin durability and break-in on the Selkirk Boomstik and Gearbox GX2 Power. Take $20 off Ronbus Quanta with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:41 John's trip to China 2:46 Hong Kong and PPA Asia 8:07 Mainland China - Paddle Factories 14:36 Carbon Fiber Factory 15:52 Face Layup Factory 18:59 Foam Factory 24:31 James Ignatowich & Selkirk part ways; James starting new paddle company (RPM) 26:49 PPA Las Vegas: Thoughts on Alshon targeting Gabe with full send body shots 34:56 Honolulu Mystic Flood Relief paddle 35:49 CRBN Trufoam Waves launching 9-25 35:51 Gherkin – why no paddle for Eddie? 37:56 Paddles of the Week: Ronbus Quanta Series 51:48 ProXR Jolt 55:37 Are JOOLA Pro IVs still elite-tier firepower, or have they moved down to mid-tier? 1:00:37 Update on spin for Boomstik and GX2 Power 1:04:14 Update on Gearbox GX2 Power Break-In 1:06:28 Kew & A: Is Gen-3 Dead? 1:10:28 Will John do any more drum videos?

In KewCast Episode 73, John and Eddie discuss the remake of the Loco, Bread & Butter's first full-foam paddle, and we ask whether all the indoor pickleball facilities are sustainable. People's Choice Top Pros & Paddles: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/top-pro-paddles Vote for your favorite pro here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/poll-peoples-choice-pro-rankings Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:51 Ben takes #1 from ALW on People's Choice Pro Rankings 4:44 New Paddle Sightings: Catherine playing with Boomstik 8:36 Will most pickleball facilities be closed in 10 years? 25:31 Paddles of the Week: Bread & Butter Loco, Redux 36:17 Future Deep Dive: Ball Cannon, Meet Ballistic Gel Head 38:02 Kew & A: What does Eddie mean when he says a paddle is 'buttery'? 40:41 Does the Honolulu J2NF have any kind of break-in? 42:25 Do we know the type of foam used in the SURTR? 44:27 Would you pay for the Boomstik with your own money? Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Bread & Butter: Take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/dvdvmhv6 ★Gearbox: Take 10% off GX2 Power with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD ★Honolulu: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/yrxpcvur ★Selkirk - Purchase Boomstik here, and get a $40 Selkirk gift card with code "INF-JOHNKEW": https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv

In KewCast Episode 72, John interviews Tom Barnes of Selirk about the Boomstik. We talk about the MOI tuning weights, durability testing, and concerns about loose edge guards. Get The Selkirk Boomstik here, and get a $40 Selkirk gift card with code "INF-JOHNKEW" https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:17 Selkirk Boomstik Interview with Tom Barnes 2:42 How long did R&D take on the Boomstik? 4:42 What kind of metal is used on the MOI weights? 5:31 MOI Weights: Why This Weight, and Why This Location? 8:53 John's theory about the MOI weight and placement - is it true? 14:14 Are loose edge guards a concern on the Boomstik? 16:53 Is there a Boomstik without MOI weight approved at UPA-A? 20:24 Are there plans to release a Boomstik without the MOI weights? 21:36 Will the Boomstik be released as a main line paddle eventually? 23:29 What kinds of durability testing were performed on the Boomstik? 25:20 Is there a break-in period with the Boomstik? 27:25 Has Selkirk addressed the issue of disbonding with full-foam paddles? 28:25 Kew & A: Can you chart out how the Life Time Ball degrades over time? 34:30 How does the Boomstik compare to the Element 6 Surtr? 36:42 If you weighted up the Selkirk ERA exactly the same as the Boomstik, how would they compare? 40:17 How is the dwell time of the Boomstik compared to the Gearbox GX2 Power? 42:00 What's your choice betwen the Boomstik elongated vs. widebody?

In KewCast Episode 71, John and Eddie discuss the new Honolulu shapes, and give initial impressions on several other new paddles. Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:15 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: LT Ball now official PPA ball 10:10 GRUVN LAZR Issues with Disbonding? 13:01 Poll results: podcast preferences 19:35 Anna Leigh Waters edged out Ben Johns again to claim #1 on People's Choice poll 26:53 Jaume Martinez-Vich playing with Adidas paddle 28:01 Chorus Phoenix will be released 32:46 Are the weird PBCOR results at USAP the result of the methodology, or the paddles? 36:40 Paddles of the Week: Honolulu J2NF long handle 42:04 Honolulu J7NF and J3NF 48:21 Mark 1X-R2 53:48 Proton Peacock 1:00:40 Whisper paddles - USAP quiet approved 1:05:58 Today's Paddles, Ranked By Firepower and Feel/Forgiveness 1:07:24 Hudef Apex 1:10:39 Back to Rankings of Power and Feel/Forgiveness 1:18:44 Kew & A: What does perimeter weighting do to pop on both stationary shots versus flicks/punches? 1:21:25 Boomstik vs. Gearbox GX2 Power: which one do you pick? 1:22:04 Should you pick a paddle that plays to your strengths, or helps with your weaknesses?

In Episode 70, John and Eddie discuss the latest pickleball news, and give our initial impressions of four new paddle releases: Selirk Boomstik, Franklin Pariss Todd C45, Thrive Fury, and Ronbus Refoam.

In KewCast Episode 69, John and Eddie consider top contenders for new mains after all the new paddle drops this summer. Gearbox GX2 Power Giveaway. Follow instructions at Instagram post here: (forthcoming) Pre-order GX2 Power here, and take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD Wringer Apparel 24-hour code - 20% off with code KEW20: http://bit.ly/4kVkeaC New poll - what's your favorite podcast segment? https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/latest-poll Technical Pickleball study on Slyce Caps: https://www.technicalpickleball.net/speed-cap Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:23 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Vatic pulled Vcore launch 6:28 Ben Johns MLP Trade 8:19 New Poll: tell us what you like most/least about the KewCast 9:31 Paddles of the Week: Sypik Triton 15:00 Chorus Phoenix 22:03 Enhance Gen 4.5 27:50 Side Tangent: does a square patch of fiberglass in the center of the paddle cause inconsistency across the face? 31:17 Gearbox GX2 Power 37:46 Top two contenders for new mains 39:36 Gearbox GX2 Power Giveaway 41:30 CRBN TFG4 46:29 Deep Dive - Weighted Endcaps Don't Do What You Think They Do 56:16 Gear of the Week: Pickleball Effect Cap Coins 58: 40 Wringer Apparel - 24 hr code 1:01:27 Kew & A: How do you define the 'control' paddle category? 1:05:12 Kevlar is UV-sensitive. Is the sun bad for Kevlar-faced paddles? 1:08:05 If paddles get more powerful in the heat, don't balls get less springy? 1:08:53 Eddie's playing in a wooden paddle tournament - are there any good wooden paddles?

In KewCast Episode 68, special guest Zane Navratil stops by to give us the scoop on the Quang Duong/UPA-A situation, and John and Eddie discuss how heat and sunlight affect your paddles. . Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Poll Results: How much control are you willing to sacrifice for power? 5:32 Does leaving your paddle out in the sun destroy it? 22:52 Paddles of the Week: Two All-Foam Powerhouses: Body Helix Flik & GRUVN LAZR 16HD 38:32 Zane Navratil Talks Quang Duong Contract Elimination 58:20 Kew & A: My main right now is the vapor alpha pro power. Is it worth getting the J2K FC+ or the NF? 1:01:04 For PBCOR, how much variability is there between the ball hitting on the hole versus between the holes? 1:03:33 Is there a way to measure a paddle's control? Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Body Helix: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/collections/pickleball-paddles/products/flik-gen-3-pickleball-paddle?ref=JOHNKEW ★GRUVN LAZR Solid Foam: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: http://bit.ly/45NzFxT