The KewCast with John & Eddie

New Honolulu M105, new Paddletek Gen 4 releases, and RPM Jade vs Spartus Spitfire after 100 games. This week on KewCast 129, we cover the latest paddle arrivals and revisit what happens to spin after real court time.

The RPM Jade tester unit averaged 2,550 RPM when new and 2,585 RPM after 100 games, showing no measured spin loss in this test. The Spartus Spitfire went from 2,507 to 2,242 RPM, a 10.6% decline. But others have reported greater spin loss on their Jade paddles, and we discuss the notable QC concerns alongside our results. We also cover surface texture and Jade break-in measurements.

Chapters/ Timestamps:

0:00 Preview of show
1:39 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Planning for Worlds - Our bracket is full of reviewers/influencers
3:39 Other plans at Worlds: pro content, spin/speed data on serves, drives, etc.
4:40 Franklin X-44 Launched
7:17 Franklin's Anna Leigh Waters Event in Malaysia
9:22 Kew Queue: Honolulu M105
12:36 Paddles of the Week - Spartus Sptifire Widebody
16:02 New PaddleTeks: Bantam Jolt and Tempest Veyra
24:06 PaddleTek Tempest Veyra
32:08 Witness Rival (Thomas Wilson’s new company)
36:33 RPM Jade after 100 games, and broader QC issues
47:00 Spartus Spitfire after 100 games
49:34 Kew & A: Does the drop in real-world spin for HexGrit relate to grime building up in the texture?
50:29 If John had to pick another co-host for 6 months, who would it be?
51:35 Who would Eddie pick to co-host for if John was out?

Products mentioned in podcast (affiliate links):
🔹Franklin X-44 - save 10% witih code JOHNKEW: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/PzE3yX
🔹 PaddleTek Bantam Jolt - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.paddletek.com/products/bantam-jolt-elongated?sca_ref=12663430.JyRJV0a0foTu2t
🔹 PaddleTek Tempest Veyra - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.paddletek.com/products/tempest-veyra-elongated?sca_ref=12663430.JyRJV0a0foTu2t
🔹 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
🔹Witness Rival - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://witnesspickleball.com/

Also in this episode:
• Honolulu M105 in the KewQueue
• Paddletek Bantam Jolt and Tempest Veyra
• Spartus Spitfire WB and its $100 price after code
• Witness Rival from Thomas Wilson’s new company
• Franklin X-44 launch and the latest gear news
• Could grime buildup explain a drop in real-world HexGrit spin?
• Who would John and Eddie choose as a temporary KewCast co-host?

Explore the paddle database, Comparison Lab and more:
https://www.johnkewpickleball.com

DISCLOSURE AND TESTING CONTEXT:

Links to paddles above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I earn a commission and you get a discount. 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. We do not accept payment for reviews, and our opinions are our own.

#Pickleball #PickleballPaddles #KewCast

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