Initial Feel & Specs (Sort Of)
Right out of the box, this paddle felt super light. Paddle nerds, forgive me — I didn’t get the exact static weight, but the handle had 8.1oz written on it. That normally wouldn’t feel “light” to me, but the balance point is completely different from paddles like the Vatic Flash or elongated shapes like the Bread & Butter Loco.
Those feel slightly more top-weighted. This J2FC+? Not at all.
It’s whippy, fast through the air, and has one of the best swing feelings I’ve tried. If you want precise tech specs, check your favorite pickleball reviewer — but from a player’s perspective, this thing cuts through the air beautifully.
Power, Control & Feel
In terms of power, the J2FC+ sits below my Vatic Pro VSol Power. It’s close in feel but doesn’t produce that same “hot” ball speed on drives. However, it makes up for it with excellent control and a very clean feel on touch shots.
Where it really stood out:
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Stability during volleys
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Easy mobility
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Topspin forehand drops (some of my best yet)
My drops were better than expected, and I could feel the paddle helping me shape the ball with that smooth topspin arc.
On defense, the fast swing speed gave me great reach and quick hands — especially in fast exchanges.
Short Game & Dinks
Like my VSol Power, it took me a bit to adjust on dinks, mainly because I had been playing with the B&B Loco, which has a completely different sound and feel. Once I settled in, though, I was really happy with my third-shot drops and resets.
Drives & Serves
This is where I noticed the biggest opportunity for improvement.
The paddle needs a bit of weight.
Once I made some quick adjustments and focused on plowing through the ball, it was better — but I definitely plan to tune it with lead tape on the sides to get a more solid feel like my VSol Power Flash.
About That Long Handle…
Honestly? It feels odd with this shape.
I’m a fan of long handles for two-handed backhands, but on the J2FC+:
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It doesn’t feel like it gives me a big advantage
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The paddle’s balance gets a little thrown off
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I almost wish I bought the standard handle length to keep the original J2 shape intact
If you rarely use a two-handed backhand, I’d recommend sticking with the regular handle length.
Aesthetics & Design
Let’s talk looks.
The paddle face shape is… unique.
To me, it kind of resembles a Minecraft villager jawline — which is wild and not in my personal top tier of designs.
The gray color surprised me though. I didn’t think I’d like it, but it’s actually pretty clean in person.
The thing I’d change?
The excessive text printed on the face. I get the brand identity, the sword-and-shield theme, the scriptures — all cool ideas — but less is more. A cleaner face would look premium.
Performance Summary
What I loved:
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Fast, whippy swing speed
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Great stability
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Excellent control for volleys, resets, and drops
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Beautiful sound on hard hits
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Strong topspin potential
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Affordable compared to other high-end paddles
Opportunities:
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Needs added weight for more drive power
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Long handle throws off the balance
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Grip needs an overgrip — not very tacky
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The face design is a bit overdone
Who Should Consider This Paddle?
If you like paddles shaped like the 11six24 Vapor, this is extremely close in feel.
If you want:
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Solid control
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Good spin
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Stability
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A fast, whippy paddle
This is a great option — especially for the price.
If you want more power and pop, I’d personally recommend:
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Vatic Pro VSol Power Flash (Long Handle)
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Bread & Butter Loco Hybrid
Final Thoughts
Honolulu Pickleball is doing some great work with the J2 series — both the J2NF and J2FC+. The J2FC+ isn’t perfect, but it’s absolutely a paddle I’ll keep in my bag, especially for sessions where I want to focus on control, resets, and spin.
These are just my opinions, and I’m not paid for this review. If you’re grabbing one, check out discount codes like West Side Pickleball on YouTube or your favorite reviewer.
If you're debating handle length, think honestly about how often you actually use a two-handed backhand or two-handed dinks. That might make your decision easy.
Have a great Thanksgiving — and happy hitting.
Peace!
@infotechyeti
YouTube.com/@infotechyeti
