My First DUPR Rating is a....3.11? Ouch!

Well, I finally did it. After 8 games, 2 wins, and 6 losses, I received my first DUPR rating: 3.11.

I'll be honest. It wasn't the number I expected, and it definitely stung a little.

Going into the event, I actually felt prepared. The night before, I spent time drilling and working on some of the areas I've been trying to improve: cross-court drops, mid-court resets, dinks, and transition zone play. I left the session feeling confident and excited. I thought I was ready to play some good pickleball.

The funny thing is that one of the shots I normally trust the most completely disappeared when the games started.

My dinks.

Dinking is usually a strength of my game, but during the matches I found myself hitting several into the net. Looking back, I think I was so worried about making mistakes that I created the mistakes myself. There's nothing worse than watching a routine dink die in the net when it's a shot you normally make without thinking.

I also noticed that when opponents drove the ball at me, some of my returns sailed wide or ended up in the net. That's what confused me the most because just a week earlier I was playing outdoors and felt completely locked in. In rec games, I was playing some of my best pickleball.

That's where I think the biggest difference showed up.

For whatever reason, when I play organized events, ranked sessions, ladder leagues, or anything with a number attached to it, my game changes. Subconsciously, I put pressure on myself. Instead of playing freely, I start thinking about results, rankings, mistakes, and expectations.

Several matches started poorly. I honestly can't remember if I even started a game serving first. It felt like we were constantly digging ourselves out of holes, down 3-0, 4-0, or even 5-0 before settling in. That's tough against competitive players.

Playing with multiple partners wasn't easy either. Some partnerships clicked naturally while others felt difficult from the beginning. There was one younger player I got paired with who was undefeated at the time. Before we even started, he made it clear that he wasn't planning on losing. Meanwhile, I was coming in on a losing streak.

At one point he told me I should have taken a ball because I had the forehand. Maybe he was right, but he didn't know that my backhand drops are actually one of my stronger shots. The whole dynamic made it difficult to play freely. He was extremely aggressive, so I found myself backing off and letting him take more balls than I normally would.

Ironically, some of the games where I felt most comfortable ended up being losses too. When I got paired with my friend, I thought we had a great chance to win. We played well at times but still came up short.

Looking back, I think there are several things I would do differently.

I should have been more aggressive with my drives earlier in matches. Some of my best points came when I trusted my game and drove the ball through the middle. I had a few drives with the Boomstik that either won the point outright or forced weak returns that ended the rally shortly after.

That's why I don't think the paddle was the problem.

In fact, I had a great experience with the Boomstik overall. It produced some excellent drives and gave me plenty of opportunities. The more I think about it, the more I believe the issue was me, not the equipment.

I also kept forgetting a basic strategy that I know better than to ignore: target the player in transition instead of feeding the player already established at the kitchen line. It's something I know, but in the heat of competition I didn't execute it consistently.

The biggest challenge of the day wasn't my drops, drives, dinks, or paddle.

It was my mental game.

After missing a couple shots in a row, especially balls into the net, I struggled to reset mentally. Instead of moving on to the next point, I carried mistakes with me. That snowballed into more mistakes, which led to even more frustration.

Despite all of that, there were positives.

I hit some great drops. I hit some excellent drives. I got a fantastic workout. Most importantly, I finally got a DUPR rating and broke the ice.

When I told my friend what my rating ended up being, he was surprised. He reminded me that nine games isn't a huge sample size and that a first rating is just a starting point, not a final verdict on a player's ability.

Maybe he's right.

Am I upset? A little.

Am I disappointed? Absolutely.

Finishing near the bottom again felt a lot like my ladder league experience, and that's hard to swallow when you spend time drilling, practicing, and trying to improve.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely.

There were moments during the session where I wanted to swear off competitive play entirely. But the truth is I love pickleball too much. I love the challenge, the workout, the strategy, and the friendships I've made through the game.

So yes, my first DUPR is 3.11.

Not the number I hoped for, but it's a starting point.

Now I know what I need to work on: trusting my game, being more aggressive when the opportunity is there, improving my mental reset after mistakes, and learning how to bring my rec-game confidence into competitive play.

The rating may say 3.11 today.

If you're looking for a new paddle, feel free to use my discount code TechYeti on brands such as Bread & Butter Pickleball, Luzz Pickleball, Vatic Pro, and Enhance Pickleball.

Despite the outcome, I'm already looking forward to the next competitive experience.

Bread & Butter Loco vs Selkirk Boomstik Summit Edition — My Honest Long-Term Thoughts

It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to really compare paddles in depth, but after spending a lot of time with both the Bread & Butter Loco and the Selkirk Boomstik Summit Edition, I finally felt ready to talk about them. What makes this comparison interesting to me is that these paddles gave me two completely different experiences. One became my comfort paddle, while the other surprised me in ways I honestly didn’t expect.

Back in October, I purchased the tan Bread & Butter Loco and quickly fell in love with how it played. Since then, it’s been my main paddle throughout an entire 3.5+ men’s winter ladder league season and countless rec games. Even after trying other paddles, I kept coming back to the Loco. There’s just something about the balance of control, firmness, stability, and confidence it gives me that works perfectly for my game.

Honestly, there’s a reason I bought another one.

The newer Azul version feels a little different compared to my original tan Loco. The tan version feels firmer and less plush, which is actually why I prefer it right now. The Azul almost reminds me more of my Tornazo or my Vatic VSol Pro V7 LH with its slightly softer and plush response. It still feels loud and solid, but different enough that I noticed it immediately.

I’m continuing to break it in because the sound and feel of my tan Loco are a huge reason why I love that paddle so much. It may just be a one-off variation and honestly doesn’t negatively affect gameplay, but it’s something worth mentioning for players who are really sensitive to paddle feel and response.

Now let’s talk about the Selkirk Boomstik Summit Edition.

Honestly, the colorway helped convince me to finally buy it. But it wasn’t an easy purchase. The Boomstik is expensive, and I actually almost returned it before fully committing to using it. Not because I didn’t like the paddle, but because I was honestly nervous about damaging it. It reminded me of getting a brand new expensive iPhone and immediately wanting the most protective case possible. Except with the Boomstik, I didn’t even want to add edge guard tape or anything extra because the paddle really isn’t designed for that look.

Once I finally brought it indoors for rec games with friends earlier this year, I started understanding why so many competitive players love this paddle. The Boomstik absolutely excels at shaping the ball. The spin, power, and responsiveness immediately stood out, but what impressed me most was how well it handled defensive transition shots and resets off the bounce.

A lot of times in transition, players don’t have time to perfectly shape the ball or apply heavy topspin. Sometimes you’re simply reacting and sticking the paddle out there trying to survive the point and get ready for the next shot. That’s where the Boomstik shocked me. There were so many moments where I simply put the paddle out defensively and the ball somehow found its way safely back over the net.

Compared to the Loco, the Boomstik gives more help in those emergency defensive situations because of its pop, sweet spot, and stability. And we all know trying to slice against heavy slice isn’t always ideal either.

One area where I’ve had more success with the Boomstik is definitely the two-handed backhand drive. This paddle absolutely makes the ball scream off the face. The combination of power, grit, and responsiveness makes aggressive drives feel effortless at times. The InfiniGrit texture also does an amazing job helping shape the ball and generate spin on drives and drops.

I completely understand now why high-level competitive players gravitate toward this paddle. It’s aggressive, explosive, and incredibly dangerous in the right hands.

Even after all of that, I still keep going back to the Loco.

One major reason is how it performs in quick kitchen exchanges and volleys. The Boomstik feels slightly sluggish near the kitchen compared to the Loco. I think the shape and handle length both play a role in that feeling. The Loco just feels quicker and more natural in hand during fast exchanges.

Another thing I noticed is that I hit the upper edge guard area more often with the Boomstik than I do with standard elongated paddles. I can transition almost effortlessly between paddles like the Loco, Inferno, Tornazo, or Vatic VSol Pro V7 because they all share a more traditional elongated square-top shape. The Boomstik’s curved shape creates a different feel and timing window for me, especially during quick reactions. It’s not necessarily bad — it’s just different.

Because of that, if I start a competitive rec session or league night with one paddle, I usually stick with it the entire session. Only toward the very end will I start rotating in other paddles like the Volair Shift, Tornazo, or my favorite backup paddle — the metallic blue Inferno.

In the end, the Loco is still my main paddle. It simply fits my game best. I trust it more with drives, dinks, drops, kitchen exchanges, and overall consistency.

But this comparison honestly gave me a whole new appreciation for the Boomstik. It truly is an amazing paddle. For serious tournament players or competitive league players, I absolutely understand the hype now and would confidently recommend it. For casual rec play, though, I think the Loco is probably the easier paddle for most players to enjoy consistently.

If you decide to pick up a Bread & Butter paddle, feel free to use discount code TECHYETI at checkout. It truly helps support both the blog and the channel. And if you decide to pick up a Boomstik or another Selkirk paddle or pair of shoes, feel free to use my referral link below as well.

Thank you all again for the support. Until next time, enjoy the spring weather and here’s to another full summer of pickleball.

The Most Competitive Pickleball Games I’ve Had in a Few Weeks (And What I Learned)

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After dealing with colder New England weather and men's ladder league over the last few months, I finally had one of the most competitive pickleball sessions I’ve had in a long time this week. One of our friends came back after taking several months off during the colder fall and winter months, and the games immediately felt different. The rallies were longer, the hands battles at the kitchen were more intense, and every game felt like it could go either way. At one point, I really wish I had worn my smartwatch because I’m pretty sure my heart rate had to be pushing close to 180+ BPM. One game honestly felt like it lasted somewhere between 15 to 20 minutes because neither team wanted to give in. I lost some games and won some, but those are the kinds of matches that remind me why I love pickleball so much.

One of the biggest adjustments during these games was switching from the Selkirk Pro S1 Pickleball Ball back to the Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs. I forgot just how different the X-40 feels after spending time with the Selkirk ball. The Franklin felt softer, the bounce seemed lower, and kitchen exchanges almost felt like they were happening in slow motion compared to what I had grown used to. I found myself needing to move faster in transition because the ball just didn’t bounce the same way. It really reminded me that changing pickleballs can affect your game just as much as switching paddles, especially when you’ve grown comfortable with one type of ball.

Speaking of paddles, my current go-to is still my Bread & Butter Loco Elongated Pickleball Paddle. It continues to be the paddle that feels most natural for my game and always finds its way back into my bag. I recently picked up the Azul version, and while I do like it, I’m still adjusting because my original tan version just feels slightly different. I also spent some time using my Volair Shift Elongated Pickleball Paddle and even gave the Luzz Inferno Pickleball Paddle another shot, but I didn’t really click with it right away. On top of that, I keep thinking about picking up another Vatic Pro Saga V7 Pickleball Paddle or trying a new Prism V7. I still regret giving away my old Saga 16mm short handle. As a Vatic Pro ambassador, I probably should have held onto it just to keep a better collection of their paddles.

As for my actual performance, I think I played okay. I wouldn’t say I played amazing, but I definitely did some things well. My serves stayed consistent and rarely found the net, and I had some solid resets using two hands on the paddle. I also felt like I did a better job of moving the ball around and not becoming too predictable. One thing that has helped me improve lately is recording our matches and uploading them privately to YouTube so my friends and I can watch them back. It’s been one of the best ways to identify habits, weaknesses, and tendencies that are easy to miss while you’re caught up in the moment of playing.

One thing I noticed during these games was how often players try to speed up balls that probably shouldn’t be attacked. There were a few moments where a player tried speeding up a ball that was near knee level, and it ended up either going into the net or setting up the other team for an easy winner. Sometimes the better play is simply being patient, resetting the ball, or continuing a dink rally until you get a better opportunity. Not every ball needs to be attacked, and that’s something many recreational players still struggle with.

I also noticed a few areas where I need to improve. I need to do a better job attacking balls off the bounce without hitting them into the net, which is something my Boomstik paddle seems to help me with. I also need to add more topspin on my returns and fourth shot drives because there were a few times where I left the ball sitting too high, giving my opponents easy chances to poach or apply pressure. These are small adjustments, but they can make a huge difference in tighter matches.

By the end of the night, I pulled out my Volair Shift Elongated Pickleball Paddle again and started thinking that it might be my main paddle for next week’s games. Then again, part of me wants to bring out the Boomstik. Realistically though, I’ll probably end up going back to what always works best for me—my Bread & Butter Loco Elongated Pickleball Paddle. It continues to be the paddle I trust the most when games get competitive.

And if you’ve been thinking about trying a Bread & Butter paddle, I was recently accepted as an ambassador. If you decide to pick one up, feel free to use code TechYeti at checkout to save a little money. It genuinely helps support both my blog and YouTube channel.

Until next time, keep dinking, driving, and dropping.

Why the Boomstik Makes Sense for My Game?

A few weeks ago I got back on the court with the fellas and decided to give the Boomstik another try. It had been a while since I used it because I’ve mostly been playing with other paddles like the Volair Shift, but I figured why not bring it back into rotation.

When I first used the Boomstik, I liked it, but I didn’t stick with it long enough. Coming back to it now, the first thing I noticed again was the pop and power. I know a lot of people say it’s too poppy or too powerful, and I thought I might feel the same, but honestly it works pretty well for my game.

We played about 7 games over 2 hours, which is usually how we run it. We rotate partners every couple of games and just keep it going. I recorded all the games like I normally do now and shared them with the group. Watching them back, I felt like I played better than I thought I did while I was on the court.

One thing that really stood out was my drops, especially from the baseline. They felt really smooth. I wasn’t trying to do too much—just keeping the paddle out in front, slowing my swing down, and letting the paddle do the work. The ball was getting over the net clean more often than not.

I’ve also been trying to get better at mid-court transitions, and that’s still one of the harder parts of pickleball for me. It’s easy to hit the ball too hard, pop it up, or dump it into the net. But in these games, I felt a little more comfortable there, especially adding some topspin on balls in the air.

As for the Boomstik itself, it played really solid. Drives had good power, and quick hands at the kitchen felt nice. The paddle feels stable overall, even on shots that aren’t hit perfectly. One thing I did notice is that the ball comes off the paddle pretty quick, so you have to be ready for fast returns.

The handle is something I wasn’t sure about at first, mainly because of the shape and the bigger end cap, but it’s actually grown on me. It feels comfortable now, and I don’t notice any vibration. Two-handed shots feel good too, even though I didn’t get a ton of chances to use them.

With the power, you do have to stay under control. There were a couple of shots where I could tell if my angle was off, the ball was either going long or straight into the net. So it’s not a forgiving paddle if your mechanics aren’t there, but when you’re dialed in, it feels really good.

If I had to point out anything negative, it would be on some serve returns. There were a few times where I sent the ball deeper than I wanted, especially on slice or shorter serves where I had to move forward. It didn’t happen a lot, but I noticed it enough.

Durability is still something I’m not sure about yet. I already saw a small ding on the edge guard, but overall the paddle still feels good and the surface is holding up so far. I just haven’t used it enough to really judge that yet.

At the end of the day, I came away from that session really liking the Boomstik more than I expected. It’s powerful, poppy, and stable, and for my style of play, it fits pretty well. Right now, it’s up there with my Bread & Butter Loco as one of my go-to paddles.

I’m looking forward to getting back out there again soon, hopefully outdoors once the weather gets better. If not, we’ll keep it going indoors.

If you’ve been thinking about trying the Boomstik, I’d just say make sure it fits your game. It’s not for everyone, but if you can control the power, it can be a really fun paddle to play with.

When Trying New Paddles Starts Hurting Your Game

I recently gave the RPM Q2 a shot—and honestly, it didn’t last long. I returned it almost right away. It’s just not for me.

Right off the bat, it felt way too poppy. The balance point wasn’t where I like it, and while the handle circumference was okay, the shape felt really rectangular and flat in my hand. For the price, it just didn’t make sense to keep it.

But this isn’t really about the paddle itself—it’s more about what I realized because of it.

Lately, I’ve been trying a lot of different paddles, doing reviews, and chasing that “next one.” And I started noticing something during rec play the other night—I wasn’t playing well. Like, noticeably off. My drops were inconsistent, my resets weren’t as clean, and I was popping balls up way more than usual. With the RPM Q2, it was probably the worst I’ve seen in a while.

Now to be fair, no one expects to pick up a new paddle and instantly play their best. But that’s when it hit me: constantly switching paddles might actually be holding me back.

Every paddle has its own feel—different response, different pop, different timing. Some are close, sure, but none are identical. And when you keep switching, you’re always adjusting instead of improving. With the RPM, I could feel how good it was on dinks and soft shots, but I just couldn’t keep the ball down consistently. That disconnect was frustrating.

So I decided to return it—not just because I didn’t like it, but because I’m kind of done chasing paddles for a while.

At this point, I’d rather focus on getting better.

Ironically, the paddle I keep coming back to is still the Bread & Butter Loco. It just fits my game. I’ve also had some surprisingly good runs with the Boomstik too—something about the stability and higher twist weight seems to help more than I expected.

But overall, I’m just tired of buying paddles that look great on paper but don’t actually help my performance.

What I learned the other night was more important than any paddle review. My returns are still solid—low, controlled, and intentional—and I’ve actually been doing better with my resets lately by slowing things down and staying patient. That said, I still struggle more against aggressive players, and that’s something I need to work on. I also want to start paying attention to whether I play better on the left or right side of the court. Another big area for me is being more intentional during rallies—understanding what to expect on the next shot instead of assuming the point is over. I’m not always trying to hit a winner, but I think I need to stay mentally in the rally longer and expect the ball to come back every time. Maybe I’m already doing some of that and just don’t see it clearly in the moment—I really wish I hadn’t forgotten my tripod to record the games. Either way, it was just an off night… honestly, for most of us.

The biggest areas I need to improve? Long-distance drops—especially on my backhand—and being just a bit more aggressive when it matters. I had a couple of really solid forehand drops from the baseline, so I know it’s there. It just needs consistency.

At the end of the day, this was a good reminder: not everything that’s new is better. And sometimes, sticking with what works is the best way to actually improve your game.  For me, that is the Bread and Butter Loco elongated paddle.  Its not going anywhere...yet or until the grit really wears out. 

 

Up Close Looks on the Loco, Inferno and Boomstik Paddle Face

I borrowed a Supereyes USB camera pen to take close-up images of the grit and paddle faces on three paddles: the Boomstik, Loco, and Inferno. I wanted to see how the center of the paddle face compares to the edges where the ball rarely hits, mainly to compare grit levels and durability.

Picture 1 – Boomstik (center of the paddle face)
This area shows some durability wear. I’m not a big fan of how it looks, although I understand that no paddle is indestructible. Still, for the price of this paddle, I expected it to be a bit more durable. My guess is that this is partly due to the painted surface used for the paddle’s design.

 

Picture 2 – Boomstik grit face
Here you can see circular or bubble-like microdots on the paddle surface. I’m assuming this is the InfiniGrit texture.

 

Next is a picture of my Boomstik edge guard. At first, I thought the edge guard was cracking or defective, but looking closely it appears to actually be InfiniGrit. It seems like they sprayed the entire face and even the top part of the edge guard.

You be the judge — do you think having grit on the edge guard is a good idea?

In pictures 1 and 2, you can see what remains of the InfiniGrit.
Picture 3 shows a cleaner view of the edge guard with most of the InfiniGrit still present. This texture appears to run across the entire face and onto the edge guard. On a white edge guard, it can actually make it look like the plastic is cracking.

These are more pictures of the Boomstik on other nicks that happened to the paddle face.  Again I have only used this in maybe 2 or 3 full open play sessions and would say it was about 4-6 hours of games.  Note, that I actually used the Selkirk Pro pickleballs during these games. 

One of the pictures also shows the Boomstik area near the handle, where there has been no visible degradation.

Next are images of the Luzz Inferno.

The first picture shows the center of the paddle face, and the one below it shows the carbon face near the base of the paddle, an area where I’ve never hit the ball. One thing I noticed is that the weave pattern looks flatter and not as pronounced. Of course, we’re looking at this at a very close micro level, but you can still feel a difference.

 

Luzz Inferno – Picture 2 (near the handle)
This was taken closer to the handle area for comparison.

Lastly, here’s the Bread & Butter Loco.

There has been some discussion about how the Loco’s grit wears down fairly quickly. I can feel some of that on the paddle face, but I haven’t noticed a huge difference in my gameplay. My guess is that the paddle’s firm feel helps the ball pop off the face regardless. The only time I may notice a difference is on third-shot drops, where there might be slightly less spin. Overall though, the paddle still plays well, just like the others mentioned in this post.

 

Picture 1 – Center of the paddle face
You can see some threads spreading apart and looking flatter.  

Picture 2 – Near the handle (unused area)
This area looks more intact since balls haven’t been hitting here. In comparison to the center, the weave appears straighter and more even.

Just to be clear, this post is purely for educational purposes. Looking at the paddle faces this closely doesn’t really change my overall perspective on these paddles. With all the recent conversations around grit durability, I thought it might help some players see what these surfaces actually look like up close and possibly help them decide which paddle might work best for them.

From a gameplay standpoint, all of these paddles still perform fairly well based on the sessions I’ve played. The paddle I’ve used the most—and the one that’s still my main—is the Bread & Butter Loco, which is why you can see the most visible difference on that one. I can definitely notice it under the camera.

The others show less noticeable wear, although I was a little surprised that the Boomstik showed a nick sooner than I expected. Yes, it’s only a nick, but when you’re paying $333 for a paddle, little things like that matter.

That said, most paddle companies offer warranties, and I always recommend checking the manufacturer’s website or contacting their customer service if you have concerns so you can make the most informed decision.

Overall, I’d still buy another Loco if I needed to. It just fits my style and feels like a great all-around paddle. The Boomstik is an offensive and defensive beast, while the Inferno really shines on drives and overheads.

These are simply my personal opinions. I don’t have affiliate links with Bread & Butter or Selkirk, but if you decide to pick up a Luzz paddle or accessory, feel free to use code TechYeti at checkout. It genuinely helps support the channel and the website.

Giving the Volair Shift Elongated a Real Chance

I’ll be honest — I was pretty skeptical about the Volair Shift Elongated Pickleball Paddle when I first bought it. What really pulled me in was the price, the shape, and the overall feature set. I’ve always been curious about Volair paddles, but I never pulled the trigger before.

 

When I first started hitting with it, I wasn’t a huge fan. Being a 14mm paddle, you can definitely feel off-center hits more than thicker paddles, and some shots transferred straight into the handle. It made the paddle feel a little unforgiving at first and the higher swing weight has activated my tennis elbow again. 

After a few sessions I almost reached the point where I was ready to move on from it. But instead of giving up on it, I decided to keep playing with it and give it a proper break-in period.

That decision paid off.

After about two to 4 hours of open play and drilling again the wall, something started to click. The paddle began growing on me in ways I didn’t expect.

Drives, Resets, and That “Connected” Feel

Where this paddle really shines for me is on drives and resets. There’s a really nice sense of connection with the ball when you’re hitting through your shots. The paddle has good pocketing on drives and putaways, and it feels controlled without being overly powerful.

It’s not quite as explosive as some of the stiffer paddles I like — especially compared to my main Bread & Butter Loco Pickleball elongated paddle, which is usually the first paddle I grab when heading to the courts. But in a weird way, playing with the Shift felt like a breath of fresh Volair.

Yeah… I had to say it.

The swing weight also works really well for me but at the end I can feel the strain kicking in. I’m not a fan of super light paddles, and the balance point here feels just right, especially on serves where that extra weight helps me drive through the ball.

Where It Still Needs Some Work

The biggest adjustment for me has been dinks and drops.

I was able to hit some but lately Ive been off. It takes more effort and focus to gauge the paddle’s response on softer shots. It doesn’t quite have the pop or responsiveness that I personally prefer at the kitchen line or mid-court resets.

That said, I think this paddle could benefit slightly from some lead tape, though it actually made the experience worse for me. While adding weight usually improves stability, it ended up compromising the paddle's sweet spot and overall feel. Additionally, the swing weight on this 14mm feels notably higher than my Bread & Butter Loco elongated.

Design, Packaging, and First Impressions

One thing I really appreciated was the simple presentation.

Volair did solid job with the packaging. The paddle came with a bag, paddle cover, and a sticker — simple things, but they make the purchase feel more complete. The packaging was clean and well done.

I can’t help but compare that to my experience with the RPM Q2 Pickleball Paddle, which honestly arrived with nothing extra besides the paddle itself. For a paddle that retails around $250 before discounts, that felt a little underwhelming.

Where This Paddle Fits in My Bag

Right now, my main paddle is still the Loco. That one isn’t going anywhere.

But after spending more time with the Shift, it has definitely earned a temporary spot in my bag. I’d honestly say it’s become a good paddle to bring to the courts. Especially when I feel off with some of my more firm powerfully paddles. 

And that’s saying something, because I have a good amount of paddles. (Boomstik, Inferno, VSol Pro) 

Final Thoughts

The Shift probably isn’t the best paddle on the market, but it has a lot of things I personally like. The balance is good, the swing weight feels okay and the performance on drives and resets is really solid.

More importantly, it’s a paddle that grew on me the more I played with it.

And honestly, I think this paddle is pretty underrated.

It took some time to get used to its quirks, but once I did, I found myself really enjoying it. For the price, the build quality, and the performance it delivers, I’m happy I gave it a chance.

This one is definitely staying in my bag...for now! 

The Training Tool I Wasn’t Sure I Needed - Dink Master 3.0 by Enhance Pickleball

When I first purchased the Enhance Dink Master 3.0, I’ll be honest—I had a little bit of buyer’s remorse. My first thought was that maybe I had just spent a bit too much money on something I didn’t really need. Like most pickleball players, I’m always curious about paddles, and part of me wondered if that money would have been better spent trying another paddle instead. After all, paddles are usually the exciting purchase.

 

The real reason I bought the Dink Master, though, had nothing to do with gear hype. I was simply tired of hitting pickleballs against my fireplace whenever I wanted to get a few reps in at home. I also liked the idea that the system could double as a net setup. The wall can come down and convert into a net at the proper height, which means I can set it up in the driveway and hit around with my kids or play a few games with my brother-in-law when he comes over for family gatherings. In my mind it felt like a win-win, even if I still had some doubts after placing the order.

Once the Dink Master arrived and I set it up, my thoughts about it changed pretty quickly. I started doing short daily drills with it, usually about eight minutes at a time, and it didn’t take long before I noticed that those quick sessions were actually helping my game. The areas where I saw the most improvement were with my dinks, volleys, and drop shots.

One of the things I like most about the Dink Master is that the board can tilt up or down depending on what you want to practice. The setup I use the most is with the board tilted slightly upward. When you hit the ball into the center of the board, it pops the ball up and sends it back with a floating return. That type of return is actually perfect for practicing sweep volleys on both the forehand and backhand side. When I first started playing pickleball about a year ago, I would often hit those balls straight into the net because I was swinging too hard. Over time I’ve started focusing less on power and more on control, paddle positioning, reach, and sometimes a bit of topspin to guide the ball instead of forcing it.

The rebound from the board also works really well for practicing drop shots. The drop is something I’ve been trying to improve because it’s such an important shot for transitioning from the baseline to the kitchen. Sometimes it takes me a moment to get moving forward, and if the drop isn’t good I end up stuck in transition or reaching for the next ball. Repeating drops with the rebound board has helped that movement feel more natural, and it has helped me focus on touch and arc rather than speed.

Another drill that has become part of my routine involves practicing resets. If you tilt the board forward slightly, the ball comes back lower and faster, which creates a good opportunity to work on defensive resets. In the year that I’ve been playing pickleball, I’ve started to realize that resets and transitioning to the kitchen might actually be the hardest part of the game. It’s not dinking, and it’s not smashing the ball to finish a point. Controlling the ball when you’re under pressure and trying to move forward is where a lot of points are won or lost.

The Dink Master also includes target zones on the wall, which encourages you to think more about placement than power. Recently I’ve been trying a drill where I attempt to volley into zone three, then zone two, and finally zone one. Practicing that sequence on both my forehand and backhand has been a good way to work on accuracy and consistency rather than just hitting the ball back.

One of the biggest improvements I’ve noticed from using the Dink Master regularly has actually been patience. When I practice dinks with the rebound board, I try to wait for the ball to reach its highest point before making contact. That small adjustment has helped my control more than I expected, and it has made me feel more confident in softer exchanges at the kitchen line.

Living in the Northeast also makes a training tool like this more useful. Winters can get pretty cold, and it’s not always easy to get consistent court time. Having something at home allows me to stay loose and keep working on my game even when I’m not playing as often outside.

Looking back now, it’s funny that the thing I was hesitant to buy has turned out to be one of the most useful training tools I’ve added to my pickleball routine. It doesn’t take long practice sessions to get value from it either. Even a few minutes a day can help build consistency over time.

If you’re thinking about getting one yourself, I’d definitely recommend it. And if you do decide to pick one up, feel free to use the discount code TechYeti at checkout.

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Why I Stopped Chasing New Pickleball Paddles at Every Launch

Over the past few weeks I almost purchased a few new pickleball paddles that recently launched, but in the end I decided to hold off. Lately I’ve slowed down on doing paddle comparisons and reviews, and I’ve realized a few things.

A few weeks ago the men’s pickleball ladder league ended, and it gave me some time to reflect on how I’ve been approaching the game. The truth is, I’ve realized that I enjoy recreational play more than competing the way I thought I wanted to.

I recently listened to a podcast with Andre Agassi where he mentioned something that really stuck with me. In a way, he said he didn’t want competition to take away from his passion for pickleball. That idea opened my eyes because I realized I was doing something which was causing me to get frustated with the game of pickleball. I was putting a lot of pressure on my game and on my expectations and I do not want to lose the passion of playing the game.  

Because of that shift in mindset, I’ve slowly noticed my interest in constantly trying new paddles starting to fade a bit. Instead, I’ve become more focused on my physical and mental health. Good pickleball shoes and proper recovery matter just as much as the equipment we use. At my age, and with a history of joint injuries and surgeries, how my body feels on the court makes a big difference.

But what about equipment? Does the paddle make a difference?

For me, it definitely has during the year that I’ve been playing pickleball but again I was lucky enough to try several paddles to find the one that fits my game and preference. 

I still have my original Vatic Pro Prism Flash 14mm short handle paddle, and occasionally I’ll hit with it when doing drills with the Dink Master 3.0. Over time I’ve moved away from hybrid shapes and toward elongated paddles, but I still enjoy using that paddle for practice sessions and my son loves that paddle. 

When I compare that to some of my newer paddles—like my favorite paddle, the Bread & Butter Loco Elongated—the face actually feels smoother now than my older Prism Flash. They’re completely different paddles, but it made me wonder if the construction plays a role.

The Loco is an all-foam paddle, so it doesn’t have the honeycomb structure that many Gen 1.5 through Gen 3 paddles use. Maybe that’s why the surface feels smoother over time. I’m not completely sure, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about.

All of this came to mind because I almost purchased the newest elongated Gen 4 paddle from 11six24: the Hurache-X Power 2. It supposedly has very durable grit, and I have to admit it’s a beautiful paddle.

But at $200, it’s becoming harder for me to justify buying another paddle—even one that costs $100.

Enhance Pickleball also recently released their budget-friendly Turbo foam paddles. While they’re affordable, they look like copycats of other foam paddles on the market, and the designs and colors just don’t appeal to me. At this point I really need a strong reason to buy another paddle.

I was close to purchasing the Hurache-X Power 2, but then I thought about how well I’ve been playing with my Bread & Butter Loco. I used it throughout the league and again last week with the guys, and it continues to perform exactly the way I want it to.

The week before that I had a great session using my Selkirk Boomstik Elongated. Both paddles performed great, and I’m already a big fan of them. I also still enjoy my Vatic Pro V7 and a few others in my rotation.

So why buy another paddle right now?

One of the things holding me back is the core material. The Hurache-X Power 2 uses an MPP core, which is similar to my Inferno. Lately I haven’t been loving how the Inferno feels. MPP has a unique and satisfying feel on contact, but it can also feel a bit unpredictable.

On the other hand, I’ve really gotten used to paddles with EPP cores. My Loco, Vatic VSol Pro, Luzz Tornado, and Selkirk Boomstik all share that type of feel, and it’s something that works well for my game.

If I’m going to spend $200 on a paddle, I’d almost rather wait and see what Bread & Butter releases next. They’re already launching a new Loco colorway, and while I definitely don’t *need* another one, I have to admit I’m tempted.

Lately my current Loco has started making a slightly different cracking sound on harder hits, which makes me wonder how long it will last. But even with that, I absolutely love the way this paddle plays. Drives feel powerful, dinks feel controlled, and overall it just fits my game.

For me, it’s the ultimate paddle right now.

The only downside is its higher swing weight, which some players might not enjoy.

So do you really need a new paddle?

If you’re like me—playing recreationally and maybe participating in the occasional league at your local club—the answer is: it depends. But if you bought a paddle within the last six months and you only play once or twice a week, you probably don’t need a new one.

Many of my pickleball buddies rarely change paddles, and they still play great. One of them recently checked his Luzz Pro Cannon to make sure it wasn’t core crushed, and he said it’s still performing perfectly. He loves that paddle because it gave him the power, pop, and stability he didn’t have before.

Instead of buying another paddle, you might want to consider investing in a new pair of pickleball shoes. Something like the Selkirk CourtStrike 2.0 or even a fresh pair of Asics Gel Resolution 8s can make a huge difference.

And if you’re looking for a great training tool, I highly recommend the **Dink Master 3.0 by Enhance Pickleball**. It has helped increase my confidence and allowed me to practice drills that simulate real game situations.

If you decide to pick one up, feel free to use code **TechYeti** at checkout to save a little money.

For now, I’m just looking forward to the warmer spring weather here in New England so we can get back outside and enjoy the game with friends and the local pickleball community.

Until then, maybe hold off on buying that new paddle.

Keep dinking, driving, and learning.

How I Fell Into the Pickleball Affiliate World — And Why I’m Slowing Down

When I first started watching pickleball videos on YouTube, I kept noticing something.

Every reviewer had a code.

“Use my code for $10 off.”
“Link in description.”
“Discount below.”

How I Fell Into the Pickleball Affiliate World — And Why I’m Slowing Down

When I first started watching pickleball videos on YouTube, I kept noticing something: every reviewer had a code. “Use my code for $10 off.” “Link in the description.” At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I assumed they were just helping people save money on paddles. I had no idea those were affiliate codes — meaning they earned a commission when someone used them.

Then I started playing pickleball myself.

I was brand new to the game, but I’ve always been the kind of person who goes all in when something grabs my attention. My younger brother calls me a nerd for it, and maybe he’s right. When I get into something, I want to understand every detail — how it’s built, why it works, and what makes it different. Before pickleball, I did that with tech. I’ve worked in IT for over a decade, and I had uploaded a few computer review videos just sharing what I knew.

One day I thought, why not try reviewing paddles the same way?

That’s when I applied for my first ambassador program with Vatic Pro. I honestly didn’t expect them to accept me. I had barely started playing pickleball. I didn’t have a big following. I wasn’t some established content creator. But they approved me, and they offered a generous discount on a paddle or two. I only grabbed one because I didn’t want to go crazy spending money. At that point, it was just fun — I was learning the game, learning the equipment, and uploading simple videos.

Then I realized something: this wasn’t just a discount program. It was commission-based.

Suddenly, everything I had seen on YouTube made sense. That’s why everyone had codes.

Now, is that a bad thing? No. Not at all. I worked in sales for almost ten years before moving fully into IT, so I understand what it means to sell. In those jobs, we didn’t get to pick and choose what to push. We sold what the company told us to sell. We had metrics, quotas, and categories to hit. Educate the customer. Encourage them. Close the sale. That was the job.

Paddle companies aren’t much different — except they can’t afford nationwide sales teams. It wouldn’t make sense. Instead, they rely on social media, YouTube, ambassadors, and influencers to spread the word. It’s modern marketing. And if we’re being honest, most of us have searched “best paddle” and trusted someone online. I know I have.

As I continued making content, I started to understand my role in that system. I wasn’t just reviewing paddles; I was part of the marketing pipeline. That realization really hit me when I visited both the UPAA and USAP approved paddle lists. I couldn’t believe how many brands and models were in those databases — companies I had never even heard of. It made me wonder how a handful of reviewers could truly represent the entire paddle market.

The answer is, they can’t.

There are simply too many brands and too many small variations between models. Many paddles are built similarly with minor tweaks. To stand out, a company has to invest heavily in marketing and exposure. They need ambassadors. They need visibility. They need people talking about their products. Brands like Luzz and Vatic Pro didn’t just appear out of nowhere; they built recognition over time. That takes money, patience, and people willing to represent them.

At some point, though, I started questioning myself. As I added more codes and partnered with more companies, I had to ask: am I helping people make informed decisions, or am I just becoming another marketing arm? The honest answer is probably both.

The paddle market is saturated. Some brands will survive long term; others won’t. The big reviewers will continue, and new ones will pop up. Codes will always exist. But recently, I’ve felt myself wanting something simpler.

I don’t want to represent ten different companies. I don’t want to chase every new release. I don’t want to feel like I need to constantly push something. I want to represent what I genuinely believe in. For me, that’s a small handful of brands I trust and enjoy playing with. And honestly, even narrowing that list further would be fine.

Would I like someone to use my code? Of course. If I earn $5, $10, or $20 from a paddle sale and it helps fund the next one I want to try, that’s practical. It offsets the cost of an expensive hobby. But that can’t be the main driver.

Because at the end of the day, I didn’t start this to become an influencer. I started because I love learning about gear. I love understanding how things work. Most importantly, I love playing pickleball.

Lately, I’ve felt the pull to slow down the reviews and just get back to enjoying the game. If you’ve ever wondered why there are so many ambassador codes out there, now you know. It’s marketing. It’s opportunity. It’s passion mixed with commission.

For me, it started as curiosity, turned into a side hustle, and is now becoming something more grounded. I just want to represent what I believe in — and then step on the court and play.

Back to Rec Play, Mental Growth & Testing the Boomstik

Now that ladder league is over, I’m back to playing weekly pickleball with the fellas, and I’ve realized how much I truly enjoy the relaxed side of the game. There’s something different about playing free and loose with friends versus competing against people you don’t know. I learned that same lesson when I played competitive cornhole. The mental pressure changes everything. It’s not just about executing shots — it’s about managing expectations, controlling your self-talk, and not letting the score dictate how you feel. That’s something I’m still learning. During the last night of ladder league, I made it a point to be kinder to myself. If I missed a shot, I reset. If I caught myself worrying about the score, I took a breath. I’m getting better at playing the game without carrying the weight of the outcome on every rally.

Going into rec night, I honestly didn’t know which paddle I wanted to use. My Bread & Butter Loco has been my go-to, but I’ve noticed the higher swing weight can make it feel just slightly slower getting ready at the kitchen. That might just mean I need to stay paddle-ready at all times. The Luzz Inferno has been great for quick flicks, hands battles, and overheads. My Vatic Pro V7 long handle gives me amazing balance and confidence in quick exchanges. Still, something told me to pull out the Selkirk Boomstik Elongated. I’ll admit, it was hard for me to buy this paddle. Not only because of the price, but because I never imagined spending that much on one. I’ve always felt that $180 was a comfortable place to be, and with Bread & Butter I never questioned the value. But after last night, I understand the appeal.

The Boomstik is heavier and the swing weight isn’t ideal for quick flicks, yet it offers traits that fit my game extremely well. I’m not the most aggressive player, but if the ball sits high enough, I’m going to put it away. Drops are my foundation. I try to slow the game down and force dink rallies, especially against players who love to speed everything up. The pop on this paddle has helped my drops tremendously. From the baseline, balls that I think might fall short seem to float right into the kitchen. I’ve been practicing at home with my Enhance Dink Master 3.0 wall, focusing on tracking the ball at its apex, and that work is starting to show. Am I perfect with drops? No. But my confidence has grown, and that makes a difference.

Defensively, the pop and stability really stand out. In transition or when absorbing pace, the paddle helps get the ball back over the net with a little more margin. With less poppy paddles, the angle has to be nearly perfect. Here, there’s forgiveness. There were a few pop-ups — it’s still breaking in — but overall the stability impressed me. On drives, the power is undeniable. The sweet spot feels generous, and the spin surprised me with how sharply the ball dipped back into the court. My topspin serve felt strong, though I’m still dialing in the slice. Overheads were decisive, but I also reminded myself that placement matters more than swinging at 90% every time.

I went into the night focused on a few specific improvements. I committed to moving up to the net immediately after my partner’s return, even if it wasn’t perfect, trusting my hands and reaction time. I built a consistent serve routine — deep breath, same spot, no overthinking. I worked on patience in dink rallies, though I do remember one point where I sped up when I should have stayed calm. Most of the games went to deuce and felt like true battles. Defense was strong on both sides. I actually wish I had recorded the matches because the intensity was high and the rallies were long. It was one of those nights where everyone played well and every point had to be earned.

Personally, I was proud of my forehand drop. My backhand has always been more reliable, but the forehand felt more confident. Court positioning overall improved because I committed to moving forward and applying pressure instead of hanging back. It felt intentional, not reactive.

For context, I had TTO surgery about two and a half years ago, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Last night I didn’t even wear a brace. I’ve been prioritizing strengthening, stability work, and stretching, and it’s paying off. Good court shoes have also been essential. I always tell newer players that shoes matter more than paddles in the beginning. Running shoes simply aren’t built for lateral movement, and I’ve seen too many ankle rolls because of that.

So is the Boomstik worth it? Selkirk Sport makes high-end gear, and this paddle performs at a high level. But I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. If you’re playing competitive leagues or tournaments consistently and plan to stick with one paddle long-term, it’s worth considering. If you’re mostly playing casual rec, there are excellent alternatives at lower price points. For me, I’m glad I bought it. Last night was intense, competitive, and fun. There were errors, but there was growth. As the weather warms up, we’ll likely move outdoors to save on court fees, though if it gets too crowded, we may find ourselves back inside. Either way, I feel like my game — especially mentally — is heading in the right direction, and for now, the Boomstik is staying in the bag.

What a Recent Pickleball Ladder League Really Taught Me

When I signed up for the 3.5+ men’s pickleball ladder league, I didn’t really know what to expect. I just knew I wanted more competitive reps. More pressure. More growth.

Six weeks later, I finished with a record of 11 wins and 19 losses.

Not great. Not horrible either. But here’s the part that stung — I finished second to last.

Paddles I Played w in League (Bread & Butter Loco*, Luzz Inferno, Vatic VSol Pro V7 LH)

The league wasn’t ranked by wins. It was ranked by point differential. So even when I won, if the score was 11-8 instead of 11-2, it didn’t carry much weight. The numbers don’t lie. My differential wasn’t good. And as much as I tell myself numbers aren’t everything, they do tell a story.

That story? I’m probably at the lower end of 3.5 compared to that group.

And honestly, that’s okay.

One thing I noticed right away was the top players were different. Out of the 24 guys in the league, the ones near the top didn’t just show up once a week. They were playing multiple times a week. Some of them had podium finishes in 3.5+ tournaments. A lot of them were already on the courts from 6–8pm before our 8pm matches started. By the time league began, they were loose, warm, and dialed in.

Smart? Absolutely.

Realistic for me with work and family? Not always.

I’ve played four-hour sessions during the summer before, and I love it. By hour three, I can feel the fatigue creeping in — but that’s when I’m fully warm, relaxed, and playing free. In league, I was sometimes warming up during the first game while others were already in rhythm.

The league itself was run through the CourtReserve app, which honestly was great. It auto-paired partners, rotated courts, and made it easy. One of the biggest benefits was not needing a set partner. You show up solo, and you play. That part I really liked. I got to play with people I normally wouldn’t. I saw different styles. Different tendencies. Different personalities.

And I improved in areas because of it.

There’s this heavy slice serve some guys hit — not topspin, but a sharp, curving serve that dips and dies near the kitchen. Early on, I couldn’t return it cleanly. The ball would just drop and fade off my paddle. Over time, I adjusted my positioning slightly more to the right, anticipated the curve, and started handling it better. Not perfect, but better. That felt like real progress.

But here’s where things got interesting.

On the lower courts — where I played most of the time — the game was fast. Drives everywhere. Speed-ups. Minimal dinking. Almost no resets. And what made it tougher was that even after driving, a lot of players wouldn’t move up to the kitchen.

I’m not going to pretend I dropped every ball either. I drove plenty. But there were moments where I knew I should’ve slowed it down. I knew the smarter play was a drop, a reset, a dink — something to transition forward properly. Instead, the game often turned into “who can hit harder.”

And transition, I’m realizing, is everything.

Knowing when to move up.
Knowing when to stay back.
Knowing when to shift from defense to offense.

Even for me, I noticed I sometimes hesitate moving up when my partner hits a return. With my history of knee surgeries, I’m not as quick to close in as some guys. I know when I should go — but my body takes an extra half-second. At this level, that half-second matters.

Communication was another thing I struggled with. I’m usually vocal — calling balls, directing traffic, saying “mine” or “yours.” In this league, I got quieter. I’m not even fully sure why. Maybe because I didn’t know my partners as well. Maybe because I was overthinking. But I noticed it.

Poaching is something I’m learning too. I see opportunities. I go for them occasionally. But if my shuffle isn’t set right, I’ll dump it in the net. I’ve been conservative because of that. Still improving.

Now let’s talk about the real challenge.

Me.

I realized over these six weeks that I am extremely hard on myself. Back-to-back balls into the net? It lingers. A simple return long? I replay it in my head. I’d carry an error from three games ago into the next match. Sometimes even from the week before.

The night before the final league night, I listened to a mental performance coach talk about separating effort from outcome and managing emotions in competition. One phrase stuck with me.

Be kind to yourself.

That last week, I kept repeating it.

Before every serve, I slowed down. I took a deep breath. I stopped trying to crush heavy serves that sometimes clipped the net. I focused on just putting the ball in play. Build the point. Play simple.

Week two had actually been my best week, and when I look back, it’s obvious why. I wasn’t forcing anything. My serves were consistent. My returns were solid. I wasn’t chasing perfect. I was just playing.

Free points are killers. Giving away serves or easy returns is a momentum swing you feel immediately.

There were frustrating moments too. In/out calls were tough sometimes. From certain angles, a fast ball is hard to judge. A few times I called one out and saw the look on their faces like it clipped the line. A couple times I just gave them the point. Not ideal — but part of rec play reality.

Despite finishing near the bottom, I did some things really well.

My overhead confidence has grown a lot. Especially with paddles like the Luzz Inferno, Tornazo, and Selkirk Boomstick — those feel incredible out of the air. When I got a clean overhead, it was usually over.

My third-shot drop is something I’m genuinely proud of. I’ve worked hard on it at home with the Dink Master 3.0. Seeing a smooth backhand drop float over the net and not get slammed back at my feet? That’s satisfying. That’s earned.

I can hang at 3.5. I’m not dominating it. But I can compete. And that matters.

Would I recommend a ladder league?

Yes — especially if you don’t have a consistent partner and want structured competition with rotating pairings. It’s great for exposure and variety.

But for me personally? I’d rather build chemistry with a steady partner. Learn each other’s tendencies. Stack. Adjust roles. If he’s aggressive, I reset and defend. If I’m attacking, he covers middle. There’s something powerful about that consistency.

The league cost $150 plus tax for six weeks. Not cheap. Open play near me is $20, but it books fast. Indoors is fine, but I’ll always prefer outdoor summer pickleball. The heat. The sound. The atmosphere. It just hits different.

In the end, this league wasn’t about my record.

It was about learning that my mental game needs work. That breathing before serves matters. That slowing down wins more than forcing pace. That I have strengths. And that I need to stop being so hard on myself.

Everyone posts their highlights.

Not many people post 11–19.

But growth doesn’t always show up in standings.

If you’re competitive like me and struggle to let mistakes go, hear this:

Be kind to yourself.

You’re learning.
You’re improving.
And that counts.

Two Paddles, Two Personalities w Similar Power | Loco vs VSol Pro V7 LH

 

In this comparison, I break down the Bread & Butter Loco vs the Vatic Pro VSol Pro V7 LH, focusing on feel, power, control, stability, and overall playability. The VSol Pro V7 LH shines with control and confidence on drives, while the Loco brings a firmer, poppier response with great stability thanks to its heavier build. Two solid paddles with very different personalities.

Paddle Discounts & Gear I Personally Use

If you’re looking for discounts, below are paddle companies and gear I actually trust and use. You can use code TechYeti where noted.

Paddles

• Vatic Pro – VSol Pro V7 LH

• Luzz Pickleball – Tornazo, Inferno, Pro Cannon (listed in my order of preference)

• Warping Point Pickleball – Neon
  Gen 3 hybrid feel, similar to the Vapor Power but not as poppy

• Friday Pickle – 101 Elongated
  (Affiliate code: Jonathan40142)
  My first Gen 3 elongated paddle. Still a solid paddle I pull out for fun.

• Enhance Pickleball – Duo Elongated
  Great feel with strong power and pop. More muted on soft shots, but a really satisfying pop on drives.

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Training Equipment

• Dink Master 3.0 – Use code TechYeti
  I wasn’t sure about this at first, but it’s become a must-have for at-home training. If you have the space, I’d honestly recommend this over buying another paddle.

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Pickleball Bag

• Luzz Sports Bag – Use code TechYeti at checkout

My First Night in a Men’s 3.5+ Pickleball Ladder League

My First Night in a Men’s 3.5+ Pickleball Ladder League

Going into my first men’s 3.5+ pickleball ladder league, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’m not officially ranked, but based on the USAP guidelines, I know I fall somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4.0. On most days, I’d say I’m around a 3.65 or 3.75—good fundamentals, solid shots, but still learning how to handle consistent pressure from higher-level players.

The main reason I signed up was simple: it’s cold outside, and I wanted consistent indoor play. The cost felt steep at first paying everything upfront, but when you break it down, it comes to about $25 a week for two hours. That part made sense.

First Impressions & League Format

What caught me off guard right away was the format. No waiting between games. No bouncing between courts. It was just four players per court, playing back-to-back games the entire session. We play either six games to 11 (win by one) or four games to 15. In all it was great.

I also learned something important pretty quickly—this ladder league isn’t based on wins. It’s based on points. The more points you score, the better you place. That changes everything.

Walking onto the court, it was obvious that most of these guys already knew each other. Names were being called out, stacking positioning was executed by other players and I was clearly the new guy. While warming up, someone joked, “You better get that Loco working,” after I reached for a tough dink. I brushed it off, knowing my serve and my Loco both have plenty of power and spin when I need them and responded, “Oh don’t you worry I will make this paddle work just fine.” And it did against him.

Chemistry, Expectations, and Pressure

My first partner was very vocal and highly motivated after every round, clearly there to win—just in a quieter way. I’m different. I play best when I stay calm and let the game come to me. Early on, I could already tell expectations were high, and that pressure showed up quickly. But it “was” my first game, and it usually takes a few good rallies or games for me to truly warm up and get comfortable. One thing I did notice, though, was that none of my teammates on that court had any discussions between games—just the usual sports etiquette: “good game” or “nice hit.”

 

Before the first serve of my first game, he asked if I stacked. I told him I understood stacking and positioning, but I wasn’t fully consistent running it in live games yet. He was a lefty and wanted the right side, which made sense strategically, but he decided to play straight up instead. I was a little disappointed by that at the time, but now I know—next time I’ll just jump in with both feet and say yes, or even ask others if they’d like to do it.

That moment showed me something important: these guys understand the game well. The challenge wasn’t knowing what to do—it was adapting to how each player played, and doing it fast.

The Reality Check

The first two games were rough. Really rough. We lost 11-2 and 11-4. One of the opponents—let’s call him Player 3—hit everything hard. Not just hard, but fast, aggressive, and relentless. One ball even caught me near the armpit and shoulder area.

Speed-ups kept targeting my partner, and his reaction time struggled. Watching that unfold was tough, because there wasn’t much I could do except try to adjust strategy mid-game.

By the third and fourth games, I started reading Player 3 better, but the damage had already been done. We lost again, including a close one that felt winnable if a few returns had gone our way.

A Change in Partners—and More Lessons

After rotations, I ended up partnering with Player 3, who was undefeated at that point. I thought we’d dominate. Instead, returns went out, points slipped away, and we lost 11-6 before finally winning the last game 11-7.

It wasn’t how I wanted my first night to go. I didn’t feel like my skills—or my style—really came through. There just wasn’t chemistry, and everyone felt all business. I play best relaxed and having fun but my close friends were on other courts so I could not partner up with them.

What I Learned

This night taught me a lot:

• Trying to slow the game down against a heavy driver doesn’t always work
• Weak resets against bangers get punished
• I need to be more aggressive when the opportunity is there
• Footwork matters more than I realized
• Free points on serves hurt more than missed winners
• Stay strong with my serves as its my strength
• Keep dinking and don’t speed up right away

That said, there were positives. My drops caused errors. My dinks were effective when I stayed patient. I transitioned to the kitchen well without rushing. And in a non-recorded game at the end, my serve really shined—including an ace.

I also learned something about myself. I get frustrated when I feel like I’m letting my partner down—and it shows. One mistake sticks in my head longer than it should, and I wear it on my face. That’s something I need to clean up is my mental game.

Looking Ahead

I finished the night with scores of 11-4, 11-3, 11-9, 11-6, and one win at 11-7. Not great, but ladder league adjusts. Next week, I’ll likely match up with different players, and I’m confident things will improve.

I’m still debating paddles—the Loco felt heavy by the end of the night, while the Inferno felt light and explosive on serves. Maybe the Inferno comes out against the bangers next week.

It wasn’t the start I wanted, but it was honest, eye-opening, and motivating. I’ll take that.

Till next week!

My Top Pickleball Paddles for 2025

Real-player perspective. No hype. Just paddles I've actually used and loved in 2025!

As a normal dad of two who grinds it out at rec play outdoors with the fellas, winter league nights, and content creation—not a pro videographer—I get which paddles I actually recommend. Being an ambassador for Vatic Pro and someone who loves testing all kinds of paddles, I’ve played with a wide range this year: Gen 1.5, Gen 3, Gen 4, hybrids, elongated, full foam cores, and everything in between.

Here are my honest picks for the best paddles of 2025, broken down by category—based on real play, consistency, value, and the feeling you get on court.

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🏆 Best Power Paddle of the Year: Luzz Inferno

Originally, I thought this category was locked up by the Bread & Butter Loco. But after spending more time with the Luzz Inferno toward the end of the year and revisiting it on court, my mind completely changed.

The best way I can describe hitting with the Inferno on hard shots is this:
it feels like hitting a baseball with a wooden bat instead of an aluminum one.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the feel and sound on contact. On full swings, drives, and put-aways, this paddle absolutely cracks. The sound is loud, clean, and confidence-inspiring—but what surprised me most is that despite being a foam paddle, it still offers really solid dwell time.

Where the Inferno shines:

• Elite power on drives and hard hits

• Amazing crack sound that makes the ball feel heavy

• Good balance, especially for an elongated paddle

• Solid dwell for a foam-core power paddle

• UPA certified, so I know I can take it straight into tournament play

• Metallic blue design that looks just as good as it plays

At the net and on dinks, it’s good—not elite—but that’s not where this paddle is trying to win. The Inferno knows exactly what it is.

This paddle sings on hard hits. It’s the kind of paddle that makes you want to swing out, step into drives, and finish points. And for that reason, the Luzz Inferno is my Power Paddle of the Year.

Runner Up: Bread and Butter Loco  

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🏆 Best Paddle for the People (Best All-Court for Rec Players)

Honolulu J2 FC+ (or J2 NF)

This paddle blew me away.

The sweet spot is huge, the stability is elite, and the price is very reasonable compared to big-brand premiums. It’s the paddle that feels good to literally anyone who picks it up—new players, improving rec players, and even competitive players.

If there’s one “give this to anyone and they’ll like it” paddle in 2025, this is it.

Runner up: Friday Fever 101 

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🏆 Surprise Paddle of the Year: Enhance Duo

The Enhance Duo is the paddle that impressed me the most out of nowhere.

It feels like a Gen 3 in consistency but delivers Gen 4-style crispness and pop. It has:

• A clean crack sound

• Real power and plow-through

• Great control at the kitchen

• One of the most balanced “new tech” feels this year

The only downside is the edge guard printing on the black model—but performance-wise, it’s absolutely top-tier. This thing earned its spot in my bag.

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🏆 Best Value Paddle: Vatic Pro VSol Pro & VSol Power 

As a Vatic Pro ambassador, I’ve played with just about everything they’ve dropped—and their value is unbeatable.

VSol Power Flash SH

The Pro V7 (long handle) and the Power Flash both explode with power while still offering top-tier feel. You get:

• Full foam (Power) or floating foam (V7) options

• Top-performing cores

• Premium carbon

• Insane value compared to the rest of the market

The Pro V7 long handle is currently in my main bag—right behind the Enhance Duo. But if I had a larger bag to carry more paddles Id have the VSol Power Flash in my bag as well. Since I have been on the elongated preference that is why the V7 is my go to for Vatic. 

Runner up: Warping Point Neon & Rythm paddles 

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🏆 Best Control Paddle (Beginner-Friendly Pick): Vatic Prism Bloom 16mm

For players who want control over power, or those starting out and learning the soft game, the Prism Bloom 16mm is perfect.

Huge sweet spot, predictable touch, clean feel, and affordable.

Runner Up: Friday Fever Elongated
Great feel, decent power, fun colors, and one of the better elongated options under $100.

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🏆 Most Undervalued Paddle of the Year: Friday Fever 101

Friday Pickleball dropped one of the biggest steals of the year—the first Gen 3 paddle for under $100.

This paddle got me into elongated paddles and Gen 3 tech. It’s lightweight, customizable, has great pop and control, and they even released a stealth black edition for the holidays.

This is a true all-court sleeper hit and shocked that only one recognized YouTuber mentioned it as their all-court paddle of the year.  Good price, good designs and solid paddle. 

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🏆 New Paddle Brand of the Year: Luzz Pickleball

Luzz came out of nowhere and made noise in 2025.

They launched multiple hits:

• Luzz Pro Cannon — $93 and one of the best budget paddles of the year

• Luzz Tornazo — a premium build and feel

• Luzz Inferno — power beast of a paddle with great drive and response

They offer good warranties, legit performance, and smart marketing. Luzz earned this award by simply bringing solid gear at great prices.  I think they will grow even more in 2026. 

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🏆 Paddle of the Year: Bread & Butter Loco (elongated) 

After all the testing, comparisons, late-night editing sessions, and countless rec games this year, the paddle that earned Paddle of the Year for me is the Bread & Butter Loco — and honestly, it wasn’t even that hard of a decision once I looked back on everything.

This is the paddle I kept coming back to more than anything else.

Here’s why the Loco takes the top spot:

• Elite Power + Unique Feel:
  It delivers massive pop, punch, and put-away strength, but without feeling overly springy. It cracks the ball loud, heavy, and confident — yet still gives you enough control to keep things dialed in.

• Incredible Fall Release:
  Bread & Butter absolutely outshined the field this fall. Their rollout was clean, timely, and honestly one of the better product experiences of the year.

• Unboxing + Design:
  Nobody else matched the full experience — the packaging, the look, the branding, the feel. It’s premium without the attitude. They nailed it.

• Innovation That Actually Performed:
  They delivered something fresh: a powerful paddle that didn’t feel wild or uncontrollable, and a build that felt rock-solid from day one.

Behind the Loco, I have two strong runner-ups:

Runner-Up #1: Luzz Tornazo

The Tornazo plays very close to the Loco. The power, the density, the feel — it almost took the spot. But the Loco just had that extra edge: the experience, the polish, the release, the attention to detail.

At the end of the day, all three are fantastic paddles. But Bread & Butter Loco didn’t just play well — it delivered the full package and followed through with everything players want: performance, build quality, design, and reliability.

Runner-Up #2: Enhance Duo

The Duo feels incredible — like a Gen 3 that plays like a Gen 4. Balanced, explosive, controlled, and one of the biggest surprises of the year.

That’s why it’s my Paddle of the Year for 2025.

Thank you to everyone who watched my YouTube videos, hit subscribe, and took the time to comment. That support motivates me more than reviewing paddles ever could. I’m not a high-end video YouTuber, but showcasing paddles, sharing honest thoughts, and connecting with the community is what I truly enjoy.

I’m also incredibly grateful to the paddle companies who trusted me with their products and gave me the opportunity to share my opinions. Luzz Pickleball reached out at a time when I was close to taking a good break from pickleball, and sending me the Pro Cannon got me excited and back on the court early—I've been a fan ever since. Warping Point went above and beyond by sending multiple paddles to review, offering great prices and UPA-certified options. Joysent showed that there are solid, lesser-known brands out there with good value and clean designs. And of course, Vatic Pro—I’m thankful to be part of their ambassador program. Their pricing, quality, and consistency keep me a fan and always will.

As for 2026, I’m not sure what’s next—but after a year of mostly outdoor play with friends, I’m excited to finally dip my toes into tournament play, likely in the 3.5 division, and kick off men’s league in January. Above all, I’m thankful for another year—my family, my faith, and my health. After TTO surgery two years ago, I never thought I’d be this active again. Pickleball has been an unexpected blessing: a way to connect, compete, have fun, and stay moving. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.