Gearbox CX14H - Red - 8.0oz Pickleball Paddle (Grip 3 15/16")

I am coming over to the CX14H from a GX5 Control 8.5 and GX5 Power 8.5. With all of my paddles, I overwrap for a larger grip and I've done the same here. With the CX14H the paddle feels more than half an ounce lighter than my prior paddles. Further, the CX14H feels notably softer and allows for better control in the short game. The soft game may be easier, but I'm still able to smash when the opportunity presents itself. Overall, a worthy upgrade from the GX series. As far as cons go, I can only think of two. One, while I love the natural carbon finish, there are vertical lines and imperfections. They are difficult to capture in pictures, and honestly, I don't care; I just worry that they could be a sign of failure. If I'm wrong, I suppose this isn't a flaw. Second, the paddle seems to spin the ball just a little less than the GX5 Control 8.5. Bending a return off the court seems a little harder than with the GX5C8.5. However, on serves, I was able to get a noticeable left curve and drop with a left kick on contact pretty well, so even this might just be an adaptation to a new paddle. This was, for its part, the easiest paddle I've adapted to. Not sure what I'll be doing with my GXs now!

Paddle was expensive but I feel it was a good value. Spin and control really improved my game. The soft hits took some time to get used to but it hit close to my thicker honeycomb paddle. Big feature: the handle size is adjustable! Inside are removable panels so the grip can be made smaller. I just reduced the grip to 3-3/4" by removing the grip tape and using an ADV overgrip tape. Kept the panels in. Very happy with my purchase.

This is my second pickleball paddle and I like the upgrade alot. I'm an avid player working to get better. This paddle is lightweight and has texturing that adds spin to the ball.

Great for some but not for me. It felt too lightweight for me and I sensed a loss of control and power compared to other paddles that I have used.

4.0 Player. I've had a Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro for almost 2 years and love it. I've tried almost every Selkirk there is and can't find one I really like. I figured I'd give this Gearbox GX14H a try based on the great recommendations and reviews. At $199 not cheap.I've play twice with it for 2 hours each time. The first session I missed a bunch of serves and overheads but immediately noticed how soft it was. "Soft" meaning I could drop shots easier and stop banger drives easier.Today I almost fell in love. The drops are definitely easier, the banger drives are easier and the killer dead shot stops that just go over the net are easier. This thing is awesome. I think I may be dinking better as well.I have a feeling it will become my go to paddle from now on. I will play a few more times with it and then try the Wave Pro again. I clearly have to hit harder to get the same speed out of the Gearbox that I get out of my Paddletek but I don't care...my game isn't about power anyway.It's definitely a paddle you adjust to, but it's worth it.

Been playing 3 years and have just switched from a Prince to this paddle. This paddle has the touch of the Prince with a more preferable and consistent feel, and the Prince was pretty consistent. Very happy with the switch.

Plays well, well balanced and light weight. It has the right amount of cushion and speed. It cracked on the side with less than 2 months. Too expensive for daily 1 hour usage for 45 days

Great paddle. It’s my second one. Nice sweet spot, love the surface face for slice.

Huge spin....a little light on the power side, but great control at the kitchen. Feels great in my hand.

This is a great paddle. Nice pop and ball control. The surface has a good face to create spin and the handle is comfortable.

Love the feel and play of this paddle. Much more responsive than my other paddles.

Huge pop off centre of racket. Dead outside centre of racket. Not a lot of power. Works well dinking at net and with indoor balls. I mostly play in places that require outdoor balls.