I used to be undecided what to anticipate from Diadem’s new BluCore paddle, which is amongst a handful of latest paddles which have changed the usual honeycomb polymer core with closed-cell foam—they despatched me a pattern of the stuff, and it seems like you may make a gasoline station cooler out of it. That foam is considerably extra sturdy—it has a lifetime guarantee, in actual fact—over the lengthy haul and can be not susceptible to delaminating in excessive temperatures if, for instance, you permit the paddle within the automobile on a scorching summer season day when you seize patio margs.
Given how far this paddle is exterior the norm, and the truth that it is priced on the higher finish of the vary, I needed to place actual time in earlier than recommending it. What I discovered was that the BluCore took a while to get used to, however it’s now the paddle I play with essentially the most. The froth core makes for a softer and extra forgiving really feel—it is just like the suspension on an previous Cadillac coupe. Whereas I do not really feel like I am getting essentially the most out of my serve, I particularly love this paddle in defensive conditions in opposition to higher gamers. It performs constantly from edge to edge and has a pleasant, huge candy spot.
Whether or not foam finally ends up dominating the pickleball market stays to be seen, however individuals who play almost on daily basis may also respect that this paddle makes use of an aramid carbon fiber face that’s extra sturdy than uncooked carbon and that the froth absorbs extra vibration.
★ One other foam core paddle: I used to be additionally fairly impressed with the Selkirk Labs 008, a brand new foam core paddle from the maker of our prime choose for most individuals above. The 008 has a extra conventional really feel and a smaller however extra poppy candy spot. As a result of this paddle makes use of a T700 uncooked carbon fiber as an alternative of extra sturdy aramid carbon fiber, I worry the face will lose its effectiveness even when the core stays stable.
