Best Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle Review Of All Time!

prince spectrum pro pickleball paddle red

What is it that makes the Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball paddle different? The paddles that Prince make combine the finest qualities of a tennis racquet, with a thicker core that is found in some of the best pickleball paddles.

The Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball paddle is a little more closer in size and shape to a tennis racquet , which also provides a bigger sweet spot. In contrast to hitting the ball from the center of the paddle, you get more room to strike the ball while keeping power and control.

The Price Spectrum Pro Pickleball paddle has a thick polymer core which allows you to control the power you can unleash with every swing. It’s more responsive which lets you hit a dink shot or smash the ball easily.

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Who Manufactures Prince Pickleball Paddles?prince spectrum pro pickleball paddle orange

If you are a tennis player then you’ve probably bought Prince products in the past. They manufacture high-quality tennis racquets and balls along with other sports equipment.

Their entry into the paddle market is relatively new. They have also chosen not to manufacture the paddles themselves.

The paddles that are branded “Prince” are made by Paddletek. Paddletek is a small business based in Michigan and is among the top paddle manufacturers.

Instead of making these paddles themselves, Prince decided to partner with this seasoned pickleball manufacturer to create a new line of paddles with the Prince brand.

The Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle has a circular shape that provides an extra big sweet spot that exceeds “touch” players’ expectations.

What is a sweet spot you might ask? It is the region of the paddle that produces the lowest amount of vibrations during contact when the ball is hit. When you hit the ball in this area you can increase the control and power. Also, it reduces stress on the wrist which can also lower the risk of pickleball-related injuries too.

The paddle also has a very soft feel, which allows you to hit winners effortlessly anytime you spot an opening.

The thick polymer core is used to improve its responsiveness while a slim edge guard lets you enjoy the largest amount of surface area.

The Prince Spectrum Pro Is A Great All-Rounder

This paddle is a departure from the usual trade-offs you’ll encounter when you’re using composite fiberglass paddles. It has an incredible sweet spot and outstanding power capabilities which makes it attractive to those who need an excellent defensive paddle as well as an offensive weapon.

The Spectrum Pro Paddle has a 5″ long handle that can be purchased in two different grip and weight sizes, allowing you to modify the features to meet your requirements.

The large 8-1/4″ gives you plenty of space to take every shot you want with the ability to control your volley’s direction and angle. The design uses the background which is a honeycomb/jagged combination design, which is then overlaid with the Prince “P” logo.

The Spectrum Pro Paddle features a fantastic blend of control and strength that will leave you feeling more at ease with your game than you have ever felt before.

Progressive Core technology is thicker than regular polymer cores. It has a 9/16″ thick core that gives the linear progressive experience.

The more you boost your shots power, the greater the amount of that power is transferred into the ball.

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Fiberglass Faceprince spectrum pro pickleball paddle purple

Typically, with other fiberglass-faced paddles, this creates a concentrated “hot spot” in the centre of the paddle. However it is the Progressive Core” on the Prince paddle, in conjunction with its unique rounded shape which increases the sweet spot and ensures consistency in soft shots such as dinks and defense volleys, where you have to take the power out of the shots that are  coming at you quickly, and shots that can be put away.

Head

The head’s shape is round, which makes for an enormous, consistent sweet spot. I prefer the paddle that allows me to play a good defensive game when attacked by aggressive ground strokes or hard volleys. This Prince paddle is among the finest control paddles I’ve played with.

It’s a composite paddle that has the finesse and feel of graphite, with lots of control and plenty of power when you’re looking to put a ball away. It’s lightweight and consequently, I have a great touch when playing softer shots. The face has enough traction that it gives me great spin control.

Grip

The first thing you’ll notice with the Prince Spectrum Pro is the shape of the grip. Due to its thick core, the shape of the grip appears more square instead of an elongated rectangle or oval which I consider to be an advantage.

I like that it comes in a slim (4 1/8″)”) and standard (4 3/8″) circumference. Its shape allows you to keep a good feel for the right angles of your paddle when you hold it while minimizing the impact caused by rounder paddles.

Although I think it is a power paddle, because it has a larger sweet spot and shots are more predictable, and consequently ball control is improved for all types of shots.

Weightprince spectrum pro pickleball paddle red

The Prince Spectrum Pro has the feel of a lighter paddle than it actually is and ,therefore, the amount of pop and power can be surprising. The weight of the paddle affects the degree of soft touch or power the paddle has and since this paddle comes with the widest range of weight options , one can easily increase or decrease the weight of the paddle, resulting in more or less control or power.

I appreciate the fact that this paddle manufacturer doesn’t think one one size will fit all and this paddle is a great example of that. Choices in terms of weight range and grip Let the user decide the best one! Regarding ball feel and control of shots, I think it’s here that the Spectrum excels.

At first, I was hitting too many balls out the back as I didn’t realize the amount of pop the paddle had and I was overswinging since it felt lighter. The weight of the paddle seems like it could be slightly more handle-biased.

After playing for about thirty minutes, I began to really get the feel for the paddle and was able of put plenty of spin on the ball, and feel as though I had better control and placement of the shots.

Due to the weighting, it feels very fast and maneuverable. The larger face helped me feel more confident, especially when I worked on spin serves, cutting backhand return and defending volleys.

It has a broad, consistent sweet spot, which allowed for more risky and creative shots. This while ensuring consistency as I didn’t have to think whether I hit it in the right spot.

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Paddle For All Skill Levels

Absolutely confidence-building. I believe that this is an excellent paddle for intermediate, beginner and advanced players as long as you are searching for a paddle to improve your performance.

Due to the larger face and the large sweet spot, this paddle is excellent and is also very forgiving.

Pick from four different colors, light (7.2-7.7 OZ) or standard (7.8-8.3 8 oz) weights, and two sizes of grips.

Pros and Cons Of The Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball paddle

As we’ve mentioned the paddles offer a variety of advantages for players of all levels particularly for those with experience in playing tennis.

Pros

#1 Largest Sweet Spot Available

The big sweet spot as well as the an incredibly responsive polymer core are among the main features on this paddle. Like we said, these paddles permit you to hit the ball with more power. Also, you can hold back and hit a soft shot with ease.

#2 A Well-Balanced Design

Apart from the advantages previously discussed this paddle is also very well-balanced. The head isn’t too heavy thanks to the longer grips. For the majority of players the balance is essential for power, spin and control.

#3 Two Different Weight Optionsprince spectrum pro pickleball paddle blue

You can also pick between two different weight options as well as two sizes of grips. Spectrum Pro comes with two grip sizes and is available in either standard or light weights.

The lighter models weigh between approximately 7.1-ounces and 7.6-ounces depending on which one you prefer, the thinner or more thick grip. The standard weight paddle weighs somewhere between 7.7-ounces as well as 8.1-ounces.

Although a half-ounce might not seem like a huge difference, the weight could be a factor in competitive games. When you choose lighter weight models you lose a bit of power in order gain more control, whereas the heavier choices offer the exact opposite.

#4 Responsive Polymer Core

Progressive Core technology is thicker, at 9/16″, than regular polymer cores which gives the linear progressive experience.

The more you increase the shot power, the more that power is transferred to the ball.

#5 Two separate grip sizes

The Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball paddle comes in a standard (4 3/8″) and a slim (4 1/8″) circumference. Its shape also allows you to keep a good feel for your paddle when holding it and reduces the impact.

Cons

There are three problems to think about before purchasing your very first paddle from Prince.

#1 Power

These paddles will offer the greatest power when taking big swings. This could provide too much power for beginners.

#2 Takes Time To Master

If you are just beginning to learn to play the game of pickleball it is best to concentrate on control and precision. While you gain more responsive feel with the thick polymer core, it requires time and effort for mastering the flexibility offered by these versatile paddles.

In addition to beginners, those without a tennis background might be able to see that these paddles come with an learning curve.

#3 Pricey

This paddle is somewhat more expensive than other choices. But, you must be aware of what you are getting in return for the extra cost.

The core of this paddle is the thickest with the biggest sweet spot and this paddle can last for years. The fact that this paddle hold up well adds to it’s value overall.

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Who Should Start Playing With The Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle?

The Prince Spectrum Pro is an ideal choice for all types of players. Although beginners might need to put in a bit more effort to get used to the flexibility of this well-balanced paddle, it’s closest to the feel of a tennis racquet.

The paddle also ideal to players who are more experienced. Due to the thicker polymer core and racquet-like shape it has the largest sweet spot as well as the most responsiveness.

This Prince Spectrum Pro paddle is designed to last, durable and powerful. It also provides an accurate and reliable spin that is ideal for all players levels.

If you’re looking to purchase a new paddle Prince has their Spectrum Pro for players of any skill level to enjoy for many years to come.

Ratings

FEATURE

RATING OUT OF 10

SHOT POWER


9.7

SHOT CONTROL


9.6

SHOT SPIN

9.3

PADDLE GRIP

9.4

SWEET SPOT

9.7

PRICE RANGE

9.1

 

We hope that you have found this information valuable and that it will make the job of deciding whether the Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball paddle is the right paddle for you easier. If you want to read other reviews that we have written please feel free to read the Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle review or any of the other detailed reviews we’ve written.

 

Ben Johns Pickleball Paddle – Reviews Of His Joola And Franklin Paddles

joola ben johns signature pickleball paddle

When talking about the Ben Johns Pickleball Paddle with friends and fellow Pickleballers you might pause for a second to ask whether you’re talking about the new Ben Johns JOOLA Hyperion CAS Paddle or the original Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm Pickleball Paddle.

Well, in this article we’re going to review both of the Ben Johns paddles, the Franklin and the new JOOLA paddles.

The JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball Paddle

Ben Johns has been the dominant figure in pickleball in recent years. This is the guy to watch, emulate, and (try to) imitate. Among the best paddles on the market, especially for the price, his Franklin signature paddle has been a mainstay across the country. Players of all levels have enjoyed using this paddle. It is clear to me that Ben’s involvement with the design of the paddle played a pivotal role in its success, which is why this move to JOOLA is so significant for the sport.

The world’s best male pickleball player, Ben Johns, who was sponsored by Franklin for the past three years and played with his Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle, has switched paddle sponsors and has officially signed a new deal with JOOLA beginning April 1, 2022.

With over 70 years of experience in table tennis and ping pong, JOOLA is now entering the pickleball market with a bang! Ben Johns will play with the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle going forward.
 
Featuring an aggressive shape, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16MM Pickleball paddle delivers the perfect amount of control and versatility on a variety of shots, and is USAPA-approved for competition.
 

Why Did Ben Johns Choose JOOLA?

A major company in table tennis worldwide, JOOLA (pronounced yo-lah) has entered the pickleball market. Rather than waste time dabbling, JOOLA jumped right into the mix by teaming up with superstar Ben Johns and releasing the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Series Pickleball paddle.
 
At first, JOOLA was more of a dark horse to Ben Johns when he was deciding between returning to Franklin or switching sponsors. The fact that JOOLA’s headquarters are just 20 minutes away from where Ben grew up played a large role in Ben’s decision. But this was definitely not the number 1 reason.

Among the many factors, including the fact that he grew up playing table tennis which has affected how he plays some of his Pickleball shots, the prospect of partnering with JOOLA to increase the sport’s global presence appeared to excite him. Table tennis is a hugely popular sport in Asia, where JOOLA has a significant presence. Ben is excited about the prospect of expanding Pickleball globally; he thinks that it could take off quickly in Asia, and around the world in general.

He also explained how the high-tech industry of table tennis, which has been around much longer than pickleball, contributed to his decision. Ben has switched from a traditional poly-core fiberglass face to a poly-core carbon fiber paddle face, and he chose JOOLA because they were trusted, experienced, and knowledgeable.

This change in facing material makes it possible to impart more spin to the ball and is forgiving if the ball misses the sweet spot.

Ben Johns JOOLA Hyperion CAS Pickleball Paddle Features

joola ben johns pickleball paddleThe Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS) on Ben John’s Hyperion CAS Pickleball paddle provides a unique, textured surface with increased spin.

Designed with a Response Honeycomb Polymer Core, it has a generous sweet spot and reduced vibration.

Furthermore, the paddle also features a hyperfoam wall, an aero-curve, and an elongated handle.

Lets take a closer look at the features of the Ben Johns JOOLA Hyperion CAS Pickleball Paddle:

CARBON ABRASION SURFACE

JOOLA’s CAS technology creates a high-spin surface with a textured surface created through a multi-step, abrasion sandblasting process.

AERO-CURVE

This head curvature has been proven to create less drag and increase swing speed.

Combining multiple composite materials in a strategic layering process, this provides outstanding control and feel.

joola ben johns signature pickleball paddleEDGE-SHIELD PROTECTION

The paddle core is strengthened with enhanced edge guard protection to help prevent the surface from delaminating.

RESPONSE HONEYCOMB POLYMER CORE

A generous sweet spot, reduced vibration, and exceptional feedback, feel, and control make this paddle the ideal dinker, blocker, or driver.

SURE-GRIP ELONGATED HANDLE

Perforated, anti-slip ridge grips create an optimum hold with increased shock absorption. This is a great two-handed paddle.

Specifications

  • Average Weight: 8.3oz
  • Paddle Length: 16.5in
  • Paddle Width: 7.5in
  • Grip Circumference: 4.25in
  • Grip Length: 5.5in
  • USAPA-approved
 
JOOLA will offer 14 paddle designs, but much of the focus has been on Ben’s new signature paddle.

Hyperion, the Titan God of the Sun in Greek mythology, is the name of Ben’s new paddle.

Let us know what you think of this new paddle sponsorship for Ben Johns in the comments below. How do you feel about another new paddle brand entering the pickleball market?

Let us know your thoughts on the new JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball paddle, if you have purchased and tested it. How’s the power and control?

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The Franklin Ben Johns Pickleball Paddle

Ben Johns designed the Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle, which was made for high-level tournament play.

This is a power paddle that has a consistent touch that can also be used for the short game.

With the Franklin Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle, serious players can easily cover the whole court with an intuitive, efficient paddle that is adaptable. As a USAPA-approved paddle for competitive and tournament play, this paddle offers everything you need to improve your game.

Franklin’s MaxGrit™ Technology

Franklin’s MaxGrit™ textured surface technology offers maximum spin and reduced vibration in this premium quality paddle. The MaxGrit™ surface material reaches new heights by offering the highest texture levels permitted by USAPA, and is designed to provide incredible traction on the surface of the ball so that the ball will spin more easily, allowing for precise, controlled play.

16mm Thick Core

In line with other thick fiberglass paddles, the 16mm thick core has a lot of pop, yet the core helps spread out the impact and makes the sweet spot a bit larger while reducing vibrations.

This paddle is great because you can reach out to some balls you might not normally be able to get, and then you can hit those shots with power.

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Long Handle

Players can also play double-handed backhands and enjoy shot options with more extension to the contact point with the long handle and overall length of the Franklin Ben Johns Pickleball paddle. It flexes more to provide an extra degree of speed on your shots.

Paddle Weight

The Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle weighs on average 8.1 ounces, making it slightly heavier than the average paddle. This heavier paddle generates more power with less player effort.

The paddle has a four-and-a-half inch medium grip circumference with a thick padded grip to reduce vibrations. Ben usually uses a 16mm thick core, but it is also available in 13mm. The paddle weighs 7.7 ounces with a 13mm core.

Specifications

  • Average Weight: 8.1 ounces
  • Paddle Length: 16.5 inches
  • Paddle Width: 7.3 inches
  • Grip Circumference: 4.5 inches
  • Grip Length: 5.5 inches
  • Paddle Thickness 16mm
  • USAPA-approved

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Conclusion

It’s not our job to help you choose between the new JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball paddle or the Franklin Ben Johns Pickleball paddle. We’ve given you all the facts about both paddles and then it’s up to you to decide which paddle will suit you best. What we can say is that we can highly recommend both of these Ben Johns Signature Pickleball paddles! 

If you want to take your Pickleball game to the next level, read our article where we give you details on all the Pickleball equipment and accessories you’ll need to improve your game.