I took the soon-to-be-released Pro Fusion paddle out to record sound samples compared to two other paddles using a standard aggressive topspin serve. One thermoformed, the Vatic Pro Alchemy 13.5mm. And one non-thermoformed, the Engage Pursuit Pro MX. You’ll notice a dampened sound with the Pro Fusion while the others have a higher pitch and more reverb. For communities without trees to dampen pickleball sounds, the Gearbox paddle will be welcomed with open arms.
EVA seems to be the technology paddle companies are testing in cores. There’s a secret race to be the first approved EVA paddle on the market. The tricky part is using EVA in the core makes it difficult for a paddle to pass USAPA approval. Now, I’m not saying Gearbox has EVA in the Pro Series. I am saying that the performance is incredibly similar to some of the EVA paddles I’ve used in the past like the Ronbus EV series. Just a toned down version of that. The similarities are specifically the sound, serve power, and dinking performance. Did Gearbox figure out how to get the first one approved and on the market or did they engineer something similar to EVA that gives comparable performance? I guess we’ll find out in a few weeks when other reviewers are able to open them up to see the guts of the paddle.
My bag is usually full of paddles as I’ve been in search of one that I truly enjoy. I’m looking for that one paddle that not only compliments my game, but is also a thrill. Gearbox’s Pro Power Fusion just may be that paddle for me. There will be an adjustment period. I usually play with softer or more control oriented paddles. Power is an understatement here.
Serves are requiring me to make contact a bit lower. Drives need to be calculated a bit more while I retrain muscle memory for this paddle. Dinks require much less follow through. All of this is not difficult. Just a few days of drills in a row will really help.