There are a lot of great pickleball paddles out there, and it's easy for some to get lost in the shuffle. One paddle that is not talked about enough is the Gearbox CX14.
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This paddle needs to be on your radar. Gearbox has made strides in the paddle market, and have crafted paddle lines that any avid player can benefit from.
The Gearbox CX14 is a high-performance paddle for players who have progressed past the beginner stage and are ready to "do more" with their shots. The CX14 weighs 8.0 ounces, and has a soft feel at the kitchen but major pop when you take a full swing. This is possible because the CX14 is not a traditional honeycomb core.
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The Future of Pickleball Paddles:
The paddle features an extremely gritted carbon fiber face as well as their proprietary polymer core, a perfect blend of pop and soft.
Independent spin test research found the CX14 to have one of the highest spin rates.
Gearbox Paddle Design:
The carbon fiber face provides excellent ball control and feel.
The polymer core is patented and no other brand has this same composition.
It is designed to provide optimal energy transfer and power, making it perfect for players who have good soft-game tendencies and foundation but can use a bit more offense in their game as the game becomes more aggressive.
The CX14's unique design and construction make it perfect for players who are not married to the feel of a regular honeycomb paddle. The carbon fiber face and polymer core are complemented by a thin 14mm core, hence CX14, which makes it ideal for net play.
Many players have said their 'hands' have never been as good as with a Gearbox, that their punches and blocks have improved. The lightweight design and comfortable handle make it easy to maneuver and control on quick points.
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Superior Durability:
Due to its polymer core construction, it pretty much won’t break.
Honeycomb paddles will snap or go dead eventually, but a Gearbox paddle is a latticework of air chambers fused together into one unit.
This unique construction also allows for a larger sweet spot consistently felt across almost the entire surface. They also make a red wide-body model, pictured above.
The Gearbox CX14 paddle costs a bit more than a honeycomb core paddles off the shelf. However, the superior build and performance of the CX14 make it worth the investment for pickleball players who are looking to take their game to the next level, or at least know they will play frequently.
Because the paddle basically won’t break, the cost averages out over a longer lifetime. Another consideration is that there is no edge-guard, so I recommend using electric tape around the edge.
One of the best paddles?
It is one of the first paddles newer players should consider when they feel prepared to invest into their first 'real' paddle.
It has a legitimately unique feel and is worth a shot due to its touch.
Most folks who leave honeycomb do not return back. If you're looking for one of the most interesting paddles on the market, the CX14 is definitely worth considering.
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