Paddle Evaluation

Paddle Manufacturer: Sidespin
Paddle Model: Electra
Retail price: $75.00

Dimensions

             Length- 18 1/8”
Width- 9 7/8”
Weight- 14 Oz
Thickness- 36mm
Balance Point (measured from end of grip)- 10 ¾”
Sweet Spot Location (center measured from end of grip)- 13”

Face

    Finish- Raised bumps
Length- 10 5/8”
Width- 9 7/8”

Grip

      Length- 5”
Diameter- 4 1/8”
Lanyard length- 7 ¼”
Rim (y/n)- No

Conclusions/Opinions
Please note that the following are subjective conclusions and opinions, wholly those of the author. Your experience may vary.

Adopted for the game of “Tennis Ball” paddleball by Historic Courts and South Florida players, this rimless fiberglass “padel racquet” has become a favorite of many players.
“C” players and beginners buy it because its large face and sweet spot allow for easy volleys- the paddle’s very forgiving in off-center hits. It’s deceptively light at 13 ounces but somewhat head-heavy, which takes some getting used to. Be ready to swap out the slippery stock grip- it’s one of the worst out there- to your favorite. Stock wrist lanyard length is adequate. The face is soft, gives easily under thumb pressure and has raised “nubs” on most of both faces. This soft face allows for very good control, the nubs allows one to impart great slices on the ball and when needed the paddle makes nice power if you hit the ball on the generous sweet spot using wrist snap. Power at the top of the paddle (above the “nubs’) is much less that the at the sweet spot but will still get the ball up to the wall if one hits there by accident. “Killer B’s” and some “A” players like this paddle for the above reasons.

One must note that due to its rimless design and material of manufacture, (fiberglass) hitting the court floor may quickly damage the paddle. Protecting the paddle edge with a couple of layers of duct or “Gamma” tape is common. I’ve protected the edge on my Electra by sticking a length of Wilson Cushion Pro grip to it and covering that with cloth tape. One must take care to avoid clashing paddles on court because these can easily crack the face. Once the face develops even a small crack, it’s almost unavoidable that it will spread making the paddle no longer usable for serious play. Finally, due to the fiberglass shell, this paddle seldom holds up for long with the heavy hitters of our sport. Cracks develop on the face by the holes and quickly spread- yet players still buy this paddle for its positive qualities.