Vatic Pro's Fastest Saga (14mm) Yet, Joola Scorpeus Pro IV, and the Paddle That Surprised Me Most

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Matt's Pickleball Podcast

Matt's Pickleball

22 episodes

6 days ago

The Matt’s Pickleball Podcast brings you sharp takes, honest reviews, and deep dives into the gear, players, and stories shaping the fastest-growing sport in the world. Hosted by Matt, creator of Matt’s Pickleball, each episode cuts through the fluff to give you real insights—from paddle tech breakdowns to brand interviews and the state of the game. If you care about how pickleball is evolving, you’ll want to tune in.

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Vatic Pro's Fastest Saga (14mm) Yet, Joola Scorpeus Pro IV, and the Paddle That Surprised Me Most

Matt's Pickleball Podcast

30 minutes 49 seconds

7 months ago

Vatic Pro's Fastest Saga (14mm) Yet, Joola Scorpeus Pro IV, and the Paddle That Surprised Me Most

Episode 7 is here—and this week, we’ve got a clear Paddle of the Week winner: the Gherkin Nightshade Elongated 14mm. It’s not just about spin or power—it’s about balance, control, and that rare “just right” feel that works at any tempo.

But that’s not all. I tested 8 different paddles across 6 brands—plus a pickleball-specific shoe that surprised me with how well it’s holding up.

🔹 Here’s what we cover:

SQAIRZ Pro XRZ Shoes — Purpose-built design, serious traction, wide toe box, and subtle performance details that actually matter.
Vatic Pro Saga Flash & V7 14mm — Faster, lighter, crisper than the 16mm Saga. These new thermo builds are all about hand speed and pop—without head heaviness.
Avoura Rhapsody 13 — Gen 1 simplicity done right. Ultra-maneuverable, plush, and consistent—like a stock paddle version of my Alpha 1 mod.
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV (14mm & 16mm) — Gen 3 thermoform in a shorter, wider format. More lateral forgiveness, faster response, and excellent stability.
11SIX24 Hurache-X Lineup (Jelly Bean, All-Court, Power) — Same mold, three feels. Pick your layup, keep your swing. Each one plays completely different.
Gherkin Nightshade Elongated 14mm — Clean, stable, and shockingly composed for a 14mm. At $120, it’s the best value of the week—and the clear winner.

🔧 Use code MPB to save on most gear featured in this episode.

🧠 Need help picking the right paddle?
Try the Paddle Finder at www.mattspickleball.com — No email. No fluff. Just data-backed recommendations.

📩 Want early test insights and paddle drops? Sign up for the newsletter at mattspickleball.com.
📸 For first impressions, B-roll previews, and unreleased thoughts, follow @mattspickleball on Instagram.

💬 Join the Matt’s Pickleball Discord — new, free, and open to anyone who wants to dig deeper into gear.

Paddles Featured:

Vatic Pro Saga Flash 14mm
Vatic Pro Saga V7 14mm
Avoura Rhapsody 13
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV 14mm
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV 16mm
11SIX24 Hurache-X Jelly Bean
11SIX24 Hurache-X All-Court
11SIX24 Hurache-X Power
Gherkin Nightshade Hybrid
Gherkin Nightshade Elongated 14mm — Paddle of the Week

See you in Episode 8.