11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power: Why I Switched (And You Might Too!)
11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power Review: Plush Power with Precision
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power, let’s clear up some potential confusion – starting with the brand name itself! Apparently, the founder won a contest by guessing the exact number of jelly beans in a jar. While that’s a fun origin story, it seems their paddle naming convention inherited a touch of that whimsical unpredictability. You’ve got the Pegasus (wide-body), Hurache-X (elongated), and Vapor (hybrid) shapes, which is straightforward enough. But then there’s the Alpha 1 series, and the Power series, and now this new Alpha Pro Power series. If you’re scratching your head wondering if the Alpha 1, Power series, or Alpha Pro Power is the paddle you tried, you’re not alone! Just know that for this review, we’re focusing on the latest and greatest: the Alpha Pro Power.
I’ve tested countless thermoformed paddles, but the 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power series truly stands out. It gave me something rare: power without panic. As a control focused player and coach focused on resets, finding a paddle that excels at both is paramount. This review dives deep into 11SIX24’s three distinct shapes (Hurache-X, Vapor, Pegasus), analyzes spin performance, and compares it to the original 11SIX24 Power Series and the popular JOOLA Perseus 4. You’ll even learn why drop shots with this paddle feel like they have parachutes attached!
Quick Summary: 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power
- Focus: A standout blend of power and dwell time, especially for paddles under $200.
- Spin: Elite spin capabilities without sacrificing crucial reset touch.
- Ideal for: Players upgrading from stiffer Gen 3 paddles or seeking enhanced all-court control.
Who Will Benefit from This Review?
This guide is perfect for:
- Intermediate players looking for power without losing their reset game.
- Coaches evaluating versatile paddle options for their students.
- Buyers comparing the latest thermoformed Gen 3.5+ paddles.
Table of Contents
- Alpha Pro Power Overview
- What’s New in This Series?
- Choosing Your Shape: Hurache-X, Vapor, or Pegasus?
- Real-Play Spin Performance
- Alpha Pro Power vs. Original Power Series
- On-Court Performance: My Matches
- Alpha Pro Power vs. JOOLA Perseus
- PickleTip Rating Summary
- Final Verdict: Time to Upgrade?
- FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Alpha Pro Power Overview
The 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power line combines the best features of 11SIX24’s previous models: a plush feel, power-on-demand, and versatility for both precise resets and aggressive drives.
- Core: 10 mm black-cell polypropylene
- Face: FCC layup (Fiberglass + Carbon + Carbon)
- Frame: Gen-3 floating EVA foam perimeter
- Shapes: Hurache-X, Vapor, Pegasus
- Thickness: 16 mm
- USAP Approved: Yes
- Pre-Order Price: $199.99 (Save an extra $10 by using discount code pickletip)
Understanding 11SIX24’s Core Tiers: Jelly Bean, All Court, and Power
To appreciate how the Alpha Pro Power differs, it helps to understand 11SIX24’s broader lineup of core technologies. The brand currently offers three distinct core levels, each delivering different performance profiles:
- Jelly Bean Core: A Gen 1.5 non-thermoformed control paddle, known for its ultra-soft touch and minimal pop. Perfect for players who value precision over power.
- All Court Core: Also Gen 1.5 non-thermoformed, but with a new surface composition. It provides slightly more pop than the Jelly Bean while still favoring control and finesse. (Look for the 11SIX24 All Court paddle to hit shelves soon.)
- Power Core: A Gen 3 thermoformed design with a floating polypropylene center and foam perimeter. Offers high-performance, controllable pop without the harsh feel of stiffer paddles.
In a direct Jelly Bean paddle vs Power paddle comparison, the Power core clearly favors drive power and spin leverage, while the Jelly Bean delivers unmatched reset stability.
Alpha Pro Power builds on this tech stack by introducing a key upgrade: it uses 10 mm core cells instead of the 8 mm cells found in the original Power series, giving it more dwell time and softer feel without compromising energy return.
If you’re wondering about the difference between thermoformed vs non-thermoformed pickleball paddles, this evolution is a great case study: thermoforming isn’t just about stiffness anymore, it’s about balancing comfort, power, and spin predictability.
What’s New in the Alpha Pro Power Series?
This series introduces key innovations:
- Softer FCC Face: Enables more touch and spin, allowing you to better shape your shots.
- Full Foam Perimeter: Significantly expands the sweet spot and offers enhanced protection against mishits.
- 10 mm Alpha Core: Delivers a lively “trampoline” pop combined with added comfort.
PickleTip Pro Insight: If you’re transitioning from a stiffer Gen 3 paddle, give the Alpha Pro Power at least 10 hours of play. It truly evolves, offering greater precision, touch, and confidence around the kitchen.
Choosing Your Shape: Hurache-X, Vapor, or Pegasus?
Each Alpha Pro Power shape is designed for a specific playstyle. Consider your game:
- Hurache-X: An elongated design for extended reach and heavy roll spin.
- Vapor: A balanced hybrid, ideal for all-court versatility.
- Pegasus: A widebody shape, built for quick hand battles and maximum forgiveness.
Paddle Weight and Swing Metrics
| Shape | Static Weight | Swing Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Hurache-X | 8.2–8.4 oz | 115–118 |
| Vapor | 8.0–8.3 oz | 110–114 |
| Pegasus | 7.8–8.2 oz | 106–110 |
- The Pegasus is excellent for fast hand exchanges and blocking.
- The Hurache-X provides superior reach and leverage for spin.
- The Vapor often feels like the “just right” option for most players, offering a balanced feel.
Vapor Power Paddle? Pegasus Jelly Bean? Clarifying the Naming Maze
If you’ve searched for terms like vapor power paddle or 11SIX24 vapor power and landed here, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. These phrases refer to the Vapor shape in the Alpha Pro Power series, which combines a hybrid frame with a thermoformed Gen 3 core (not to be confused with the earlier Jelly Bean or All Court paddles).
The Vapor is designed to offer balanced all-court performance, sitting between the elongated Hurache-X and the wider Pegasus. Many players find it to be the “just right” fit, especially if they’re coming from a control-first background but want to unlock more drive spin and versatility.
And for those seeing references to the Pegasus Jelly Bean, here’s the scoop: the original widebody paddle shape was called the Monarch. It paired with the softer Jelly Bean core in earlier models. Due to a trademark issue, Monarch became Pegasus, but some retailers and forums still use the old name interchangeably. Just know: the Pegasus in the Alpha Pro Power is a completely different animal, more spin, better pop, and an EVA-enhanced sweet spot.
Looking for a full 11SIX24 vapor power review? That’s exactly what this article is built for, especially if you’re upgrading from older hybrid paddles and wondering how this new FCC + foam combo performs in real play.
How Does the Alpha Pro Power Handle Spin in Real Play?
The combination of the FCC surface and softer core creates what I call “disciplined spin.” You’re in control; it won’t over-rotate unless you actively try. Here’s a breakdown:
- Topspin: Offers excellent bite, especially on roll volleys and drives.
- Backspin: Delivers solid performance for slices with controlled depth.
- Drops: Provides a clean feel, allowing for precise, sinking drops.
While it won’t generate as much raw RPM as some pure carbon paddles like the Six Zero Ruby, it offers superior control. Learn more about the science of spin.
- Spin performance favors precision over excessive RPM.
- Easy to control even on aggressive volleys.
- Ideal for crafting rolls, drops, and sharp angles.
Alpha Pro Power vs. Original Power Series
The original Power Series was a much stiffer paddle, rewarding aggressive play but punishing mishits. The Alpha Pro Power improves upon it with:
- A softer face for better resets and spin shaping.
- Improved balance and a lower swing weight.
- A much larger sweet spot, aided by the foam frame.
How It Performed in My Matches
During extensive playtesting, the Alpha Pro Power consistently delivered:
- Resets that felt cushioned and highly predictable.
- Serves that landed deeper with noticeably less strain.
- A sweet spot that was surprisingly forgiving.
- No need for lead tape; it felt confident right out of the box.
After more than 20 hours of intense play, I observed no delamination, edge bubbling, or performance fatigue. The EVA foam frame truly holds up, making edge tape unnecessary.
- Effortless reset control.
- Power when you lean into it.
- Balanced from baseline to kitchen.
Alpha Pro Power vs. JOOLA Perseus: Which to Choose?
- 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power: Offers more dwell time, a softer feel, and is superior for resets.
- JOOLA Perseus: Provides a slightly stiffer feel, crisper volleys, and more direct, raw power.
If your game benefits from controlled power and enhanced feel, choose the Alpha Pro Power. If you prefer a snappy response and raw punch, the Perseus might be your pick.
Personal Experience: Having played with the Joola Perseus 16mm for several months as my main paddle, I’ve come to really enjoy its feel. It provides excellent feedback without being overly poppy, which allows for greater control in feeling and shaping shots due to its commendable dwell time. The new 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power Hurache-X 16mm offers a remarkably similar playing experience and feel. It performs exceptionally well, with only a marginal sacrifice in raw power compared to the Perseus, making it a compelling alternative, especially given its significantly discounted price point.
PickleTip Rating Summary
- Power: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Spin: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Control: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Feel: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Value: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Overall: 4.8 / 5
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade to the 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power?
The 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power delivers feel-forward power with immense forgiveness. It’s ideal for players who have outgrown stiff paddles and are ready for a paddle that plays smarter, not just louder. Plus, at $199.99, it offers a significant saving compared to the $280 Joola Perseus 4 that I currently play with. I’m making the switch myself, which is rare for me.
FAQ: Your Questions About the 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power
Yes, all three shapes (Hurache-X, Vapor, and Pegasus) of the 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power are USA Pickleball approved for sanctioned tournament play.
The Hurache-X has the longest reach and offers the most spin leverage due to its elongated shape and slightly higher swing weight.
It depends on your preference. If you want more dwell time, a softer feel, and superior control for resets, then yes, the Alpha Pro Power is a strong contender. However, if you prefer a stiffer response and more raw power pop, the JOOLA Perseus might still be a better fit for your game.
No. The Jelly Bean core is a Gen 1.5 non-thermoformed control paddle designed for players who prioritize soft feel and consistent resets.
The All Court is a model featuring a Gen 1.5 core like the Jelly Bean, but with more pop and better spin potential. It’s not part of the Alpha Pro Power series but bridges the gap between full control and all-court adaptability.
The Alpha Pro Power uses a new 10 mm cell structure in its polypropylene core, whereas the original Power Series used 8 mm cells. This gives the Alpha Pro more dwell time and controlled energy transfer, making it easier to shape shots without overhitting.
According to 11SIX24, pre-orders are anticipated to ship on or around July 21st.
Related Reviews
👉 Note: These paddles are now available for pre-order.
Available Shapes:
Looking for more paddle reviews? Explore our Ronbus Ripple 2 breakdown. You can also review the official USA Pickleball paddle guidelines for more technical details.
Ola, quería saber o seu prezo.
As mentioned, the price is $199.99 before applying the discount code PICKLETIP (which saves you $10). Unfortunately, they are currently sold out.
Pegasus (hybrid), Hurache-X (elongated), and Vapor (wide-body) shapes…
Each Alpha Pro Power shape is designed for a specific playstyle. Consider your game:
Hurache-X: An elongated design for extended reach and heavy roll spin.
Vapor: A balanced hybrid, ideal for all-court versatility.
Pegasus: A widebody shape, built for quick hand battles and maximum forgiveness.
Which is the hybrid? Inconsistent statements confuse beginners looking for guidance.
You’re 100% right on that one, great catch. My bad, I definitely had tunnel vision trying to wrap this up and that inconsistency slipped right past me. Thanks for flagging it! I’ve now updated the article to properly show the Vapor as the hybrid and the Pegasus as the wide-body. Makes a huge difference for anyone trying to figure these paddles out.