Pro Line Energy S Review
Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S Review
The Pro Line Energy S is a hybrid paddle from the innovative new brand Pickleball Apes, featuring one of the newest innovations on the market, a Kevlar® paddle face. As a newcomer to the pickleball scene, Pickleball Apes has quickly garnered attention with their impressive Pro Line Energy series. I recently had the chance to test the Pro Line Energy S on the court, and this is my unbiased review based on personal experience.
Specifications
- Paddle Weight: 8-8.4 oz
- Paddle Length: 16 ⅖” (16.4 inches)
- Paddle Width: 7 ⅗” (7.6 inches)
- Handle Length: 5 ½” (5.5 inches)
- Grip Circumference: 4 ¼”
- Paddle Face Material: Kevlar® & Toray T700 carbon fiber
- Core Material: Narrow-cell honeycomb poly core
- Core Thickness: 16.5 mm (0.65″)
- Sweet Spot: Large
Overview
Pickleball Apes has made a strong entrance with the Pro Line Energy series. The S model, almost the size of a typical elongated paddle, is their hybrid shape offering, ideal for players who don’t need the reach or extra-long handle of the super-elongated version. The surface, a blend of DuPont™ Kevlar® and Toray T700 carbon fiber, increases power, control, and spin. The paddle’s design provides a large sweet spot, enhancing forgiveness and performance.
Performance Ratings of the Pro Line Energy S
- Power: 8.75/10 – Slightly less than the elongated version, but sufficient for most players.
- Serve Power (MPH): 54
- Control: 9.75/10 – Excellent control, particularly for resets and taking pace off the ball.
- Balance Point: 24.1
- Spin: 9.75/10 – Comparable to top raw carbon fiber paddles, generating big, consistent topspin.
- Spin RPM: 2,192
- Forgiveness: 9/10 – The hybrid shape increases forgiveness compared to elongated models.
- Weighting: 9.5/10 – Well-balanced with a moderate swing weight that feels lighter on the court.
- Swing Weight: 118
- Pop (MPH): 35.6
- Grip: 9/10 – Comfortable and non-slippery, even after long sessions.
- Twist Weight: 6.32
- Durability: 10/10 – Kevlar® provides superior durability.
On-Court Performance
This paddle excels in all-court play, skewing toward control. It’s great for defensive switches and resets, with some of the best spin and power when needed. Despite its solid feel, it provides excellent touch, making it one of the best paddles for dinks and drops.
Unique Features
Dynamic Kevlar® Surface: Known for its toughness, Kevlar® enhances the paddle’s strength and durability, blending with Toray T700 carbon fiber for improved power and spin.
Aerodynamics: The curved hybrid shape improves speed and swing, compensating for any power loss compared to traditional thermoformed paddles.
User Experience
The paddle has a stiff face with a solid feel, which might take some getting used to but contributes to its power. After two days of play, I added lead tape at the throat, which improved stability and reduced vibration, enhancing overall playability. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to try the paddle risk-free.
Value for Money
Priced at $170, the paddle is currently on sale for $149.99 and can be purchased for $135 using code pickletip for 10% off. This price range makes it accessible for most intermediate players, offering excellent value for its performance and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro Line Energy S suitable for beginners?
While the Pro Line Energy S is designed for intermediate to advanced players, beginners can also benefit from its large sweet spot and excellent control.
What makes the Kevlar® surface unique?
The Kevlar® surface enhances the paddle’s durability and provides a unique blend of power and control, setting it apart from other paddles.
How does the Pro Line Energy S compare to other paddles?
This pickleball paddle offers a balance of power, control, and spin, making it competitive with top raw carbon fiber paddles while providing a unique feel due to its Kevlar® blend.
Final Thoughts on the Pro Line Energy S
The Pro Line Energy S stands out with its unique Kevlar® build and hybrid shape, making it a top pick for intermediates and advanced players. It combines power, control, and spin, providing a balanced and reliable performance. With its competitive price and high durability, this paddle is a strong contender in the market. Based on my unbiased on-court experience, I highly recommend giving this paddle a try.
Check out the Pro Line Energy S and the other Pickleball Apes paddles at Pickleball Apes.
I’ve been using the Pro Line Energy S paddle for a month now, and it has significantly improved my game. The paddle offers incredible control, power, and spin, making it ideal for both defensive and offensive shots. The balance and weight are perfect, and the durability is impressive. This paddle has quickly become my favorite!
Amazing Control and Power. This paddle has been a game-changer for me. The Pro Line Energy S provides amazing control and power, making every shot more precise. The grip is comfortable, and the paddle’s design is sleek and stylish. I’ve recommended it to several friends who have all been impressed. Definitely a five-star product!
The Pro Line Energy S is a fantastic paddle for players of all skill levels. It excels in power, control, and spin, and the weight and balance are just right. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my serves and volleys since switching to this paddle. It’s worth every penny, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.
This paddle has everything you need for a great game of pickleball. The Pro Line Energy S provides excellent power, spin, and control, making it suitable for all playing styles. The grip is comfortable, and the paddle’s build quality is top-notch. It’s been a fantastic addition to my gear, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.
The Pro Line Energy S is hands down the best paddle I’ve used. It offers a perfect balance of power and control, and the spin potential is fantastic. The paddle’s weight and feel are just right, making it easy to handle during intense matches. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my game since I started using it. Highly recommended!
Great Paddle with Minor Issues. This paddle has a great feel and offers excellent control and spin. However, I noticed some cosmetic issues after a few weeks of use, with the surface starting to show wear. Despite this, the performance remains top-notch, and I continue to enjoy playing with it. Just a bit concerned about its long-term durability.
As a former tennis player, I was looking for a paddle that could give me a similar feel, and the Pro Line Energy S has exceeded my expectations. The spin and control are exceptional, and the paddle feels great in hand. It has definitely taken my pickleball game to the next level. Highly recommend!
I’ve been using this paddle for a few months, and it offers solid performance in terms of control and spin. The weight distribution is perfect, and it feels great in hand. My only issue is that the paddle face started to show marks pretty quickly. Despite this, the paddle’s performance remains unaffected, and I continue to enjoy using it.
This paddle is perfect for beginners and intermediates. It offers an excellent balance of power, control, and spin. The weight and feel are just right, making it a joy to play with. Very happy with my purchase!
I’m loving the Pro Line Energy S! It has significantly improved my serves and drives, and the control during dinking is exceptional. The only downside is a bit of shoulder strain, but it’s worth it for the performance.
The paddle performs well in terms of weight and feel, but the surface gets dirty easily and doesn’t clean well. Concerned about durability.
My go-to paddle from now on! The Energy S has a perfect blend of power and control. I’ve already converted a few friends to switch to this paddle. Looking forward to winning my first tournament with it.
The Pro Line Energy S paddle is fantastic for spin, control, and power without breaking the bank. It’s a solid investment for any pickleball player.
I absolutely love this paddle. It’s my current go-to and has significantly improved my game. Adding an overgrip made it even better.
This is my second paddle, and I couldn’t be happier. It offers great balance between power and control with minimal vibration. The only issue is that it marks easily, but performance-wise, it’s top-notch.
The Pro Line Energy S paddle has truly elevated my game. The power, spin, and control are unmatched, and it feels incredibly durable. I’ve been using it daily for weeks, and it still performs like new. Highly recommended!
Switching from my old paddle to the Pro Line Energy S has been a game-changer. The control and spin are amazing, and I even added some lead tape for better performance. Highly recommend!
This paddle has taken my game to the next level. No more tennis elbow issues, and the touch and feel are incredible. It’s like an extension of my arm. Converted many friends to Pickleball Apes.
Played a tournament with this paddle and won gold in singles! Great control, pop, and overall quality. I highly recommend it to all my friends.
Very happy with this paddle and its performance. Took it to a tournament in the Philippines and everyone loved it. Great customer support from Pickleball Apes too.