ProDrive Drive Carbon

ProDrive Drive Carbon Pickleball Paddle Review

The ProDrive Drive Carbon Pickleball Paddle is engineered for advanced pickleball players who prioritize a balance of power, control, and durability. When you first pick up the ProDrive Drive Carbon, its weight and head-heavy feel suggests that it’s a power paddle, built to drive the ball with force. However, the 19mm core thickness might then make you reconsider, as such thickness typically points to a control-oriented paddle with a softer touch and more precision. This paddle, however, breaks those conventions; it is truly an all-court paddle. Designed to improve upon the initial ProDrive paddle, the ProDrive Drive Carbon combines unexpected power from its thick core with the ability to maintain a prolonged dwell time on the paddle face, allowing for precise shot direction and versatile play.

Designed by award-winning engineer Henrik Anderson in Naples, Florida, this paddle takes a little while to dial in, and features a thermoformed unibody design with a unique 3-layer core of polypropylene (PP), aramid, and PP, and a Toray T700 raw carbon fiber surface. The result is a paddle that offers a larger sweet spot, enhanced durability, and a performance edge that suits aggressive and strategic playstyles alike.

Specifications

• Weight: 8.6 – 8.8 oz (not much room for weight customization)
• Dimensions: 16.4″ L x 7.6″ W
• Thickness: 19mm
• Material: Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber, PP Honeycomb + Aramid Honeycomb + PP Honeycomb Core
• Handle Length: 5.3 inches
• Grip Circumference: 4 1/8 inches

Performance Analysis

• Control/Feel: 9/10 – The 19mm thickness and unique core composition provide exceptional control, making it ideal for precision shots and dinking.
• Power: 8.5/10 – Despite being a control-oriented paddle, the ProDrive Drive Carbon surprises with its power, especially when driving shots from the baseline.
• Spin: 8/10 – The T700 carbon fiber surface generates decent spin, although it requires some adjustment due to the paddle’s slightly head-heavy balance.
• Pop: 9/10 – Offers a lively response, enhancing power while maintaining a soft feel for controlled shots.
• Forgiveness: 8.5/10 – Large sweet spot ensures consistent performance even on off-center hits, providing a reliable feel during fast-paced play.
• Maneuverability: 7/10 – Slightly head-heavy, which may challenge players who favor quick, nimble paddles, but offers stability for those who prefer a heavier option.

ProDrive Drive Carbon In-Depth Review

Design & Build Quality

The ProDrive Drive Carbon stands out with its thermoformed unibody construction, which integrates foam-injected walls along the paddle’s perimeter to expand the sweet spot and improve durability. The paddle features a 3-layer core design (PP/Aramid/PP), which combines the power-enhancing properties of aramid with the control and touch of polypropylene. This innovative structure provides a unique blend of stiffness, power, and feel that is rare in paddles of this thickness.

On-Court Performance

The ProDrive Drive Carbon shines in various on-court scenarios, excelling in both offensive drives and defensive plays. The combination of its unique core and raw carbon fiber surface allows for powerful shots and controlled, precise dinks, making it versatile for different styles of play.

Control

The 19mm thickness, along with the layered core, gives this paddle a soft yet firm feel, allowing for exceptional control over touch shots, such as dinks and resets. Players can easily place the ball with precision, especially when executing softer shots near the net.

Power

Despite its thick core, the ProDrive Drive Carbon defies the typical categorization of a control paddle by delivering significant power. The aramid layer within the core activates under faster swings, providing a “plow-through” effect that generates deep, forceful shots with minimal effort.

Spin

The Toray T700 raw carbon fiber surface enables good spin generation, helping players to execute topspin drives and cut shots effectively. While it offers competitive spin capabilities, players may need to adjust to the slightly head-heavy balance to maximize spin potential.

Pop

The paddle’s responsiveness is evident in its pop, offering a strong rebound effect that aids in both aggressive smashes and quick put-away shots. The balance between power and control is well-maintained, making it suitable for varied offensive strategies.

Forgiveness

The ProDrive Drive Carbon features a large sweet spot that enhances forgiveness on off-center hits. This is particularly useful during fast exchanges or hand battles at the net, where accuracy can sometimes be compromised.

Maneuverability

While the paddle offers power and control, it has a relatively high swing weight and head-heavy balance, making it less maneuverable compared to lighter paddles. This design aspect may suit players who prefer stability and power over quick maneuvering, such as those playing singles rather than doubles.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Excellent control and feel, particularly for precision shots and dinking.
  • Powerful performance, uncommon for a 19mm paddle.
  • Large sweet spot provides consistency and forgiveness on off-center hits.
  • Durable T700 raw carbon fiber surface enhances spin and longevity.
  • Comes with a protective paddle cover and a 10-day trial period.
  • Engineered by a renowned designer, adding to its credibility.
• Cons:
  • Heavier and head-heavy, reducing maneuverability for fast-paced doubles play.
  • Requires an adjustment period due to its unique weight distribution.
  • Louder on impact, which may not be ideal for noise-sensitive courts.
  • Limited customization potential due to its existing weight balance.

Player Feedback

Players have noted that the ProDrive Drive Carbon provides an excellent mix of control, power, and durability, making it a good choice for advanced players who value stability. However, the heavier weight and head-heavy design require an adjustment period and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those prone to elbow strain or who prefer lighter paddles for quick reactions.

Final Thoughts

The ProDrive Drive Carbon Pickleball Paddle offers a compelling combination of power, control, and build quality. It stands out for its advanced engineering and thoughtful design, making it an excellent choice for experienced players looking to elevate their game. While its head-heavy balance and higher weight may not suit every player, those who favor stability and power will find this paddle a formidable option on the court. It represents a significant upgrade from the original Drive paddle, particularly in terms of power output, spin, and durability, thanks to the thermoformed unibody design and the high-quality T700 carbon fiber face.

Comparable Paddles

• Six Zero Black Diamond
• Legacy Pro
• Diadem Warrior V2
• CRBN 1x

Q&A

Is the ProDrive Drive Carbon suitable for beginners?

This paddle is best suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its weight and unique performance characteristics.

How does the ProDrive Drive Carbon compare to the original Drive paddle?

The ProDrive Drive Carbon features a T700 carbon fiber surface and a thermoformed design, providing better power, control, spin, and durability than the original Drive paddle.

Can the paddle’s weight be customized?

Customization is limited due to its head-heavy balance. Adding weight for personalization could affect its limited maneuverability even more.

How much does the ProDrive Drive Carbon Cost?

You can purchase this paddle directly from the manufacturer for $199.99. Save 10% by using discount code: SID10