Thrive Azul 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review | Spin & Control
Thrive Azul 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review: Power and Control?

Thrive Claims
The Thrive Azul 16mm is Thrive’s first carbon kevlar pickleball paddle, designed to offer exceptional pop and power while maintaining excellent control. This paddle is ideal for intermediate and advanced players who seek a balance of power and finesse in their game.
Thrive Azul 16mm Specifications
- Weight: Swing Weight 115-119 ounces (Your choice)
- Dimensions: 16.3 x 7.7 inches
- Thickness: 16mm
- Material: Kevlar and Carbon Fiber
- Handle Length: 5.5 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Core Material: High Grade Polymer Honeycomb Core
- Factory Grip: Thrive Grip
- Approval: USA Pickleball Approved
- Special Features: Thermoforming technology, Foam Injected Walls, Contoured Edge Guard
Performance Analysis – Playing with the Thrive Azul
- Control/Feel: 82% – Provides good control with a slightly stiffer feel compared to other Kevlar paddles.
- Power: 82% – Delivers okay power, a little lacking on serves and returns.
- Spin: 96% – The peel ply technology ensures high spin rates.
- Pop: 91% – Highly responsive, making it effective in quick exchanges.
- Forgiveness: 85% – The large sweet spot offers good stability and forgiveness.
- Maneuverability: 85% – Balanced weight allows for quick handling and speed at the net.
Thrive Azul 16mm In-Depth Review

Design & Build Quality
The Thrive Azul 16mm features a 360 Unibody construction using unique carbon fused molding technology (thermoforming). The paddle has foam injected walls and a special blend of Carbon Fiber and Kevlar surface, providing durability and high performance. The sleek design and graphics add to its aesthetic appeal.
On-Court Performance
In real-game scenarios, the Azul 16mm stands out with its control and balance. The paddle excels in precision shots, and spin generation, making it versatile for various play styles.
Control
The paddle offers good control, allowing for precise shots and effective dinks. The slightly stiffer feel requires a developed soft game for optimal performance.
Power
I expected a little more power, the Azul 16mm delivers on deep serves, decent returns, and effective finishing shots. The balanced weight enhances maneuverability but compromises a little power. ( a bit less power than my Joola Hyperion C2 )
Spin
The peel ply technology ensures high spin rates, averaging mid-1900 RPMs, comparable to top paddles in the market.
Pop
The paddle’s responsiveness is excellent, making it effective in quick exchanges at the net.
Forgiveness
With a large sweet spot, the Azul 16mm offers great stability and forgiveness, even on off-center hits.
Maneuverability
The paddle’s balanced weight allows for quick handling and speed during play, enhancing its effectiveness in fast-paced scenarios.
Customization and Recommendations
The Thrive Azul 16mm stands out with its customizable swing weight, allowing players to choose their preferred swing weight within the range of 115-119. This customization ensures consistent performance and reduces the guesswork compared to other brands.
Tungsten Tape Setup
For players looking to adjust the feel, adding tungsten weighted tape to the paddle’s bottom corners can soften the feel and improve stability. This setup can increase the swing weight slightly while enhancing overall performance.
Selecting the Best Swingweight
Choosing the right swing weight depends on your play style:
- 115-116: Lighter preference, more maneuverability
- 118-119: Heavier preference, more power
- 117: A good middle ground for those unsure
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good power and control balance
- High spin rates
- Large sweet spot for forgiveness
- Customizable swing weight
- Sleek design and durable build
Cons:
- Slightly stiffer feel may require adjustment
- Limited shape options
Player Feedback
Other players have praised the Thrive Azul 16mm for its power and control balance, high spin rates, and forgiving nature. The customizable swing weight is a standout feature, allowing players to fine-tune their paddle for optimal performance. I went with a 117 swing weight, which left me wanting a bit more power.
Final Thoughts on the Thrive Azul 16mm Power Series
The Thrive Azul 16mm is a highly recommended paddle for players seeking a balance of power and control. Its unique features, such as the customizable swing weight and high spin rates, make it a popular choice. Players looking for a paddle that offers exceptional performance across various play styles will find the Azul 16mm to be a valuable addition to their gear.
Comparable Paddles
- SixZero Double Black Diamond
- Vatic Pro Flash
- Gearbox Pro Power
- Engage Pursuit Pro MX
- SixZero Ruby
- Mark Kinetic
- Honolulu J2K
- Bread & Butter Loco
- Carbon 1X
Q&A
What makes the Thrive Azul 16mm unique?
The Thrive Azul 16mm stands out due to its customizable swing weight and high spin rates, making it a versatile paddle for various play styles.
Who is the Thrive Azul 16mm best suited for?
This paddle is ideal for intermediate and advanced players looking for a balance of power and control.
How does the Thrive Azul 16mm compare to other paddles?
Compared to other paddles like the SixZero Double Black Diamond and Vatic Pro Flash, the Thrive Azul 16mm offers a unique combination of power, control, and customization options.
Is a Kevlar paddle better than Carbon Fiber?
A paddle with a carbon kevlar surface represents a significant advancement in pickleball technology. By combining the toughness of Kevlar with the rigidity of carbon fiber, this paddle offers enhanced durability, better core protection, and a lower risk of delamination. While the paddle’s effectiveness in retaining spin depends on the surface treatment, its overall performance is likely to be superior in many aspects. However, ensure you purchase from a reputable manufacturer to fully benefit from these advanced materials.
What is the price and purchase information for the Thrive Azul 16mm?
The Thrive Azul 16mm retails for $199, but can be discounted to $180 using the code “PICKLETIP” on the official website. Each paddle comes with a card detailing its swing weight, twist weight, and static weight, providing detailed information for optimal customization.
I’ve been using the Azul for a month now, and it’s perfect for balancing power and finesse. My game has improved so much, and I owe it all to this paddle. The grip is comfortable, and it feels just right in my hand.
If you’re looking for a paddle that offers excellent control without sacrificing power, the Azul is the one for you. My consistency has improved, and I feel much more confident on the court now.
I can’t get enough of this paddle! After just one day of using it, I noticed a significant improvement in my game. The power and pop are just what I needed, and it offers excellent control for my dinks. Adding a couple of strips of lead tape near the handle really helped with my resets and blocks.