Thrive Smoke 14.5mm Pickleball Paddle Review

Thrive Smoke Review: Experience True Controlled Power

The Thrive Smoke 14.5mm Pickleball Paddle has been generating plenty of buzz for its ability to combine incredible power and spin with a stable, connected feel. Designed for people that play pickleball at an intermediate to advanced level, this thermoformed paddle strikes a unique balance between offensive capability and reliable control. After personally testing it and compiling real world feedback, I can confidently say that the Smoke lives up to most of its performance claims and delivers an impressive on court experience.

Thrive Smoke 14.5mm Overview

The Thrive Smoke is an elongated 14.5mm thermoformed paddle that includes an innovative 10-mil wide cell polypropylene core, a multi layer face construction, and a focus on controlled power. It arrives with a range of thoughtful extras such as a paddle cover, lead weights for custom tuning, a paddle eraser for surface upkeep, a key chain, a bottle opener, and a personalized weight card that details its twist weight, swing weight, and static weight. Priced at $219.99 (use discount code PICKLETIP for 10% Off), Thrive positions the Smoke as a premium option for players ready to step up their game.

From my time on the court, the Smoke caters to players who appreciate a “connected” feel on drives, volleys, and defensive shots. While beginners may find its swing weight slightly demanding, dedicated intermediates and advanced players will enjoy the sturdy build and explosive performance that rewards proper technique and energetic swings.

Specifications

• Weight (Static): 7.9 – 8.05 oz
• Dimensions: 16.5 in (Length) x 7.5 in (Width)
• Thickness: 14.5 mm
• Material: 5-layer hybrid face (Carbon Fiber + Fiberglass), macro-charged polypropylene core
• Handle Length: 5.6 in
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 in

Performance Analysis

• Control/Feel: 8.5/10 – Offers a stable, connected feel. Requires some touch to master resets and dinks.
• Power: 9.5/10 – Generates formidable put away potential without feeling overly stiff.
• Spin: 9.5/10 – The peel-ply face grips the ball effectively, creating devastating top spin.
• Pop: 9/10 – Delivers a clean, dense pop on impact, especially rewarding full swings and punch volleys.
• Forgiveness: 8.5/10 – Expanded thermoformed core design helps maintain stability, though off center hits can jump off the face if you’re not dialed in.
• Maneuverability: 8.0/10 – Leans toward stability over hand speed due to a slightly higher swing weight.

Thrive Smoke In Depth Review

Design & Build Quality

Thrive’s macro charged “wide cell” polypropylene core uses 10-mil cells to enhance power transfer. This is then thermoformed to reinforce the edges, complemented by foam injected walls and a carbon seam. The five layer face features carbon fiber on the outer layers and fiberglass in the middle, giving the paddle both power and responsiveness. This layered design helps the paddle maintain a solid, dense feel on contact, especially noticeable when punching volleys or driving the ball down the line.

The overall look is understated, with a subtle black and gray aesthetic and large branding across the face. Some might prefer a flashier design, but the minimal styling does underscore Thrive’s emphasis on performance. Despite multiple layers, the paddle’s static weight remains around 8.0 ounces, which is surprisingly manageable for a power oriented build.

Thrive Smoke On Court Performance

I took the Smoke into several matches and drills, focusing on a broad range of shots. One aspect became immediately evident: its dense core and slightly higher swing weight require an intentional swing if you want to tap into its full power. It’s not one of those paddles that simply provides free pop; instead, it rewards players who can deliver firm, confident strokes.

Control

The Smoke’s control becomes more apparent once you’ve acclimated to its stability and feedback. It retains enough softness to handle dinks and drops, although the paddle doesn’t automatically “take pace off” the ball for you. If you’re used to very plush or super forgiving paddles, expect to make a slight adjustment. Once I got comfortable with the feedback, I found I could place the ball exactly where I wanted.

Power

This is where the Smoke truly shines. The manufacturer cites a #1 ranking in punch volley speed (out of 125 paddles tested by an independent reviewer), and it feels legitimate on the court. Offensive drives, overhead smashes, and punch volleys come off hot. The ball easily penetrates your opponent’s side of the court, which allows you to pressure them, especially if you have good technique. I personally appreciated how the power felt “earned” rather than reckless.

Spin

Between the peel ply texture and 10-mil core design, generating spin is almost effortless. I frequently rely on topspin from the baseline to keep drives dipping inside the court, and the Smoke let me get a strong, consistent bite on the ball. Backhand slices and topspin lobs also performed well, useful for mixing up tactics mid rally.

Pop

The Smoke does not behave like a trampoline, but it provides a solid, deliberate pop when you strike with intent. Punch volleys are direct and controlled. On counters, the paddle’s stability helps maintain a reliable rebound, especially during quick net battles. Even when blocking fast drives, the ball came off the face with enough pace to keep opponents on their toes.

Forgiveness

Although the thermoforming process and foam injected perimeter expand the “effective” sweet spot, the Smoke doesn’t magically rescue every mishit. If you connect near the edge, expect a slight drop in responsiveness. Still, for an elongated shape, the sweet spot is decently forgiving. The combination of a stable core and well distributed weight helps reduce twisting on off center contact.

Maneuverability

While the elongated shape and balanced weighting aid in blocking and stable resets, the Smoke does feel slightly heavier in hand, especially if you add lead tape. In rapid-fire exchanges at the net, you’ll notice that you have to work a bit harder to keep up with reflex volleys. Quick-wrist players might find it less nimble than thinner or head-light paddles. On the other hand, many advanced players who prefer the trade off of stability over lightning fast flicks will appreciate its build.

Thrive Smoke Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful core that offers heavy drives and forceful put aways.
• Consistent spin capability, aided by a coarse peel ply texture.
• Stable and dense feel, minimizing twisting on volleys and counters.
• Generous sweet spot for an elongated design, thanks to thermoforming and foam-injected walls.
• Well-thought out extras: paddle cover, lead weights, key chain, bottle opener, eraser, and weight card.

Cons

• Higher swing weight can fatigue players who rely heavily on fast hands at the net.
• Not the most forgiving option for those who struggle with consistent shot mechanics.
• Less maneuverable than some lighter or head light paddles in ultra quick exchanges.
• A more understated design may not appeal to those seeking a bold aesthetic.

Player Feedback

Several advanced level players in my local group tested the Smoke and echoed many of my observations. One player commented, “It doesn’t just give you power, you have to earn it. But once you swing fully, it’s a rocket.” Another tester noted the excellent spin potential: “I could really feel the texture grabbing the ball. My topspin passes felt explosive.”

Reviewers online have also highlighted the Smoke’s #1 ranking in punch volley speed, with multiple testers praising its robust, stable feel. Still, a handful of players found the paddle’s swing weight too high for their style. As one user put it, “If your game relies on super fast hand battles, you might want something with a lower swing weight. But if you prioritize stability, the Smoke is a must try.”

Comparable Paddles

• Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14.3: Similar elongated shape with 10-mil core cells, but the Smoke’s thermoformed design expands the sweet spot and ups the power.
• Joola Perseus Pro IV 14mm: Offers comparable spin, though it has less stability compared to the Smoke.
• Proton Project Flamingo: Heavier and more head heavy, with a slightly stiffer feel. The Smoke is more balanced and plush in comparison.

Q & A

My Lasting Take on the Thrive Smoke 14.5mm

The Thrive Smoke 14.5mm Pickleball Paddle delivers an impressive fusion of stable power, top tier spin, and a controlled “pop” that rewards committed swings. It’s an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced pickleball players who want to load up on offense but still maintain a good level of touch in their game.

Players who need a more effortless paddle for resets or rely heavily on quick net exchanges might consider a lighter option. However, for those craving a strong, dense impact with the potential to dominate on attacks, the Smoke stands out. Compared to other thermoformed paddles, it feels sturdy yet refined. The personal weight card and included accessories demonstrate Thrive’s commitment to customization and overall user experience.

If you’re interested in trying it for yourself, Thrive offers a 10% discount through this exclusive link.

Also, if you enjoy comparing gear and dialing in your perfect setup, feel free to browse through more of our pickleball paddle reviews here.