Veloz Ellipse 16mm Paddle Review

Veloz Ellipse 16mm – Precision and Power Combined

The Veloz Ellipse 16mm pickleball paddle is a revolutionary piece of equipment featuring a seamless 360° carbon fiber wrap. This innovative edge-less design creates Dynamic Tension™ when the ball is hit, producing an extra-large sweet spot and providing a whole new level of control, drive, and touch. The paddle is designed for intermediate to advanced players seeking a blend of precision, power, and control on the court. Plus, it’s forged under pressure and heat, curing for over 3 hours, ensuring a consistent surface with maximum friction. The elongated silhouette has a tighter sweet spot and provides maximized reach, absorbing more impact and taking pace off the ball.

Veloz Ellipse 16mm Specifications

• Weight: 8 ounces
• Dimensions: 16.25″ x 7.375″
• Thickness: 16mm
• Material: 4-ply 360° carbon fiber wrap with an 8mm professional-grade honeycomb core
• Handle Length: 5.5 inches
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches

Performance Analysis

• Control/Feel: 9/10 – Excellent control with a large sweet spot.
• Power: 8/10 – Provides solid power without compromising control.
• Spin: 6/10 – Decent spin control at the kitchen but less pronounced for drives.
• Pop: 9/10 – Highly responsive with a significant pop.
• Forgiveness: 8/10 – Forgiving on off-center hits thanks to the large sweet spot.
• Maneuverability: 9/10 – Lightweight and easy to handle, perfect for quick exchanges.

In-Depth Review

Design & Build Quality

The Veloz Ellipse paddle boasts a unique design with a 360° carbon fiber wrap, enhancing its durability and creating a seamless playing surface. This construction eliminates the need for a traditional edge guard, resulting in a larger, more consistent sweet spot. The paddle is crafted through a proprietary process that involves curing under heat and pressure for over three hours, ensuring a continuous surface with maximum friction and dynamic tension.

Most paddles have a honeycomb core with an open edge and a plastic cap. Veloz paddles use a different design: a honeycomb core with four layers of fully wrapped carbon fiber. This design creates a solid, durable piece from the handle to the paddle face.

The paddle features durable graphics applied with USA Pickleball-sanctioned equipment to ensure compliance and maximum performance. Designed in Newport Beach, California, Veloz paddles are individually handcrafted during a proprietary eight-hour production process. This includes heat and pressure application, and over seven hours of labor to ensure the highest quality. The precision tools that create Veloz paddles are machined to precise surface measurements, creating consistent results with every paddle.

On-Court Performance

During gameplay, the Veloz Ellipse excels in various aspects:

Control

The paddle’s large sweet spot and responsive surface allow for precise shots and excellent control, making it ideal for both dinking and baseline drives.

Power

Despite its soft feel, the paddle generates impressive power. Players can expect strong, powerful shots without sacrificing control. Serving speeds clocked in at the upper 40s (around 48 mph), compared to my usual 43 mph with my Hyperion C2.

Spin

While the paddle does not produce as much spin as raw carbon fiber paddles, it still offers decent spin control, especially in the short game. The lack of standout spin might not be an issue for players who don’t rely heavily on spin. Topspins and slices are not as pronounced compared to faces that are raw T700 carbon fiber.

Pop

The Veloz Ellipse is highly responsive, providing a significant pop that enhances overall gameplay. The paddle offers a longer dwell time, letting the ball stay on the paddle longer, which might contribute to the power and control.

Forgiveness

The large sweet spot makes the paddle forgiving on off-center hits, allowing for more consistent performance.

Maneuverability

Lightweight and headlight, the paddle is easy to maneuver, making it perfect for quick movements and fast exchanges at the net. It’s easier than other paddles to take the velocity of a hit ball and return it. This feature compensates for players who aren’t completely comfortable at the net. The paddle is soft, providing a unique feel, almost like throwing the ball. It delivers what you put into it, so if you have excellent form and strokes, the ball will go exactly where you intend, with the amount of force you want. This makes a good paddle for intermediate players but not beginners. The paddle is lightweight and feels good in the hand.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Large sweet spot for consistent performance
• Excellent control and power balance
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Durable, high-quality construction
• Forgiving on off-center hits
• Handcrafted 1-piece construction means no energy transfer to elbow or shoulder
• Durable graphics applied with USA Pickleball-sanctioned equipment
• Pre-installed, replaceable, and removable polyurethane edge guard under edge tape

Cons:

• Less spin generation compared to some other carbon fiber paddles
• High price point

Player Feedback

Players who tested the Veloz Ellipse praised its accuracy, large sweet spot, and overall performance. Some noted the paddle’s lack of heavy spin capabilities but found it to be a minor issue considering its other strengths. The paddle’s lightweight design and ease of maneuverability were also highlighted as significant benefits. Many intermediate doubles players appreciated its performance in fast exchanges at the net.

Final Thoughts

The Veloz Ellipse 16mm pickleball paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a high-performance paddle with outstanding control and power. While it may not generate as much spin as some other paddles, its large sweet spot, durability, and overall performance make it a worthwhile investment. Players looking for a reliable, precise paddle will find the Veloz Ellipse to be a top contender. Veloz offers a 30-day demo program allowing returns if unsatisfied. The promo code “PICKLETIP” provides a $47.80 discount (20%). This paddle retails for $239, considered high-priced but justified by the durability and build quality. The paddle is covered under warranty for manufacturing defects for 90 days when registered at www.velozusa.com. If the paddle does not live up to expectations, it may be returned for a full refund within 30 days, with Veloz covering the cost of shipping both ways.

Comparable Paddles

• Selkirk AMPED Invikta
• Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
• Engage Encore Pro

Q&A

What makes the Veloz Ellipse paddle unique?

The Veloz Ellipse paddle features a seamless 360° carbon fiber wrap, creating Dynamic Tension™ for an extra-large sweet spot and enhanced control, drive, and touch. The paddle’s edgeless design, professional-grade honeycomb core, and advanced curing process contribute to its exceptional performance and durability.

Is the Veloz Ellipse paddle suitable for beginners?

While the Veloz Ellipse is designed for intermediate to advanced players, beginners with good form may also benefit from its precision and control. The paddle’s forgiving nature due to its large sweet spot makes it accessible for improving players.

How does the Veloz Ellipse paddle compare to other paddles in terms of spin?

The Veloz Ellipse paddle offers okay spin control in the short game but may not generate as much spin on drives compared to raw carbon fiber paddles. The low grit surface still allows for good touch and feel in the short control game. But if you are looking for a paddle with lots of spin, this is not it.