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The Kiwi Slice Pickleball Paddle - Almost Great, with Room for Improvement
When it comes to pickleball paddles, we all want one that not only performs well but also looks great in our hands. The Kiwi Slice paddle caught my eye with its clean aesthetics, featuring a white edge guard and a pleasing shade of green. But as we all know, looks can be deceiving, and a paddle's true worth lies in its performance. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Kiwi Slice paddle, assessing its strengths and identifying areas where it could reach greatness.
YouTube video
Aesthetically Pleasing, But How Does It Play?
First impressions matter, and the Kiwi Slice certainly scores high in this department with its clean and appealing design. The combination of the white edge guard and the Kiwi-green color is a winner in my book.
But let's get down to business. How does it perform on the pickleball court? I couldn't help but notice that the Slice plays quite similarly to the Joola Scorpeus 16mm paddle, albeit with a few notable differences. With a price tag of $145, I'd go so far as to say that it's a budget-friendly alternative to the Scorpeus, offering a bit more pop and slightly less spin potential.
Solid Performance, Yet Spin Lags Behind
While the Slice delivers a solid performance in most aspects, I can't help but feel that its spin capabilities are holding it back when compared to other paddles in its category. I'd give it a rating in the B-tier for spin, which is perfectly acceptable for most players. However, this minor weakness is offset by its other attributes.
The paddle's sweet spot is consistent and predictable, thanks to its more standard shape. The core thickness gives it a plush feel upon contact. In quick volley exchanges at the net, it feels incredibly fast, and putting away balls is a breeze due to its thermoformed construction. Some players might want to add a bit of weight to enhance the plow-through on their drives, but it's not a significant drawback.
Versatile for Most Shots
The Slice excels in many areas. Drops, resets, and dinks all perform admirably, providing a great response on contact. It didn't take me long to adjust to this paddle, although I did encounter a minor challenge with rolls that required contact below the net. The paddle's face lacked the bite I'm accustomed to, which made me think more about getting underneath the ball.
Minor Gripes and Promising Improvements
One standout feature of the Slice is its elongated handle, a welcome addition for those who prefer two-handed backhands. However, I must mention that the handle on the early batches, including mine, felt a bit too "blocky" for my liking. Fortunately, I reached out to Larry, the owner of Kiwi Labs, and he informed me that the latest batches and future releases will feature an updated, more comfortable, octagonal handle shape.
In fact, I had the pleasure of meeting Larry during my visit to Grand Rapids, Michigan. He showed me some intriguing paddles with unique designs that he plans to release in the future. Be sure to follow Kiwi Labs to stay updated on their latest innovations.
Specifications
- Length: 16.2in
- Width: 7.7in
- Total Thickness: 20mm
- Core Thickness: 16mm
- Handle Length: 5.5in
- Grip Circumference: 4.4in
- Weight: 7.8-8.4oz
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kiwi Slice pickleball paddle is undeniably a very good paddle with stunning looks and an affordable price tag. With a bit more focus on improving its spin potential and the handle shape, Kiwi Labs has the potential to elevate the Slice from good to great. Until next time, play better, peace!
The Kiwi Slice Pickleball Paddle - Almost Great, with Room for Improvement
When it comes to pickleball paddles, we all want one that not only performs well but also looks great in our hands. The Kiwi Slice paddle caught my eye with its clean aesthetics, featuring a white edge guard and a pleasing shade of green. But as we all know, looks can be deceiving, and a paddle's true worth lies in its performance. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Kiwi Slice paddle, assessing its strengths and identifying areas where it could reach greatness.
YouTube video
Aesthetically Pleasing, But How Does It Play?
First impressions matter, and the Kiwi Slice certainly scores high in this department with its clean and appealing design. The combination of the white edge guard and the Kiwi-green color is a winner in my book.
But let's get down to business. How does it perform on the pickleball court? I couldn't help but notice that the Slice plays quite similarly to the Joola Scorpeus 16mm paddle, albeit with a few notable differences. With a price tag of $145, I'd go so far as to say that it's a budget-friendly alternative to the Scorpeus, offering a bit more pop and slightly less spin potential.
Solid Performance, Yet Spin Lags Behind
While the Slice delivers a solid performance in most aspects, I can't help but feel that its spin capabilities are holding it back when compared to other paddles in its category. I'd give it a rating in the B-tier for spin, which is perfectly acceptable for most players. However, this minor weakness is offset by its other attributes.
The paddle's sweet spot is consistent and predictable, thanks to its more standard shape. The core thickness gives it a plush feel upon contact. In quick volley exchanges at the net, it feels incredibly fast, and putting away balls is a breeze due to its thermoformed construction. Some players might want to add a bit of weight to enhance the plow-through on their drives, but it's not a significant drawback.
Versatile for Most Shots
The Slice excels in many areas. Drops, resets, and dinks all perform admirably, providing a great response on contact. It didn't take me long to adjust to this paddle, although I did encounter a minor challenge with rolls that required contact below the net. The paddle's face lacked the bite I'm accustomed to, which made me think more about getting underneath the ball.
Minor Gripes and Promising Improvements
One standout feature of the Slice is its elongated handle, a welcome addition for those who prefer two-handed backhands. However, I must mention that the handle on the early batches, including mine, felt a bit too "blocky" for my liking. Fortunately, I reached out to Larry, the owner of Kiwi Labs, and he informed me that the latest batches and future releases will feature an updated, more comfortable, octagonal handle shape.
In fact, I had the pleasure of meeting Larry during my visit to Grand Rapids, Michigan. He showed me some intriguing paddles with unique designs that he plans to release in the future. Be sure to follow Kiwi Labs to stay updated on their latest innovations.
Specifications
- Length: 16.2in
- Width: 7.7in
- Total Thickness: 20mm
- Core Thickness: 16mm
- Handle Length: 5.5in
- Grip Circumference: 4.4in
- Weight: 7.8-8.4oz
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kiwi Slice pickleball paddle is undeniably a very good paddle with stunning looks and an affordable price tag. With a bit more focus on improving its spin potential and the handle shape, Kiwi Labs has the potential to elevate the Slice from good to great. Until next time, play better, peace!
