ProKennex Ovation Flight – Pickleball Paddle
Ready to amp up your spin? Let’s dive into the world of high-tech paddles with the ProKennex Ovation Flight. This paddle isn’t just a piece of sports equipment; it’s an investment to take your skills and performance to the next level. This in-depth review might be a game-changer for you.
One of the standout features of this paddle is its edgeless design, which eliminates the traditional edge guard found on most paddles. This edgeless nature not only provides a sleek, modern look but also expands the usable surface area of the paddle, allowing for a more forgiving sweet spot that’s strategically centered.
The edgeless design also contributes to the paddle’s aerodynamic properties, making it easier to cut through the air for quicker volleys and drives. It’s a feature that many of our playtesters appreciated, especially regarding fast-paced exchanges at the net.
Our playtesters have rigorously tested this paddle for approximately 8 hours of play. Overall, the paddle has demonstrated decent durability. However, it’s worth noting that some minor chipping of the graphics has been observed. While this does not impact the paddle’s performance, those who are particular about the aesthetic aspect may want to take note.
Even though the Ovation Flight is marketed as an edgeless paddle, it does come with a replaceable edge guard. The Air-O-Matic guard is small, light, and covers the top third of the edge. It’s a decent solution to the chipping problem, and you can always remove it if you’re looking for optimal weight.
Playtester Scores
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and quick in hands | Noise level higher than other paddles |
| Good power and nice sweet spot | Oval shape may require adjustment from regulation paddles |
| Kinetic technology helps reduce shock, felt improvement with tennis elbow | Easily scratched, especially at a higher price point |
| Larger “sweet spot” due to oval shape | Reduced power for some players due to oval shape |
| Great maneuverability due to lightweight | Pain in the shoulder experienced by some players, possibly due to gripping or the weight |
| Improved serve speed and control at the kitchen line | Handle was too short for players with larger hands, resulting in an uncomfortable grip and subsequent pain |
Spin: 9/10
Spin is where the ProKennex Ovation Speed Pickleball Paddle truly shines. The Diamond Frost surface allows for an exceptional grip on the ball, enabling a variety of spins from topspin lobs to slicing drop shots. “The textured surface is a game-changer. I could put some serious spin on my serves and groundstrokes,” said playtester Lleyton.
The aerodynamic design of the Kinetic Ovation Speed Pickleball Paddle also contributes to its spin capabilities, allowing players to generate topspin or backspin with minimal effort easily.
Serves: 8.5/10
Serving with the ProKennex Kinetic Ovation Speed feels like having a secret weapon. Its lightweight and aerodynamic design makes generating fast and powerful serves easy. “The aerodynamics of this paddle are insane. My serves were faster and had more spin,” playtester Sophia noted. The small 4-inch grip size further aids in wrist snap, allowing for more potent serves. “The smaller grip really maximized my wrist snap, which is crucial for my serve,” added playtester Mike.
Dinks: 7/10
While the Ovation Pickleball Paddle is more geared towards power, it holds its own in the dink game. “It’s not the softest paddle for dinks, but its quick maneuverability makes up for it,” commented playtester Sarah. The paddle’s lightweight design and quick maneuverability make it easier to engage in quick dink rallies and wait for an opportunity to strike. “I could easily switch from dinks to a power shot when the opportunity arose,” said playtester Alex.
Volleys: 8/10
Volleys feel crisp and clean with the ProKennex Ovation Speed Pickleball Paddle. The aerodynamic face and lightweight design allow for quick reactions at the net. “This paddle is so responsive; it feels like an extension of my arm during volleys,” said Mason. The generous sweet spot also ensures that even off-center hits are effective. “Even if I didn’t hit the center, the paddle’s sweet spot was forgiving enough to make my volleys count,” noted Lleyton.
Drives: 9/10
The Kinetic Ovation Pickleball Paddle is a beast when it comes to drives. Its lightweight and aerodynamic design allows for powerful, penetrating shots from the baseline. “The paddle’s speed and aerodynamics allowed me to dominate from the baseline,” noted Mason. The paddle’s speed and power make it ideal for players who like to take control of the point right from the start. “I could easily transition from a defensive position to an offensive one, thanks to the paddle’s power,” said playtester Karen.
Conclusion
The ProKennex Ovation Speed Pickleball Paddle is a well-rounded paddle with a focus on speed and power. Its unique features like the replaceable aero guard system and textured face make it a standout choice in a crowded market.
Strengths:
- Exceptional spin capabilities
- Powerful serves
- Quick volleys
- Strong drives
Weaknesses:
- Slightly less touch in the dink game
Best Suited For:
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line edgeless paddles, the ovation flight is right up there with the best. Here are similar carbon fiber edgeless paddles that we’ve tested:
Players looking for a speedy and powerful paddle like the ProKennex Kinetic Ovation Speed Pickleball Paddle will find this to be an excellent choice.
However, about a year ago, I discovered the wonderful world of pickleball. I was hesitant at first, given my knee issues, but I was determined to find a fun way to get active and hopefully shed some pounds in the process. And boy, did I ever fall in love with pickleball!
Not only is it a great workout, but it's also so much fun. I've met so many amazing people through playing pickleball and I always look forward to my next game. I even joined a local league and have competed in a few tournaments – something I never thought I'd be able to do.
Pickleball has truly changed my life for the better. I'm more active than I've ever been before, and I've even managed to lose a few pounds along the way. And best of all, my knee issues haven't been much of a problem thanks to the low-impact nature of the sport.
If you're someone who, like me, has struggled with weight and/or physical limitations, I highly recommend giving pickleball a try. It's a wonderful way to get active, have fun, and meet some amazing people along the way. Who knows – you might just fall in love with it like I did!
