CoreStrike 45 (16mm): Lighter paddle with more pop

I was shopping around for a new paddle and went with the thinner 16mm version, and the first thing I noticed was how much livelier it feels. The ball comes off the face a little quicker, which makes it great for fast exchanges or when you want extra power on a drive. It’s lighter in the hand, so reacting to fast shots is easier.

The surface has a slight grit to it, and I’ve been able to put a bit more spin on my serves. Compared to a thicker paddle, this one doesn’t hold the ball on the face as long, but that trade-off gives you more speed and quickness. The edge guard helps protect it from scrapes, which is nice since I play several times a week. If you’re more of an aggressive player who likes quick volleys and strong put-aways, this version is a good fit.