The KewCast with John & Eddie

In Episode 84, John and Eddie cover gear gossip, tournament drama, and some of our most surprising paddle experiments yet. We break down the latest news from around the pickleball world, recap the biggest moments from Worlds, and test some of the most talked-about paddles—including new weight-mod options and paddle neck-flex research. In this episode, we cover everything from Warping Point paddles to Gearbox GX2 Power stiffness vs. flex experiments, plus a full update on the community leaderboard and our paddles of the week. If you love paddle tech, fun experiments, and hearing what’s coming next in the pickleball gear world… this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Products mentioned in pod: ★ Flik Weights - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gd20a0-mc.myshopify.com/johnkew ★ Pickleball Apes - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA ★ Pickleball Central - automatically apply the best discount possible at checkout with this link: https://pickleballcentral.com/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★ Six Zero - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ★ Slyce - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://slycesport.com?sca_ref=6327245.4GAmN4sm0v ★ Warping Point paddles - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://warpingpoint.com/ Chapters: 1:17 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: John's recap of Worlds 11:05 Paddles of the Week: Warping Point Rainbow 14:52 Warping Point NightShade 19:57 Warping Point Neon 24:20 Warping Point Phoenix (Tina Pisnik signature) 30:36 Gear of the Week: new Flik Weight accessories 33:42 Slyce SLYDRs 39:13 Tales from the Ball Cannon - Gearbox GX2 Power Neck Flex Experiment 47:04 Kew & A: Did the Six Zero Black Opal production model chnge enough to require recertification? 49:07 How does the Apes Charm compare to the Pulse? 51:04 What to do if you hit a weak, short return of serve? Come in or stay back? 54:43 What is your preferred weight setup on the Vatic V-Sol Bloom? 🎧 Listen & Subscribe 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter 👇 Support the channel & save: ★ 11SIX24: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: http://tinyurl.com/65zfxjb5 ★ Bread & Butter: Get 15% OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/5n956578 ★ Body Helix: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW ★ CRBN: Get 10% OFF CRBN using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/47dvfre3 ★ Gearbox: Take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p ★ GRUVN: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/5e5hyjer ★ Honolulu Pickleball: Get $20 OFF any Kevlar paddle using code JOHNKEW-KEVLAR, or 10% off any other paddle using code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/3Yl0OnI ★ JOOLA: Get 10% off of most products with code JOHNKEW: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ ★ PaddleTek: Get 10% OFF your purchase with code JOHNKEW: https://www.paddletek.com/6xAhP5 ★ Pickleball Apes: Get 10% OFF at checkout using code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/4crabzvw ★ Pickleball Central: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: https://pickleballcentral.com/ ★ Ronbus: Get $20 OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/ ★ Selkirk: Get digital gift cards up to $40 off with code INF-JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/57np7947 ★ Six Zero: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3 ★ Vatic: Get $10 OFF purchases up to $220, and $20 OFF above that using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/mum92h26

The biggest deals of the pickleball year are here: Black Friday through New Year, and we’re breaking down what’s actually worth your money. From Selkirk’s 60% off sale to JOHNKEW discounts for Babolat, Engage, Holbrook, and Apes. Find the latest Black Friday Paddle Deals Here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals We’re also diving into: 🔬 New updates from PBVision improve rating accuracy. 🧩 EPP + EVA hybrid builds in the new Enhance Duo paddle. 🧠 “Diced-Core” foam tech from Apes Charm and how it changes flex & rebound. 🎮 Paddle leaderboard updates – what John and Eddie are swinging now. 🎧 Fun Fact segment: Misophonia, the “brain short-circuit” behind emotional reactions to sound—and why it might explain why musicians feel music so deeply. ❓Q&A highlights from the community: power curves, PBCOR balance, and paddle weighting setups. Plus, John heads to PPA Worlds with JJ—3,500 players strong—and shares tactical insight for 4.0-level doubles (how to counter the shake-n-bake). 📅 Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:24 Black Friday Deals – Updates 4:52 John heading to Worlds this week - plans 9:49 PBVision Update 17:42 Paddles of the Week: Enhance Duo 28:34 Apes Charm 38:01 Paddle Leaderboard Updates 42:00 Gear of the Week: Franklin bags 48:00 Neonic Sidekick bag 51:17 Sqairz XRZ Shoes 54:27 Tip of the Week: Proactive 4ths 59:27 Two Fun Facts: World Series // Misophonia 1:05:07 Kew & A: Why is it that the top paddles for reviewers are not the ones pros use? 1:08:25 For a sweet spot curve, wouldn't it be better for the top of the paddle to have lower power than the bottom, because the top of the paddle is moving faster during the swing arc? 1:11:16 On the Boomstik it seems like the power goes up as you move to the throat. Would that help correct missed shots for the part of the paddle that isn’t moving as fast? 👇 Support the channel & save: ★Gearbox: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p ★Body Helix: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW ★GRUVN: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/5e5hyjer ★Honolulu Pickleball: Get $20 OFF any Kevlar paddle using code JOHNKEW-KEVLAR, or 10% off any other paddle using code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/3Yl0OnI ★PaddleTek: Get 10% OFF your purchase with code JOHNKEW: https://www.paddletek.com/6xAhP5 ★Pickleball Central: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: https://pickleballcentral.com/ ★Selkirk: Get digital gift cards up to $40 off (contingent on total price) with code INF-JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/57np7947 ★JOOLA: Get 10% off of most products with code JOHNKEW: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ ★CRBN: Get 10% OFF CRBN using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/47dvfre3 ★11SIX24: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: http://tinyurl.com/65zfxjb5 ★Bread & Butter: Get 15% OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/5n956578 ★Pickleball Apes: Get 10% OFF at checkout using code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/4crabzvw ★Ronbus: Get $20 OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/ ★Six Zero: Get 10% OFF using code 10JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3 ★Vatic: Get $10 OFF purchases up to $220, and $20 OFF above that using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/mum92h26 ★Vatic Saga Flash: Take $10 off this paddle with the code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48V3yM4

In Episode 82 of the KewCast, John and Eddie break down their personal Top 5 pickleball paddle leaderboard — including the Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid, Selkirk Boomstik, Luzz Inferno, Ronbus Quanta, and Six Zero Black Opal. We rate each paddle on power, control, feel, spin, and value — plus share our X-factor scores for connection and play style. Hear how these new foam-core and hybrid models stack up across the firepower-control spectrum, and which paddles truly deliver that balanced performance every player wants. ⚡Black Friday Deals Roundup (Updated Daily): https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals 💥 Gear Spotlight: Franklin ACV Pro shoes, Diadem Court Burst, and Bodhi Protour Duffel review — complete with capacity and materials breakdown. 🎾 Bonus Segment: “Tales from the Ball Cannon” dives into KewCOR sweet-spot consistency — what it means for performance maps and how it differs from vibration and feel. 🕰️ Fun Fact: We rewind to 2020 for a “Time Warp” look at how pro pickleball looked before the PPA and MLP boom — which pros were bigshots, and what paddles they used. 👉 Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:00 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Black Friday deals already coming - here's what to watch out for 8:57 Gear of the Week: Franklin ACV Pro Pickleball Shoes 17:53 Diadem Court Burst Shoes 21:35 Bodhi ProTour Duffel 25:29 Tales from the Ball Cannon - can we use KewCOR score across the paddle face to map sweet spot? 44:18 Time Warp: How far has pickleball come in just 5 years? 53:30 Paddle Leaderboard: John & Eddie's Top 5 Picks 1:36:48 Kew & A: What’s your initial feeling, J2FC+ long handle would be better or the Luzz paddles? 📦 Shop Deals on Products Mentioned in Pod → ⭐Bodhi - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bodhipickleball.com/?sca_ref=6485713.jagcSYeM4dlg3 ⭐Diadem - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://diademsports.com?sca_ref=6541890.ZymzZY8Ua9 ⭐Franklin - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/WqZr1O ⭐Gearbox - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p ⭐Luzz - 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/ ⭐Ronbus - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/ ⭐Selkirk - Digital gift card with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv ⭐Six Zero - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ⭐Vatic - $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb 🎧 Listen Everywhere → Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 💬 Drop your favorite paddle in the comments — and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly gear reviews, KewCast episodes, and exclusive discount codes like JOHNKEW for extra savings. #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #KewCast #pickleballgear #Selkirk #Gearbox #Ronbus #Boomstik #foamcorepaddle

In KewCast Episode 81, John and Eddie break down the biggest new stories in pickleball tech and gear. If you love deep-dive paddle analysis, pickleball gear science, and philosophical detours, you’ll love this episode. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 🧠 PB Vision launches an AI-powered DUPR alternative — measuring how you play, not just whether you win 8:24 🥇 Atlanta Open singles recap — Lea Jansen, Parris Todd, Federico Staksrud, and the brutal grind of 5-game matches 🏓 Paddles of the Week: 10:31 Forge + Bond Runout – Fusion Fiber Technology, thermoplastic forged carbon, 100 % recyclable 19:36 Engage Alpha Pro – foam-injected, EVA-wrapped design with KewCOR 0.38 26:36 Engage Encore Pro V3.0 – cold-pressed carbon at an affordable $70 28:59 🔍 X-Ray catch-ups: Engage ProFoam, Adidas AdiPower, E6 Zephyr, Friday Fever 102, Honolulu J6NF 37:44 Luzz Inferno break-in 43:12 💡 Tip of the Week: Hunter S. Thompson’s advice — don’t chase goals, build a way of life 49:38 🤯 Fun Fact: the Fruit of the Loom Mandela Effect — did it ever have a cornucopia? 55:01❓ Kew & A: “Which foam paddles have the most consistent KewCOR across the face?” 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #dupr #pickleballnews #kewcast #paddletech #pbvision #pickleballai #engagepickleball #forgeandbond #foamcore #huntersthompson #mandelaeffect

In KewCast Episode 80, John and Eddie dive into our favorite bags and backpacks, discuss the latest pickleball news, including the Uspenski scandal, talk about the new Adidas and Engage paddles, and examine how neck flex on a paddle affects PBCOR. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:48 🗞 News & Gear Gossip: BMack, Samson, and Marcus launch the first PPA Pick’em Podcast 5:52 JOOLA 3S drops to $200 with new dual certifications 7:05 College Pickleball Boom: Alabama, Texas A&M, Maryland, Ohio State, Georgia & Michigan add major court expansions 11:20 UPA suspends Denis Uspensky for cheating & abusive behavior during a PPA Challenger Series match 16:01 Did Honolulu invent the floating EPP core used in all the most popular paddles right now? 21:46 🏓 Paddles of the Week: Adidas Adipower • Engage Full Foam • Friday Fever 102 • Thrive Fury Elongated 44:35 🎒 Gear of the Week | Bag Roundup - ADV Backpack • CRBN Sling Bag • FORWRD Sling • Ethos Venture Backpack ($230) • FORWRD Court Caddy ($325) • GRUVN Small Court Backpack • FORWRD Court Ranger ($175) • Six Zero Pro Tour & Performance Backpacks • CRBN Tour bag • Chorus Tour bag • Holbrook Podium Pickleball Bag 1:15:16 🔬 Tales from the Ball Cannon: How do stiff vs. flexy paddles score on PBCOR? 1:23:33 🎙 Eddie Unplugged — 20 Questions Get to know Eddie like never before — from his childhood and creative process to his philosophy on data vs. feel in paddle testing. 💡 Plus: John reveals his Myers-Briggs type (INTJ-A, “The Architect”) and what that means for how he approaches pickleball science and content creation. Use Discount Code JOHNKEW and Affiliate Links for Products Mentioned in Pod: ★ ADV: https://www.advtennis.pro/discount/JOHNKEW ★ Adidas: https://pickleballcentral.com/adidas-adipower-pro-edition-attk-14mm-pickleball-paddle/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★ Chorus: https://choruspickleball.com?sca_ref=5913065.peNkMfPr6F ★ CRBN: https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW ★ Engage: https://engagepickleball.com/products/profoam ★ FORWRD: https://forwrd.co/?ref=dqdbjrty ★ Friday: https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW ★ GRUVN: https://gruvn.co?sca_ref=4937714.X1H4Uman8f ★ Holbrook: http://bit.ly/4fha6Xc ★ Honolulu Pickleball: https://808pickle.com?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn ★ JOOLA: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ ★ Six Zero: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ★ Thrive: https://thrivepb.com?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9 Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

In KewCast Episode 79, John and Eddie break down whether handle flex changes PBCOR, and its affect on paddle performance. We review findings from Dr. Daniel Russell’s Penn State study on bat flex and explore how those insights apply to pickleball paddles. Plus, we test how pivot point placement affects PBCOR results in our Ball Cannon experiments — and the results might surprise you. Referenced Study: “Do Flexible Handles Affect the Performance of Baseball or Softball Bats?” 👉 https://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/bats/handle-flex.html ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:44 Adidas new paddles; signs CJ Klinger, adding to pro roster 3:14 Bread & Butter Locos shipping early to 3 JOHNKEW code users 4:38 Paddles of the Week: Body Helix Falcon 17:25 Element 6 Zephyr 23:26 Bread & Butter Loco Production Models 31:26 Tales from the Ball Cannon: what happens to PBCOR if you change the pivot point from 2- to 3-inches? 39:14 Deep Dive: Paddle neck flex and paddle performance 1:00:06 Kew & A: Eddie's 20 questions for John 1:09:46 If you’re launching a pickleball paddle line and HAVE to skip a shape, which one are you leaving out? Discount Codes for Products Mentioned in Pod: ★ Element 6: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://e6pickleball.com/product/pro-series-16mm-zephyr/ ★ Body Helix: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW ★ Adidas (on Pickleball Central): 10% off with this link: https://pickleballcentral.com/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★ Bread & Butter: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/Qj390x Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

In Episode 78 of the KewCast, John and Eddie break down the latest pickleball gear, paddle tech innovations, and tournament highlights you won’t want to miss: Topics Covered: –PPA Sacramento Vintage Open: Surprising performances from tennis pros like Jack Sock & Genie Bouchard –Paddle Deep Dive: Luzz Tornazo, Gherkin Wraith, RPM Friction Pro, Six Zero Ruby Pro, Diadem Edge BluCore, and more –Full-Foam Paddle Iterations: EVA, EPP, MPP & SCF foams explained—density, stiffness scaling, and real-world performance –Black Opal Break-In Updates: KewCOR scores before & after break-in –Fan Q&A: Wide-body power paddles, all-court vs control paddles for sub-4.5 players, and more Subscribe for more paddle reviews, tech insights, and pro tournament analysis every week! ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:10 LT Ball is in stock at PBCentral 3:59 Thoughts on wooden paddles used at PPA Sacramento Vintage Open 11:02 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Tornazo 17:24 Gherkin Wraith 21:13 RPM Friction Pro 27:14 Six Zero Ruby Pro 34:43 Diadem Edge BluCore 45:14 Chorus Phoenix 50:48 Chorus Tour Bag 53:40 Vatic V-Sol updates 1:05:28 Foam Deep Dive 1:20:05 Selkirk Court Strike Shoes 1:28:24 Update on Six Zero Black Opal Break In 1:33:10 Kew & A: Should paddle companies consult with reviewers before going to market with a paddle only to get killed by bad reviews? 1:40:45 Should we still be recommending less powerful paddles for beginner players when there's plenty of control in modern power paddles? 1:43:23 What do we do with all the paddles after we're done reviewing them? Discount Codes for Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Chorus Phoenix: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://choruspickleball.com/collections/phoenix?sca_ref=5913065.peNkMfPr6F ★Diadem – 11% off with code JOHNKEW: https://diademsports.com?sca_ref=6541890.ZymzZY8Ua9 ★LT Ball: 10% off here – https://pickleballcentral.com/lt-pro-48-performance-pickleball/?oid=17&affid=7926664 ★Luzz Tornazo – take 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzzpickleball-pro-4-tornazo-carbon-fiber-pickleball-paddle-dual-layer-core ★Gherkin Wraith – take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: ★RPM Friction Pro – 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://rpmpb.com/products/rpm-friction-pro-16mm-pickleball-paddle ★Selkirk Court Strike shoes – use code INF-JOHNKEW for digital gift card: https://www.selkirk.com/collections/courtstrike-pickleball-shoes ★Six Zero – take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ★Vatic V-Sol – take $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com/products/v-sol-pro-16mm?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

John and special guest Pickleball Will break down the latest pickleball paddle releases and give their first impressions on: –Six Zero Black Opal and Ruby Pro –Vatic V-Sol Pro & Power –Several more We also do a deep dive on why PBCOR doesn't change when you add perimeter weight to the paddle. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:12 What's Will been doing? 13:54 Will's new paddle line 22:48 Paddles of the Week: Rapid Fire with Will 23:34 Franklin C45 Parris Todd 25:48 Bread & Butter Loco 28:21 Luzz Cannon & Inferno 32:24 Ronbus Quanta 34:03 CRBN TruFoam Waves 37:03 Vatic V-Sol Pro & Power 41:18 Six Zero Ruby Pro 46:51 Six Zero Black Opal 52:32 Deep Dive: Why does adding weight not make a difference to PBCOR? 1:01:17 Kew & A: Can you clarify how much the swing weight on the Ronbus Quantas went up after your perimeter weighting? 1:03:24 How does the Luzz Inferno compare to the Bread & Butter Loco? 1:06:46 Will's new bag collab: Courtside 1:08:59 ADV Flex Backpack Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Bread & Butter Loco - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/dvdvmhv6 ★CRBN – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW ★Franklin – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/WqZr1O ★Luzz Pro 4 Inferno – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/48ehxhF ★Luzz Cannon – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/47F9URk ★Ronbus Quanta: Take $20 off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html ★Six Zero – take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

Episode 76 of the KewCast John and Eddie break down the latest pickleball paddle releases and give their first impressions on: –Honolulu J6NF/FC+ –Friday Fever Widebody –Pakle Evo-01 –Reload 14mm We also do a deep dive on the LT pickleball—comparing it to the Vulcan VPRO and Franklin X-40—to see how it performs in terms of speed, spin, and durability. Plus, we discuss the latest pro paddle shakeup at the PPA Tour, what it means for pro players, and how it could impact the game moving forward. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:11 Paddle shakeup at PPA Cincinnati 9:00 Kawamoto Twins Upset Everyone 12:20 PPA Cincinnati Pick-Em Results: "Influencers" Battle 17:36 Other notable matches in PPA Cincinnati 19:40 Paddles of the Week: Honolulu J6NF and J6FC 26:14 Friday Fever Widebody 34:01 Pakle Evolution 01 38:44 Reload 14mm4 46:12 Ball Analysis: LT Ball vs. Vulcan vs. Franklin X-40 57:32 Gear of the Week: PIKKL Skins Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Friday Fever Widebody (Releases mid-October) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW ★Honolulu - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn ★LT Ball - https://pickleballcentral.com/lt-pro-48-performance-pickleball/?oid=9&affid=7926664 ★Pakle - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://paklepickleball.com/products/evolution-01-new-gen3-pickleball-paddle ★PIKKL Skins (Releasing 9/18) - take 20% off with code JOHNKEW: https://pikkl.com/ ★Reload - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://reloadpickleball.com/johnkew Stay Connected: 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎵 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JohnkewPickle

John and Eddie break down the major paddle shakeup happening at the PPAs after the new UPA-A rule regulations went into effect. 🏓 We share first impressions of the latest paddles hitting the scene: –CRBN TruFoam Waves –Luzz Pro-Cannon & Pro4 Inferno –Facolos Elite-X Plus, we dive deep into the Ronbus Quanta, including how adding weight affects PBCOR performance and whether it gives you that extra edge on the court. 🔔 Subscribe for more paddle reviews, gear breakdowns, and the latest pickleball news. UPA-A Certified Paddles List: https://upaa.unitedpickleball.com/approved-paddles/ Current list of which paddles pros are playing: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/top-pro-paddles Poll – your favorite pro player: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/poll-peoples-choice-pro-rankings Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 5:08 UPA-A Regs and Pros Scrambling for Paddles in Cincinnati 6:00 Selkirk Boomstik with MOI weights not allowed at PPA 12:38 Current status of paddles NOT approved for PPA pros 22:48 Unexpected paddles pros are playing with in Cincinnati 27:00 After years of dragging my feet, I'm now a fan of the MLP format 36:25 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Pro-Cannon 44:32 Luzz Pro4 Inferno 51:52 Facolos Elite-X 56:40 CRBN TruFoam Waves 1:01:33 Ronbus Quanta: Updated Thoughts Products Mentioned in Pod: ★CRBN – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW ★Luzz Pro 4 Inferno – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/48ehxhF ★Luzz Cannon – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/47F9URk ★ Pickleball Effect Tuning Tape – Use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: http://bit.ly/4gg2K88 ★Ronbus Quanta: Take $20 off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html

In KewCast Episode 74, John and Eddie discuss John's trip to China to visit faddle factories and production, the Ronbus Quanta, upcoming releases, and updates on spin durability and break-in on the Selkirk Boomstik and Gearbox GX2 Power. Take $20 off Ronbus Quanta with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:41 John's trip to China 2:46 Hong Kong and PPA Asia 8:07 Mainland China - Paddle Factories 14:36 Carbon Fiber Factory 15:52 Face Layup Factory 18:59 Foam Factory 24:31 James Ignatowich & Selkirk part ways; James starting new paddle company (RPM) 26:49 PPA Las Vegas: Thoughts on Alshon targeting Gabe with full send body shots 34:56 Honolulu Mystic Flood Relief paddle 35:49 CRBN Trufoam Waves launching 9-25 35:51 Gherkin – why no paddle for Eddie? 37:56 Paddles of the Week: Ronbus Quanta Series 51:48 ProXR Jolt 55:37 Are JOOLA Pro IVs still elite-tier firepower, or have they moved down to mid-tier? 1:00:37 Update on spin for Boomstik and GX2 Power 1:04:14 Update on Gearbox GX2 Power Break-In 1:06:28 Kew & A: Is Gen-3 Dead? 1:10:28 Will John do any more drum videos?

In KewCast Episode 73, John and Eddie discuss the remake of the Loco, Bread & Butter's first full-foam paddle, and we ask whether all the indoor pickleball facilities are sustainable. People's Choice Top Pros & Paddles: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/top-pro-paddles Vote for your favorite pro here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/poll-peoples-choice-pro-rankings Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:51 Ben takes #1 from ALW on People's Choice Pro Rankings 4:44 New Paddle Sightings: Catherine playing with Boomstik 8:36 Will most pickleball facilities be closed in 10 years? 25:31 Paddles of the Week: Bread & Butter Loco, Redux 36:17 Future Deep Dive: Ball Cannon, Meet Ballistic Gel Head 38:02 Kew & A: What does Eddie mean when he says a paddle is 'buttery'? 40:41 Does the Honolulu J2NF have any kind of break-in? 42:25 Do we know the type of foam used in the SURTR? 44:27 Would you pay for the Boomstik with your own money? Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Bread & Butter: Take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/dvdvmhv6 ★Gearbox: Take 10% off GX2 Power with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD ★Honolulu: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/yrxpcvur ★Selkirk - Purchase Boomstik here, and get a $40 Selkirk gift card with code "INF-JOHNKEW": https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv

In KewCast Episode 72, John interviews Tom Barnes of Selirk about the Boomstik. We talk about the MOI tuning weights, durability testing, and concerns about loose edge guards. Get The Selkirk Boomstik here, and get a $40 Selkirk gift card with code "INF-JOHNKEW" https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:17 Selkirk Boomstik Interview with Tom Barnes 2:42 How long did R&D take on the Boomstik? 4:42 What kind of metal is used on the MOI weights? 5:31 MOI Weights: Why This Weight, and Why This Location? 8:53 John's theory about the MOI weight and placement - is it true? 14:14 Are loose edge guards a concern on the Boomstik? 16:53 Is there a Boomstik without MOI weight approved at UPA-A? 20:24 Are there plans to release a Boomstik without the MOI weights? 21:36 Will the Boomstik be released as a main line paddle eventually? 23:29 What kinds of durability testing were performed on the Boomstik? 25:20 Is there a break-in period with the Boomstik? 27:25 Has Selkirk addressed the issue of disbonding with full-foam paddles? 28:25 Kew & A: Can you chart out how the Life Time Ball degrades over time? 34:30 How does the Boomstik compare to the Element 6 Surtr? 36:42 If you weighted up the Selkirk ERA exactly the same as the Boomstik, how would they compare? 40:17 How is the dwell time of the Boomstik compared to the Gearbox GX2 Power? 42:00 What's your choice betwen the Boomstik elongated vs. widebody?

In KewCast Episode 71, John and Eddie discuss the new Honolulu shapes, and give initial impressions on several other new paddles. Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:15 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: LT Ball now official PPA ball 10:10 GRUVN LAZR Issues with Disbonding? 13:01 Poll results: podcast preferences 19:35 Anna Leigh Waters edged out Ben Johns again to claim #1 on People's Choice poll 26:53 Jaume Martinez-Vich playing with Adidas paddle 28:01 Chorus Phoenix will be released 32:46 Are the weird PBCOR results at USAP the result of the methodology, or the paddles? 36:40 Paddles of the Week: Honolulu J2NF long handle 42:04 Honolulu J7NF and J3NF 48:21 Mark 1X-R2 53:48 Proton Peacock 1:00:40 Whisper paddles - USAP quiet approved 1:05:58 Today's Paddles, Ranked By Firepower and Feel/Forgiveness 1:07:24 Hudef Apex 1:10:39 Back to Rankings of Power and Feel/Forgiveness 1:18:44 Kew & A: What does perimeter weighting do to pop on both stationary shots versus flicks/punches? 1:21:25 Boomstik vs. Gearbox GX2 Power: which one do you pick? 1:22:04 Should you pick a paddle that plays to your strengths, or helps with your weaknesses?

In Episode 70, John and Eddie discuss the latest pickleball news, and give our initial impressions of four new paddle releases: Selirk Boomstik, Franklin Pariss Todd C45, Thrive Fury, and Ronbus Refoam.

In KewCast Episode 69, John and Eddie consider top contenders for new mains after all the new paddle drops this summer. Gearbox GX2 Power Giveaway. Follow instructions at Instagram post here: (forthcoming) Pre-order GX2 Power here, and take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD Wringer Apparel 24-hour code - 20% off with code KEW20: http://bit.ly/4kVkeaC New poll - what's your favorite podcast segment? https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/latest-poll Technical Pickleball study on Slyce Caps: https://www.technicalpickleball.net/speed-cap Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:23 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Vatic pulled Vcore launch 6:28 Ben Johns MLP Trade 8:19 New Poll: tell us what you like most/least about the KewCast 9:31 Paddles of the Week: Sypik Triton 15:00 Chorus Phoenix 22:03 Enhance Gen 4.5 27:50 Side Tangent: does a square patch of fiberglass in the center of the paddle cause inconsistency across the face? 31:17 Gearbox GX2 Power 37:46 Top two contenders for new mains 39:36 Gearbox GX2 Power Giveaway 41:30 CRBN TFG4 46:29 Deep Dive - Weighted Endcaps Don't Do What You Think They Do 56:16 Gear of the Week: Pickleball Effect Cap Coins 58: 40 Wringer Apparel - 24 hr code 1:01:27 Kew & A: How do you define the 'control' paddle category? 1:05:12 Kevlar is UV-sensitive. Is the sun bad for Kevlar-faced paddles? 1:08:05 If paddles get more powerful in the heat, don't balls get less springy? 1:08:53 Eddie's playing in a wooden paddle tournament - are there any good wooden paddles?

In KewCast Episode 68, special guest Zane Navratil stops by to give us the scoop on the Quang Duong/UPA-A situation, and John and Eddie discuss how heat and sunlight affect your paddles. . Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Poll Results: How much control are you willing to sacrifice for power? 5:32 Does leaving your paddle out in the sun destroy it? 22:52 Paddles of the Week: Two All-Foam Powerhouses: Body Helix Flik & GRUVN LAZR 16HD 38:32 Zane Navratil Talks Quang Duong Contract Elimination 58:20 Kew & A: My main right now is the vapor alpha pro power. Is it worth getting the J2K FC+ or the NF? 1:01:04 For PBCOR, how much variability is there between the ball hitting on the hole versus between the holes? 1:03:33 Is there a way to measure a paddle's control? Products Mentioned in Pod: ★Body Helix: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/collections/pickleball-paddles/products/flik-gen-3-pickleball-paddle?ref=JOHNKEW ★GRUVN LAZR Solid Foam: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: http://bit.ly/45NzFxT

In KewCast Episode 67, John and Eddie do a blind test to see if we can tell any difference between the Honolulu J2NF and J2FC+, and we do another ranking of firepower and forgiveness for all of the current all-foam paddles. Vote here for the People's Choice Pro & Paddle Rankings: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/top-pro-paddles New UMAP interactive paddle dashboard: http://bit.ly/4krAn7o Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Ben Johns re-takes #1 Spot from ALW on People's Choice Poll 4:17 User-Submitted Paddle Analytics Dashboard 11:48 Paddles of the Week: Honolulu J2FC+ vs. J2NF 21:59 Firepower-Forgivness Ranking of All-Foam Paddles 25:22 Gear of the Week - Six Zero bags 44:17 Tales from the Ball Cannon - switching to a Life Time ball for paddle testing 56:19 Are Control Paddles an Endangered Species? 1:03:54 Kew & A: Has spin durability taken a back seat to power? 1:06:21 Is there an objective way to measure dwell time? 1:07:57 Where would you put the Selkirk ERA in firepower & forgiveness rankings? 1:09:00 I'm upgrading from a Vatic Prism Flash - Saga 14 or 16? 1:10:00 Does the fiberglass patch in the Body Helix Flik result in inconsistent response? 1:11:45 What's the round thing underneath John's hat bill?

In KewCast Episode 66, John and Eddie cover more of the upcoming releases, discuss the 'What's Your Main' poll results, and answer some viewer questions. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:58 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: GRUVN LAZR-16HD Solid Foam PBCOR Update 6:50 Poll Results: What's Your Main Paddle? 22:58 Paddles of the Week: Body Helix Flik F1 TerraCore XC 31:44 Vatic Pro VCore 41:09 Apes Harmony – production models 50:15 Ronbus Ripple V2 R5 55:46 CRBN4 TruFoam Genesis 1:00:31 11Six24 Alpha Power Production Model 1:06:09 Revolin Torch 1:11:05 PaddleTek Bantam GTO-C 1:18:22 Firepower Rankings for all the paddles discussed 1:23:00 Deep Dive - PaddleTek's Unique Surface Layup 1:29:07 Kew & A: Is there a metric for paddle plushness/ stiffness?

John and Eddie cover some of the pre-sales currently happening, solid performing all-foam paddles for under $200, reveal the Connor Garnett paddle giveaway winners, and discuss how to make all foam paddles even better. 📌 24-Hour Melin Discount Code! Use code JWILL20 for 20% off all Melin hats: https://alnk.to/apV7YLQ (Active noon MT Thursday, June 26 – Noon MT Friday, June 27) Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:04 New 24-hr Melin code 3:51 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: John's San Clemente PPA Experience 5:36 Jack Sock's Nasty Nelson 9:05 Connor Garnett comes back 0–10 against Jack Sock 10:58 Hayden Patriquin tells me why he prefers 16mm over 14mm C45 Dynasty 13:43 Observations on Jessie Irvine coaching Gabe Tardio 15:20 Thoughts on JOOLA discontinuing consumer discounts 18:03 Fed Staksrud and Adidas Split 21:03 ProKennex Black Ace RE-Listed? 26:18 Thoughts on Aizec's Holbrook Arma breaking 30:07 Why are JOOLA Pro IVs and Proton Flamingos core crushing? 34:40 GRUVN LAZR-16HD All Foam is available for pre-order 39:32 Honolulu J2NF on pre-order 46:05 Paddles of the Week: Gearbox GX2 Power 57:09 Avoura Rivelle & Revaya on pre-order 1:07:16 Connor Garnett Paddle Giveaway Results 1:13:41 Poll Results: Your Main Paddle 1:14:57 Gear of the Week: Rudy Project Eyewear 1:18:58 Deep Dive: Ideas on making the best performing all-foam paddle