Gearbox Pro Ultimate Review: A Harmonious Fusion of Power and Precision

Pickleball enthusiasts rejoice! Gearbox has once again raised the bar with their latest offering, the Pro Ultimate. Building upon the solid foundation of the acclaimed Pro Power Elongated, the Pro Ultimate delivers an impressive blend of raw power and refined control, making it a versatile weapon suitable for a wide range of players.

Design and Build

The Pro Ultimate maintains Gearbox's signature sleek aesthetics, with subtle refinements that enhance its overall feel and performance. The SST Core (16mm for the Ultimate), carried over from the previous paddles in the Pro Series, provides a solid and responsive hitting platform, while the elongated shape maximizes the sweet spot for greater forgiveness on off-center hits.

What is Gearbox's SST Core?

The Gearbox SST (Solid Span Technology) core is a patented innovation that sets Gearbox paddles apart in the pickleball world. Unlike traditional honeycomb cores, the SST core consists of solid carbon fiber tubes arranged vertically within the paddle. This unique structure offers several advantages:

1. Enhanced Power and Control: The SST core acts like a gearbox, efficiently transferring energy from the player's swing to the ball, resulting in more powerful and controlled shots.

2. Larger Sweet Spot: The solid core construction expands the sweet spot, making it more forgiving on off-center hits and improving overall consistency.

3. Increased Durability: The carbon fiber tubes provide exceptional strength and resistance to wear and tear, ensuring the paddle's longevity.

4. Unique Feel: The SST core delivers a distinct, plush feel that many players find comfortable and responsive.

5. Spin Generation: The ribbed design of the SST core enhances the paddle's ability to generate spin, allowing for greater shot variety and tactical options.  

Gearbox's SST core technology represents a significant advancement in pickleball paddle design, offering players a unique combination of power, control, feel, and durability.

Performance

Where the Pro Ultimate truly shines is in its ability to seamlessly blend power and control. Players who loved the explosive pop of the Pro Power Elongated will be pleased to find that the Pro Ultimate retains that same exhilarating power on smashes and drives. However, Gearbox has managed to dial in the control aspect, making the paddle more forgiving and predictable without sacrificing its offensive capabilities.

The sweet spot is noticeably larger, and mishits are less likely to sail long or wide. This increased control makes the Pro Ultimate a more accessible option for intermediate players, while still offering enough power and precision to satisfy the needs of advanced players.

Spin and Touch

The Pro Ultimate doesn't just excel at power and control; it also boasts impressive spin potential. Whether you're looking to add heavy topspin to your serves and groundstrokes or experiment with backspin and sidespin, the Pro Ultimate's raw carbon fiber surface delivers. This versatility makes it a great choice for players who enjoy mixing up their shots and keeping their opponents guessing.

Overall Impression

The Gearbox Pro Ultimate is a testament to Gearbox's commitment to innovation and excellence. By refining the power-to-control ratio, they've created a paddle that caters to a wider audience without compromising on performance. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a relative newcomer to the sport, the Pro Ultimate is a paddle that deserves serious consideration.

Pros:

• Impressive blend of power and control
• Large sweet spot for greater forgiveness
• Excellent spin potential
• Suitable for a wide range of players

Cons:

• Price point may be a barrier for some

You can purchase the Pro Ultimate from Pickle Madness HERE.