Thrive Azul Pickleball Paddle Review: Unleash Your Power and Spin

Thrive Azul Pickleball Paddle Review: Unleash Your Power and Spin

The Azul by Thrive is making a splash in the pickleball world. This carbon/Kevlar paddle is getting a lot of attention for its power, spin, and control, and is quickly becoming the top Kevlar power paddle of 2024. But what makes the Azul so cool? Let's dive deep into its design, construction, performance, and value to see why it's becoming a favorite among all levels of players.

You can get the Thrive Azul for 179.99 (10% off) with code MADNESS.

Specs

• Weight: 8.25 oz
• Face: Carbon Kevlar
• Core: PP Honeycomb
• Shape: Elongated
• Length: 16.3"
• Width: 7.5"-7.7"
• Grip: 4.25"
• Handle: 5.5"

First Impressions: Looks and Feel

The Azul looks great out of the box. The paddle comes with Thrive lead tape bars, a sticker, and a keychain—nice touches of personalization and attention to detail. Thrive goes above and beyond by providing specific swing weight, twist weight, head heaviness, and static weight measurements for each individual paddle. This level of transparency allows players to know exactly what they have and can optimize their game accordingly.

When you pick up the Azul, it feels great. The balance is exceptional. The swing weight of 117.92 is in the sweet spot for many players. And the amount of grit on the face of the paddle suggests it's going to spin big.

Construction and Design: The Details

The Azul has a hybrid shape similar to the Six Zero Double Black Diamond. This shape combines the benefits of a longer paddle with a wider face for a larger sweet spot and more maneuverability. The construction is top-notch, with a thermoformed process for durability and consistency.

The carbon/Kevlar blend in the face of the paddle is what makes it perform. Carbon provides the foundation for power and responsiveness, while Kevlar adds durability and a unique feel. This combo gives you a paddle that's powerful and forgiving, so you can hit any shot with confidence.

On-Court Performance: Power, Spin, and Control

Consistency and Accuracy: Effortless

One of the coolest things about the Azul is how easy it is to use. The paddle requires almost no learning curve. You'll feel comfortable and confident from the very first shot. The Azul has great control, so the ball goes where you want it to, with the pace you want. The gritty surface has plenty of grip to hit topspin and backspin with ease. So you can focus on strategy and placement, not mechanics and grip pressure.

Power: Unleash Your Inner Power Hitter

The Azul is a power paddle; it delivers big power for drives, serves, and aggressive volleys. The carbon/Kevlar combo gives you a unique combination of power and responsiveness, so you can hit the ball hard and precisely. The pop may not be as loud as some other paddles, but it's still enough to hit put-away shots and keep the pressure on. This controlled power makes the Azul a great choice for players who want to add some heat to their game without sacrificing precision.

Spin: Control the Ball

The Azul has big spin. With a 2200 RPM average spin rate, you can make the ball move so much that it's hard for your opponent to anticipate your shots. The feel and control of the paddle make it easy to hit all types of spin shots, from topspin drives to backspin dinks. Whether you want to add some variety to your game or just keep your opponent guessing, the Azul's spin will give you an edge.

Defense to Offense: Seamless

The Azul is great at transitioning from defense to offense. The feel and control make it easy to hit resets and drops, so you can quickly turn defense into offense. The spin also helps with offense, making it easier to hit winners and put away volleys. Whether you're at the net or driving from the baseline, the Azul has the performance and versatility to dominate.

Feel and Feedback: Stiff and Responsive

The Azul is stiffer than most Kevlar paddles, so it's a great transition for players used to raw carbon fiber faces. The stiffer feel gives you a crisp response and clear feedback on contact, so you feel more connected to the ball. The elongated shape and large sweet spot also contribute to its feel and consistency. This unique feel gives you a nice connection to the ball and more precision and control.

Looks and Design: Pro Look

The Azul has a professional look with its navy blue Kevlar face and matching edge guard. The hybrid shape is familiar and comfortable, making it a great choice for all levels of players. The design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, adding to the overall performance and playability.

Overall Experience: Top Tier Kevlar

The Thrive Azul delivers a great playing experience. With its power, spin, control, and comfort, it's a top-tier Kevlar paddle. It's easy to use and versatile for all levels of players, from beginners to pros. If you want a Kevlar paddle that has power, spin, and control, the Thrive Azul is the one.

You can get the Thrive Azul for 179.99 (10% off) with code MADNESS.