Best Gearbox Pickleball Paddles Review
Gearbox pickleball paddles are manufactured using an innovative composite technology that is a major step forward in paddle design and all of their paddles are constructed in one piece and are edgeless.
We highlight a variety of their paddles in this Gearbox pickleball paddles review.
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Best Gearbox Pickleball Paddles At a Glance
Our Top Pick for Best Gearbox Pickleball Paddle
GX5 Pickleball Paddle
The GX5 Paddle feels more secure when dinking and blocking while power strokes are where the paddle really shines. The slim aerodynamic frame has less air drag allowing players to move the paddle in a fast and responsive way.
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Our Other Top Pick for Best Gearbox Pickleball Paddle
Gearbox CX14H Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The CX14H is perfect for experienced players who are looking for a paddle that suits a softer, slower game, while still being able to hit powerful ground strokes.
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Best Gearbox Pickleball Paddle
Gearbox GX5 vs GX6
The Gearbox GX5 and GX6 pickleball paddles both boast carbon fiber construction, a slim aerodynamic frame, and a dampener system, catering to players of all skill levels with high-tech enhancements.
The GX5 is a bit lighter at 7.8oz, which may provide a quicker response and better maneuverability, while the GX6 is slightly heavier at 8.5oz, potentially offering more power behind the ball.
Both paddles feature Hyper Bite Spin Technology and a large sweet spot, but the weight difference could make the GX6 more suitable for players who prioritize control and power over speed.
In contrast, the GX5 might appeal to those looking for agility and swift movements.
Choosing between the GX5 and GX6 will come down to personal preference on balance and weight, as both paddles share many advanced features.
Gearbox GX5 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
You’ll see reduced mishits when playing with the GX5. Shot accuracy is optimized with the larger sweet spot and you’ll find plenty of power when returning shots.
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The new GX5 comes with upgraded patented Solid Span Technology (SST). This makes use of unidirectional carbon fiber which is laid by hand to exact tolerances.
The paddles’ longevity and unique feel are the results of this innovative manufacturing process.
While the paddle takes a little getting used to, its solid feel and exquisite control are evident from the first shot.
Gearbox GX6 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The edgeless paddle frame is quite forgiving, allowing you to reach shots that you wouldn’t make with a smaller playable surface area but reducing the number of mishits by an appreciable margin.
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The GX6 is best suited to the more advanced player who can get the most out of its advanced design features.
With a similar construction to the GX5, the GX6 sounds awesome, with a soft yet solid pitch that is slightly higher than other paddles on the market.
The 8.5-ounce version of the GX6 may be a little on the heavy side for smaller players, but the 7.8 ounce is much more manageable even with the slightly longer grip and the slim aerodynamic design more than makes up for the slight loss of maneuverability.
Power shots are effortless with lower drag and an excellent feel.
Perfect vibration control and dampening built into the frame makes this paddle a pleasure to use, especially when controlling power shots from your opposition.
The edgeless paddle frame is quite forgiving, allowing you to not only reach shots that you perhaps would not make with a smaller playable surface area but reducing the number of mishits by an appreciable margin.
To help protect the edges, try Gearbox Protective Tape to protect the top-edge surface from scuffing and tearing.
If you enjoy a power game, then this paddle is built for you.
The large sweet spot, huge playing area, and lack of a raised edge all translate into a dependable, consistent game. And, shot accuracy is improved even when putting more power in.
The sweet spot extends down towards the handle, which makes shots more controllable. And if you feel like you need a slightly larger grip, try applying Gearbox Smooth Wrap.
The paddle is very thin when compared to its competitors. This gives it a more nimble feel and the aerodynamic efficiency together with its spin characteristics makes it the perfect paddle when you move up from being a beginner to a more advanced player.
If you like the GX6 but feel you might need a larger grip, try adding Gearbox Smooth Wrap to get a bit
Gearbox CP7 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
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The CP7 is Gearbox’s first paddle that is non-fiberglass and uses poly core technology in keeping with its competitors. They are reasonably priced at somewhere around $100.
The paddle is quite thin at 0.5-inches, giving it more power characteristics than control. By combining the poly core with a carbon fiber face, you get the best of both materials.
There’s plenty of power but it’s restrained by the more giving PPE core.
The paddle includes Hyperbite Spin Technology, which improves the spin characteristics and control.
Adding a 5.5-inch handle gives the paddle added reach. This may not suit everyone as the paddle can feel a little unwieldy, especially in the kitchen where maneuverability is key.
If you enjoy a power game, then this paddle is built for you. The large sweet spot, huge playing area, and lack of a raised edge all translate into a dependable, consistent game.
Gearbox CX11E Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
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The Gearbox CX11E Elongated Power Pickleball Paddle is a maneuverable paddle, despite its length.
The T-700 graphite chambers are designed to give the paddle additional power characteristics, which ensure that your ground strokes are powerful while using less effort. This also helps you to control your shot placement.
The paddle is extremely tough and durable, which translates into fewer dead spots on the face, even with a prolonged period of hard use. The extra-long face and grip provide a lot of reach, making it easier to cover the whole court with ease.
If you enjoy double-handed backhands, then this is the perfect paddle for you. At 5-5/8-inches, the grip provides plenty of space even for players with large hands.
Given the extended length of the CX11E, it might result in hitting and scraping the paddle edges on the ground more often.
Consider wrapping the edges with either Gearbox Edge Tape or Guard Head protection tape.
Gearbox CX14H Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
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The CX14H are newly designed paddles that add depth to the already impressive range of Gearbox paddles.
At 14mm thick, they are thinner than their rivals by a fair margin, but they are the thickest paddles manufactured by Gearbox. The CX range of paddles tips the scales at 8 ounces, so these are paddles that may not fit your style of play or strength.
Unlike the other Gearbox ranges, the CX range does not have a power and control option. They do come with longer handles, which suits those players with larger hands or if you prefer to play two-handed backhands.
The CX14H has a more traditional face shape which will suit players who are comfortable with the reduced reach and prefer to hit the ball closer to their hand.
This makes for a more dependable paddle without worrying about mishits from the slightly longer, elongated model. These paddles are great for players transitioning from a thicker polymer paddle.
If you’re looking for an incredibly soft paddle with awesome spin characteristics, then the CX14H is well worth trying out.
Gearbox CX14E Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
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The CX14E is a soft paddle with an elongated face.
The purpose of the CX14 range is to provide a transition paddle for those players moving away from polymer-core paddles. The CX14E is 14mm thick, which is at least 5mm thinner than the closest polymer paddle.
While the paddle is thinner, it does not sacrifice control and is perfect for players who enjoy the extra reach that a longer face and handle offers.
You may struggle a little with the narrower face, but your ability to hit two-handed backhands and the ability to reach shots that may have been out of reach before more than makes up for that.
This is a great option as a singles paddle. The paddle takes some getting used to, as you will find that you can hit the ball much harder than you might think and still maintain pinpoint accuracy and control.
Players report that on first using the paddle they missed dinks due to not putting enough power into the shot.
Once you’ve adjusted to the way the paddle plays, your confidence will soar as you put away shots with confidence.
Gearbox Pickleball Paddles Review – FAQ
Is Gearbox a good paddle?
Yes, Gearbox is a good paddle due to its innovative use of carbon fiber technology. The paddles provide an excellent combination of control, spin, and power together with industry-leading durability.
How long do Gearbox paddles last?
Gearbox paddles will last a few years. When compared to traditional polymer core paddles that need replacement after about 6 months of regular play, Gearbox paddles offer great value for money.
What are Gearbox pickleball paddles made of?
Gearbox pickleball paddles are made of woven carbon fiber as well as carbon fiber tubes. Some of their paddles include a combination of a polymer core and a carbon fiber face and handle. All are made of a single piece molded construction.
Where are Gearbox pickleball paddles manufactured?
Gearbox pickleball paddles are manufactured in China.
What is Gearbox patented solid span technology (SST)?
Gearbox patented solid span technology (SST) uses an advanced proprietary molding process utilizing high-strength unidirectional carbon fiber that is meticulously hand-laid and arranged at very precise angles. As a result, a one-piece paddle with no delamination, no soft spots, excellent performance and unmatched durability is manufactured.
According to Gearbox, the angle configuration of the carbon fiber is critical and directly related to the paddle’s overall durability and playability.
Gearbox solid span technology (SST) paddles are constructed from the core out and the patented Solid Span Core is carefully handcrafted, consisting of various graphite chambers. Each chamber is hand-laid and organized section by section for optimum performance.
The entire structure (frame, face, handle) is placed into a mold to cure the resin with high internal pressure and heat. The structure then cools, yielding a superbly crafted one-piece molded construction.
Four key sections of the paddle are unified during this molding process:
– The Patented Solid Span Core
– The Surface of Paddle (front and back face)
– The Perimeter Frame of Paddle
– The Handle
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