Introduction
Get ready: foam paddles are here, and they’re not going away. Before long, every major manufacturer will be offering foam-core options—if not shifting their entire lineup in that direction.
I already have several in my collection, including:
- Body Helix FLIK F1 TerraCoreXC (USAP approved, currently the most powerful paddle on the market)
- Body Helix Falcon (USAP approved, nearly as powerful as the FLIK F1)
- A non-USAP approved Body Helix model (ironically, less powerful than its approved counterpart)
- Honolulu Pickleball Sword & Shield J2NF (two versions—rare and hard to get your hands on)
- VATIC V7-SOL (not yet available to the public; I’ll post a full review soon)
- Upcoming releases from BnB (Loco) and HUDEF, which I’ll be testing as soon as they arrive.
Why Foam?
So, why is the industry shifting toward foam cores and new internal designs? The short answer: performance and durability.
Foam cores are engineered to:
- Improve durability by resisting core crushing
- Provide a larger, more consistent sweet spot
- Enhance dwell time for better spin and precision
- Reduce vibrations for comfort and injury prevention
By comparison, traditional polypropylene honeycomb cores break down over time, often leading to dead spots and unpredictable performance.
Key Advantages of Foam Cores
- Durability: Foam won’t collapse like honeycomb cores, maintaining performance longer.
- Consistency: Foam fills the paddle evenly, eliminating hot spots and dead spots.
- Expanded Sweet Spot: The uniform density improves rebound across the entire face.
- More Dwell Time: Slight compression on contact lets players add spin and control placement.
- Shock Absorption: Foam dampens vibrations, reducing strain on arms and wrists.
- Tailored Performance: Manufacturers can adjust foam density to suit power or control-focused play styles.
Why Not Stick With Honeycomb?
- Degradation: Honeycomb cores eventually crush, creating dead zones.
- Inconsistent Feel: Honeycomb gaps can cause uneven ball response.
Potential Drawbacks of Foam Cores
From my experience, I haven’t found any true negatives. Still, some players note:
- Excessive Power: Foam paddles can deliver raw power, which may take adjustment.
- Different Feel: The softer, dampened response isn’t the same as honeycomb’s crisp pop.
- Price: While not outrageously priced, foam paddles do tend to cost more than entry-level honeycomb models. However, I don’t think you will find $300+ paddles, unless one of the manufacturers that rely on reputation decide to charge more for one.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Extreme heat can make them feel softer, while cold can make them stiffer.
One Other Thing
If you love rimless paddles, prepare to part ways. Foam paddles require rims for stability, so the rimless era is ending.
Bottom Line
If you come across a foam paddle that fits your budget—don’t hesitate. Buy it. The future of pickleball is foam.