DSR XF Review

Introduction

The DSR XF paddle stands out with its radical new design, featuring a dedicated area for finger or hand support. This design is particularly appealing if you use a “ping pong” grip, where a finger is positioned on the back of the paddle, as I do.

Initially, I thought my finger was positioned dead center on the paddle. However, after some use, I realized it was slightly off to one side, similar to what is shown in the image below.

The website mentions that the bottom design creates a weight-forward sweet spot, which I interpret as the paddle feeling somewhat top-heavy. I agree with this assessment. A slightly top-heavy paddle enhances the ability to generate topspin on drives and serves. Additionally, I was able to produce a significant amount of underspin on return-of-serve shots.

Specifications

  • Length: 16.5 inches
  • Width: 7.5 inches
  • Weight: 8.0-8.1 oz
  • Surface: T700 Carbon Fiber
  • Core: Select Honeycomb Poly
  • Design: Edgeless Thermoformed
  • Thickness: 15.7 mm
  • Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
  • Handle Length: 5.5 inches (excellent for two-handed backhands)

Performance

The DSR XF paddle excels in multiple aspects of the game. It performs exceptionally well on serves and drives, providing a soft feel around the net, particularly on third-shot drops and in fast-paced exchanges.

Purchasing

If you’re interested in buying the DSR XF paddle, visit this link. The paddle retails for $160, but you can get a 20% discount by using the code: LUCKYME.