Newera Luxury Gen 1 Review

Introduction

The Newera Luxury Gen 1 paddle from Hudef has sparked curiosity with its “Gen 1” label, especially considering its advanced thermoforming technology which typically places it in the Gen 2 category. Despite the naming confusion, this paddle delivers exceptional performance.

Specifications

  • Face: T700 carbon fiber with a gritty surface
  • Shape: Elongated
  • Weight: 7.8-8.0 oz (+/- 0.2 oz) (I have two: one at 8.1 oz and another at 7.8 oz)
  • Swing Weight: 110
  • Twist Weight: 6.0
  • Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
  • Length: 16.50″
  • Width: 7.48″
  • Thickness: 0.71″ (18 mm)
  • Grip Length: 5.3″ (Great for two-handed backhands)
  • Grip Circumference: 4 1/8″
  • Skill Level: Intermediate to Pro
  • USAPA Approved

Performance

Despite my initial impression of a stiff surface, the Newera Luxury Gen 1 paddle excels in touch and control, especially around the net and on third shot drops. Surprisingly, the ball doesn’t fly off the surface as one might expect; instead, it stays under control, likely due to Hudef’s Soft++ core technology, which offers impressive elasticity.

The difference in weight between the 7.8 oz and 8.1 oz paddles was notable. The 8.1 oz paddle provided more power on serves and groundstrokes. Adding a bit of tape to the 7.8 oz paddle, I achieved similar power. The edgeless configuration makes it easy for players to customize their paddle weight to their preference.

The swing weight of 110 makes the paddle feel light and easy to maneuver, possibly aided by the “eye hole” design, which enhances aerodynamics. This balance of power and ease of swing is crucial for effective groundstrokes and powerful shots.

Understanding swing weight and twist weight is important for assessing paddle performance:

  • Swing Weight: Measures the paddle’s resistance to swinging around an axis near the handle’s end. A higher swing weight offers more power but is harder to swing, while a lower swing weight is easier to swing but offers less power. A faster swing with a lower swing weight can compensate for the power loss, and a player can swing the Newera Luxury Gen 1 really fast!
  • Twist Weight: Indicates resistance to rotating around the paddle’s long axis. Lower twist weight is easier to maneuver but twists more on off-center hits, losing power and delivering more shock. The Newera Luxury Gen 1’s twist weight of 60 is standard, and I didn’t experience any twisting during play.

The paddle’s gritty surface and Soft++ core make it easy to impart various spins—topspin, underspin, and sidespin—enhancing its versatility in different shot scenarios.

Bottom Line

The Newera Luxury Gen 1 is an outstanding paddle ideal for intermediate and advanced players, offering a perfect blend of control, power, and maneuverability. Whether you prioritize touch or power, this paddle adapts to meet your needs on the court.

At $169.99, the HUDEF Newera Luxury Gen 1 Paddle is a bargain. If you’re interested, follow this link (https://hudefsport.com/products/newera-luxury-gen-1-elongated-copy) and use the code “Greg30” for a 30% discount at checkout)