INTRODUCTION
The Paddle Tap DNA Power 14 mm gets a positive review from me. It combines plenty of power with a surprisingly plush feel, while still providing the control I want for the soft game. In fact, it is safe to say that this paddle has power that equals that of the Boomstick and other power paddles.
The DNA Power has high-density EPP foam core, engineered for maximum energy return and quick rebound. This is similar to other foam paddles but, whatever is inside it, the important question is how it plays.
And it plays very well.
Another interesting part of the DNA Power is its Tri-Weave Hybrid Face, which combines Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. That’s an unusual combination. In play, the face feels solid and stable while still producing plenty of power and spin.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
- Paddle Length: 16.1 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.85 inches
- Handle Length: 5.5 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
- Core Thickness: 14 mm
- Face: Tri-Weave Hybrid — Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass
- Weight of My Test Paddle: 8.1 oz.
PERFORMANCE AND PLAYABILITY
Power and Pop
As the name suggests, the DNA Power is a power paddle.
The 14 mm construction provides plenty of pop, particularly on drives, counters, and put-away shots. I don’t have to overswing to generate pace. The power is already there.
What I like, however, is that the paddle doesn’t feel harsh.
Some power paddles give you tremendous ball speed but sacrifice feel in the process. The DNA Power manages to deliver considerable power while retaining a somewhat plush response.
That’s a good combination.
Touch and Control
Despite the power, I had no problem with the soft game.
Dinks were predictable, resets were easy to control, and the paddle didn’t seem prone to producing those annoying pop-ups that can happen when a power paddle is a little too lively around the kitchen.
That’s one of the things that impressed me most about the DNA Power.
It has power when I ask for it without forcing me to fight that power when I don’t want it.
Spin
The Tri-Weave face produces very good spin.
On my harder topspin drives, I can keep the ball low and hot, with the ball diving toward the court rather than sailing long. That’s something I’ve noticed with several of the better foam-core power paddles I’ve tested.
Higher, looping topspin shots are a little more difficult for me.
But I don’t consider that a particular weakness of the DNA Power. I’ve noticed the same thing with other power-oriented paddles. They naturally encourage me to hit through the ball rather than brush up on it.
That’s something I’m continuing to experiment with, particularly on my serves.
Sweet Spot and Off-Center Shots
The sweet spot is generous, and off-center shots weren’t much of an issue.
The paddle feels sturdy, and the Tri-Weave face seems to help dampen some of the vibration when I don’t make perfect contact.
That’s important because almost any premium paddle feels good when you hit the center of the face.
I pay more attention to what happens when you don’t.
The DNA Power remains stable and predictable.
Handle
I particularly like the 5.5-inch molded, tennis-style handle.
It’s comfortable in the hand and provides enough room for players who use a two-handed backhand. Even if you normally hit a one-handed backhand, the longer handle gives you some flexibility in hand position without making the paddle feel awkward.
Weight and Maneuverability
My test paddle weighed 8.1 ounces.
I don’t have an official swing-weight measurement, but the interesting thing is that the paddle feels lighter than 8.1 ounces when I’m playing with it.
It’s quick enough at the kitchen that I never felt as though I was struggling to get the paddle into position during fast exchanges.
My practice partner had a different reaction. He thought the DNA Power might benefit from a little additional weight toward the top of the paddle to increase its power.
I wouldn’t add it.
For me, the paddle already has more than enough power, and adding weight could take away some of the maneuverability that I like about it.
Of course, that’s personal preference. Players who like a heavier head and maximum drive power could certainly experiment with adding weight.
Net Play
The DNA Power is particularly good around the net and through the transition zone.
Third-shot drops, resets, counters, and firefights require relatively little effort. The paddle supplies enough pace that I can concentrate more on placement and reaction time instead of trying to generate additional power.
During fast hands battles, that combination of power, stability, and maneuverability becomes particularly useful.
THE TRI-WEAVE FACE
The combination of Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass is one of the more interesting aspects of this paddle.
We’ve reached a point where simply saying a paddle has a “carbon fiber face” doesn’t tell us very much. Manufacturers are experimenting with different materials, foam constructions, layups, and combinations of materials to change how paddles respond.
The DNA Power is a good example.
To me, the Tri-Weave face contributes to the paddle’s most distinctive characteristic:
It feels softer than I would expect from a paddle with this much power.
That makes it easier to move from a hard drive to a soft reset without feeling as though I’m playing with two different paddles.
PRICE
The DNA Power is currently selling for $149.
At that price, I think it’s an excellent value.
We’re seeing more foam-core and advanced-construction paddles move well beyond $200, with some approaching or exceeding $300. A higher price doesn’t automatically make a better paddle.
At $149, the DNA Power offers an unusual hybrid face, plenty of power, very good spin, a comfortable elongated handle, good stability, and enough touch for the soft game.
That’s a lot of paddle for the money.
Here is the link where you can purchase it: https://paddletappickleball.com/collections/dna-power-series
BOTTOM LINE
The Paddle Tap DNA Power 14 mm surprised me because it doesn’t behave exactly the way I expect a power paddle to behave.
Yes, it has power.
Yes, it has pop.
But it also has a plush feel, good control, a forgiving sweet spot, excellent spin, and very good stability on off-center shots.
My test paddle weighed 8.1 ounces but played lighter than that, making it quick enough for firefights while still having enough mass and stability for hard drives and counters.
I wouldn’t add weight to mine. I don’t think it needs it.
The most interesting aspect may be the combination of the foam construction and the Kevlar/carbon-fiber/fiberglass Tri-Weave face. Whatever Paddle Tap is doing internally, the result is a paddle that manages to be powerful without feeling overly stiff or difficult to control.
And at the current $149 sale price, it’s an excellent value.
I highly recommend the Paddle Tap DNA Power 14 mm.
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