This is my fourth review of TMPR paddles. I can say that it has some surprises in store for me.
If, after reading this review, use the discount code LUCKY10, to get $10 off a paddle (and backpacks) and use this link: https://tmprsports.com?aff=170
SPECIFICATIONS
Here are the specs of the paddle:
- Paddle Weight: Two weight ranges: 7.1-7.5 and 7.6-8.0
- Thickness: 16 mm
- Paddle Surface: Fiberglass (see note below)
- Rounded Edges: Curved sides for increased response and improved performance
- Paddle Core Material: Honeycomb Polymer Core
- Paddle Shape: Elongated
- Paddle Length: 16 1/4 inches
- Paddle Width: 7 3/4 inches
- Grip Size: Standard – 4 1/4 inches standard. Mine had the 4 3/8 grip, or one that was 1/8 larger. So, you may ask—can an eighth of an inch make a difference? I think the answer is yes. The paddle felt very comfortable in my hand. That surprised me because I like smaller handles. Possibly it is the wrap TMPR uses, one that is nice and soft.
- Handle Length: Standard – 5 inches (good for two-handed backhands)
- Handle Vibration Dampening Technology
THIS WAS A SURPRISING PADDLE. I didn’t bother to weigh it, as I normally do for paddles I am testing, and just assumed that it weighed less than the others. It felt lighter than the 8.0 ounces it actually weighed. How that is possible, I don’t know, but I decided in advance it would be great at the net (which it was). Again, it could be the fiberglass face or slightly thicker handle, or both, but whatever it was, it worked out well.
Fiberglass vs. carbon faced paddles.
Like some other paddle manufacturers, TMPR offers paddles with carbon and fiberglass surfaces.
Fiberglass has less stiffness than carbon fiber, which means it will be more flexible on contact. In other words, a fiberglass surface offers more rebound as the ball hits the paddle surface, resulting in a more powerful response. Carbon fiber is a stiffer material that offers refined touch and feel due to the material absorbing a pickleball’s energy at impact and more evenly distributing it across the face of the paddle, resulting in more control and shot precision.
TESTING
I tested this paddle using my standard set of tests:
Dinking/Volleying
This paddle is soft and quiet, and is excellent for dinking. My wife and I did straight on dinking, crosscourt dinking, and a “windshield wiper” exercise. We also drilled “windshield wiper” while volleying and the paddle gave me true shots all the time. Because I thought it was lighter, I gave the ball a little extra push/lift, which worked out very well.
Third shot/transition zone shot
I hit two kinds of third shots—a long “dink” and a push drive (not a blast). The paddle worked very well for both of these shots. Again, when doing a push third shot, I gave it a little extra and it cleared the net easily. When doing dink third shots, I gave a little bit more push, and it landed in the NVZ every time. This could be one of those “notes to self” – give my third shots a little bit extra.
Around the World
I was able to hit all 16 shots in this drill easily using the dink shot method. I particularly like this paddle for a push shot from the transition zone and baseline because the fiberglass surface provided plenty of “pop” so I didn’t have to add any extra effort.
Serving/ground strokes
Very solid with good power which, again, surprised me because I thought it was lighter than it was. I attribute that to the fiberglass surface.
Two-handed ground strokes
The longer handle makes it perfect for anyone with a two-handed backhand (and a two-handed backhand dink, which is what I use now).
Spin
My top spin serves landed deep and kicked up. I didn’t try too many side spin shots but, when I did, they took a decent kick to the right.
Lobs off a dink
Great for the disguised lob off the dink.
SUMMARY
I would say that the Terra LX is suited more for 2.5-3.5+ players trying to move up, rather than experienced players who are already consistent with the shots I mentioned. The extra “oomph” from the surface will allow an intermediate player to concentrate on placement and not worry so much about power. It is a great intermediate paddle for people who SHOULD be using intermediate paddles (but who are using, heavier more powerful paddles).
Again, if, after reading this review, you use the discount code LUCKY10, to get $10 off the paddle (as well as backpacks).
Use this link: https://tmprsports.com?aff=170
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