Thrive Smoke Paddle Review

INTRODUCTION: A POWERHOUSE FOR ADVANCED PLAYERS

The Thrive Smoke is the newest addition to Thrive’s lineup—a paddle built for advanced players (3.5+) seeking explosive power without sacrificing control. I first heard about it on the Pickleball Studio podcast, where the hosts were surprisingly split on their recommendation. While I don’t always align with their takes, their debate intrigued me enough to test it myself.

Their main critique? The paddle’s head-heavy balance—ironic, considering they often add weight to their own paddles. Yes, the Smoke leans head-heavy, but it’s still lighter than many power paddles I’ve used. After extensive play, I’m convinced this is one of the most underrated paddles on the market.

SPECIFICATIONS

Here’s what makes the Smoke stand out:

  • Face: V Fusion Technology (5-layer Carbon Fiber + Fiberglass)
  • Core: Macro Charged Performance Core (10 mil cells)
  • Construction: 360 Unibody with thermoforming + Foam-Injected Walls
  • Surface: Peel Ply textured finish for enhanced spin
  • Swing Weight: 119-121 (Mine: 120)
  • Static Weight: 7.9-8.05 oz (Mine: 7.94 oz)
  • Twist Weight: 6.15-6.30 (Excellent stability)
  • Shape: Elongated (16.5″ length, 7.5″ width)
  • Grip: 4.25″ circumference, 5.6″ length (Great for two-handed play)
  • Core Thickness: 14.5mm (Balanced power and touch)
  • Head Weight: Rated 10 (Thrive’s scale: 5-8, so this is extremely head-heavy—yet it doesn’t feel sluggish)
  • Certifications: USA Pickleball Approved, PbCor43 Certified

KEY TECHNOLOGIES EXPLAINED

1. Peel Ply Surface

This isn’t just marketing jargon—it’s a high-end composite technique similar to that used in the construction of lightweight yet very strong (and expensive) whitewater kayaks (of which I own two). A peel ply fabric is layered during curing, creating a textured, grippy surface without adding weight. The result? More spin and power without a rough, abrasive feel.

2. Head Weight (10? Seriously?)

Most paddles rank between 5-8, but the Smoke is a 10. That should make it unwieldy, yet Thrive’s engineering keeps it maneuverable. The weight distribution enhances plow-through power while maintaining stability on off-center hits.

PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN

🔥 Power That Doesn’t Sacrifice Control

  • Drives & Smashes: The 14.5mm core + head-heavy balance delivers explosive drives—think Joola Hyperion levels of pop, but with better control.
  • Drops & Resets: Surprisingly soft for a power paddle. The extra mass helps with deep resets and third-shot drops—just ease up and let the paddle do the work.

🎾 Spin & Touch

  • The carbon-fiberglass blend grips the ball well, adding bite to topspin drives and slice returns.
  • Large sweet spot forgives mishits—uncommon in elongated paddles.

✌️ Two-Handed Dominance

  • The extended handle (5.6″) is perfect for two-handed backhands, turning defensive blocks into offensive weapons.

WHO SHOULD USE THE THRIVE SMOKE?

✔ Advanced players (3.5+) who want power + control in one package.
✔ Aggressive baseliners who drive the ball with pace.
✔ Two-handed players seeking extra reach and stability.

❌ Not ideal for beginners—its head-heavy design demands proper mechanics.
❌ Players who prefer ultra-light paddles (though it’s manageable at ~8oz).

Exception: If you’re a 3.0 player rapidly improving and want to add offensive firepower, the Smoke could accelerate your game.

FINAL VERDICT

The Thrive Smoke is a sleeper hit—a power paddle that doesn’t sacrifice control. If you’re comfortable with a head-heavy feel and want tournament-level pop, and are willing to spend a bit more money for a paddle that uses advanced technologies, then the Smoke is for you.

Rating: 9/10
(Would be 10/10 if it had a slightly more forgiving swing weight for intermediate players.)

HOW TO PURCHASE

The Smoke retails for $219, putting it on the higher end of paddles (although that might be considered mid-range nowadays). However, if you use the link below, or use the code Georgia10, you will get 10% off the price.

Here is the link: https://thrivepb.com?sca_ref=8406765.pREnIxTBxtnW9

Every purchase includes a head cover, lead weights, paddle eraser, key chain, sticker, and weight card. Every Thrive paddle comes with a 120-day warranty from the original purchase date.  Any issues that are determined to be the result of a manufacturing defect will be covered by Thrive.  Once it is deemed defective, we will replace the paddle or product free of charge including shipping, up to one (1) replacement per purchased paddle.