I just received and started playing with the Vatic Pro Flash.
(If, after reading this review, you are interested in purchasing a Flash with a discount, use this link)
https://vaticpro.com?sca_ref=3361890.s4CsK5dJII
Because I like thinner paddles, I received the 14 MM version of the Flash. It may seem counter-intuitive, but I think thinner paddles provide more pop.
Anyway, the Flash is a (it seems) redesigned V7 and features a smaller, more compact, and more abundant honeycomb core pattern and tighter carbon weaving on the face of the paddle.
I have heard two different opinions on the Flash. One is that it is more powerful than the V7, and one that it is less powerful than the V7. Go figure. My guess is that the slightly smaller surface is more compact and, therefore, more likely to provide a bigger “bounce” off the paddle face.
My opinion is that it is more powerful than the V7 which, in and of itself, is a very powerful paddle. It did take me a bit of time (a couple of hours) to adjust to the power, but once I got it down, I was able to hit strong shots with a lot of control. Because it is a bit lighter than the V7, it was helpful to me around the net. When it came to dinking, it has the same feel as the V7—soft.
Of course, I have to mention spin. I can generate great topspin, underspin, and side spin with either paddle.
Here is a comparison of the specs between the two paddles.
| V7 16 MM | Flash 14 MM |
| Surface – Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with heat compressed texturing | Surface – Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with heat compressed texturing |
| Foam Inject Walls for an increased sweet spot and added control | Foam Inject Walls for an increased sweet spot and added control |
| Thermoformed edges and a Unibody Construction | Thermoformed edges and a Unibody Construction |
| Average Weight – 8.3-8.5 oz | Average Weight 14mm – 7.8 – 8.0oz |
| Average Weight 16mm – 8.1 – 8.3oz | |
| Total Length – 16.5 Inches | Total Length – 16.2 Inches |
| Width – 7.5 Inches | Width – 7.7 Inches |
| Grip Circumference – 4.25 Inches | Grip Circumference – 4.25 Inches |
| Grip Length – 5.3 Inches | Grip Length – 5.4 Inches (elongated for 2-hand backhands) |
| Grip has 2 Ethylene Vinyl Acetate inserts to absorb shock and help with tennis elbow | Grip has 2 Ethylene Vinyl Acetate inserts to absorb shock and help with tennis elbow |
| Core – Optimized C7 Polymers and high-grade performance Honeycomb | Core – Optimized C7 Polymers and high-grade performance honeycomb |
| Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU | Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU |
So, the Flash 14MM is lighter than the V7, but wider than the V7 and has a slightly longer grip. The other difference, as you can see, is that the Flash is more rounded on top than the V7. Note that I can hit a two-handed backhand with either paddle.
As always, I try to explain some of the acronyms used in paddle specs. Okay. What is “Anti-Abrasion TPU”? TPU is thermoplastic polyurethane. Y’all knew that, right? So what is the advantage of TPU? Generally speaking, TPU has these benefits: high wear and abrasion resistance, high tensile strength and tear resistance, good low-temperature flexibility, and (more importantly for pickleball) very good damping (vibration or oscillation) capacity.
I am rough on my paddles. I dig out dinks no matter how low and often hit the surface of a court on follow-through. I haven’t noticed any deterioration of my edges on either the V7 or Flash.
So, which one should you use?
If you are someone who likes a heavier paddle, use the V7.
If you are someone who likes a lighter paddle, use the Flash.
If you are someone who changes paddles based on weather conditions (like me), then carry both. For example, when confronted with wind, I would use the V7 because of its weight.
You can read my review of the V7 here:
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