Gearbox Pro Power Elongated Review
Provisional score
USA Pickleball banned this paddle. Not soft-banned or under review. De-listed, July 1, 2025, failed the trampoline test. Which makes the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated either the worst $275 you'll ever spend or the most fun, depending on exactly one question: do you play sanctioned tournaments? If yes, stop reading. If no, keep going, because reviewers call it the hardest-hitting paddle of its era.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our rankings are never influenced by commissions or brand partnerships. Consensus score 85/100 (Good, provisional) — only one fully-scored review exists, so treat this as provisional. The score reflects on-court performance; the USAP de-listing is a buy/no-buy factor below, not baked into the number — how we rank.
USAP de-listed: rec play only
USA Pickleball removed this paddle from certification effective July 1, 2025 after it exceeded the PBCoR (trampoline effect) standard. It is illegal in USAP-sanctioned events. Fine for rec and non-sanctioned leagues. The tournament-legal successor is the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated 14mm.
The consensus verdict
Best for
Advanced (4.0+) power players who play rec-only and want the hardest-hitting paddle available. You should be willing to add lead tape, because every reviewer says you should.
Not for
Anyone who plays USAP-sanctioned events. It's ineligible. Also skip it if you want forgiveness out of the box or hate tinkering with your gear.
Consensus 85/100 · Good · Provisional
Anchored on Pickleheads' fully-scored 4.0/5 review (dimension average ~8.6/10) plus Pickleball Studio's measured 57 MPH serve speed and unanimous owner praise for power and spin. Deducted for the small sweet spot, low stability, and pop-control learning curve. Only one fully-scored numeric review exists, so this score is provisional.
Specs
| MSRP | $274.99 (discontinued; remaining stock ~$275 at retailers) |
|---|---|
| Shape | Elongated, edgeless. 16.5" × 7.375" |
| Thickness | 14mm (one option) |
| Face | Toray T700 raw carbon fiber with TXR Surface Grip Technology |
| Core | Patented SSTCore (Solid Span Technology) carbon-fiber chambers — no honeycomb — plus Power Matrix rebound system |
| Weight | 7.9–8.1 oz (avg 8.0) |
| Handle | 5.5" · 4" thin grip; Gearbox Smooth Wrap |
| Measured (third-party) | Serve speed 57 MPH; swing weight 121 (high); twist weight 5.16 (low) |
| Approval | USAP DE-LISTED effective July 1, 2025 (failed PBCoR standard). Rec and non-sanctioned play only. |
| Included | Paddle only; 1-year limited manufacturer warranty |
Specs from Gearbox and retailer listings; measured figures from independent reviewer data (unit-to-unit variance applies). Do not confuse with the newer, legal Pro Ultimate Power Elongated 14mm.
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Absurd power. 57 MPH measured serve speed, just under EVA-foam paddles and above everything else in its test group. Pickleheads: "probably the most powerful paddle ever made." 10/10 power.
- Top-tier spin. 10/10 from Pickleheads, up there with the best spin paddles tested. The TXR raw-carbon face grips the ball.
- Uniquely quiet. The muted response is the strangest thing about it: elite power without the crack. Opponents noticed how quiet it was in testing.
- Light but hits heavy. 8.0 oz with an edgeless frame that cuts through the air. Reviewers consistently say it doesn't feel as heavy as the numbers suggest.
Weaknesses & caveats
- Banned from sanctioned play. The dominant caveat, and it's not close. Buying this paddle today means rec play only. Everything else on this list is secondary.
- Small sweet spot. 5.16 twist weight is low. Off-center hits mishit badly. "If you hit anywhere near the edges, you're going to mishit."
- Needs lead tape. Not a suggestion. Nearly every reviewer says the paddle requires lead tape for stability and a wider sweet spot to reach its potential.
- Pop-control learning curve. Easy to sail swinging volleys and hand-battle counters long. It demands refined touch and a real adjustment period.
- Discontinued at $275. Stock is drying up, no discount codes exist, and at full price its superiority over cheaper options "isn't overwhelmingly evident" per one reviewer.
Synthesized from measurement-focused reviews (Pickleball Studio, Pickleball Effect), a fully-scored review (Pickleheads), and JustPaddles owner reviews. How we rank →
Who it's for
Who it's for
- Advanced (4.0+) power players who play rec-only and want the hardest-hitting paddle available
- Players in noise-restricted communities — elite power with a notably quiet response is rare
- Gearbox loyalists who already like the unique SST-core feel (reviewers agree it's polarizing: you either like it or you don't)
Who should skip it
- You play USAP-sanctioned tournaments — it's de-listed and ineligible
- You want forgiveness or an easy out-of-the-box paddle — small sweet spot and a real learning curve
- You dislike tinkering — the lead tape is effectively required
Pro usage
None verified for this paddle. No confirmed professional player uses the Pro Power Elongated. This one is pure rec-play legend status.
Where to buy
Discontinued at the manufacturer; remaining stock ~$275 at select retailers. Only buy if you play rec-only. The legal Pro Ultimate Power Elongated 14mm is the current alternative at the same price.
← Best paddles $200+ · Raw carbon explained · 14mm vs 16mm guide
Pro Power Elongated FAQs
Tournament legal?
No. De-listed July 1, 2025 for failing the PBCoR trampoline standard. Rec play only.
Does it need lead tape?
Yes, per nearly every reviewer. The 5.16 twist weight needs the help.
Should I buy it?
Only if you play rec-only, are an advanced power player, and find it discounted. Otherwise get the legal Pro Ultimate version.