Do Not Buy Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Paddle Until You Read This Guide
Amazin’ Aces is a family run business offering a variety of great pickleball products. Amazin’ Aces pickleball paddles range from beginner wood paddles to high-quality graphite and fiberglass options for intermediate and advanced players.
The company was launched just a few years ago with the release of an inexpensive set of wooden paddles. Amazin’ Aces also produced a couple of graphite paddles, which quickly gained popularity as reliable mid-range options.
The Pro Series is the latest line of paddles from this company. These paddles benefit from the feedback the company received on their previous products, resulting in superior performance and durability.
While the Amazin’ Aces Pro Series Paddles are well-received, should you start playing with one? How do they compare to paddles from the top brands?
If you want answers to these questions, check out the rest of the Amazin’ Aces pickleball paddle reviews and comparison guide.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Paddle Products
Amazin’ Aces is dedicated to the sport of pickleball. The company offers several different paddles to suit players of all skill levels. These options include:
The Bainbridge features an edgeless paddle design and was the first paddle in the Pro Series. This is the only Amazin’ Aces composites paddle. However, the face is not 100% composite. It features a blend of graphite and fiberglass to create a unique playing surface.
Here are the pickleball paddle specs:
Weighs 7.9 ounces
7-5/8-inches wide
16-inches long
4.5-inch grip size
5-inch grip length
Composite/graphite face
Aluminum honeycomb core
It is a midweight paddle intended for beginner to intermediate players. It is also the only Amazin’ Aces paddle with an edgeless design.
The aluminum core offers the best level of control compared to other core materials. It is also a lightweight material, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the paddle.
The graphite face also helps improve control and offers a little more spin. If you are just getting into pickleball, this is the type of paddle you should start with. You get less power, but the control helps you focus on your form and technique.
The Bainbridge is also affordable. There are aluminum paddles that cost twice as much and deliver poorer results. Like most of the paddles from this company, you are getting a great value, especially when a free paddle cover is included.
The only major disadvantage is that this paddle is not USAPA approved. You cannot use it for official tournaments. This may not be a major issue for recreational players, but those who compete may not want to spend money on a paddle that they cannot use for competition.
The Bainbridge is the only paddle in the Pro Series with an edgeless design. This means that it does not include an edge guard around the outer rim of the paddle. Some people do not like playing with an edgeless paddle, as they get used to having the extra lip for hitting the ball on the corner of the paddle.
The other issue with an edgeless guard is that it makes the paddle more prone to damage. The Bainbridge is already less durable due to the aluminum core, which dents easily.
Other than the durability, the Bainbridge is still a top choice for beginners and intermediate players who want a backup paddle at a low price.
The Emerald is part of the Pro Series of paddles. It is designed to provide more power, which is provided by the extra weight of the paddle. Here is a closer look at its main specifications:
Weighs 8.2 ounces
8-inches wide
15-7/8-inches long
4.35-inch grip size
5-inch grip length
Polycarbonate and vinyl face
Polymer honeycomb core
USAPA approved
Pros
Pros
The polycarbonate/vinyl face offers better spin control
With the Emerald paddle, you are getting an affordable product designed for players for all skill levels. However, there are a few details that may make this paddle unsuitable for those who are playing for the first time.
The first feature that stands out is the polycarbonate/vinyl face. This combination of materials is rarely used, making the Emerald a unique paddle. One of the only other paddles with the same face is the Cambria, which is also part of the Pro Series.
The blended material is designed to give the paddle more grip. With more grip, you get better spin control. As spin is something that is only recommended for intermediate or advanced players, beginners may struggle with this paddle.
Having more power helps when you need to put extra spin on the ball. With the Emerald paddle, you get a little extra boost, thanks to the polymer core and surface material.
The polycarbonate/vinyl face delivers better spin control and limits the overall durability of the paddle. With repeated use, there is a risk that the face may split or crack.
The polymer core is soft and powerful. It is also relatively heavy. These features help provide increased power with every swing, which may end up being too much for some players. Beginners often find that this paddle has too much power, making it difficult to work on their technique. Luckily, there is a lighter option.
The Cambria was released around the same time as the Emerald and is also part of the Pro Series. If you look at the following specifications, you will notice that it shares many features with the previous paddle:
Weighs 7.2 ounces
8-inches wide
15-7/8-inches long
4.35-inch grip size
5-inch grip length
Polycarbonate and vinyl face
Polymer honeycomb core
USAPA approved
The Cambria is made with a polymer honeycomb core with a large sweet spot. It also has a long grip, which is useful for maintaining firm control.
The main detail that stands out is the weight. This is a relatively lightweight paddle, weighing just 7.2-ounces. Typically, with a lighter paddle, you get less power and more control. However, the Cambria manages to strike a good balance between these two traits.
The Cambria also features the same blend of polycarbonate and vinyl used on the Emerald paddle. This combination gives the paddle a little more grip for better spin control and overall finesse.
If you are an agile player that moves around a lot, you may enjoy the swiftness of this lightweight paddle.
Most Cambria reviews mention the blended surface material, which is a great feature. However, the polycarbonate/vinyl face is not the most durable material. Several customers have experienced cracked or shattered paddles after repeated play.
While the Cambria is not the most durable paddle, it is affordable. The low entry point makes it a top choice for beginners or anyone that wants a great value. However, it is still important to compare this paddle to the Emerald before choosing, as these paddles appear almost identical on paper.
Emerald vs Cambria Pickleball Paddle Comparison
If you compare the pickleball paddle specifications, the Emerald and Cambria paddles share many features. They are both 8 inches wide and 15-7/8-inches long. They also have 5-inch-long grips and polymer honeycomb cores.
Features
Cambria
Emerald
Core
Polymer
Polymer
Paddle Face
Vinyl/Poly
Vinyl/Poly
Weight
7.2 oz (Lightweight)
8.3 oz (Mid-Weight)
Length
15 7/8"
15 7/8"
Width
8"
8"
Grip Length
5"
5"
Grip Circumference
4.35"
4.35"
USAPA Approved
Yes
Yes
Price
While these paddles are nearly identical, there is one major difference. The Emerald is almost an ounce heavier compared to the Cambria.
The weight difference is due to the polymer core. With the Emerald, the company used a slightly heavier honeycomb core, which adds to the power without sacrificing any control.
As mentioned in the review of the Emerald paddle, the extra power is not the best option for beginners. If you are learning how to play, the lighter Cambria has the versatility and balance that you need.
For intermediate and advanced players working on their strategy and play style, the extra power of the Emerald paddle may be useful. It also helps reduce stress on the joints, which is great if you suffer from tennis elbow.
The Signature is not part of the Pro Series. It is one of the earlier paddles from Amazin’ Aces. However, it does offer several useful features. First, here are the details:
The company does not provide the specifications for the exact width and length of this paddle. However, most of the Amazin’ Aces pickleball paddles are close to the same width and length and feature the same shape.
The Signature paddle includes a soft polymer core, giving you more power. It also has a graphite face, which typically limits the power and adds control. With these details, you get better balance, making this a versatile paddle.
The graphite face also provides just enough grip to help improve your spin. The extra ball control helps counter the extra power that you get from the heavier design.
The Signature paddle offers a surprisingly large sweet spot. You do not need to hit the ball right in the center every time to maintain accuracy. With a more forgiving sweet spot, this paddle becomes a suitable option for beginners. It is also affordable, offering an inexpensive entry point for new players.
The heavyweight design is an advantage and a drawback, depending on your skill level and preferred play style. More weight creates more force with every swing, making it harder to control the ball.
While this paddle still offers a good balance of control and power, younger players or those with joint problems may not enjoy the extra heft of the paddle.
The Classic and Signature paddles are very similar. Both paddles weight a little over eight ounces and feature the same graphite face and polymer core. They are also slightly narrower compared to the paddles featured in the Pro Series. The main details include:
The Classic was one of the first paddles released by Amazin’ Aces. It continues to be a best-seller, thanks to the low price. For the same price as the previously reviewed paddles, you get two paddles and four pickleball balls.
The Classic paddles offer a little better balance compared to the Signature. It is just a little bit lighter. It also has a thick edge guard, which some players like.
The sweet spot is forgiving, due to the dimensions of the paddle and the soft polymer honeycomb core. With a larger sweet spot, it is easier to continue hitting accurate shots.
While the Classic paddle and Signature paddle share many features, the Classic paddle is not USAPA approved. It is best suited for beginner to intermediate players that want the best overall value, as this is the least expensive graphite paddle from this company.
The weight of this paddle is an issue for some players. You need a paddle that feels comfortable with every swing. Depending on your height, health, age, skill level, and dozens of other factors, 8.3-ounces may be too heavy. However, it is just the right weight for some players.
The paddle is also a little top-heavy or head-heavy. The weight is more toward the tip of the paddle, due to the longer design. This is great when you need to cover a lot of ground, but not recommended for playing close to the net.
In the end, the weight is more of a personal preference, as you still get a good balance of accuracy and power.
The wood pickleball paddle set was one of the first products released by Amazin’ Aces. It is also their most affordable set. You can either purchase a set containing two paddles or four paddles with four balls.
While these paddles are intended for beginners, they are among the best-selling wooden swing sets. The Classic Wood Paddles have the following features:
The paddles are made with the standard 7-ply wood construction that is used for almost every wood paddle. It offers more weight and durability.
The wood paddles are the least expensive option, making them perfect for those who have never played pickleball. You get two or four paddles for a fraction of the price of the other Amazin’ Aces paddles.
Even if you have played pickleball, you may be surprised by the performance of these paddles. They have good balance, despite the heavier weight and wood surface. You get a solid combination of power and accuracy.
The paddles are heavy, which is expected from wooden paddles. At 10.2 ounces, these are the heaviest Amazin’ Aces paddles.
These paddles are not USAPA approved, which is not a major drawback considering that these are specifically intended for beginners.
Conclusion – Which Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Paddle Should You Get?
What is the best Amazin’ Aces paddle? After comparing the Amazin’ Aces reviews, you should have a better idea of which paddle is best suited for your skill level and play style.
If you want the most powerful paddle, the Emerald, Signature, and Classic paddles are all good choices. Out of these three options, the Emerald and Signature are USAPA approved.
The Bainbridge is one of the most versatile paddles from Amazin’ Aces. However, as mentioned in the Bainbridge review, it also has an edgeless design and is not USAPA approved.
The wood paddles and Classic paddle are recommended for those on a strict budget. While neither option is USAPA approved, they are inexpensive and surprisingly well-balanced for heavier paddles.
The Cambria is another versatile option. It offers the best accuracy out of the Amazin’ Aces paddles but may be too light for some players. At 7.2-ounces, you get less power.
Amazin’ Aces may not have a large selection of paddles. However, the company puts a lot of effort into the design of every paddle. In just a few short years, this company has become well-known for producing quality paddles at low prices.
If you are in the market for a new pickleball paddle, one of the paddles reviewed should make a suitable choice. To find the right paddle, consider your play style and whether you need more power, accuracy, or spin control.
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