Are you tired of paddles that develop dead spots after a few games? Did your old paddle wear out too quickly? If so, it’s time to explore the advantages of Gamma pickleball paddles.
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gamma Sports is a leading manufacturer of a variety of equipment. The company got its start in the 1970s, producing a new type of tennis racquet string that remains a popular choice.
Gamma strings reviews continue to praise the power that you get with these revolutionary tennis strings. While the company is known for Gamma tennis rackets and strings, Gamma also produces some of the most-recommended pickleball paddles.
Gamma brought the same innovation used in their tennis strings to the pickleball industry. The company is committed to developing new technologies to improve their paddle designs, such as the new Sensa Poly Core or the comfortable Gamma grips found on all Gamma paddles.
The grips are based on the widely copied Gamma tennis grip, featuring a honeycomb design that reduces slippage and sweaty palms.
These are just a few of the reasons to take a closer look at the following Gamma pickleball paddle reviews and comparisons. Keep reading to explore the benefits of Gamma paddles.
Overview of the Gamma Pickleball Paddles
If you’re in the market for a Western PA paddle racquet, Gamma has many options. The company has released several lines of pickleball paddles in the past few years. In 2017, they updated the Gamma pickleball classic line of paddles, adding “2.0” to the name of each paddle:
That same year, the Gamma Pickleball launched a set of paddles featuring a new Sensa Poly Core. The core is designed to offer better ball control for dink shots and adding spin. These paddles include:
The Twister was also used for a licensing agreement with several prominent US universities and colleges. Gamma released ten officially licensed collegiate paddles featuring logos of the schools. Syracuse University, Michigan State University, and the University of Florida are a few of the options.
The most recent additions to the Gamma pickleball paddles include the Pin and the Dart. The Pin is an elongated paddle similar to the Needle while the Dart is one of the lightest paddles.
Here are Gamma pickleball paddle reviews for each of the paddles currently available from this company.
Gamma Paddles 2.0 Reviews and Comparisons
The 2.0 paddles provide six different options for beginners to intermediate or pro pickleball players. These paddles use the Aramid Honeycomb Core, which is a type of Nomex core.
The composite core is lightweight and durable. It provides just the right combination of power and great touch, allowing for greater finesse. It’s used on all the 2.0 paddles.
Phaser 2.0 Paddle Review
The Phaser 2.0 is a solid mid-range option for beginners and intermediate players. You get improved ball control, thanks to the Aramid honeycomb core, along with these features:
- Aramid honeycomb core
- Graphite face
- Durable edge guard
- Weight of 7.9 ounces
- Four-inch grip size
- Measurements of 15.8 x 8.2 inches
Pros
- The wider body provides a large sweet spot, making the paddle more forgiving.
- The midweight paddle offers improved balance.
Cons
- It is not USAPA-approved.
- The edge guard is relatively thick.
The Phaser is a quality paddle but has a few drawbacks. While it meets USAPA specifications, it’s not currently USAPA-approved.
The paddle also has a thick edge guard. The guard protects the paddle from dents and wear. Unfortunately, it also limits the striking surface slightly.
Despite these issues, it’s still a reliable paddle for beginners to intermediate players for recreational play. While the thicker guard may irritate some players, it ensures that the paddle lasts longer.
Neutron 2.0 Paddle Review
As one of the lightest paddles, the Neutron may help you deliver faster swings, which is great when playing a singles match. You need to cover more of the court on your own. The lightweight design helps keep you from tiring yourself out too quickly. You also get the following:
- Aramid honeycomb core
- Graphite face
- Flush-fit bumper guard
- Weight of 7.0 ounces
- Four-inch grip size
- Measurements of 15.375 x 8.125 inches
Pros
- The ultra-lightweight design offers faster play.
- The textured surface gives you more control.
- It is USAPA-approved.
- The flush-fit bumper does not get in the way.
Cons
- It is too light for power players.
There are no major issues to consider with this paddle, other than the weight. As a lighter paddle with a graphite face, you get less power.
If you are a power player, the Neutron is not designed for you. It’s built for those who want greater accuracy and finesse with every swing.
Micron 2.0 Paddle Review
The Gamma Micron pickleball paddle is the most affordable paddle other than the collegiate Twister paddles. It’s built to provide more grip, which increases ball control, and features the following details:
- Aramid honeycomb core
- Fiberglass composite face
- Durable edge guard
- Weight of 7.6 ounces
- Four-inch grip size
- Measurements of 15.75 x 7.75 inches
Pros
- It is the most affordable of the Aramid honeycomb core paddles.
- The smaller grip offers more stability for a one-handed grip.
- It is one of the best-selling paddles for beginners.
Cons
- It is not USAPA-approved.
- It may not hold up to repeated use as well as other options.
This paddle is also affordable. It’s one of the best entry points for beginners who are just starting to play the game. You get a well-rounded paddle featuring the standard pickleball dimensions.
With the smaller grip, you get stability and support. The fiberglass surface and Aramid core also help to deliver more power without severely reducing accuracy.
There are two drawbacks. This paddle is not USAPA-approved. It’s also not the most durable Gamma paddle; however, it’s one of the cheaper ones. Check out the Official video Introduction by Gamma about Micron 2.0 Paddle.
Voltage 2.0 Paddle Review
The Gamma Voltage 2.0 pickleball paddle is a pro-level paddle and the most expensive in the 2.0 line. It’s intended for elite players who prefer playing with a wider paddle. Here are the specs for the Gamma Voltage 2.0:
- Aramid honeycomb core
- Graphite face
- Flush-fit bumper guard
- Weight of 7.6 ounces
- Four-inch grip size
- Measurements of 15.375 x 8.125 inches
Pros
- The Unibody handle increases the stability and durability of the paddle.
- It uses a flush-fit bumper guard to protect the paddle.
- It offers solid balance for improved speed and accuracy.
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive options from Gamma.
Gamma Voltage pickleball paddles are designed for speed and accuracy. The graphite face gives the paddle more grip and touch for controlling the ball. You can easily add more spin to your shots.
It’s also great when learning to play as the paddle is more forgiving and the wider body makes it easier to hit the small pickleball ball.
The Gamma Voltage pickleball paddle is best suited for experienced players but still offers enough control for beginners.
It’s hard to find any problems with the Voltage. This is one of the highest-rated paddles. The only drawback is the price.
Just remember that you get what you pay for. With the higher price, you get a durable paddle used by professionals.
Fusion 2.0 Paddle Review
With the Fusion, you get a wide-body paddle at an affordable price. It offers power and finesse, making it a versatile option for beginner and intermediate players. Other details include:
- Aramid honeycomb core
- Fiberglass composite face
- Durable edge guard
- Weight of 8.0 ounces
- Four-inch grip size
- Measurements of 15.625 x 8.25 inches
Pros
- It is an affordable mid-range option with quality features.
- The wider body helps increase the size of the sweet spot.
- The heavier design increases the power of the paddle.
Cons
- The weight of this paddle increases wear on your shoulder.
As with all heavier paddles, the extra weight isn’t suitable for every player. If you have shoulder problems, you need a good midweight option such as the Twister or RZR. For everyone else, the extra weight means that you can deliver powerful shots across the court.
You also get a larger hitting surface, increasing the overall size of the sweet spot. If you are trying to improve your accuracy but don’t want to sacrifice your hitting power, the Fusion is a good compromise.
Atomic 2.0 Paddle Review
Completing the list of 2.0 paddles is the Gamma Atomic pickleball paddle. It’s the heaviest Gamma paddle, producing more power. Just keep in mind that more power can wear you out quickly. Here are some of the main specs:
- Aramid honeycomb core
- Fiberglass composite face
- Flush-fit bumper guard
- Weight of 8.0 ounces
- Four-inch grip size
- Measurements of 15.375 x 8.125 inches
Pros
- The heavier design helps deliver more power.
- The flush-fit bumper does not get in the way of your shots.
Cons
- The paddle may be too heavy for some players.
Similarly to the Fusion paddle, the Atomic paddle is a heavy option. At 8.0 ounces, it’s one of the heavier paddles and may offer too much weight for some players. If you have a wrist, shoulder, or joint problem, a medium-weight paddle is often recommended.
If the paddle is too heavy, you get extra force with each swing. If the paddle is too light, the fast movements can cause additional wear on your joints or shoulder.
While weight can be a problem, some players prefer a heavy paddle. It’s a great option for power players but the composite face doesn’t offer the same amount of grip compared to the Fusion.
Twister Poly Core Paddle Review
The Twister is another mid-range option. It uses the Sensa Poly Core that is used in all the latest Gamma paddles. It offers a reliable sweet spot, making it a top recommendation for beginners. You can get used to the feel of the paddle and develop your play style, thanks to the following details:
- Sensa Poly Core (Nomex core)
- Fiberglass composite face
- Weight of 7.4 ounces
- 4.125-inch grip size
- 4.25-inch grip length
- Measurements of 15.75 x 7.75 inches
Pros
- It is USAPA-approved.
- You get more feel and touch with the textured composite face.
- It offers a well-balanced design that is not too heavy or light.
Cons
- No such con we could find about this variant.
The Twister is comparable to the Vortex 2.0 pickleball paddle. While the Vortex 2.0 was manufactured by Pickleball Inc., it featured a Gamma grip. Both paddles also feature fiberglass faces with Nomex cores.
The Vortex pickleball paddle is discontinued, making the Twister a great alternative. The Twister is also the paddle used for the officially licensed collegiate pickleball paddles. The college paddles cost less compared to the standard Twister.
It’s hard to determine why the collegiate Twister paddles cost less. They feature the same dimensions, core, and surface material. The only noticeable difference is the grip, which is slightly less textured and breathable compared to the original Twister.
If you want to test the Twister at a cheaper price and show your school spirit, the collegiate paddles are great but they may not hold up as long compared to the original Twister paddle.
RZR Premium Poly Core Paddle Review
While the Twister is one of the best-selling paddles, the Gamma RZR is quickly becoming a favorite option among players of all skill levels.
When looking at Razor comparisons, most people bring up the Twister as they both use the Sensa Poly Core. However, the Razor/Twister designs are very different. First, explore the technical specs of the RZR:
- Sensa Poly Core (Nomex core)
- Graphite face
- Weight of 7.6 ounces
- 4.125-inch grip size
- 4.25-inch grip length
- Measurements of 15.875 x 8 inches
Pros
- The large paddle face provides a larger sweet spot.
- The power graphite surface generates more force.
- The shorter grip provides more stability.
- The soft core provides more control near the net.
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive paddles.
The RZR Razer Premium Poly Core Paddle uses the same core but with a different face. The RZR has a graphite surface to give the ball more pop. With the RZR paddles, you also get more power due to the slightly heavier design. However, the paddles are not too heavy to create an issue for those with joint or shoulder problems.
The RZR also has one of the largest faces. The larger surface is often recommended for beginners. You get a larger sweet spot, helping you deliver accurate swings as you learn to play the game.
The Twister has one significant advantage compared to the RZR; it costs less. The RZR is one of the more expensive options. With the extra cost, you get a durable and versatile paddle for everyone from beginners to pro players.
Mirage Premium Poly Core Paddle Review
With the Gamma Mirage pickleball paddle, you get a middleweight paddle with a textured composite surface to help deliver a good combo of power and control. Other details include:
- Sensa Poly Core (Nomex core)
- Fiberglass composite face
- Weight of 8.0 ounces
- 4.125-inch grip size
- 4.25-inch grip length
- Measurements of 15.875 x 8 inches
Pros
- It is USAPA-approved.
- The heavy design offers more power with every swing.
Cons
- A heavy design is not always the best option.
Similar to the Fusion and Atomic paddles, the Mirage is a heavier paddle. You get extra power and more force but may feel a little extra sore after the game. If you don’t regularly play with a heavier paddle, there is more of a learning curve.
The Mirage is recommended for power players who want to test out the Sensa Poly Core combined with a fiberglass composite surface. To help provide some control over the ball, the paddle is equipped with the Gamma honeycomb grip found on all Gamma paddles.
The grip gives you a little more support and stability at the wrist for optimal feedback and ball control. Just remember that the control is limited by the power of the Nomex core and composite surface.
Needle Elongated Premium Poly Core Paddle Review
Sometimes you just need a longer paddle. The Needle features an elongated design offering the most reach that you can get.
With a longer paddle, you typically get a narrower sweet spot and less accuracy. To compensate for these issues, the paddle includes a graphite face and the Sensa Poly Core along with these specifications:
- Sensa Poly Core (Nomex core)
- Graphite face
- Weight of 7.6 ounces
- 4.125-inch grip size
- 4.25-inch grip length
- Measurements of 7.125 x 16.625 inches
Pros
- The blade-style design provides the most reach available from a paddle.
- It is a great option for players who are familiar with tennis.
- The well-balanced design offers improved accuracy compared to other blade-style paddles.
Cons
- The extra reach can impact accuracy.
- It is the most expensive Gamma paddle.
Gamma has perfected the elongated design. The tacky, breathable grip gives you more support and stability at the wrist while the graphite surface increases grip and ball control. You can hit balls at sharper angles, making it a top choice for finesse swings and dink shots.
One issue with the blade-style design is the lack of accuracy and stability. When you hit the ball toward the end of the head, you get less ball control compared to a shorter paddle. While this isn’t a problem for experienced players or those who play tennis, newbies may struggle to adapt to this paddle.
This is also the most expensive Gamma paddle. You can get two of the Micron paddles or two of the Twister collegiate paddles for the same price. Check out the video by Josh from Gamma Sports who is giving an introduction about these needle elongated pickleball paddles.
Pin Elongated Premium Poly Core Paddle Review
The Pin is one of the latest paddles and looks very similar to the Needle. However, instead of a graphite surface, you get a composite fiberglass face to give the paddle more power and pop and these features:
- Sensa Poly Core (Nomex Core)
- Fiberglass composite face
- Weight of 8.0 ounces
- 4.125-inch grip size
- 4.25-inch grip length
- Measurements of 7.125 x 16.625 inches
Pros
- It costs less compared to the Needle paddle.
- It offers more power and significant reach.
- It has a surprisingly large sweet spot.
Cons
- The elongated design is not suited for all play styles.
- The paddle weighs more compared to most Gamma paddles.
The Pin and Needle are closely related. The primary difference is the surface material. With the composite face, the Pin is the more powerful paddle. The extra power slightly limits the control that you get.
If you are on the fence and can’t choose between the Pin and Needle, consider your play style. When you need more power behind your swings, choose the Pin. For those who prefer a better balance of power and accuracy, the Needle is the preferred choice.
There are only two potential issues with the Pin paddle. Using an elongated paddle is great if you’re coming to pickleball from tennis. For others, it hinders their ability to serve accurately.
The second issue is the weight of the paddle. At 8.0 ounces, it is the highest end of the weight spectrum for Gamma paddles. As mentioned, the extra weight is great for power but bad for sore shoulders.
Dart Pickleball Paddle Review
The Dart is the newest Gamma pickleball product and one of the most well rounded. As the name implies, the paddle is designed for speed. You can easily perform quick, sharp swings and hand movements, giving you more finesse. Here are some of the main technical specs:
- Sensa Poly Core (Nomex core)
- Fiberglass composite surface
- Weight of 8.0 ounces
- 4.125-inch grip size
- 4.25-inch grip length
- Measurements of 15.875 x 8 inches
Pros
- The lightweight and versatile design makes it suitable for all play styles.
- Lessrounded corners help create a larger hitting surface.
- The composite surface provides a satisfying pop.
- It is USAPA-approved.
- It is one of the most affordable Gamma paddles.
Cons
- It does not provide the most power.
With the Dart, you are getting a nimble paddle with a large face. The eight-inch width gives you more space to strike the ball accurately. With the lighter design, you can also react more quickly.
If you need to find a disadvantage with the Dart, some players may not like the lack of power. While you can always hit the ball hard with any paddle, the lighter design does not generate the force that you get from some of the heavier paddles.
With less power, you get more control. If you are a beginner or want to work on adding more spin to your swings, the Dart should meet your needs.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Gamma Paddle?
Gamma has quite a few quality paddles to consider buying. Gamma pickleball products are available in a range of styles to fit any budget.
You can find affordable options such as the collegiate-branded Twister paddles. There are also pro-level paddles for those who want to take their game to the next level. RZR and Voltage 2.0 are two of the top choices. Gamma also has many mid-range options, including the Atomic 2.0 and Fusion 2.0 paddles.
To choose the right paddle, consider how you play. If you want more power, choose one of the heavier paddles. The elongated Pin is a great choice if you want extra reach to go with power. For a little more control and the same reach, choose the Needle.
While these are all great choices, the Dart is likely to become a favorite for beginners. It’s affordable, versatile, and durable. It also has a standard width and length to provide a good-sized sweet spot.
No matter which option you choose, you get the benefits of owning a Gamma paddle. Each paddle features the same tacky honeycomb grip for superior stability and comfort.
2 thoughts on “Gamma Pickleball Paddles – Review & Comparison Guide 2023”
You reviewed many paddles but not the “legend”. Is there a particular reason?
Please let me know if it is one not to consider.
Thanks
Hi Ben, We cover each paddle after testing it thoroughly. The Legend paddle we have not tested yet but on your suggestion, we just placed an order for it. We will test the paddle for 4 weeks at least then will be able to share our opinion.