Author: Drew McCartt

Is it a ping pong paddle on steroids? Well, no but close…The FS Tour Featherweight paddles are simply a new very lightweight spinoff from the FS Tour line-up from Franklin Sports. It includes two versions – the Tempo and Dynasty. Today, I am sharing my review for the Tempo 12 (12 indicating the thickness in millimeters), which is the shorter of the two versions. If you are looking for a paddle to deliver quick maneuverability and touch for fast reaction play at the kitchen line, this could work well for you. However, after playing with it for a few weeks,…

I am a fan of efficient health. Guessing you are too…right? In short, we like to take care of our bodies in the simplest, but most complete manner. In a market drowning in hydration products, TIIGA (pronounced tee-ga) comes along with what I consider an efficient and more natural hydration drink packet: gut friendly hydration loaded with prebiotic natural fiber, natural antioxidants and electrolytes, but low in natural sugars. Yes, fiber and electrolytes in one drink! But wait, there’s more! It tastes good (thankfully), comes in several flavors, and the starring ingredient and nutrients come from the “Tree of Life,”…

It’s just a wiffle ball, right? Well, nope. The pickleballs we use have come a long way in design and materials since 1953 – the origination of the white plastic “baseball” with eight elongated holes we all know as the wiffle ball. Companies like Diadem and Franklin are making top-performing balls, and today we will focus on the Franklin X-40 (outdoor) and the Franklin X-26 (indoor) – and oh yeah, don’t try to play pickleball with a wiffle ball. The bottom line? I give both Franklin pickleballs a 5 out of 5 balls rating. By The Numbers X-40 and X-262.9…

Diadem does it again… punch, control, and a solid feel in the hand. In short, great performance and value. It is an evolution of their original ICON with some excellent innovation to deliver a super paddle that is currently listed just below that magic figure of $100. And I have to say the white, XL version is cool looking without being a show-off. I have to give this paddle 4.5 balls out of 5. By the Numbers Length16.5”Width7.2”Thickness13.7mmGrip Length5.5”Grip Circumference4.125”Weight as Tested8.28 oz Nuts and Bolts Game on… the Play Testing Unwrapping the paddle I see and feel some great…

Looking to step up from that basic Amazon paddle without spending a fortune? I’ve got just the thing for you! This paddle is a game-changer with its lightweight design, gritty surface, long handle, and sleek, elongated shape—all packed with incredible value. Holbrook delivers a superb value paddle with great control and spin performance for under $100. I have to give this paddle 4 balls out of 5. By the Numbers Length16.5”Width7.5”Thickness16mmWeight5.6”Grip Length4.25”Grip Circumference7.84 oz as tested Nuts and Bolts Game on… the Play Testing Out of the box, the paddle is not pretentious, rather it offers a simple but rugged,…

In a rather saturated court-shoe market with decades of advancements and iconic brands, a new entry to the market needs to stand out to be noticed and compete. The Diadem Court Burst does just that. While its durability hasn’t been put to the test yet, it has the right stuff. And that says a lot for this American company which hasn’t even reached its 10th anniversary and has just released its first shoe. For my initial fit and wear test, it gets a 5 out of 5 balls, even with a price tag of $150. By The Numbers Model Year2024True…

If you are rated as a solid 3.5+ player, you will find a very solid and fast performer in the Diadem Edge 18K Speed Pro. Excellent features. Period. If you are a beginner or lower than a 3, spare the expense and go with a lower priced paddle. This bad boy comes in at a steep price – worth it if you have the experience and skill. You can grow into this one otherwise for a future purchase. I give it 4.5 balls out of 5. By the Numbers Length16.4”Width7.5”Thickness14mmGrip Length5.7”Grip Size4.25”Weight7.88 oz as tested Nuts and Bolts Game on……