We decided it was time to turn back the clocks and check out a classic paddle: The Electrum Pro Pickleball Paddle. When it was first released in 2019, the Electrum Pro was considered revolutionary for its combination of having a thin core with a raw carbon fiber face, allowing for both incredible power and control.
Electrum updated the model in 2022 with their Pro II model, which kept the core technology of the original Pro model but changed up several aspects of the design. But in order to really appreciate what the Pro II has to offer, we wanted to test-drive the first Electrum Pro and see if it still stacks up today.
The Electrum Pro Pickleball Paddle is a fantastic option for both intermediate and pro players. Its strengths are found in both power and control thanks to a thin core and carbon fiber surface.
The Specs
| Price | $120 |
| Thickness | 11 mm |
| Weight | 7.9-8.4 oz |
| Length | 15.5 in |
| Width | 8.5 in |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25 in |
| Core | Polypropylene Honeycomb |
| Paddle Face | RAW Toray T700 Carbon Fiber |
Overview
Even at first glance, the paddle’s attributes paint the perfect picture of what the Electrum Pro does best: Power and Control. I often think paddle companies can get caught up in the minutiae of paddle design, and the Electrum Pro exemplifies that keeping things simple and sweet is often the best approach.
Packing a Punch
A paddle’s thickness is the name of the game for determining its power. The thicker the paddle is, the more it will absorb the ball’s power on impact, thusly creating a slightly less powerful shot. Of course, the trade-off here is that you will then have better control over where your shot will then travel.
Typically, you’ll see paddles ranging between 11-16 mm, and the Electrum Pro is definitely set to the very low end at 11 mm and you can instantly feel the insane amount of pop it has. While power players might like this for driving the ball down the line, the Pro can, at times, be unwieldy at the kitchen line.
Carbon Fiber Surface
To counterbalance the Pro’s serious pop, Electrum decided to implement a raw carbon fiber face to give you both more spin and control over your shots. Carbon fiber is also a significantly lighter surfacing material than fiberglass, granting the paddle better maneuverability while making your shots.
Electrum’s RAW Toray T700 carbon fiber faces continue to impress and remain a staple of the paddle in the Pro II model. Both paddles have an immense sweet spot, which we think can be attributed to the thin core and gritty carbon fiber surface. It just adds that touch of extra control while driving that can make even some of your less-accurately placed shots feel strong.
Genuine Leather Grip
Another feature that remains consistent between the two Electrum Pro models is the ergonomic leather grip. Wow, this paddle is incredibly comfortable to hold!
Not only will your grip feel more natural, but its natural moisture-resistant qualities will help if you tend to suffer from sweaty hands while playing. However, we should point out that the Pro II has a more preferable grip size for larger players, coming in at 5.25 inches in length.
Pros
- 11 mm thickness allows for incredible shot power
- State-of-the-art carbon fiber surfacing
- Ergonomic leather grip for maximum comfort
Cons
- Shots can become unwieldy during a third shot transition to the kitchen and while dinking at the kitchen line
- Small grip length at just 4 inches
Conclusion and Comparison to Pro II
This is an incredible, high-performing paddle that’s perfect for intermediate and pro-level play. It has a great amount of power that is balanced perfectly by carbon fiber surfacing technology and a large sweet spot.
If you’re on the fence between picking the Pro or Pro II, most of the difference is found in the shape of the paddle, not the performance. Both paddles play incredibly similarly, as they utilize nearly identical materials and build quality. While the first Electrum Pro feels more compact and best for quick-moving drives, the Pro II’s more elongated form will be more attractive to players looking for a little bit more reach.
Should I Buy The Electrum Pro?
If you’re looking for a paddle that prioritizes power without losing out in terms of control, the Electrum Pro is just what you’re looking for. Our recommendation would be to give both Pro and Pro II models a try to see which feels better in your hands; it’ll likely have to do with your hand size more than anything else.
The Electrum Pro Pickleball Paddle is a fantastic option for both intermediate and pro players. Its strengths are found in both power and control thanks to a thin core and carbon fiber surface.
