We’ve gained valuable paddle insights through play, reviews, and reader feedback. Three key features make a great paddle for beginners to advanced intermediates: a 16mm core, raw carbon fiber face, and an elongated shape.
Recently, we tested a paddle that fits this profile from a lesser-known brand—F2 Sports’ Edgeless Pro Series EL Carbon paddle. They sent us three paddles, including two with carbon faces and one with Kevlar. The edgeless design caught my attention, as it’s a personal preference.
I was initially skeptical, given that F2 Sports was new to me, and the paddle seemed similar to many others with its poly honeycomb core and foam-filled edges. But after several weeks of testing, I’m impressed. The Edgeless Pro Series EL Carbon performs well for all shots, and the price is very reasonable. I’d rate it 4.75 out of 5.
- T700 Carbon Surface: High-quality material for great control.
- Edgeless Design: Bigger sweet spot for consistent power.
- USAPA Approved: Ready for tournament play.
- 16mm Core & Long Grip: Extra control, reach, and two-handed backhand support.
By The Numbers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.5” |
| Width | 7.48” |
| Core | 16 mm honeycomb polymer |
| Grip Length | 5.3” |
| Grip Circumference | 4.125” |
| Weight | 8.0 oz (as tested) |
| Color Options | 2 |
| Price | $139.00 |
Nuts And Bolts
- Thermoformed PPE frame
- EVA foam inside edge
- Edgeless frame with a flush protective edge
- Toray 700 carbon face
- Long, cushioned, textured grip
- USA Pickleball approved at 16mm size
First Impressions
The hot pink handle and paddle face graphics, combined with the elongated, edgeless design, immediately caught my eye. The look wasn’t groundbreaking, but that hot pink handle definitely added some appeal. The textured, raised grip felt great in my hand, and a few air swings had me eager to hit some balls.
The paddle was lighter than many others I’d tested recently, and the long, raised grip was comfortable. To my surprise, this was one of the more affordable paddles I’d tried in a while, and I had a feeling I’d really enjoy it.
Game On… The Play Testing
I couldn’t wait to test the Edgeless Pro Series EL Carbon paddle, so I grabbed my pitching machine and recycling net for a first try. Wow! This paddle had that hollow pop I love, offering solid power on impact without much effort. I didn’t need to put in a lot of punch to generate good power.
I started with pitching serves, moved on to fast volley hits, and wrapped up with some dinking drills. True to what Sara from F2 Sports described, this paddle delivered impressive all-court performance.
Smooth Control and Easy Power
The control and touch on dinks felt spot on, and I was especially happy with how little arm swing I needed to get solid power.
I kept thinking, “This paddle feels like it’s performing at the level of ones that cost $60-80 more!” It was time to put it through its paces in real game play.
Game Time Test: Tuesday Night Rec Play
I took the paddle to my Tuesday night rec play, ready for a true test. Right away, it delivered my usual deep baseline serves with the spin I expected.
Control at the kitchen line was impressive, and it reminded me a lot of my Diadem Warrior V2—a paddle with similar features, like the carbon face and edgeless, elongated shape.
The Handle: A Small Drawback, But Not a Dealbreaker
While the smaller handle diameter wasn’t my ideal fit, the raised grip compensated nicely. I maintained great control over the paddle and enjoyed a good amount of power for both serves and sideline drives.
While the spin wasn’t the best I have experienced, it was still solid and very consistent and about the same as most T700 carbon paddles. I kept appreciating the blend of power and control this paddle offered.
Sharing the Fun: Feedback from a Fellow Player
After four games, I handed the paddle over to another 3.5+ level player for a try. He played three more games with it and enjoyed it as well, noting that his spin on serves and returns was impressive.
We both appreciated the paddle’s larger sweet spot, which is always a welcome feature.
My Final Thoughts: A Pleasant Surprise
Overall, I kept trying to find something I didn’t like about this paddle, but aside from the smaller handle diameter, I came up empty.
It’s a minor drawback for what turned out to be a high-performing, reasonably priced paddle that holds its own against more expensive models.
What F2 Sports Had To Say
In an email chat, Sara from F2 Sports shared, “Our value lies in weight and pricing. We keep our paddles light (around 7.8-7.9oz) to help players with tennis elbow or those who prefer a lighter feel. We also offer the option to customize weight using lead tape. Plus, our T700s are priced competitively without sacrificing quality.”
I agreed—this paddle was lightweight yet powerful, with excellent balance and swing weight for a 16mm design.
The Final Score
| Category | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Design/Build | 5 |
| Grip | 4.5 |
| Control | 5 |
| Spin | 4.5 |
| Power | 4.75 |
| Aesthetics | 4.5 |
| Price Point/Value | 5 |
| OVERALL | 4.75 |
Looking for an all-court paddle that suits beginners, intermediates, or even advanced intermediate players? This paddle checks all the boxes, offering great performance at a price that matches its value. Its 16mm build and slightly lighter weight make it a solid choice for those with elbow, hand, or arm concerns.
Based in Detroit, this brand focuses on making simple, affordable, and high-quality paddles for casual rec players. They even earned the 2024 Fitness Awards from Good Housekeeping and Women’s Health magazines.
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
