Kevlar, originally developed by DuPont in the 1960s for bulletproof vests, is now making waves in pickleball paddles. Known for its strength, durability, and lightweight properties, Kevlar shares some similarities with raw carbon fiber.
Some paddle brands now use Kevlar for paddle surfaces, claiming it offers a gritty, durable, and controlled feel. F2 Sports embraced this with their Kevlar Pro Series Edgeless Paddle, featuring a 100% Kevlar face and 14mm or 16mm core options. Other brands like Six Zero and Selkirk also incorporate Kevlar into select models.
For a deeper dive, check out our article on Kevlar vs. carbon fiber paddles.
F2 Sports aimed to create a light, forgiving, and responsive paddle, perfect for serious players in their 40s–60s. With an elongated face, long handle, and edgeless frame, the 16mm model was a great fit for my game. After weeks of testing, I’m giving it 4.25 out of 5 balls!
100% Kevlar Surface: Lightweight, strong, and powerful.
16mm Core: Designed for better spin and control.
5.5" Grip: Perfect for two-handed backhands.
Edgeless Design: Enlarged sweet spot for consistent shots.
By The Numbers
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Length | 16.5” |
Width | 7.48” |
Core Thickness | 16mm |
Grip Length | 5.5” |
Grip Circumference | 4.125” |
Weight | 7.9 oz (as tested) |
Models | 16mm (Red), 14mm (Black) |
Price | $139 |
Nuts And Bolts
- EVA foam edge wall
- Kevlar woven surface
- Thermoformed polypropylene honeycomb core
- Edgeless frame with a flush protective edge
- Long, cushioned, textured grip
- USA Pickleball-approved
The Lowdown From F2 Sports
Sara from F2 Sports had this to share with me about the genesis of this paddle:
We were in the process of developing our 2.0 Pro Series paddle when we were noticing the buzz around the new Kevlar material within the pickleball communities. We had heard feedback from customers that they wanted a thermoformed paddle, a longer & thinner grip, and a lighter weight so that was the base for our development. Once we tried a competitor Kevlar paddle and learned more about the material we knew we had to look into it further.
We liked the look of the Kevlar but more importantly it felt lighter and stronger and we liked the mix of power and control that it offered. After a few prototypes we had our paddle!
First Impressions
The maroon and gray patterned Kevlar face, paired with the elongated edgeless design, is both stylish and functional. The woven Kevlar adds impressive grit, enhancing control. The handle features a textured, raised, perforated grip, reminiscent of high-end golf clubs and tennis racquets—one of the tackiest, most comfortable stock grips I’ve felt, with a mix of silicone and rubber.
Light and well-balanced, it’s easy to swing and similar in feel to the F2 Sports PRO Edgeless Carbon Fiber paddle I reviewed recently.
Game On… The Play Testing
Like most paddles I test, I didn’t swap out the grip before my first session—especially since I loved the rubbery, raised texture of this F2 Sports Kevlar grip. But unlike my usual routine, I skipped solo drills and went straight into a weekly rec play session.
My first match was a serious test, with two tough opponents and an equally skilled teammate.
Warming Up
During warm-ups, I noticed two things right away:
- The control was very good.
- The power was about average.
The paddle felt light and allowed for precise, well-aimed shots, which I appreciated. When game time started and I served first, my accuracy was on point, but I didn’t get the pop or power I typically enjoy with some of my go-to paddles.
It became clear this match was going to be about finesse at the net—something I already expected with these opponents.
At the Kitchen: Control and Spin
The paddle shone at the kitchen line. It felt agile and gave me great control for resets, flick shots, and dinks. Spin was a highlight—topspin, slices, and backspin all performed much better than average, thanks to the Kevlar face.
However, on serves and drives, the paddle lacked the power and pop I’ve come to expect from heavier paddles like the ProDrive Encounter or Diadem ICON Infinity.
Built for Finesse
This paddle’s design focuses on finesse and control, ideal for players in the 45–65+ range who value a forgiving, precise paddle. While it wasn’t a powerhouse, it excelled in its intended purpose.
After 90 minutes of intense play, I realized something remarkable: no elbow pain. That hadn’t happened in months after such physical games!
Follow-Up Sessions
My next two rec play outings confirmed my first impressions. The paddle offered impressive control, finesse, and spin, with a slightly smaller-than-average sweet spot and only above-average power. But once again, post-play, my elbow felt great—almost no pain after competitive sessions.
For players who prioritize control, spin, and comfort over raw power, this paddle delivers—and it might just save your elbow too.
The Final Score
Category | Rating (1 out of 5) |
---|---|
Design/Build | 4.25 |
Grip | 5 |
Control | 4.25 |
Spin | 4.5 |
Power | 3 |
Aesthetics | 4.25 |
Price Point/Value | 4.5 |
Overall | 4.25 |
Much like the F2 Sports Carbon Fiber paddle I reviewed recently, this all-court paddle is ideal for beginners or early intermediates seeking an arm-friendly, lightweight option focused on finesse and control. Frequent sales from F2 Sports make it even more affordable, adding to its value. The spin potential and projected durability of the Kevlar surface are standout features.
If you’re a power player or crave a paddle with more pop, this 16mm model may not be your best match—but the 14mm version could deliver the extra power you want. That said, this 16mm option is a solid upgrade when it’s time to retire your first beginner paddle.
100% Kevlar Surface: Lightweight, strong, and powerful.
16mm Core: Designed for better spin and control.
5.5" Grip: Perfect for two-handed backhands.
Edgeless Design: Enlarged sweet spot for consistent shots.
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…