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With over 600 paddle brands on the market, standing out is tough. We’re always on the lookout for new paddle tech to test and review—plus, we love playing with cutting-edge gear!
Enter ProDrive Pickleball, with a unique story and innovative paddle. After a chat with exec Doug Mauch, I was eager to test their Encounter paddle, featuring a triple-sandwiched core and leather grip. After three weeks of play, I’m giving it a solid 4.25 out of 5 balls.
By The Numbers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.5” |
| Width | 7.3” |
| Core Thickness | 16 mm |
| Grip Length | 5.5” |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25” |
| Weight | 8 oz (marketed as 8 oz ± 0.02) |
| Price | $219.99 |
Nuts And Bolts
- Popular elongated shape
- Triple sandwich core – Polypropylene + Aramid kevlar + Polypropylene
- T700 carbon fiber paddle face
- Edgeless frame with replaceable low-profile top guard
- Foam injection outer frame
- Black leather handle
- USA Pickleball-approved
First Impressions
Here’s the kicker: unlike most paddles, the Encounter isn’t mass-produced. It’s crafted in a private facility owned by ProDrive founder Henrik Andersson, a Swedish materials science engineer. This gives ProDrive full control over quality and materials, offering a unique edge in paddle development.
Right out of the box, the insulated neoprene-urethane zip cover caught my attention—it’s substantial and unique. Doug from ProDrive even joked it could double as a personal cooler!
As for the paddle, its T700 carbon face and elongated design look familiar, though the simple graphics are nothing flashy. The leather grip stands out, offering a solid, textured feel.
A few air swings made the weight and swing speed feel comparable to paddles like the Diadem Warrior V2 or Selkirk Amped Invikta ProAir. Overall, it feels great in hand.
Game On… The Play Testing
Wall Drills
My playtesting began with wall drills—dinks, backhands, and volleys. The pop and control were immediately noticeable, reminding me of the Diadem ICON V2 XL.
Though the headweight felt a bit heavy, the paddle was still easy to swing, and the sweet spot was generously sized. It had a soft, resilient touch but could still pack a punch when needed.
Outdoor Game Test
Doug had mentioned the paddle’s unique triple core—polypropylene layers around Kevlar—and I was excited to see how that translated to the court.
During my first outdoor game, the Encounter delivered solid power. My serves popped off the paddle with ease, and when I tried a banana serve, the spin was remarkable, catching my opponents off guard and earning three straight points. The hard-driving topspin serve also added to my advantage.
Control and Precision: Dinks & Drops
What stood out most during play was the paddle’s incredible control, especially with dinks and sideline shots. The second and third shot drops were particularly impressive—four out of five landed perfectly in the kitchen with unreturnable backspin.
The paddle made it easy to switch from hard, aggressive serves to soft, controlled dinks with precision.
The Final Score
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Design/Build | 5 |
| Grip | 5 |
| Control | 5 |
| Spin | 4.5 |
| Power | 4.75 |
| Aesthetics | 4 |
| Price Point/Value | 3.75 |
| Overall | 4.25 |
If you’re in the market for an all-court paddle that offers power, control, and spin—and you don’t mind splurging a bit—the ProDrive Encounter is a strong contender. Its triple core, elongated shape, long leather handle, and stylish cover add to its appeal.
However, at $219.99, it’s on the pricier side, which is why I held back from a perfect 5 rating.
Pickle on, my friends, pickle on!
