Raw Carbon Fiber Pickleball paddles are the current “talk of the town”. Raw Carbon fiber is incredibly stiff, and the stiffness helps provide incredible control over where the ball goes. Raw Carbon fiber is lighter but stronger than steel, and as a result, carbon fiber is used in things like racing cars and space shuttles.
Currently, one new Raw Carbon Fiber paddle is released every 1 ½ days, that’s 243 paddles a year. With that many new paddles being released, which are the best and how do I know. While many of those work great for the “core” player (someone who plays 8 to 10 games a year), many lack the durability to withstand daily play over several weeks.
Materials
Is RCF better than other materials? Raw Carbon Fiber pickleball paddles can take a hard hit shot and return the ball back with a hard shot, or they can take speed off and return a soft shot. Raw Carbon fiber pickleball paddles tend to be some of the most durable paddles on the market.
Selecting the Right Raw Carbon Fiber Paddle
When advertised as being made of RCF and the company does not specify which carbon fiber manufacturer, they may be using cheaper generic options. Prior to purchasing the paddle ask which manufacturer made the RCF in the paddle. If they don’t know or will not tell you, you may want to consider another paddle.
It is important to know the manufacturer of Raw Carbon Fiber. Cheaper RCF will result in the skin of the paddle wearing down faster. When cheaper material is used, the spin and reflection off the paddle is reduced due to an increase in wear. Higher quality RCF will result in maximizing strength and flexibility which is key for durability and longevity. Toray is a manufacturer of higher grade RCF and T700 is the typical grade. When possible, choose a paddle made of Toray RCF with a grade of T700, you be glad you did. So, what does it mean to have a paddle made with “Raw Carbon Fiber”? It’s complicated, but simple, the texture on the surface of the paddle comes from woven cloth so under a microscope it looks like basket weave.
Thermoforming/Hot Mold
Finally, a quick note about Thermoforming. Look for a paddle that was made using Thermoforming as this creates an extremely strong and durable paddle which is unlikely to break between the handle and paddle face. Thermoforming is done by wrapping the entire paddle with carbon fiber and injecting EVA foam on the edge. Then a heat-pressed technique is used to create thermoformed edges and a Unibody Construction. This process creates a sealed edge injected foam that is both lightweight and durable, so the honeycomb core is sealed before the edge guard. Thermoformed Pickleball paddles are different from other types of paddles because of the heat-pressed process and sealed edge instead of the cold cutting. This sealed edge with foam layer provides a softer feel and more control, making it easier to hit the ball with precision. Thermoforming has other advantages such as an expanded sweet spot and more power.
Our Recommendation is Six Zero Paddles
Premium Control and Power
Raw Carbon and Raw Composite paddle designs for players looking for premium control combined with a permanent textured surface for maximum spin. A unique crisp response in a paddle that feels like an extension of your arm. These paddles are HOT!
High-Tech Production Process
To produce the highest quality and performance paddles our Black Diamond Series are manufactured using multi-stage cold and hot mold process technology.
Aerodynamically Engineered Flared Design
The Black Diamond Series is designed to optimize reach and aerodynamics. A slightly flared shape improves the sweet spot in the core hitting zone of the paddle.
700K Carbon Textured Surface
A newly developed Premium Japanese Toray nano-engineered 700K carbon textured surface that provides amazing spin, grip and feel on the ball. Multiple interwoven layers add strength, power and controlled pop.
Composite Textured and Carbon Fusion Edge Technology
The Six Zero Team worked closely with material engineers to develop a proprietary Premium Japanese composite textured surface that provides amazing spin, grip and feel on the ball. Multiple interwoven layers add strength, power and controlled pop.
To improve robustness, durability and responsiveness the Six Zero Team have developed Carbon Fusion Edge Technology. Foam injection followed by a light-weight carbon seam fusing the top and bottom faces of the paddle results in a tighter crisp feel and an increased sweet spot that radiates around the paddle perimeter.
Premium Honeycomb Polymer Core
Tried and tested to ensure the ultimate power engine for lasting performance. The 16mm thick core gives the best power to control ratio.
3D Carbon Forged Elongated Handle
To maximize strength and performance Six Zero engineers have designed a 3D carbon forged handle. The carbon face and fusion edge technology extends down the full length of the handle and is forged together under heat and pressure – 3D carbon. The construction is designed to reduce vibration, ensuring comfortable play and a responsive feel. The design allows for optimal flex, improving the paddle neck sweet spot. A tapered neck and a 5.5” elongated handle accommodates for double backhand players. The handle is finished with a premium custom Six Zero perforated leather grip with a 4.25” circumference – suited to all sized hands.
Perfectly Balanced
Our engineering and quality control team paid particular attention to the importance of a perfectly weighted and balanced paddle. Ergonomics play an important role in player comfort and control.
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