The Paddlesshop Planker paddle stands out as the our brand first thermoformed pickleball paddle with a 12k carbon fiber face and Gen3 Propulsion Core—the top-rated core tech of 2024.  I’ve used it multiple times on the court, and here’s the deal: This paddle isn’t for casual players or those prioritizing touch.  It’s built for pure power.  If you thrive on aggressive drives and heavy hits, you’ll love how it amplifies your game.  But if you rely on soft shots, precise dinks, or controlled play (common in finesse-focused styles), the Planker’s raw power might feel overwhelming and lead to inconsistent accuracy.

Want to know how its materials and tech actually perform?  Keep reading—I’ll break it down plainly.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Paddle Height: 16.45”

Paddle Width: 7.4”

Core Thickness: 16mm

Face: 12k Ultra Weave Carbon Fiber with Durable Grit Surface

Core: Gen3 Fusion Polymer Honeycomb (Upgrade on original GEN3 core)

Average Weight: 7.9 – 8.0 oz

Grip Length: 5.5”

Grip Type: Black Ultra-Comfort Grip

Grip Circumference: 4.18”

Swingweight: 115-118

Twistweight: 5.8-6.5

We developed this paddle in mid-September, ran limited tests throughout October, and released it just before Christmas. Orders started rolling in immediately after launch.

We offer it in two sleek colors—bright pink and classic black. The face uses 4 layers of 12K carbon fiber, matching the quality of Selkirk’s premium paddles, so durability isn’t a concern.

Our design focuses on clean, playful visuals with a Hyperion paddle shape—the same profile many pro players prefer for its balanced control and power. If you’ve seen high-end paddles, you’ll recognize the reliability here, just with a fresher look.

It mirrors the ergonomic design of premium paddles, with a contoured shape that fits comfortably in my hand—whether I have smaller or larger hands. The grip measures 4.18 inches around and the 5.5-inch length feels just right for quick two-handed shots. After testing it thoroughly, I genuinely can’t fault the handle’s comfort or practicality.

It averages 7.9-8.0 ounces, which is typical for a 16mm power paddle. Some players (especially women who like lighter paddle) mentioned they’d prefer 7.5-7.8oz for easier handling. The balance feels neutral overall, with just a tiny bit of weight toward the head.

With a swingweight of 117, it’s responsive enough for quick reactions at the net while still packing power – not the absolute fastest paddle I’ve used, but it hits that sweet spot for hybrid play styles needing both control and pop.

Power comparison: I tested it side-by-side with the Joola MOD-TA 15 Pro 16mm. The Planker feels similar in control but packs slightly more raw power and a broader range of pop – you’ll feel it most on harder swings.

Who it’s for: This is 100% a power paddle. My experience confirms it’s best for intermediate+ players who can handle (and want) that extra punch. Newer players might find it overpowered.

Where it excels: Drives, volleys, and overheads have a crisp, confident pop that rewards aggressive play. The Gen3 Propulsion Core genuinely works – I noticed faster ball speeds compared to my usual paddle, thanks to cleaner energy transfer on impact.

Trade-offs: That power comes at a cost. Soft game shots (dinks, drops) require more precise touch to avoid overshooting.

If you’re leveling up your power game, this paddle accelerates your shots – but demands control to match.

The spin potential shocked me.  During a match, I sliced a serve with extra wrist snap, and the ball hooked nearly a foot sideways after bouncing, leaving my opponent scrambling.  Topspin drives also stayed aggressively low, skidding off the court.

The textured 12K carbon fiber surface grips the ball well, and I noticed my slices and lobs had more unpredictable movement compared to my usual paddle.  It’s not quite pro-level spin, but for aggressive players wanting to weaponize spin, it delivers.

The carbon fiber face gave me consistent precision during matches. I could reliably place deep shots to my opponent’s backhand corner, forcing weak returns or awkward drops. Even during fast exchanges at the net, the paddle felt stable, and I rarely overhit shots.

While it’s designed for power, I was surprised by how well it handled touch-based plays like soft resets or angled dinks—though it requires slightly more focus compared to purely control-focused paddles.

The sweet spot delivers a crisp, responsive feel – drives and volleys here felt explosive and controlled. I noticed the paddle rewards confident swings within this zone, especially on topspin shots where the carbon fiber grips the ball well. While it’s not the largest sweet spot out there, it’s well-placed and predictable for a power paddle. It’s forgiving for a power paddle, but still favors players with decent swing accuracy.

At $69.99(or $62.99 with the code 2025snake), I think it’s a steal for intermediate to advanced players. The 12K carbon fiber face and Gen3 Fusion Core tech match features you’d find in paddles costing twice as much – brands like Joola or Selkirk would easily charge $180+ for this combo. The only pity is that this paddle has not yet been passed by USAP.

Best for:
Intermediate to advanced players who prioritize power and spin in their game. If you’re confident with aggressive drives, heavy topspin, or attacking at the net, the Planker’s Gen3 core and carbon fiber face will amplify your strengths. It’s also ideal for players wanting premium materials (like the 12K carbon fiber) without paying luxury-brand prices.

Think twice if:
You’re a beginner still refining your swing consistency – the sweet spot and head-heavy balance might frustrate newer players. Similarly, if you rely heavily on soft touch shots (dinks, drops) or prefer ultra-light paddles (under 7.8oz), the Planker’s power focus could feel limiting. While it’s manageable, finesse players will need extra effort to adapt.

Bonus fit:
Budget-conscious competitors – it delivers pro-level tech at half the cost of big brands.

Bottom Line
This paddle instantly became my daily driver. Right out of the wrapper, I noticed its balanced power and control – no break-in period needed. Dinking felt precise and intentional, while drives/smashes packed serious punch. The 12K carbon fiber face generates reliable spin on serves and slices, and the swing weight (117) strikes a great balance between maneuverability and stability.

My regular playing group tried it and immediately noticed the difference – two friends ordered their own after one game. While it’s not the lightest paddle (7.9-8.0oz), the weight distribution works for aggressive playstyles. If you want one paddle that does almost everything well without a $200 price tag, the Planker delivers. It’s not magic – you still need skills – but it absolutely elevates confident, assertive players.