What Is A Gen 3 Pickleball Paddle? - Paddles Generation Guide
Pickleball has come a long way, both as a sport and in the technology behind the equipment. Understanding the different generations of Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3 pickleball paddles, can help you choose the best paddle for your game.
If you’ve been hearing a lot about pickleball gen 3 paddles or wondering why the gen 3 pickleball paddle has been the noise in the pickleball space, let’s unwrap the history and see how the paddle generations have evolved and what makes each generation unique.
Stick with this guide and we’ll answer all your questions from as basic as what is a gen 3 pickleball paddle?, to share our thoughts on why Joola gen 3 pickleball paddle was banned.
The Evolution of Pickleball Paddles Generations
The development of pickleball paddles over the years has been inspirational and can be categorized primarily into three generations.
With each passing decade, there have been several improvisations and improvements with pickleball paddles to enable them match up with improving standards
Each generation shows how paddle technology has adapted to meet the needs of players seeking better performance, more comfort, and improved gameplay.
Gen 1 Pickleball Paddles: The Wooden Originals
Gen 1 pickleball paddles mark the beginning of paddle generation, these were the original paddles made entirely from wood fiber in the early days. These wooden paddles were affordable, durable, and great for backyard games.
However, they had a serious drawback, they were heavy. These paddles weighed between 12 and 15 ounces, and hence required substantial effort to generate power and retain agility.
Gen 1 paddles were ideal for players who rely more on muscle power than finesse for control and spin focused on muscle more than finesse for control and spin.
Gen 1.5 Paddles: The Lightened Wood Option
With some concern around the weight for Gen 1 pickleball paddle. Gen 1.5 paddles came in as evolution within the first generation, with lighter wood layers that helped in slightly reducing the swing weight while still providing durability. The lighter feel was an improvement, but the control and power capabilities were still limited compared to modern paddles.
Gen 2 Pickleball Paddles: The Composite Shift
The second generation saw a major leap forward in paddle technology.
Gen 2 pickleball paddles shifted from solid wood to composite materials like fiberglass. This generation was the first to see thermoforming in the paddle manufacturing industry.
These paddles are often made by a thermoforming technique, in which materials are heated and molded together to make a more unified, robust construction. The use of foam in the sidewalls increases stability, while the carbon fiber layers improve power and control.
These paddles typically weigh between 6 to 9 ounces, making them more maneuverable and allowing players to achieve better ball control. If you were an intermediate to expert player who wants more power and consistency, the best option for you might be Gen 2 paddles.
They will give you a well-balanced control of strength, so if you have already built up your skills and are now ready to improve, this would be the perfect choice for you.
Composite paddles also began incorporating honeycomb polymer cores.
This core technology significantly improved power and control while also reducing vibration that players experienced during ball impact. Compared to Gen 1, gen 2 paddles offered a larger sweet spot, which meant they were more forgiving for off-center hits and allowed for improved shot placement.
Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Pickleball Paddle
The main difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2 pickleball paddles is the material and the performance they can deliver.
Gen 1 paddles are made usually of wood or basic composites, making them more heavy and less durable. They are really affordable and great for beginners, focusing more on power, however they have a smaller sweet spot so it's harder to be consistent.
On the contrary, a Gen 2 paddle will be fabricated from advanced materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. This makes it lighter, more rugged, and easier to handle. A perfect blend of power and control is achieved with a larger sweet spot that promotes accuracy.
Gen 2.5 Paddles: Core Improvements
Gen 2.5 pickleball paddles weren’t widely recognized, but the introduction of the “weaving” mechanism incorporated a face surface as a top-most layer.
Only a few manufacturers introduced honeycomb core technology, giving players even greater control and power without adding weight. These paddles became ideal for those looking to combine the benefits of both finesse and power, especially for players focusing on both drives, counters, and speed.
Gen 3 Pickleball Paddles: High-Tech Advances
Gen 3 pickleball paddles represent the current cutting-edge of pickleball equipment.
The focus on advanced materials has taken paddles to new levels of precision and performance. Materials such as Toray carbon fiber, Kevlar, and advanced reactive honeycomb polymer cores have redefined what a paddle can do.
These paddles are built on Gen 2's thermoforming technique, but use varied foam densities to meet different performance metrics. Gen 3 paddles allow for a wide range of customization, including expanding power, improving comfort, and increasing control.
These materials provide an exceptionally lightweight feel while still delivering explosive power on drives, making them effective for both offensive and defensive play.
Gen 2 vs Gen 3 Pickleball Paddles
While Gen 2 paddles strike a good balance in terms of power and control, Gen 3 paddles take performance a step further with the better material like thermoformed carbon fiber or Kevlar.
These paddles offer even greater ease of mobility and create even more advanced versions of vibration-dampening cores and enhanced spin-friendly surfaces. Pickleball gen 3 paddles also have textured surfaces. This texture helps players add spin and control, allowing more effective and challenging shots that keep opponents on their toes.
Gen 3 paddles provide enhanced comfort through better shock absorption, reducing the impact on the player's arm during long rallies and are designed for finesse and precision for players who want top-tier performance and innovation.
Gen 1 vs Gen 2 vs Gen 3: What Has Changed?
Here is a look at the differences across each generation of paddles:
- Gen 1 Paddles: Heavy wooden paddles that offered durability but lacked control, finesse, and comfort.
- Gen 2 Paddles: Lightweight composite paddles with fiberglass construction, enabling players to enjoy better control and power and a larger sweet spot.
- Gen 3 Paddles: Constructed with advanced materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber, which help provide a perfect balance of power, spin, and control.
Why Did JOOLA Gen 3 Pickleball Paddles Are Not Accepted?
JOOLA, a prominent name in pickleball equipment, launched its Gen 3 paddle lineup featuring innovative technology aimed at enhancing player performance.
Joola pickleball paddle gen 3 series includes models like the Perseus and Scorpeus, designed with input from professional players to cater to various playing styles. Paddles incorporate advanced materials and design elements to provide a competitive edge.
JOOLA Gen 3 Paddle Decertification and Impact
- Initial Approval: The JOOLA Gen 3 paddles were initially approved by USA Pickleball (USAP) in November 2023 for use in tournaments.
- Certification Issue: In May 2024, JOOLA revealed they had submitted the wrong paddles for certification. This error led USAP to revoke approval as the paddles no longer met the required standards.
- Tournament Ban: Following the decertification, the paddles were banned from all USAP-sanctioned events, causing disruption for players who relied on them.
- Recreational Restrictions: Many recreational facilities also adhere to USAP standards, making the paddles unsuitable for widespread use.
Legal Backlash and JOOLA's Response
- Class-Action Lawsuit: JOOLA faced a lawsuit alleging they misled customers by continuing to market the paddles with "USAP Approved" labels after certification was revoked.
- Accusations: The company was accused of unfair marketing tactics, including using misleading labels to boost sales.
- Alternative Solutions: Players have resorted to using older JOOLA models or other approved paddles in competitive play.
- Uncertain Future: The timeline for re-certifying the Gen 3 paddles remains unclear, leaving their competitive future in doubt.
Selecting The Best Gen 3 Pickleball Paddle
Choosing the right Gen 3 paddle depends on individual playing style and preferences. It's advisable to consider factors such as weight, grip size, and paddle face material to find a paddle that complements your game.
Kevlar paddles belong to the Gen 3 category, as they exhibit an innovative design and advanced materials. The Kevlar material represents high-strength, lightweight qualities that are durable and feature shock absorption properties, making it highly ideal for the improvement of paddle performance.
Though Kevlar paddles do not rule the market compared to carbon fiber or thermoformed paddles, still they represent the Gen 3 category because they incorporate:
- Lightweight Design: Enhance agility and control.
- Shock Absorption: Helps eliminate the vibration, thus better feel and less strain on the arm.
- Durability: Kevlar is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for intensive play.
However, their availability and adoption may vary depending on the preferences of players, since other materials such as carbon fiber or graphene may provide greater spin potential and surface texture enhancements.
Check out the Helios Athos for an advanced Gen 3 paddle with Kevlar technology.
Why Is Helios Athos The Best Gen 3 Pickleball Paddle?
Helios Athos is a gen 3 paddle that stands out for its blend of Kevlar durability, comfort, and advanced paddle technology.
The 16mm Accelerated Core provides enhanced responsiveness, while the textured surface adds additional spin capability, improving ball control. Helios Athos has a special engineered cut as well. A foam-injected edge guard ensures the paddle's durability, protecting it from damage and keeping its sweet spot intact.
Many advanced players prefer the Helios Athos for its balance of power on drives, counters, and spin, making it a great choice for aggressive play styles. The Kevlar design also helps maintain excellent shock absorption, reducing the risk of arm strain.
Experience the power and control of Helios Athos here.
How To Choose The Right Paddle For Your Game?
Picking the right paddle largely depends on your playing style and experience level.
- Beginners: Beginners benefit from Gen 2 or Gen 3 fiberglass paddles. These paddles are lightweight, easy to handle, and offer improved control. The Gaia paddle is a great option for new players as it provides the perfect mix of affordability and quality.
- Intermediate: Intermediate players should consider a carbon fiber or Kevlar paddle for enhanced power and finesse. These materials help with adding power while maintaining control, which is important for improving accuracy.
- Advanced: Advanced players often opt for paddles like the Helios Athos, combining Kevlar strength, advanced core construction, and edge guard protection to enhance the overall playing experience.
Read about some best pickleball paddles for beginners, and best paddle for intermediate players.
Conclusion
The journey from Gen 1 to Gen 3 pickleball paddles reflects the sport’s growth and the increasing demand for more effective equipment.
The gen 3 pickleball paddle is the culmination of advanced technology, offering materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber that significantly improve playability and performance. For those who want the best combination of comfort, control, and power, gen 3 paddles stand as the top choice.
To explore the latest in paddle technology and find a paddle that suits your needs, visit the Helios Pickleball collection today.
Check Out More Pickleball Guides
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FAQ
Which pickleball paddles are gen 3?
Gen 3 paddles are the latest evolution in paddle technology, offering improved materials and designs for enhanced performance. Helios’ Energy Series paddles, such as the Astraeus and Apollo, are considered Gen 3, combining advanced carbon fiber faces and Kevlar with ergonomic handles for precision and spin.
Are gen 2 paddles legal?
Yes, Gen 2 paddles are legal for play in sanctioned tournaments, as long as they meet the specifications set by the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association). Helios’ Gen 2 paddles, such as the Gaia and Khione, comply with these standards, ensuring optimal performance without sacrificing legality.
What paddles do most pros use?
Many pros choose gen 3 paddles due to their advanced materials, which offer better spin, control, and power. Popular choices include paddles with a carbon fiber face and a textured surface, like the Apollo, Astraeus and Kevlar from Helios, and JOOLA Gen 3 pickleball paddle.
What are gen 2 pickleball paddles?
Gen 2 paddles, as the name implies, are the second generation of paddles. Generally, they have advanced better than the first on material and design. The features often include fiberglass or composite faces that enhance control and power for better performance. Some paddles, of course, come with some texture to improve spin.
What is a gen 1 pickleball paddle?
Gen 1 paddles are the oldest in the evolution of the pickleball paddle. These paddles normally have rudimentary designs such as using wood or very basic composite faces and are heavier. Still, they helped build the foundation for the game, with new generations performing better compared to them.