The KewCast with John & Eddie

A $100 paddle just earned the first Tier 1 spin-durability rating I’ve seen at a true budget price — but the Vatic V-Sol Tour result comes with an important caveat. The Luzz Inferno 2 also posted a strong Tier 2 result, yet both paddles lost more measurable surface texture than their retained spin would suggest. So are these breakthroughs, or results we need to watch more closely? In KewCast 120, we dig into a new round of accelerated wear testing, including the Vatic V-Sol Tour, Luzz Inferno 2, Boulder Opal, and Mark Unmarked 2. The V-Sol Tour lost just 4.8% of its measured RPM after accelerated wear, landing in Tier 1, while the Inferno 2 lost 8.8% and landed in Tier 2. But the Starrett roughness measurements tell a more complicated story: both showed double-digit declines in surface texture. That leaves me cautiously enthusiastic. Retained spin is ultimately what matters to performance, but players may still notice or dislike a surface that feels substantially smoother over time. These are intriguing results, not a final verdict, and I want more testing and real-world correlation before fully embracing what they mean. The big story this week is spin durability, but the stranger finding may be the disconnect between retained RPM and measurable surface texture. That’s something I’ll be watching closely as more paddles go through the protocol. Chapters/Timestamps: 0:00 Preview of show 1:05 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: UPA-A releasing surface roughness & deflection measurements 7:08 PPA tournament discount codes 7:31 Selkirk & Tesla team up again (Aurum) 9:09 MLP Finals this weekend 10:12 Paddles of the Week: Six Zero Boulder Opal 17:29 Luzz Inferno 2 24:20 Vatic V-Sol Tour 30:49 Mark Unmarked 2026 35:38 Enhance MPP Turbo with Armor Grit 38:27 Gear of the Week: Brioti Velox Eyewear 43:10 Selkirk Pro Line 2.0 Bags 52:01 Tales from the Ball Cannon: The KewCOR method, explained 1:06:39 Tales From the Ball Cannon, Part 2: New Tool Developed – Ball Speed in Play 1:15:26 Kew & A: When Do KewCOR Hot Spots and Dead Spots Actually Matter? 1:17:55 Will Tier 1 spin paddles that aren’t currently USAP approved become legal under the new spin-testing system this fall? 1:19:37 Could your spin durability testing create a Goodhart’s Law problem, where brands optimize for your protocol rather than real-world performance? Products mentioned in podcast: ➜Brioti Velox Eyewear - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://brioti.com/products/velox-matte-onyx/johnkew ➜Enhance MPP Turbo with Armor Grit - save $20 with code JOHNKEW (September 20 launch): https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW ➜Luzz Inferno 2 - save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/collections/inferno-paddles?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL ➜Mark Unmarked 2026 - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://markpickleball.com/collections/paddles/products/unmarked-2026?sca_ref=6367831.WhS3ko26w7 ➜Selkirk Pro Line 2.0 Backpack - $30 gift card with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-pro-line-2-0-team-backpack-25l?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv ➜Six Zero Boulder Opal - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://us.sixzeropickleball.com/products/boulder-opal?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q ➜Vatic V-Sol Tour - save $10 with code JOHNKEW (August 31 launch): https://vaticpro.com?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb #Pickleball #PickleballPaddles #KewCast

Spin durability may not work the way we’ve been measuring it. Spin doesn’t necessarily fade gradually. On some paddle surfaces, it crashes early, then levels off. For this test, I doubled my normal wear protocol to 200 impacts and added checkpoints every 50 hits to see the actual shape of the spin-loss curve. The results were striking. Selkirk’s Infinigrit on the OMNI suffered 63% of its total 200-hit spin loss in the first 50 impacts. Raw carbon fiber on the Loco was even more front-loaded at 76%. Note that this result is not unique to the Loco - most raw carbon fiber paddles I've tested have performed similarly. Then there’s 11SIX24’s HexGrit on the Pegasus Jelly Bean 2. No crash at all. RPM actually increased 3.4% over 200 impacts. There are some important caveats. The OMNI’s ball cannon-impacted area was too small for my human spin test, so I used my well-worn Boomstik, at roughly 50 games, as a real-world proxy. It showed 12% spin loss, although the readings were noisier than I’d like. For HexGrit, my Ultré with 72 logged games is down just 4% from new. Two very different tests, accelerated wear and real-world play, pointing toward the same durability story. KewCast 119 also covers: ●11SIX24 Jelly Bean 2: the first pickleball paddle built with EMA foam, what that material actually is, and how it’s made. ●Thrive Ignite Pro: why the Elongated and Elongated Arc feel noticeably hollower than the original Hybrid, despite all three sharing the same full-foam core. ●Gear Gossip: a recap of MLP Orlando, including a case for the best point in the format’s history, and your Q&A on hybrid shapes, ball compression, launch angle, twist weight, and the Coral Pro grit debate. So next time you assume a paddle’s spin fades gradually, remember: for most surfaces, the damage is already done by hit 50. → Explore the paddle database, comparison lab, and x-ray lab: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/ → Best point ever played in pickleball? https://youtu.be/xqif5SdIIaU?si=yNNtdHwj6IotBjA-&t=3541 Chapters/ TImestamps: 0:00 Preview: What's in KewCast 119 1:38 Paddles of the Week: 11SIX24 Jelly Bean 2 15:49 Paddles of the Week: Thrive Ignite Elongated and Elongated Arc 25:36 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Mapping the Spin Loss Curve (Extending Accelerated Wear) 27:52 Spin Life of Selkirk Infinigrit 37:00 Spin life of Bread & Butter Loco 38:43 Spin Life of 11SIX24 Hex Grit 46:13 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: MLP Orlando Delivers - Best Point Ever Played in Pickleball History? 52:37 If you had to choose a pro pickleballer to babysit your child, who would it be? 54:54 Kew & A: If the most popular paddle on your website is best at nothing but weak at none, does that also apply to paddle shape? 1:00:39 I'm praying you cover the Coral Pro Rainbow grit controversy somewhere in this episode (grit is different from Coral Pro Black) 1:03:10 What about ball compression instead of paddle pocketing? Could the ball flattening against the face create more friction, giving the paddle more opportunity to “catch” the ball and generate spin? 1:05:00 If a soft grip reduces rebound in tennis, why doesn’t a loosely clamped pickleball paddle do the same in cannon testing? 1:10:29 Why do thinner paddles seem to have a lower launch angle than thicker paddles? Products Mentioned Every product named in the episode, with its current discount code. Verify each link resolves correctly before publishing. ● 11SIX24 Jelly Bean 2 — $160 with code JOHNKEW, launches 8/21: https://11six24.com./collections/frontpage?by=series&value=jelly-bean-2?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v ● Thrive Ignite Pro Hybrid — $198 with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/y4h8w745 ● Thrive Ignite Pro Elongated — $198 with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/38w57jzh ● Thrive Ignite Pro Elongated Arc — $198 with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/yycbkwxw ● Bread & Butter Loco Hybrid — $179.10 with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/0GAxPR ● Selkirk OMNI — $300 with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://tinyu

How many times have you heard that a paddle's "dwell" helps spin the ball, supposedly because the ball sinks into the face more, or it dwells longer, giving you more spin? Well, I put that to the test. I ran 12 paddles through one fixed rig and checked whether face deflection, the closest thing we can measure to dwell, actually predicts how much a ball spins. It doesn’t. Deflection barely moved with spin at all (an R² of 0.02). The number that actually tracked spin was launch angle, at 0.89 — about as tight as real-world paddle data ever gets. Those turn out to be two separate design levers, not one. KewCast 118 covers three things worth your time: ● The spin experiment: why “dwell time” may be the most repeated idea in pickleball that nobody has actually tested, and what the data says is really driving spin (probably surface friction at contact, not pocketing). ● RPM vs. JOOLA: RPM became the one brand answering JOOLA’s patent suit in court while most of the field paused behind the ITC. We break down its 13 defenses, the “your patents are invalid” nuclear option, the honeycomb-core “gap” argument, how JOOLA narrowed its own claims to get the patent granted, and the boldest line in the filing: RPM asking the court to make JOOLA pay its legal fees. ● The Dink (movie): our spoiler-light take on the new Jake Johnson pickleball comedy — is it really the best pickleball movie ever made, and does it actually “get” the sport? ● Plus Gear Gossip: the Chris Haworth signature paddle, the Gen-3 Luzz Glider 2026, and Kaitlin Christian suing Proton for breach of contract. We finish with your questions in the Q&A. So next time someone tells you a paddle’s “dwell” is why it spins more, you can politely point them to this episode. Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Eddie punches John in the face as an experiment for PBCOR (J/K - everyone just skips over this if I write "Intro") 1:14 Latest News/Gear Gossip: Chris Haworth signature paddle - Luzz Glider 2026 5:34 Kaitlyn Christian suing Proton for breack of contract 7:18 RPM responds to JOOLA Lawsuit 19:43 Our thoughts on the movie The Dink 25:33 Tales from the Ball Cannon: does "dwell" (pocketing) affect spin and launch angle? 38:28 Kew & A: Have you compared multiple identical paddles to see how much manufacturing variability exists or whether specs change after launch? 40:26 How would you compare the playstyle and feel of the J6CR versus the J2CR Long Handle? I love a two-handed backhand and am considering switching. 44:48 If durable grit is making paddles feel stiffer or deader, could applying it in a non-continuous pattern help preserve feel while maintaining durability? 47:06 What are the trade-offs of durable grit? Do Tier 1 coatings inevitably change paddle feel or swing weight, or can manufacturers achieve long-lasting grit without those compromises? 51:00 John, I recently rediscovered your channel after rewatching your drum covers. Many of us have missed your music and wondered what happened. Would you ever share why you stepped away from drumming on YouTube, and do you still play today? 👉 Explore the newly revamped paddle database, comparison lab, and x-ray lab: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/

JOOLA has filed a continuation patent application that appears to expand beyond its existing Propulsion Core patents toward a fully floating core surrounded by foam. What does that actually mean—and could it affect the future of pickleball paddle design? In Episode 116 of KewCast, we break down the patent claims, discuss prior art, and explain why protecting innovation and protecting competition are both essential parts of a healthy patent system. We also cover: • New spin durability testing on the PAKLE Fuse, Spartus Spitfire, and Ronbus Tenon • Why the PAKLE results were disappointing • What USAP's new direct spin testing limit actually means • Whether USAP and UPA-A appear to be converging on spin testing • A fascinating new research article analyzing over 22,000 professional pickleball shots • Engage's upcoming X2 Pro • Mission First's new FireFight Pro • Viewer Q&A covering Quanta vs Tenon, Coral Pro, JOOLA Gen 4, MPP foam, and more. ➡️ Check out my newly updated paddle database/comparison lab: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/ Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Preview 2:27 JOOLA continuation patent going for full foam ring 21:11 Is modern pro pickleball won with power or with touch and spin? 30:09 Paddles of the Week: Engage X2 Pro 34:51 Paddles of the Week: Mission First FireFight Pro 37:57 Tales from the ball cannon: spin durability testing updates - PAKLE Fuse 41:49 Spartus Spitfire Spin Durability Results 43:52 Ronbus Tenon Spin Durability Results 45:42 Tales from the ball cannon Part 2: Are USAP and UPA-A aligned with direct spin testing, and what does the 2,100 RPM limit actually mean? 56:17 Kew & A: Will Today's Elite Spin Paddles Pass Future USAP/UPA-A Spin Testing? 57:18 My B&B lost its grit fairly quickly - is the Six Zero Coral Pro a good alternative? 59:24 Anna Bright mentioned that most pros do not prefer full foam Gen-4 paddles. Curious to know your thoughts 1:00:48 Is the MPP Foam Feel Profile Better Suited for Amateurs Than Pros? 1:02:56 Viewer Spotlight: A Look at Pickleball's Rapid Growth in the Philippines 1:03:44 Viewer Perspective: Is Pickleball in Southeast Asia Transitioning from Boom to Sustainable Growth? 1:06:41 Are "All-Court" Labels Being Influenced More by Feel Than Actual Performance? 1:07:29 Which Offers Better Control—the Quanta R2 or the Ronbus Tenon? 1:09:02 Where's the Line Between Inspiration and Copying in Paddle Reviews? 1:11:48 How is it that your controlled cannon testing puts the Spartus Spitfire in Tier 3, while Braydon's testing puts it in Tier 1? ➡️Products mentioned in podcast: 🔹Engage X2 Pro (launching end of July) - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.engagepickleball.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Mission First FireFight Pro - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://missionfirstpickleball.com/products/project-matic-firefight-pro-edition?sca_ref=11830625.l0kpr7cFhZHVyPA 🔹Spartus Spitfire (launching end of July) - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI 🔹PAKLE Fuse - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://paklepickleball.com/products/fuse-new-gen5-pickleball-paddle?rs_ref=2aQegQcw 🔹Ronbus Tenon (coming July 24) - save $20 with code JOHNKEW: https://ronbus.com/collections/tenon-series

Will the Spartus Spitfire with "PermaGritNano" become the first true budget paddle to deliver durable spin, or is that still reserved for paddles costing twice as much? Welcome to KewCast Episode 113! We also introduce KewCOR Curves, a new visualization tool that maps paddle response along the centerline of the face to help explain why some paddles feel incredibly consistent while others have pronounced hot spots. Do these curves finally quantify sweet spot quality? Also in Episode 113: • Spartus Spitfire details and launch expectations • Proton Series One prototype updates • Aireo Cyclone Hybrid impressions • Website upgrades including comparison tools and KewCOR surface maps • Thoughts on MLP and recent player moments • Why losses are essential for improvement in pickleball and life • Viewer questions on perimeter weighting, handle weighting, and whether skateboarders have an advantage in pickleball. Timestamps/Chapters: 0:00 Introduction/ Preview of Show 1:01 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: General thoughts on MLP – is it growing on you – did you watch much over the past few weeks? 6:10 Website updates: spin tiers, comparison lab with z-scores and KewCOR curves 9:41 Paddles of the Week: Spartus P1 Widebody 15:54 Spartus Spitfire 21:38 New Proton Nanotac Gen-4 Paddles 31:58 Aireo Cyclone Hybrid UPA-A Only 38:44 KewCOR Curves - do they match our perception of paddle performance? 52:17 Deep Thoughts with John & Eddie 53:49 John's Deep Thought: Man in the Arena Quote 59:40 Eddie's Deep Thought: Survivorship Bias 1:04:47 Kew & A: Does adding perimeter weighting change the data for the new feel wheel values? 1:08:23 Handle/End Cap Weight: Balance Point, Swing Weight, and Twist Weight Effects? 1:10:41 Do Skateboarders Have an Advantage Learning Pickleball? 1:14:39 Miscellaneous anecdotes: what music we're listening to lately 🔗 Check out the new Paddle Comparison Lab (with KewCOR curves) here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/paddle-comparison-lab 🔽 Products Mentioned in Podcast (Affiliate Links) ▫️Spartus Spitfire (coming July) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI ▫️Spartus P1 Widebody - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com/products/p1-standard?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI ▫️Aireo Cyclone Hybrid (UPA-A Version) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/4kfc8ne8 STAY CONNECTED ➜Subscribe to JohnKew Newsletter for weekly insights into paddle and gear news: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ ➜New paddle database and analytic tools: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/paddle-database ➜Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/

We updated our paddle leaderboard, revisited pickleball eye protection with Part 2 of our ballistic dummy testing, discussed JOOLA settling with Proton over Propulsion Core patents, the return of Proton's NanoTac Series One, and whether paddle feel might actually be quantifiable. Timestamps/Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:43 JOOLA Settles Propulsion Core Patent Dispute with Proton 5:33 Proton Series 1 Nanotac Returns 10:08 Someone pretending to be me scammed Juciao 14:43 Ballistic Dummy Head Eyewear Impact Testing, Part 2 36:59 Can the Feel Wheel be Quantified? 47:01 Kew & A: Who’s actually nerdier? The people discussing paddles for 90 minutes, or the people tuning in? 47:46 Can a 45° Carbon Fiber Layup Actually Improve Spin? 50:05 Can We Now Predict Feel and Performance From Construction Alone? 51:59 How Much Does Court Surface Affect Bounce and Spin? 53:59 Concentrated Weight vs. Distributed Weight 57:08 C45 Dynasty Owners: OMNI, Ultre, or Something Else? 58:26 11SIX24 Ultre vs. Coral Hybrid: Which Should You Buy? 1:00:44 The Irony of USAP's Spin Testing 1:03:13 Paddle Leaderboard Updates Products Mentioned in Podcast: Paddles: 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Grit (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://808pickle.com/products/j6cr-crystal-blue-endurance-surface%E2%84%A2-pre-order?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn 🔹11SIX24 Ultré (save $10 with code JOHNKEW): https://11six24.com/products/ultre-power-2?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹Enhance MPP Turbo (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Friday Aura Pro (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Six Zero Coral Pro (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://us.sixzeropickleball.com/products/coral-pro?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹Selkirk Boomstik (receive $40 digitage coupon with code INF-JOHNKEW): https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹Spartus P1 (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://gospartus.com/products/p1-hybrid?sca_ref=6068787.EPfiuPRWyI Eyewear: 🔹Brioti (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://brioti.com/johnkew 🔹CRBN Drift & Pivot (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW 🔹Gearbox Vision (save 10% with code JOHNKEW): https://gearboxsports.com/collections/eyewear-all-eyewear?rfsn=7659766.b5c963 🔹Kitchen Blockers: https://kitchenblockers.com/products/kitchen-blockers In this episode: • Updated Top 5 paddle rankings from John and Eddie • Ballistic dummy eyewear testing – Part 2 • ANSI vs ASTM impact standards explained • Kitchen Blockers, Gearbox, CRBN and Tifosi eyewear discussion • JOOLA settles with Proton • Proton Series One NanoTac returns • Quantifying paddle feel using sound and vibration data • Weight clips vs tuning tape • Omni vs Ultre • Coral Hybrid vs Ultre • Are smaller brands really designing their own paddles? • USAP spin durability irony Links: Technical Pickleball Study on Quantifying Feel Chart: https://www.technicalpickleball.net/feel JJ Pickleball's interview with Charles Darling of Proton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kevwqucK-k JOOLA Settles Propulsion Core Patent Dispute with Proton: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/joola-settles-propulsion-core-patent-dispute-with-proton-302801589.html?tc=eml_cleartime Kitchen Blockers safety testing: https://kitchenblockers.com/pages/pickleball-eye-safety-testing

What happens when you independently test USAP-approved paddles against USAP's own surface roughness limits? I tested 42 paddles from 42 different brands using the same methodology described in the USAP standards. The result was shocking: only 2 paddles passed. Does that mean everyone is cheating? Not necessarily. In this episode, we discuss why modern paddle technology may have outgrown the current roughness standards, what these measurements actually mean, and why approval standards may need to evolve alongside the sport. We also examine two new grit technologies through accelerated wear testing: • Luzz EP-12 Surface • Scoop DEF (Durable Epoxy Fusion) Grit Plus: • Facolos Elite X removed from USAP certification • Anna Leigh Waters named among TIME's most influential athletes • Nerdy Tourney recap • New paddles from Slamopus, Neonic, and 11SIX24 • Listener Q&A Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:20 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Facolos Elite X removed from USAP certification 6:09 Anna Leigh Waters makes Times Magazine's 100 Most Influential Athletes 8:23 Nerdy Tourney Recap 22:09 Experiment: I tested 42 paddles from 42 different brands to see which pass USAP surface roughness standards 32:13 Paddles of the Week: Slamopus Core X 37:41 Neonic FLX Series 44:11 11SIX24 Ultré 47:50 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Testing the durability of Luzz's new grit 52:35 Spin durability testing for DEF Grit (Scoop Sidewinder) 1:04:24 Kew & A: Should spin testing include a low-speed protocol to measure spin on dinks and drops? It could help differentiate grit technologies that produce similar spin numbers on full-speed shots. 1:09:22 As foam-core and other modern constructions continue to improve sweet spot size and stability, is twist weight becoming a less important metric than it used to be?

We just found another Tier One durable grit paddle. Check out my updated paddle database/interface here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/paddle-database Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: New Paddle Database Interface at johnkewpickleball.com 4:53 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Inferno Frozen 12:41 Scoop Sidewinder ($100 MPP paddle with claimed durable grit) 20:04 24Seven Turbo and Vantage ($100 full foam paddles with claimed durable grit) 30:11 Selkirk OMNI 39:20 11SIX24 Ultré 41:25 Vyce Honey Grips 46:06 E6 balls - a cheaper Life Time option? 50:35 Six Zero Ball 53:33 High speed footage comparing ball rebound for LT48, Franklin, Six Zero, and E6 58:07 Experiment: Hitting paddles with noise canceling headphones on 1:02:38 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Spin Durability Results for Selkirk OMNI, Six Zero Coral Pro, and PIKKL Skins 1:16:16 Kew & A: Can you identify which top spin-tier paddles are USAP vs. UPA-A certified, and what are the highest-spinning USAP-approved paddles right now? 1:19:08 What all-court paddles keep that stiff, hollow Boomstik-style feel? How do the CR series and Coral Pro fit into that conversation? Also in this week's KewCast, we're seeing that the paddle industry may be entering its next major phase. After months of relatively slow releases, we're suddenly seeing multiple brands chasing the same goal: a high-performance paddle around the $100 price point with genuinely durable grit. In this episode, we discuss several new releases including the Luzz Inferno Frozen, Scoop Sidewinder, 24Seven Turbo and Vantage, Selkirk OMNI, and the new 11SIX24 Ultré shape. We also take a closer look at the technologies these brands are using in an attempt to improve long-term spin durability. Also, an experiment using noise canceling headphones and loud music while hitting different paddles. It's wild - without hearing the paddles, they all feel nearly the same. Then it's time for another round of controlled ball cannon testing. The biggest finding? The Six Zero Coral Pro became the newest member of our Tier One durability category, showing essentially zero spin loss after accelerated wear testing. We also review fresh data on Selkirk Infinigrit and PIKKL Skins to see how they compare. Plus: • New paddle database updates • Vyce Honey Grips • E6 and Six Zero pickleballs • Noise-canceling paddle experiment • Viewer Q&A Products mentioned in podcast: 🔹11SIX24 Ultré - take $10 off with code JOHNKEW (coming soon): https://11six24.com/?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹24Seven Turbo and Vantage - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://24sevenpickleball.com/products/turbo-pickleball-paddle 🔹E6 Outdoor Balls - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://e6pickleball.com/product/outdoor-pickleballs/ 🔹Luzz Inferno Frozen - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL 🔹Scoop Sidewinder - not available for sale yet 🔹Six Zero Coral Pro (coming 6/14): https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹Selkrik OMNI - use code INF-JOHNKEW at Selkirk for a $30 digital gift card: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-omni-pickleball-paddle?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹Six Zero Outdoor Balls - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://us.sixzeropickleball.com/products/6-0-pro-pickleball?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹Vyce Honey Grips - use code JOHNKEW for 10% off: https://vycesports.com/products/honey-grip-blush-pink If durable grit, paddle technology, and objective testing are your thing, this is a packed episode. #pickleball #pickleballpaddle #sixzero #selkirk #11six24 #durablegrit #johnkew #kewcast #pickleballgear

What happens when a paddle GAINS spin after wear testing instead of losing it? We may have underestimated the true spin ceiling in pickleball. 🔹Save $20 on Enhance MPP Turbo hybrid with code JOHNKEW at checkout: https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Selkirk extending warranty on Bread & Butter paddles from 6 months to 1-year 3:31 Paddles of the Week - Enhance MPP Turbo – new hybrid shape 10:22 Tales from the Ball Cannon, Part 1: Spin durability on traditional grit paddles (Selkirk Power Air and Engage Encore) 17:40 Tales from the Ball Cannon, Part 2: Spin Durability on Proton Nanotac and Owl Paddles 23:52 Is the spin ceiling higher than we thought, or are Nanotac and Owl felt getting elastic snapback? 28:33 Kew & A: Are you going to test the durability of the Gearbox GX2 Power paddles, and is Gearbox going to enter the field with an extended durability surface? 29:58 Should USAP and UPA-A drop surface roughness/spin limits and instead ban only materials that create rebound effects like ping pong rubber, since friction-based spin appears to have a natural ceiling anyway? 32:43 Do I even need to clean my paddle? Is that for aesthetics or is there some performance reason to clean my paddle? 34:55 Best foam-core paddle recommendations for soft resets and blocks with long-lasting grit that minimizes pop-ups? 36:42 Why do you think an edge guard is important for making a good paddle, and what role does it play in paddle performance and design? 38:53 Can you recap some niche pickleball gadgets you’ve tried — like the red light therapy device, cap coins, and handle weights — and whether you still use them or if they eventually faded out? 55:26 Gear of the Week: Update on JOOLA R4LLY shoes and Selkirk Legacy shoes 59:54 Blind Rank - Can We Rank These Paddles WITHOUT Knowing What’s Next? 1:17:21 Selkirk OMNI In this episode of KewCast, we break down surprising spin durability test results from Proton Nanotac and Owl paddles—spoiler alert: spin actually INCREASED in a big way after accelerated wear testing. We also explore whether these surfaces are doing more than simple friction… and whether tangential snapback might be entering pickleball. Plus: •Blind ranking mystery paddles with locked placements •Enhance MPP Turbo first impressions •New paddle from Selkirk: the OMNI •JOOLA R4LLY shoe durability after 6 weeks •Selkirk Legacy shoe discussion •Red light therapy gadgets •Firefly Recovery claims and evidence •Foam-core paddle recommendations •Why edge guards matter •The future of paddle spin regulations If you’re into paddle tech, spin science, durability testing, and gear nerd discussions… this one gets weird.

Aireo’s Nanograph and Thrive’s Clear Fusion Grit were finally tested — which spin durability tier did they rank in? In this episode of KewCast, we test the Cyclone and Ignite/Clear Fusion grit technologies using accelerated wear testing, radar gun RPM testing, ball cannon analysis, and Starrett surface roughness measurements. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: PPA receives $225 million investment 6:49 Tama becoming superstar overnight 13:27 ALW dropped out of singles for Finals in San Clemente 15:46 Thoughts on “Partners” – New PPA Documentary 22:28 Article: Can you trust paddle reviewers because of different commissions? 39:14 Paddles of the Week: Gherkin Draco elongated and widebody 45:50 Warping Point Sophon 50:58 Aireo Cyclone with NanoGraph Grit 54:51 Pickle Poppers Pop N Pink 1:02:55 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Spin/Grit Durability Testing: Aireo Cyclone Nanograph & Thrive Clear Fusion Grit 1:10:59 Tales from the Ball Cannon Part 2: Comparing texture loss to spin loss (Starrett Results) 1:23:23 MPP Paddles & Disbonding 1:30:21 Kew & A: Do MPP or EPP foam cores offer better sweet spots at lower swing weights? 1:31:44 Could a rubber-like paddle face be legal under UPA-A rules if it passes all performance tests? 1:34:12 Does UPA-A test surface roughness, or only spin/RPM similarity testing? 👉 Products Mentioned in Podcast (Affiliate Codes): 🔹Aireo Cyclone (Nanograph) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/ybecf22t 🔹Gherkin Draco (all shapes) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/45n7nzk6 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹11SIX24 Power 2 Series (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/5npfvt9y 🔹Pickle Poppers Pop N Pink - take 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/46me5rts 🔹Thrive Ignite (Clear Fusion Grit) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/2wjk2c9c 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/yrk7t94r 🔹Warping Point Sophon - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://warpingpoint.com/ In this episode, we also break down: •Texture loss vs spin loss •Rz vs Rt Starrett readings •Why some paddles lose spin faster than others •MPP vs EPP foam core discussion •UPA-A surface roughness testing •PPA Atlanta reactions •ALW singles withdrawal •Pickleball Inc.’s massive new investment •New paddle releases from Gherkin, Warping Point, Aireo, and more #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #johnkew #kewcast

What if I told you most paddles already max out spin… and more grit doesn’t actually increase it? And at the same time, new UPA-A rules could completely change how paddles are judged mid-match. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Proton is back 4:00 UPA-A is now nonprofit 501-C(3), and has new rulebook 4:27 Who is this rulebook for? 7:19 Paddle compliance 11:04 Weight modification - Slyce Slyders and Pickleclips are not allowed 12:00 Paddle Challenges 16:40 Spin Penalty 19:53 Ball interaction - no more blowing the ball over the net 21:48 Balls - No more stopping play or redo unless ball is SERIOUSLY damaged 22:51 Line Calls 26:10 Serve Rules 28:15 Video Challenges 29:05 Card System 31:37 What constitutes "unsportsmanlike" behavior? 33:53 Weird / Edge Case Rules 35:43 Will local tournaments eventually adopt UPA-A rules? 36:40 Key differences between USAP & UPA-A rules 40:11 Paddle of the Week: Honolulu J2CR LH Blue Grit 49:09 Tales from the Ball Cannon: We tested a rubber surfaced paddle…and it broke everything 55:09 The Spin Ceiling Explained 56:11 If roughness can't take you beyond the spin ceiling, why are grittier paddles better? 58:56 Why rubber breaks the spin ceiling 1:00:37 My experiment: high speed footage of ball spin with ping pong rubber 1:05:16 Testing spin with radar gun 1:06:20 Takeaway: Why RPM Numbers Cluster 1:07:14 Takeaway - what this experiment tells us about the future of paddle grit technology 1:17:50 Kew & A: Will future paddles reduce noise, or is sound an important feedback mechanism that’s here to stay? 1:20:13 Why does Eddie prefer the J6CR over the J2CR, despite typically favoring hybrid/widebody paddles? 1:22:00 Will pros start using durable grit paddles, or will they remain mostly for non-pro players? 1:23:07 Is yelling after an opponent’s error more unsportsmanlike than blowing the ball over the net? 1:25:21 Do higher RPM differences between arm vs. cannon testing correlate with swing weight or added rotational velocity? In this episode of KewCast, we break down the brand-new UPA-A rulebook and what it means for both pro and amateur pickleball—along with one of the most important discoveries we’ve ever made in paddle testing. We tested a rubber-surfaced paddle… and the spin numbers weren’t even close. Tennis Warehouse study by Crawford Lindsey (2023): “Pickleball Spin — Why Is A Rubber Hitting Surface Illegal?” 👉 https://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/pickleball/rubberpaddle.php This leads to a bigger question: 👉 Is there actually a limit to how much spin a pickleball paddle can produce? We explain the concept of the spin ceiling, why most paddles are already near it, and why durability might matter more than peak grit. Latest News / Gear Gossip: •Proton is back (kind of?) 👉 Charles & Brant IG post: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXiKc1IEeq_/ On the rules side, UPA-A is introducing major changes: 👉 https://upaa.unitedpickleball.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-UPA-A-Rulebook-V0.7-4.20.2026.pdf •Ongoing paddle compliance (even after approval) •Paddle challenges mid-match •New serve enforcement standards •Strict rules on ball interaction (yes—blowing on the ball is banned) •A pro-style penalty system with cards and point penalties We also compare UPA-A vs USAP and ask the big question: 👉 Can both systems coexist—or will one take over the sport? 🧪 Topics Covered: •New UPA-A rulebook breakdown •Paddle compliance and performance drift •Paddle challenges and penalties •Spin ceiling explained (friction vs elasticity) •Rubber vs grit paddles (and why rubber is banned) •Why RPM numbers cluster •Durability vs peak spin performance •Future of paddle technology 🏓 Paddle Featured: •Honolulu J2CR LH Blue Grit 💬 Q&A Topics: •J6CR vs J2CR paddle preference •Future of paddle sound and noise •Will pros adopt durable grit? •Sportsmanship debates in pickleball •Cannon vs arm spin differences

Durable grit might be the biggest paddle innovation right now. We explain how it’s made, why it matters, and where it’s going next. In Episode 104 of the KewCast, we dig into the latest paddle tech, including how durable grit is actually made, what it costs manufacturers, and which brands are pushing the boundaries next. Plus, we break down new paddle releases, updated ball cannon spin data, and answer your questions about control vs power paddles, swing weight decisions, and more. If you're trying to choose the right paddle—or just want to stay ahead of where the sport is going—this episode is packed with insight. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:52 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Oncins/Black posted zero errors on serves, drives, and 3rds during gold medal match 6:25 Oncins blowing ball over net - poor sportsmanship? 13:07 Hunter Johnson's paddle throwing incident 15:20 JOOLA expands lawsuit to monetary damages 19:24 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Pro-Blade 2 24:03 Luzz Glider 28:49 Enhance MPP Turbo Widebody 34:14 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Generating Spin with Arm vs. Ball Cannon, Revised 44:59 Kew & A: As a 3.25 player struggling with pop-ups, is the J2CR Blue Grit too much compared to what I preferred in the J2NF? 47:25 What is durable grit made of, how is it applied, what does it cost to manufacture, and which brands are expected to adopt it next? 53:28 Why do some companies intentionally undersize paddle dimensions—does it help control overall weight and swing weight? 🔗 Products Mentioned in Pod (save on all with code JOHNKEW): 🔹Luzz Glider and Pro-Blade 2: https://luzzpickleball.com?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL 🔹Enhance MPP Turbo (release date April 15): https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit: https://tinyurl.com/38nk37we 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹Selkirk Boomstik (code INF-JOHNKEW): https://tinyurl.com/5dcka9sy 🔹Six Zero Coral: https://tinyurl.com/yc2sru9u 🔹Spartus P1: https://tinyurl.com/yzd5t7rx

What if you had to pick just 3 paddles for ANY player in the world, without knowing skill level or preferences? In this episode of KewCast (Episode 103), we break down the safest bets, plus the latest paddle drops, PLUS we pit Honolulu Blue Grit up against all the other durable grits. And in one of our most fun segments yet, we chose famous musicians who reminded us of the top 20 pickleball pros. This one gets surprisingly deep… and a little chaotic. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:22 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Elongated shapes now available for CRBN Barrage 2:47 Paddles of the Week: NOX X-Foam 9:14 Engage X2 14:03 Head to Head: Honolulu Blue Grit vs. 11SIX24 Hex Grit vs. Spartus Permagrit vs. Chorus Harmony Grit 37:49 3 Paddles for Anyone 52:13 If pickleball pros were musical artists, who would they be? 53:49 Noe Khlif 56:10 Jade Kawomoto 57:34 Eric Oncins 58:51 Lea Jansen 1:01:13 Gabe Tardio 1:03:16 Parris Todd 1:04:38 Fed Staksrud 1:06:45 Kate Fahey 1:08:11 Andrei Daescu 1:09:59 Rachel Rohrabacher 1:11:10 CJ Klinger 1:12:41 Catherine Parenteau 1:13:35 Chris Haworth 1:14:57 Jessie Irvine 1:16:18 Hayden Patriquin 1:17:38 Tyra Black 1:18:38 JW Johnson 1:19:43 Jorja Johnson 1:21:29 Christian Alshon 1:23:01 Anna Bright 1:24:26 Ben Johns 1:26:37 Anna Leigh Waters 1:29:42 Kew & A: If brands invest in innovation (like Six Zero’s Diamond Tough grit), can they realistically stop copycats—and should we expect legal action? 1:31:17 Do Paddle Shapes Affect Power? Does the data show consistent power differences across shapes—like elongated paddles hitting harder than standard or widebody—and are any clear trends emerging? 1:35:43 Do lighter paddles actually help younger players, or could they limit development compared to standard or elongated shapes? 🔗 Products Mentioned in Pod (save on all with code JOHNKEW): 🔹11SIX24 Power 2 Series: https://tinyurl.com/yc6taeh5 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit: https://tinyurl.com/38nk37we 🔹Enhance MPP Turbo: https://tinyurl.com/mut2nnzb 🔹Engage X2: https://tinyurl.com/bdhr9ryv 🔹Friday Aura: https://tinyurl.com/3395yabc 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹JOOLA Pro V: https://tinyurl.com/yc3p5hhj 🔹NOX X-FOam: https://tinyurl.com/ms4e8myc 🔹Selkirk Boomstik (code INF-JOHNKEW): https://tinyurl.com/5dcka9sy 🔹Six Zero Coral: https://tinyurl.com/yc2sru9u 🔹Spartus P1: https://tinyurl.com/yzd5t7rx Find all paddle data, rankings, and deals here: 👉 https://www.johnkewpickleball.com

This lawsuit could reshape pickleball paddle design overnight… Episode 102 of the KewCast breaks down one of the biggest moments in pickleball gear history — JOOLA’s ITC lawsuit targeting multiple paddle brands and technologies. We explain what the patents actually cover, why this isn’t just about “Gen 3” paddles, and how this could impact EVERYTHING from foam cores to hybrid designs. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:48 JOOLA lawsuit against 11 other paddle companies 23:21 PPA Hanoi Cup standout moments 27:54 Paddle of the Week: Thrive Ignite 34:06 Gear of the Week: JOOLA R4LLY Shoes 44:57 Deep Dive: Study on Grip Strength, Impact Location and Ball Speed 1:06:44 Kew & A: Franklin Aurelius for junior players (8–12)? 1:09:10 Paddle erasers: safe or damaging? 1:13:03 Can UPA ban blacked-out Proton paddles? We also dive into: Thrive Ignite (new full foam paddle) JOOLA’s new R4LLY pickleball shoes PPA Hanoi Cup takeaways And a fascinating study showing grip strength might NOT matter for power Key Topics 🔹 JOOLA lawsuit explained (ITC, patents 826 & 891) 🔹 Brands and paddles named in the complaint 🔹 Could foam + hybrid cores be restricted? 🔹 Thrive Ignite paddle breakdown 🔹 JOOLA R4LLY shoe tech + weight comparison 🔹 PPA Hanoi Cup observations 🔹 Grip strength vs ball speed (Technical Pickleball study) Podcast Takeaway At the sweet spot, the ball is gone before your grip even has time to matter — impact location is doing almost all the work. Helpful Links 🔹Technical Pickleball Study: https://www.technicalpickleball.net/grip 🔹Thrive Ignite: save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://thrivepb.com?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9 🔹JOOLA R4LLY shoes (releasing in May): https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ

Pickleball just hit 24 MILLION players—but the biggest story right now is a pro paddle ban… In Episode 101 of KewCast, we break down the Proton ban (what we know vs what we don’t), why pickleball is still the fastest-growing sport in America, and what’s happening behind the scenes at the PPA. We also dive into new gear—including the Six Zero Coral Lightweight, Franklin C45 Aurelius, and the $400 Kobo Thunder Axe—and unpack one of the biggest debates right now: why spin results differ between the ball cannon and real gameplay. Plus: giveaway winners, audience Q&A, and what high-speed footage is revealing about pro-level mechanics. If you're into paddle tech, data-driven testing, and where the game is headed—this one’s for you. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:51 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Proton Banned from PPA 11:06 Pickleball the most dominant growth leader across all sports 16:52 John's experience at PPA Black Desert/Zion Cup 24:55 Winners of 100th Episode Paddle Giveaway 29:22 Top 10 Favorite Podcast Moments (From Audience Responses) 35:59 Paddles of the Week: Six Zero Coral Lightweight 42:10 Franklin C45 Aurelius (ALW) 50:34 Kobo Thunder Axe 1:04:07 Gear of the Week: Babolat Jet Mach 4s 1:07:48 Update: Blumaka Konnect Insoles 1:10:08 Selkirk Legacy shoes 1:13:29 What we're learning from high-speed footage of pros 1:20:41 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Another high speed camera down :( 1:25:56 Kew & A: Could premium brand perception and industry consolidation sustain $300 paddles even without clear performance advantages—and would a failure from JOOLA challenge that idea? 1:27:52 Could differences in paddle head speed—driven by swing weight and maneuverability—explain why spin results vary between your arm tests and the cannon? 1:29:56 Is comparing cannon RPM to serve RPM misleading since real shots involve incoming ball speed—potentially changing average contact speed compared to serves, drives, or drops? 1:32:24 Should we all play with the same paddle to keep pickleball simple, affordable, and focused on skill over equipment? 1:35:36 How can Life Time sponsor the PPA as the official ball if it can’t keep products in stock—and shouldn’t there be a more reliable partner? Products discussed in podcast: 🔹Babolat Jet Mach 4 Shoes: save 20% with code JOHNKEW at checkout: https://www.babolat.com/us/jet-mach-4-all-court-men/30S26629B.html 🔹Blumaka Nonslip Performance Insoles: save 20% with code JOHNKEW: https://blumaka.com/products/nonslip-insoles?sca_ref=9901941.bcFPwzuTR4v 🔹Franklin C45 Aurelius Anna Leigh Waters: save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/OYYNEn 🔹Kobo Thunder Axe: save 15% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.kobopickleball.co/JOHNKEW 🔹Selkirk Legacy Pro Shoes: receive $20 digital gift card with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com/collections/legacy-pro-shoes?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹Six Zero Coral Lightweight: save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://us.sixzeropickleball.com/products/coral-16mm-lightweight?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q

In KewCast Episode 99, John Kew and Eddie take a deep dive into one of the biggest questions in pickleball paddle technology: Do “durable” grit surfaces actually last longer? Using a ball cannon, high-speed camera, and controlled spin testing, John runs a durability experiment comparing modern permanent grit technologies against traditional raw carbon fiber surfaces. Paddles tested include: • 11SIX24 Hex Grit • Six Zero Diamond Tough Grit • Spartus PermaGrit • Selkirk InfiniGrit • Raw Carbon Fiber (control) Each paddle was tested brand new, then struck 100 times at ~70 mph before measuring spin loss. The results reveal major differences in spin durability, with some surfaces losing 4× less spin than traditional carbon fiber. We also cover: • New Gearbox GBX Power Gen-3 paddle • JOOLA Cosmos vs Gearbox GBX Power comparison • Paddle feel profiles and power differences • Upcoming paddle shapes from Friday Pickleball • Q&A on Coral vs J2CR and foam paddle alternatives If you’re wondering how long modern paddle surfaces really last, this episode reveals the first lab-style durability data. Chapters 0:00 Episode intro 3:52 Latest News/ Gear Gossip - Andrei Daescu now with CRBN 5:50 11SIX24 Power 2 Hurache-X and Pegasus shapes UPA-A approved 7:14 Paddles of the Week: JOOLA Pro V vs. Gearbox GBX Power 20:31 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Testing Durable Grits 40:57 Kew & A: Coral Hybrid vs. J2CR for power and control— which would you pick? 42:44 Friday Aura vs. Enhance EPP Turbo—and will the Aura Pro get hybrid or widebody versions? 45:27 My Agassi Pro 14mm core crushed—what full-foam paddle with a similar shape should I try? Products Discussed (includes affiliate links): 🔹11SIX24 Power 2 Series – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://11six24.com/?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹Friday Aura Pro – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Gearbox – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p 🔹JOOLA Kosmos Pro V: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ 🔹Selkirk – digital gift cards with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv 🔹Six Zero – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q 🔹Spartus P1 – save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gospartus.com/johnwilliams Subscribe for more pickleball paddle science, lab testing, and gear analysis.

In KewCast 96, we cover the latest pickleball gear news, new paddle releases, spin durability testing results, and answer some great listener questions. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:16 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: JOOLA Pro V Teasers 11:30 Pickleball comedy 'The Dink', produced by Ben Stiller; debuts on Apple TV in July 12:47 Paddles of the Week: Update on Apes Joy break-in 21:01 Maverix Havik 2 29:19 Enhance MPP Turbo 37:36 Tales from the Ball Cannon: New spin durability testing methodology 47:02 Accelerated break-in coming soon 53:08 Kew & A: Please create a video about the paddle with most durable grit on the market after extended testing for us: Spartus P1 or 11six24 Power2 53:48 Even though testing RPM with a cannon and clamped paddle produces less RPM than your arm, do you trust the results of the cannon more? 58:02 A player drilling outdoors in cold weather compares LT and Selkirk S1 pickleballs, noting that LT stays lively, durable, and round in all weather, while Selkirk is very durable but can temporarily go out of round when hit hard in cold temperatures. 1:00:26 A user asks whether the Franklin ball’s tendency to become less perfectly round could increase its dip after leaving the paddle by enhancing the Magnus effect compared to a more consistently round LT ball. Products mentioned in pod: 🔹 11SIX24 - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://11six24.com/?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v 🔹Enhance - take $25 off with code JOHNKEW: https://enhancepickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpaddles 🔹Maverix - take 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.maverixpickleball.com/ 🔹Pickleball Apes - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA 📰 Latest News • JOOLA Pro V confirmed for March 3 release • Honeycomb graphics + flex references • Pickleball comedy “The Dink” coming to Apple TV 🏓 Paddles of the Week • Apes Joy update (break-in + release info) • Enhance MPP Turbo launch details 🎯 Tales from the Ball Cannon 📏We’re building a repeatable spin durability testing protocol: • Paddle locked at 30° • 100 impacts @ 70 MPH • Example Result: • Vatic Saga Flash • New: 1,906 RPM • After 100 impacts: 1,565 RPM • Loss: -341 RPM 📏Controlled accelerated break-in • 550 Newton applied force • 80 impacts @ 50 MPH We also discuss how grit durability testing is evolving and how this could shape 2026 paddle innovation. 🗣 Q&A Topics • Most durable grit: Spartus P1 vs 11six24 Power2 • Stationary paddle spin vs player-generated spin • LT vs Selkirk S1 vs Franklin ball durability • Does ball distortion increase Magnus dip? Thanks for listening to KewCast. See you in the lab. 🎧 Listen, learn, and nerd out with us. 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter

In KewCast Episode 95, we dive deep into pickleball gear rumors, new paddle releases, and high-speed spin science using real ball-cannon data and flight modeling. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 02:22 - Latest News/ Gear Gossip - Rumors about the JOOLA Pro V 09:16 - Paddles of the Week: Apes Joy 19:41 - Enhance EPP Turbo 27:15 - Gear of the Week: Selkirk Court Strike shoes (2.0) 37:23 - Tales from the Ball Cannon: Direct Spin Testing with Ball Cannon 40:02 - Here's why different paddles have different launch angles 50:30 - Using ball cannon to compare spin on a new Six Zero Coral to a used one 52:42 - Does the LifeTime ball actually get less spin than the Franklin X40? 54:15 - Kew & A: Because the LT ball springs off the paddle so quickly, can that explain why it gets less spin? 56:39 - Am I the only one who thinks full foam paddles are too poppy and hard to control, and which ones are closest to Gen-3 paddles? 01:00:26 - On the question of the LT ball in cold weather taking bad bounces and cracking 01:02:33 - Your thoughts on the specs (dimensions) of Anna Leigh Waters Signature C45° Paddle Series - would you play with those specs? Products mentioned in pod: 🔹 Pickleball Apes - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA 🔹Enhance - take $25 off with code JOHKEW: https://enhancepickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpaddles 🔹Selkirk - Receive digital gift card up to $40 with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv We start with the latest JOOLA Pro V rumors — including release timing, price, shape changes, and what isn’t changing from the Pro IV. Then we break down two Paddles of the Week, including new full-foam EPP designs, shape updates, and pricing. But the heart of this episode is spin. Using a ball cannon, high-speed video, and aerodynamic modeling, we show how launch angle, paddle surface, and spin rate completely reshape ball flight — from net clearance to landing depth. A 6-degree change in launch angle can add nearly two feet of net clearance and move the landing point by over four feet on the other side of the court. This episode explains why spin isn’t just about RPM — it’s about trajectory, dip, and control. 📰 Topics Covered • JOOLA Pro V rumors: Gen-3 flex system, new “Cosmos” shape, pricing & release timing • Apes Joy paddle: Full foam EPP/EVA core, CFA layup, new S+ shape • Enhance Pickleball Turbo: EPP vs MPP foam options and shape lineup • Selkirk CourtStrike 2.0 shoes (FTC-compliant impressions) • Ball cannon spin testing: New vs used paddles • Launch angle vs spin RPM (16° vs 20° = massive differences) • High-speed video analysis of ball rotation and paddle interaction • Magnus effect, dip, and drag in pickleball flight modeling • LT vs Franklin X-40 ball spin behavior • Community Q&A and wrap-up discussion 🔬 Key Data Highlights • 16° launch angle: ~1,185 RPM • 20° launch angle: ~2,192 RPM • Same ball speed, 21 inches more net clearance • Landing points separated by 53 inches • Spin reshapes the entire ball flight, not just bite This episode blends lab data, real-world play, and physics-based modeling to explain what players actually feel on the court — and why.

In this episode of the podcast, we break down the latest pickleball news, give our impressions of the new Honolulu J6CR, and take a deep dive into spin testing methodology using high-speed cameras and lab tools. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Updates on pro paddle sponsorships 7:49 Interesting pro partnerships for Masters 14:43 Paddles of the Week: Gherkin Draco 23:32 Honolulu J6NF 37:51 Where popular paddles fall on the new Feel Chart 43:10 Tales from the Ball Cannon - using the cannon and high speed camera to measure spin RPM 53:13 Is dwell time real? High speed video evidence 1:07:07 Kew & A: Why not try a UPA-style spin test ? Seems like this sort of test could remove variability in serve technique over time. 1:08:29 Will the Z scores be overlayed or comparable between paddles similar to the way the radar charts could be overlayed? 1:10:11 What’s the KewCor on the E6 Zephyr? 1:11:02 Is there any evidence that paddle cleaners actually can prolong the life of carbon fiber surfaces on paddles? 1:12:45 Am I dumb for leaving my pickleball bag and paddles in my car during the winter?? 1:14:42 Does swing weight acutally affect spin RPM? Recommend filtering database to paddles of the same model with different thicknesses, and re-running the test. Products mentioned in pod: 🔹 Honolulu J6CR - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com/products/j6cr?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn 🔹 Gherkin Draco - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.gherkinusa.com/products/draco?sca_ref=10051505.1mdqlhmR9j We start with pro sponsorship and partnership rumors, including reported changes involving Anna Leigh Waters, Andre Daescu, Gabe Tardio, and several interesting doubles pairings heading into upcoming Masters events. Next, we cover our Paddles of the Week, including: The Gherkin Draco, a new self-sourced nanocellular polymer (NCP) foam. A breakdown of the Honolulu J6CR, its design and technology. We also place popular paddles on a feel chart to visualize how different designs compare in real-world play. Then it’s time for Tales from the Ball Cannon, where we explore spin testing using a Freefly Wave high-speed camera, controlled paddle angles, and a lab-style setup. We discuss why the data shows a concave-down trend, what that means for RPM, and how dwell time, swing weight, and paddle thickness may interact in ways players don’t expect. Finally, we jump into a packed Q&A, covering: • UPA-style spin testing vs cannon-based testing • Why percentiles can be misleading and how Z-scores may offer better comparisons • KewCOR numbers for underrated paddles • Whether paddle cleaners actually extend carbon fiber surface life • If leaving paddles in your car during winter is a terrible idea • A scientist’s critique of spin vs swing-weight assumptions — and why dwell time might complicate everything We wrap things up with final thoughts, observations from ongoing testing, and a few personal anecdotes. If you enjoy data-driven paddle reviews, pickleball gear science, and behind-the-scenes testing, this one’s for you. 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments — they may end up in a future episode. 🎧 Listen, learn, and nerd out with us. 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/u2t7a3uy 🎧 Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/57kv8de8 📸 Follow @johnkew.pickleball on Instagram 🐦 Follow @JohnKewPickle on Twitter

In Episode 91 of the KewCast, we break down one of the wildest weeks in pickleball—from Anna Leigh Waters’ paddle sponsor shake-up, to pro contract drama, to where paddle technology is heading in 2026. John also shares some exciting news about new lab gear, and updates to the paddle database. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:10 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Anna Leigh Waters and PaddleTek split. Next sponsor? 14:13 Dekel Bar signs with 11SIX24 18:16 Gabe Tardio leaving PIKKL 21:42 Quong Duong leaving Sypik 22:24 Vivienne David & Thomas Wilson leaving CRBN 27:19 Parris Todd fined $50K & suspended for 2 events 29:25 Paddle of the Week: Mark 02 R3 43:48 2026 Predictions: Pro Scene 44:25 Best Men's Player 45:27 Best Women's Player 46:41 Men's Zero to Hero 50:12 Women's Zero to Hero 53:24 Will Quang Duong sign a new contract with the PPA? 55:29 Paddle Predictions: Will foam be king at end of 2026? 59:15 Honeycomb polypropylene: continue to decline, or resurgence? 1:00:43 Biggest driver of paddle innovation for 2026? 1:06:51 Will USAP develop direct spin testing and eliminate/alter Starrett limits? 1:10:52 Paddle testing – less controversy in 2026? 1:15:22 What will be the biggest durability issue? 1:16:38 Innovation (currently unknown) that will become popular in 2026? 1:21:00 What will JOOLA’s next big hit look like? 1:24:57 Will Selkirk have another hit as big as the Boomstik? 1:28:29 Will CRBN have another hit as big as the TruFoam Genesis? 1:30:47 Deep Dive - Big things in the works for the paddle database and metrics We start with the latest gear gossip and pro news, including the ALW–PaddleTek split, what paddle she should play with next, and why she’s been spotted using Franklin gear. We also dive into major sponsor moves involving Gabe Tardio, Quang Duong, Dekel Bar, Vivienne David, and Thomas Wilson, plus the implications of Parris Todd’s suspension. Then we put the Paddle of the Week under the microscope—the Mark 02 R3, a full-foam design using floating EPP in EVA, internal voids, and reinforced neck foam that delivers a connected, semi-dense feel without going mushy. From there, it’s full 2026 prediction mode: Will foam still dominate paddle design? Is honeycomb polypropylene officially on the way out? What will be the biggest durability and testing controversies? Will USAP change spin testing standards? Could 3D-printed foam and elastomeric cores become the next big thing? We also get nerdy with data science, explaining why we’re shifting from percentiles to Z-scores for paddle metrics—and why that matters when RPM differences are small but clustered. Finally, we wrap up with listener Q&A, paddle shape discussions, swing-weight variability, and how we stay sane while constantly demoing new paddles. This one’s packed - nearly 2 hours long! Only the diehard will listen front to back. 🎧 Listen, learn, and nerd out with us. Keywords / Topics Covered: pickleball podcast, ALW paddle sponsor, foam pickleball paddles, 2026 pickleball predictions, paddle technology, spin testing, full foam paddles, Mark 02 R3, paddle durability, Z scores vs percentiles, pickleball gear news, pro pickleball contracts