Last updated on February 10th, 2024 at 09:47 am
Vatic Pro is one of the best value brands for pickleball paddles. They sell paddles with specs you’ll find in a $250 paddle for less than half the price. You could call these guys the Robinhood of pickleball paddle manufacturers. Every paddle is made with high-end Toray T700 carbon fiber, a must-have for performance pickleball paddles.
There is one drawback to Vatic Pro paddles. The name of each paddle sounds similar, and picking the one right for you can be tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Below, we break down the different Vatic Pro models to help you choose the perfect paddle. They have a variety of shapes, weights, and materials, each suited best for different playing styles. Which one is right for you?
Check out the Simply Pickleball Podcast interview with Vatic Pro CEO Daryl Wang! Here is a comment from one of our viewers:
"I have been using the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16 for a month now, which I think is a great paddle for beginners. I decided to purchase the paddle after seeing another player using it and started asking about what would be a good Amazon cheap paddle replacement for beginners and also seeing several YouTube reviews. Thank you Daryl Wang for giving players like myself the opportunity to experience a good quality paddle like pros use at a price [for] us who are just learning the game and playing as a hobby."
- John Hayes
Vatic Pro Pickleball Paddle Summary
Vatic Pro Prism Review
The Vatic Pro Prism Flash has proven to be a game-changer, standing out as the best option for under $100. It possesses all the qualities one would typically associate with a premium raw carbon fiber paddle but at a fraction of the cost. With excellent control, impressive spin, and a notable power quotient, it firmly establishes itself as a serious competitor among high-end paddles.
Generating significant spin lends itself well to executing a potent drive game with forceful forehands, and topspin serves. What surprised me was its substantial power, a characteristic amplified by its weight. It undeniably lives up to its billing as a versatile, all-court paddle.
Foam edge walls and a unibody design make resetting, placing your shots, and finishing points easy while ensuring durability and an elegant feel. The Prism Flash has polyurethane inserts to reduce shock and give pickleball players more feel. The Prism series is ideal if thermoformed paddles are too powerful but traditional sandwich-style paddles are too soft.
The Vatic Pro Prism series is today’s best deal for a pickleball paddle. All Vatic Pro Prism paddles have TORAY T700 raw Carbon Fiber and have high-quality engineering.
Foam edge walls and a unibody design make resetting, placing your shots, and finishing points easy while ensuring durability and an elegant feel. Paddles have polyurethane inserts to reduce shock and give pickleball players more feel. The Prism series is ideal if thermoformed paddles are too powerful but traditional sandwich-style paddles are too soft.
The 14mm Prism Flash is light, poppy, and easy to use. Best for aggressive, fast, high spin play style.
Simply Pickleball Interview with Vatic CEO
Rating
- Control: 5/5
- Power: 4/5
- Spin: 4.5/5
- Value: 5/5
- Paddle face: Raw TORAY T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Foam Inject Walls
- Thermoformed: No
- Shape: Hybrid, Areo-dynamic tip
- Average weight of 14mm: 7.7-7.9 oz
- Swing Weight: 110 g
- Total length: 16.3 inches
- Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 14mm
- Spin Rate: 1800 RPM
- Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
- USAP Approved: Yes
Affordable
Incredible power & pop
Mid-weight
The unique feel may require adjustment time
Less control
Carving a niche in the pickleball world, the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and performance. It’s designed with precision, incorporating top-grade materials such as Toray T700 raw carbon fiber to deliver a budget-friendly, high-performing paddle.
The paddle’s unique shape, foam injection, and unibody design, meticulously crafted from raw carbon fiber, contribute to its durability and premium feel. However, it might take a little time to get accustomed to its unique feel, like any good wine.
Despite its affordability, the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash does not compromise on performance. It offers a lightweight feel for easy maneuverability, along with remarkable control and spin. While it may not deliver as much power as thermoformed paddles, its wide surface area makes up for it, contributing to its effectiveness on the court.
Simply Pickleball Interview with Vatic CEO
Rating
- Control: 5/5
- Power: 4/5
- Spin: 4.5/5
- Value: 5/5
- Paddle face: Raw TORAY T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Foam Inject Walls
- Shape: Elongated
- Average weight of 16mm: 8.1-8.5 oz
- Swing Weight: 125 g
- Total length: 16.5 inches
- Width: 7.5 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 16mm
- Spin Rate: 1800 RPM
- Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
Affordable
Exceptional control & feel
Large sweet spot
Good spin
The unique feel may require adjustment time
May lack some power compared to thermoformed paddles
Vatic Pro is disrupting the conventional landscape of paddle quality and pricing with its Prism Series, particularly exemplified by the Prism-V7 16mm. This paddle challenges the industry norms by introducing an affordable yet high-quality carbon fiber construction. Utilizing top-notch Toray T700 raw carbon fiber, a unibody design, and foam-injected walls, the Prism-V7 16mm delivers unprecedented spin and control at a price point that was previously unmatched. It caters to players seeking a control-oriented paddle, enhancing soft gameplay and shot placement, and boasts specifications comparable to control paddles priced over twice as much.
Foam-injected walls contribute to an enlarged sweet spot, increased control, and reduced vibrations. With an elongated 16.5" length and a hybrid grip, featuring a 5.4" handle, the paddle provides maximum reach, court coverage, and versatility for two-handed shots without compromising paddle surface area. The Prism Series, therefore, caters to those who find thermoformed paddles too powerful and traditional sandwich-style paddles too soft.
- Paddle face: Raw TORAY T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Foam Inject Walls
- Thermoformed: No
- Shape: Hybrid, Areo-dynamic tip
- Average weight of 14mm: 7.7-7.9 oz
- Swing Weight: 110 g
- Total length: 16.3 inches
- Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 14mm
- Spin Rate: 1800 RPM
- Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
- USAP Approved: Yes
Affordable
Classic shape & feel
Good spin
Great for dinks
The unique feel may require adjustment time
Less powerful than other heavy-weight paddles
Vatic Pro Flash Review
The Vatic Pro Flash perfectly combines Power, Grit, and Control. They use high-quality TORAY T700 raw Carbon Fiber and engineering to help you perform your best on the pickleball court.
Using a single piece of heat-pressed TORAY T700 carbon fiber, they provide a powerful paddle while maintaining a competitive price. Carbon fiber is stronger, more resistant to deformation under stress, and more resistant to fatigue and wear than fiberglass or graphite. Your Vatic Pro paddle will maintain its integrity, grit, and strength even through rigorous play.
Do you have fast hands and spin the ball like crazy? This paddle is suited for a quick, aggressive, high-velocity playing style. It has a smaller sweet spot compared with Prism Flash. The thermoformed design adds more velocity off the face.
Rating
- Control: 4/5
- Power: 4.5/5
- Spin: 5/5
- Value: 4.5/5
- Paddle face: Raw TORAY T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Thermoformed edges, Unibody Construction, and Foam Inject Walls
- Shape: Hybrid, Areo-dynamic tip
- Average weight of 14mm: 7.8-8.0 oz
- Swing Weight: 111 g
- Total length: 16.3 inches
- Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 14mm
- Spin Rate: 2000 RPM
- Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
Improved control and soft game experience
Extra reach and forgiveness
Lightweight – good for those recovering from tennis or pickleball elbow
The unique feel may require adjustment time
Stiffer feel which may affect forgiveness
Designed specifically to optimize performance during extended play, the Vatic Pro Flash redefines comfort in pickleball. It’s fabricated using TORAY T700 raw Carbon Fiber and an advanced thermoforming process, improving performance and comfort.
The benefits of its ergonomic design extend beyond just comfort. Its hybrid shape offers extra reach and forgiveness, reduces player fatigue during prolonged gaming sessions, and offers great control over the ball. Although it may not generate as much power as some other paddles, its focus on comfort and control makes it a worthy investment for anyone looking to take their game to the next level.
Rating
- Control: 4.5/5
- Power: 4/5
- Spin: 5/5
- Value: 4.5/5
- Paddle face: Raw TORAY T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Thermoformed edges, Unibody Construction, and Foam Inject Walls
- Shape: Hybrid, Areo-dynamic tip
- Average weight: 8.0-8.2 oz
- Swing Weight: 115 g
- Total length: 16.3 inches
- Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 16mm
- Spin Rate: 2000 RPM
- Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
Comfortable handle for prolonged play
Improved control and soft game experience
Extra reach and forgiveness
The unique feel may require adjustment time
Not strong on power
The main difference with the V7 (compared with Flash 14mm and 16mm) is the elongated shape. With the V7 you'll find a large sweet spot and a ton of power. The thermoformed edges make this a powerful paddle.
- Paddle face: Raw TORAY T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Thermoformed edges, Unibody Construction, and Foam Inject Walls
- Shape: Elongated
- Average weight of 14mm: 8.0-8.2 oz
- Swing Weight: 115 g
- Total length: 16.3 inches
- Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 16mm
- Spin Rate: 2000 RPM
- Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
Great power
High spin
Excellent feel & grip
Need a good soft game to control well
Heavy
Vatic Pro Alchemy Review
The Vatic Pro Alchemy is a pickleball paddle designed by Vatic Pro Spencer Smith. Like the other Vatic paddles lines, they use high-quality TORAY T700 raw Carbon Fiber and engineering.
As you can see in the picture, the main difference is the unique enhanced airflow channel above the throat. This creates faster swing speed and promotes more “feel” during play, allowing greater control on the court.
The paddle’s curved tip makes it easy to handle and maneuver, while its elongated grip ensures room for two-handed backhands. Like the Vatic Pro Flash, you’ll find thermoformed edges and Toray T700 carbon fiber. Your Vatic Pro paddle will maintain its integrity, grit, and strength even through rigorous play.
Great all-around paddle for anyone looking to upgrade their game. The Vatic Pro Alchemy has two thickness options, 13.5mm for player looking for a bit more pop and power, and the 16mm for players looking for a bit more control. The paddle also includes an aerodynamic v-shaped design in the paddle to help increase speed for quick volleys at the net. The carbon fiber surface gives it a great amount of spin for advanced shots on the court.
- Paddle face: Raw TORAY T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Thermoformed edges, Unibody Construction, and Foam Inject Walls
- Shape: Elongated, enhanced air flow channel
- Average weight of 13.5mm: 8.3-8.5 oz
- Average weight of 16mm: 8.5-8.7 oz
- Swing Weight of 13.5mm: 118 g
- Swing Weight of 16mm: 122 g
- Total length: 16.5 inches
- Width: 7.5 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 13.5mm or 16mm
- Spin Rate: 2000 RPM
- Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
Great all-around paddle
High spin
Excellent feel & grip
Pricier than other paddles
Not exceptional in any particular area
Vatic Pro: FAQs
What is the difference between Vatic Pro Prism Flash and Vatic Pro Prism V7?
There are two main differences between the Prism Flash and the Prism V7:
Weight. The Prism Flash 14mm weighs between 7.7-7.9oz. The Prism Flash 16mm weighs between 7.9-8.2oz. Finally, the Prism V7 is the heaviest, weighing 8.1-8.5oz.
Shape. The Prism Flash 14mm and 16mm have a hybrid (wider) shape, while the Prism V7 has a narrower elongated shape.
What's the difference between the Vatic Pro and Vatic Prism?
The Vatic Pro has thermoformed edges, which make it a sturdy power paddle. The Vatic Prism is softer with a larger sweet spot. If you have a fast, hard-hitting play style, I recommend the Vatic Pro. The Vatic Prism is probably a better choice for more control and dinking.
What is Vatic Pro's return policy?
Customers are entitled to a 30-day window from the date of delivery to initiate a return. For a full credit, all items must remain in their original, unused condition with intact packaging, including plastic wrap, and all accompanying accessories. Items that fail to meet these conditions may be subject to a 20% restocking fee or may be deemed ineligible for return.
Return shipping expenses are the responsibility of the customer, and these costs are non-refundable. Please anticipate a processing time of 3-5 business days for returns. Upon approval, refunds will be issued within 7 business days.
What does thermoformed mean?
Very simply, thermoform creates a stronger pickleball paddle. Some pickleball paddles, like the Vatic Pro, are made with different layers of material. The thermoforming process is where heat and pressure are applied to all those layers to bond them together. Epoxy resin is the bond (glue) that flows between the layers when heated.
One drawback of thermoforming is that the glue or bond can come apart or “delaminate.” I understand this was an issue early on with many paddle manufacturers and is not as common now.
How do you clean your Vatic Pro raw carbon fiber paddle?
One issue with raw carbon fiber paddles is they pick up dirt and ball residue quickly and need frequent cleaning. The good news is it’s cheap and easy with the right equipment. Check out our blog on how to clean a carbon fiber pickleball paddle.
What is Toray T700 carbon fiber?
The most commonly used carbon fiber for pickleball paddles is called T700 (93% carbon). T800 (96% carbon) is also sometimes used, which refers to the grade and elemental composition of the carbon fibers. The higher the T rating, the higher the percentage of carbon. The higher the rate of carbon, the stronger the carbon. Unfortunately, for pickleball paddles, more carbon makes them more brittle and susceptible to breaking. The key to manufacturing the perfect pickleball paddle is to find the right balance between strength and flexibility. This will ensure the durability of a paddle’s surface.
Click here to learn everything you need to know about carbon fiber.
Simply Pickleball Podcast with Vatic Pro CEO Daryl Wang:
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