Your Ultimate Pickleball Gear Guide: Black Friday Deals, Paddle Reviews & Playtest Results

Welcome to this week’s edition of Matt’s Pickleball Newsletter!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Matt’s Pickleball Newsletter—packed with everything you need to level up your game! This issue is your ultimate resource for Black Friday pickleball deals, including stacked discounts on top paddles like the Vatic Saga Flash and Neonic Flow Prime X. We’re diving deep into paddle reviews, comparing everything from power-packed models like the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C to the spin-friendly Neonic Flare Prime X. Plus, don’t miss our latest playtest recap, where we pit the Chorus Fire SX against some of the best paddles on the market. Whether you’re shopping, upgrading, or just curious about how paddles stack up, this issue has something for everyone. Let’s hit it!

Black Friday is here, and you don’t want to miss these unbeatable deals on top pickleball paddles! Whether you're upgrading your gear or grabbing a gift, this is the best time to save big. And here’s the kicker: you can stack discounts for even greater savings!

👉 Click here to see all Black Friday 2024 Deals

🔥 Featured Black Friday Paddle Deals with Stacked Discounts

1️⃣ Neonic Flow Prime X - Save up to 30%!

• Retail Price: $139.99

• Black Friday Discount: 20% off (Nov 19th–Nov 30th)

• Stackable Deal: Use my code MPB for an extra 10% off!

• Final Price: $100

• Why Buy? The Flow Prime X is a balanced, all-court paddle with excellent spin and control. Perfect for intermediate players or those transitioning to higher-end gear.
  Read the full review ➡️

2️⃣ Neonic Flare Prime X - Save up to 30%!

• Retail Price: $139.99

• Black Friday Discount: 20% off (Nov 19th–Nov 30th)

• Stackable Deal: Use my code MPB for an additional 10% off!

• Final Price: $100

• Why Buy? A power-forward paddle that combines speed and pop, ideal for offensive players who want a quick, explosive response.
  Check out the full review ➡️

3️⃣ Vatic Pro Saga Flash and V7 - Save up to 30%!

• Retail Price: $149.99

• Black Friday Discount: 20% off (Nov 25th–Dec 2nd)

• Stackable Deal: Use my code MPB for an extra 10% off!

• Final Price: $105

• Why Buy? These paddles offer premium performance with balanced control, spin, and power. Ideal for versatile, all-court players.
  Explore the Vatic Saga Series ➡️

Vatic Pro Saga Flash & V7: Stability Meets Performance

The Vatic Pro Saga Flash and Saga V7 paddles bring a winning combination of control, power, and stability to the court. With their 16mm thickness and head-heavy balance, these paddles are designed for consistent performance and durability. The Saga Flash excels in all-court play with a plush feel and a large sweet spot, while the Saga V7 adds precision and reach for aggressive baseline shots.

• Saga Flash: Perfect for players who value stability, feedback, and all-court versatility.

• Saga V7: Built for precision players who prioritize controlled power and extended reach.

With a proprietary honeycomb core and a textured carbon fiber surface, these paddles deliver dependable performance for a range of playing styles. At $149.99—or just $139.99 with code MPB—the Saga series offers premium performance without the premium price tag. Want more details? Check out my full review here.

Neonic Flow Prime X: Versatility Meets Precision

The Neonic Flow Prime X is a well-rounded, all-court paddle that excels in control, spin, and adaptability. Designed with a 16mm core and a hybrid carbon-fiber-fiberglass surface, this paddle caters to intermediate players seeking a balance of finesse and power. Its thermoformed construction enhances durability and expands the sweet spot, making it a dependable choice for resets, dinking, and spin-heavy shots.

• Plush Feel: Excellent for touch shots like resets and dinks.

• Spin-Friendly Face: Ideal for players looking to execute topspin drives or slice dinks.

• Versatile Performance: Balanced design supports both defensive and offensive play.

Best For: Intermediate players, feel-oriented players, and those upgrading from entry-level paddles. Advanced power players may want to look elsewhere for more raw force.

💸 Black Friday Deal Alert! Use my code MPB for up to 30% off, bringing the price down to $100! For a premium paddle with these features, it’s hard to find better value. Ready to level up your game? Check out the full review here.

Neonic Flare Prime X: Power and Control at a Bargain

The Neonic Flare Prime X 14mm combines power, control, and forgiveness into a lightweight package, all at a budget-friendly price. Weighing just 7.7 oz, this paddle delivers quick handling, an expansive sweet spot, and consistent performance across the court. Thanks to its carbon fiber-fiberglass surface and strategic edge weighting, it offers solid pop and spin potential without sacrificing stability.

What’s even better? At $139.99 (or $126 with code MPB), the Flare Prime X punches above its weight class, competing with premium models like the Paddletek ALW-C—at nearly half the price. Whether you’re a power-focused player seeking controlled aggression or an intermediate ready to step up your game, this paddle is a standout option.

Want the full breakdown? Read my detailed review here, and don’t forget to use code MPB at checkout for 10% off!

Maverix Havik-15 Pro and All-Court: Style Over Substance?

The Maverix Havik-15 Pro and All-Court paddles make a bold first impression with their octagonal shape and premium materials. The Pro model features a Kevlar-carbon face for durability and pop, while the All-Court paddle focuses on balanced control with its T700 carbon fiber surface. However, despite their striking design, the on-court performance left me underwhelmed.

Both paddles prioritize stability, but their center-weighted feel and slower handling make them less ideal for fast-paced exchanges or players seeking quick maneuverability. The Pro model offers decent power but struggles with consistency, while the All-Court paddle leans heavily into control but lacks the responsiveness you’d expect from its name.

If you value a unique aesthetic and stability over finesse or speed, the Havik-15 paddles might work for you. But for players who demand precision, agility, or high spin potential, there are better options on the market. Full review available here. Use code MPB for 15% off if you want to give them a try!

Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C: Power Meets Precision

The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C series is here to redefine versatility, offering two standout models: the 12.7mm for explosive power and the 14.3mm for all-around control and finesse. With a larger sweet spot and a PT-700 Carbon Fiber face, these paddles deliver a perfect balance of power, spin, and forgiveness. Whether you're slamming aggressive drives or finessing dinks at the kitchen line, the ESQ-C paddles have you covered.

• 12.7mm Model: Built for players who love speed and power, with just enough forgiveness to keep those off-center hits in play.

• 14.3mm Model: Designed for strategic players who value control and consistency, especially during extended rallies or defensive resets.

Looking for a paddle that complements your playstyle? Dive into my full review here for an in-depth breakdown of each model and its performance metrics.

Paddle Playtest Showdown: How Does the Chorus Fire SX Stack Up?

Last week, I hit the courts at All World Pickleball in Woodbury, MN to put the Chorus Fire SX head-to-head against top contenders like the Paddletek Phantom ESQ 12.7, Ronbus Pulsar FXR2, Vatic Pro Saga, and Pickleball Apes Pulse V. With a ball machine on full blast, I compared everything from power to sweet spot forgiveness to feel. Spoiler alert: the Fire SX brings the stiffness and pop, but some of these other paddles offer surprising competition in terms of control and feedback. Want to know how they all stacked up? Check out the full playtest recap and video here: Watch Now.

Pickleball Discount Codes: Save Big on Paddles, Gear & Accessories!

Discover exclusive discount codes from the best pickleball companies, helping you save on paddles, gear, and accessories. Visit our Pickleball Discount Codes page for special offers from top brands. Don’t miss out—click through and start saving on your favorite pickleball products today!

Matt's Pickleball Gear Essentials: Top Picks for Every Player

Curious about the gear that powers my game? Check out my recommendations for paddles, shoes, and accessories. Whether you're looking for performance-(or budget!)-enhancing equipment or the perfect fit for your play style, these are my go-to picks. Visit my Pickleball Gear Essentials to explore the full list and shop the products that make a difference on the court.

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