Matt's Pickleball Newsletter: PIKKL Hurricane Pro Showdown & How AI is Revolutionizing Pickleball with Pickleball Vision

Welcome to this week's edition of Matt’s Pickleball Newsletter!
Welcome to another exciting edition of Matt’s Pickleball Newsletter! This week, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of the PIKKL Hurricane Pro paddles, breaking down how the 14mm and 16mm models stack up. Plus, I’ll show you how Pickleball Vision is helping players like you analyze gameplay and improve court performance. Whether you're after gear insights, strategy tips, or exclusive discounts, you won’t want to miss this one. Let’s get started!

📝 New Review: PIKKL Hurricane Pro Paddles – A Detailed Look at the 14mm vs. 16mm

In my latest review, I took a closer look at the PIKKL Hurricane Pro series, comparing the 14mm Tyra Black Edition and the 16mm model. These paddles are designed for players who prioritize spin and control, but there are key differences between them that can make or break your game depending on your playstyle.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 16mm Paddle: This is the paddle for those who thrive on precision and finesse. The thicker core helps absorb impact and makes soft shots like dinks and resets feel buttery smooth. It’s not the most powerful option, but if you enjoy controlling the pace at the net and keeping your opponents on the defensive, the 16mm could be your best friend. During testing, the spin potential really stood out, making it ideal for players who like to manipulate the ball with topspin and slices.

• 14mm Tyra Black Edition: On the other hand, the 14mm version offers more mobility and speed. It’s lighter and quicker through the air, which makes it a great all-court paddle. It’s not as power-focused as some paddles out there, but it strikes a nice balance between control and power. If you like to play fast exchanges at the net but still need that finesse for controlled shots, this one will deliver. The 14mm also performed well in terms of spin, although the feel is firmer than the 16mm.

Performance Highlights:

• Spin Potential: Both paddles performed exceptionally in spin generation, with the 16mm slightly edging out the 14mm. If you rely on topspin or slicing, these paddles will help you stay in control of the ball.

• Control vs. Power: The 16mm is all about control, while the 14mm gives you a bit more pop for faster swings and all-court play.

• Feel: The 16mm has a softer, more forgiving feel, while the 14mm feels more responsive and quicker through the air.

If you’re unsure which one suits your game, the review covers these differences in depth and includes a comparison to similar paddles I’ve tested.

🔗 Read the full review here

Want a discount? Use code MPB at checkout for 10% off any PIKKL paddle.

I’d love to hear what you think—have you played with either of these paddles? Let me know in the comments or send me a reply!

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Spotlight: Improve Your Game with Pickleball Vision

If you want to level up your pickleball game, Pickleball Vision is an absolute game-changer. I’ve been using their platform to analyze my gameplay, and it's been a fantastic tool for identifying strengths and pinpointing areas that need improvement.

Here’s a snapshot of my recent analysis:

As you can see from the breakdown, I’ve been able to gain insights on my serve accuracy, court coverage, and the depth of my serves and returns. With this kind of detailed feedback, you can start noticing patterns in your play and adjust accordingly.

For instance, Pickleball Vision tracks stats like:

• Shot Accuracy: How consistently you're landing shots in the court.

• Serve & Return Depth: See if you’re hitting your serves deep enough to make it challenging for your opponent.

• Court Coverage: Analyze how much ground you’re covering and adjust your positioning on the court to optimize your game.

The platform even gives you a 3D visual breakdown of critical shots like 3rd shots, showing where they're landing and how they're moving over the net. You can use this kind of analysis to work on specific areas of your game, like improving your 3rd shots or your overall positioning on the court.

I’ll also be sharing a GIF of my gameplay so you can see how Pickleball Vision captures live match footage. Watching the replays and analyzing shot placement with their AI has already started improving my overall strategy.

How Does It Work?

1. Record Your Match: You can use your smartphone directly in the Pickleball Vision app (iOS link here) or go a bit more advanced like me. I use a GoPro mounted on a 7' tripod, which is super convenient to carry around. This setup provides a great court view without getting in the way.

2. Upload Your Footage: After the match, simply upload your footage to the Pickleball Vision platform. The AI processes the video, breaking it down into valuable stats and visual data.

3. Review & Improve: With insights on shot accuracy, depth, and court positioning, you can quickly identify what’s working and what needs work. While the AI is still evolving, I’ve found that even the current data is incredibly helpful. Soon, the AI will start suggesting specific improvements, like “Your 3rd shots need work, and here’s why.”

As of now, Pickleball Vision is free to use, making it an excellent time to get started and track your improvement over time. This platform is constantly evolving, and I’m excited to see what features they roll out next.

Check out Pickleball Vision and start analyzing your games today → https://pb.vision

Life Time Fitness Introduces New Ultimate Pickleball Balls

Life Time Fitness has just released its very own Ultimate Pickleball Ball. This latest development stems from the pickleball passion of Life Time's founder and CEO, Bahram Akradi, who, with his engineering background, saw an opportunity to address some inconsistencies in existing pickleball balls on the market.

What Makes Life Time's Pickleball Ball Different?

As Crotty continued to play, he noticed issues with the durability, speed, and balance of other balls like the widely used Franklin X-40. So, he and his team set out to create a pickleball ball that would resolve these issues, ultimately developing a ball with 48 holes, more than the 26 holes in traditional pickleball balls. These extra holes result in a more even balance and better bounce.

According to Timothy Green, Pickleball Lead at Life Time Fitness Kingwood, who shared the ball on a recent broadcast, these balls have been extensively tested both indoors and outdoors and have shown significant improvements in consistency.

You can check out the full interview here: Watch the KPRC2 segment about Life Time's new ball.

Comparing to Franklin & Selkirk Balls

While these new Life Time pickleball balls are fun to play with, pricing is a concern. At around $4 per ball, they're on the higher end of the price spectrum, especially without any clear warranty information available. This leaves a lot of players wondering about their durability over time. In contrast, Selkirk’s Pro S1 Pickleball Balls offer a 1-year No-Crack Warranty, and they come at a slightly lower price point of $3.75 per ball—with more savings for bulk purchases.

For comparison:

• Franklin X40 Pickleball Balls: Long-lasting, widely used, and priced affordably (Shop Franklin X40).

• Selkirk Pro S1 Pickleball Balls: Known for their durability and backed by a strong warranty (Shop Selkirk Pro S1).

While Life Time’s ball shows potential and performs well on the court, its premium price and the uncertainty around its warranty leave some questions. For now, I’d recommend trying out the Selkirk Pro S1 balls, especially for their 1-year no-crack warranty. That said, these Life Time pickleball balls are certainly worth a try if you're curious—particularly if you enjoy experimenting with new equipment on the court.

Breaking Pickleball: The Arizona Pickleball League Documentary

Pickleball is growing fast, but nothing showcases its rise like the Arizona Pickleball League. The new documentary, "Breaking Pickleball," takes you behind the scenes of Season One, showing the highs and lows of building a professional pickleball league from scratch.

As Patrick Sullivan Jr., co-founder of the Arizona Pickleball League, said 54 weeks ago, "If we absolutely crash and burn with the Arizona Pickleball League, we should at least get it on tape." Well, this documentary is that tape—capturing the unpredictable excitement, competition, and determination of pickleball pros as they strive to be the best.

Watch the Full Documentary for Free
To see the full journey unfold, visit Breaking Pickleball and sign up with your email to get access to the private YouTube playlist. As a bonus, you'll be entered into a contest to WIN FREE SELKIRK PADDLES FOR LIFE!

The documentary highlights the competitive spirit that makes pickleball so thrilling. Whether it’s clutch moments, insane rallies, or players working hard to make their mark, Breaking Pickleball is a must-watch for any fan of the sport.

Don't miss this inside look at the Arizona Pickleball League and what it takes to compete at the top!

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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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