Welcome back to Episode 87 of the show! This week we dive into the 2025 Pickleball Market Playbook, new paddle-usage analytics from the latest Sports & Fitness Industry Association study. We also do a head-to-head paddle battle for the Bread & Butter Loco versus the Six Zero Coral. Plus, swing weight prediction formulas.

2025 Pickleball Market Playbook:

https://sfia.users.membersuite.com/shop/store/f147b189-00ce-c7a1-d05c-0b48e5ac09ac/detail

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

3:27 New study reveals paddle preferences among random sample of US population

35:26 Paddles of the Week: Bread & Butter Loco vs. Six Zero Opal

56:43 Paddle Leaderboard Updates

1:09:12 Predict your paddle's swing weight without a machine

1:19:21 Kew & A: Your top paddle choice in four categories: power, all-court, control, and just for fun

1:22:45 What's your opinion on the new Honolulu J6CR paddle?

Products mentioned in pod:

★Bread & Butter Loco: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/55PRPo

★Gearbox GX2 Power: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD

★Honolulu J6NF - 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com/products/j6nf-pre-order?sca_ref=9901941.bcFPwzuTR4v

★Luzz Inferno: Take 15% off using code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzzpickleball-pro-4-inferno-mpp-pickleball-paddle-large-sweet-spot-durable-core

★Ronbus Quanta - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html

★Selkirk Boomstik: get a $40 gift card using this affiliate link: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv

★Six Zero: Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3

★Thrive Fury - Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://thrivepb.com/products/fury-hybrid-15-5-mm-gen-3-5-power-series-6-month-warranty-copy?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9

★Vatic V-Sol Pro - $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com/products/v-sol-pro-16mm?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

📬 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

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👇 Timestamps & Topics

0:00 - Intro & Latest Pickleball News

3:25 - Updated thoughts on main paddles this week

19:06 - Gear of the Week: Neonic Sidekick bag

28:19 - Bodhi Backpack

32:14 - Holiday Gift Guide - Our favorite BF/CM deals

1:06:14 - Deep Dive - measuring paddle frame flex with digital force gauge

1:18:56 - Pickleball ball comparisons - ball cannon data

1:26:34 - Two Fun Facts (Deep Thoughts with John & Eddie)

1:33:25 - Kew & A: When tuning your paddle, what's your goal for swing weight & twist weight?

1:38:38 - Are the strips of carbon fiber along the sides of a paddle visible in x-ray preventing the core from floating?

John & Eddie’s Favorite Black Friday–Cyber Monday Deals

(Many stack with code JOHNKEW. Prices may vary during BF/CM windows.)

$5 Gifts

🔹 Chorus 3g Lead Tape Pods – $3.00

https://tinyurl.com/bdzk8apw

🔹 Body Helix UV Arm Sleeves – $6.00

https://tinyurl.com/5n8b8pe7

🔹 Personalized Neck Bands (2-pack) – $6

https://amzn.to/48j8mep

$10 Gifts

🔹 Bodhi Grips – 25% off Nov 28–30

https://tinyurl.com/2p8xkek4

🔹 PBEffect Tuning Tape – $10.50–$11.90 (stacks w/ JOHNKEW)

https://tinyurl.com/ad2j6pah

🔹 PIKKL Pro Skins – 35% off

https://tinyurl.com/75et9zvv

🔹 LT Pro 48 Balls, 3-pack – $11.69

https://tinyurl.com/mam6djm8

🔹 Gamma Librarian Balls – $11.69

https://tinyurl.com/c8eu5u49

🔹 Theraband Flex Bar – $12.74

https://amzn.to/44wNcYS

🔹 Custom Paddle Head Cover – $10

https://amzn.to/43NRQSb

$20 Gifts

🔹 Pickleball Mindset by Dayne Gingrich & Jill Martin – $21.94

https://amzn.to/3JTKhCQ

🔹 Selkirk Lightweight UPF Hoodies – $20 (code INF-JOHNKEW)

https://tinyurl.com/rjvdb2n6

🔹 Slyce Slydrs – $24 with BF + JOHNKEW stacking

https://tinyurl.com/mrxypxuh

🔹 Giant Pickleball – $17.99

https://tinyurl.com/ykn892c7

$30 Gifts

🔹 Gherkin Blackout Prototype — $28.80 (Gen 3 Hybrid)

https://tinyurl.com/4aztbpk6

🔹 Baller Performance Tee (B&B)

https://tinyurl.com/mwyydv5k

🔹 Chorus Echo SX – $35.10 after code

https://tinyurl.com/4ajpkmb3

🔹 Six Zero Outback Hoodie — $35 (50% off)

https://tinyurl.com/9747yyjc

🔹 YETI 36 oz Rambler Bottle — $35

https://amzn.to/3XQAssp

$40 Gifts

🔹 Chorus Supercourt SX – $44.10

https://tinyurl.com/mskwba3f

🔹 Blumaka Foamlock Insoles – $48 (code JOHNKEW)

https://tinyurl.com/4utcnsas

$50 Gifts

🔹 Chorus Phoenix Prototype 2-Pack – $99

https://tinyurl.com/y8xekdke

🔹 Chorus Shapeshifters – $50–$60

https://tinyurl.com/9ahbfw77

🔹 FORWARD Cross Court Sling – $80 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/53u568zn

$100 Gifts

🔹 Ronbus Quanta – $89.99 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/3ufrpr3u

🔹 Vatic V-Sol Pro – $89.99 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/mr2svd6t

🔹 Neonic Sidekick Bag – $89 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/33r3deh6

🔹 11Six24 Jelly Bean – $80 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/2b6z7j88

🔹 Diadem Court Burst Shoes – $105 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/ycycy9ts

🔹 Yobow Massage Gun – $126 w/ JOHNKEW

https://bit.ly/4iwvo67

$200 Gifts

🔹 11Six24 Alpha Pro Power – $150 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/45ehe29v

🔹 Thrive Fury – $160 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/493wpntv

🔹 Rudy Project Eyewear – 35% off (typically $130–$150)

https://alnk.to/btqE6LE

🔹 ADV Backpack V2 – $225 w/ JOHNKEW + free gifts

https://tinyurl.com/bdfz9btn

🔹 ADV Flex Backpack – $202.46 w/ JOHNKEW

https://tinyurl.com/hkencyn4

🔹 Rudy Project Cutline Stealth – $194.51

https://alnk.to/dLkuRnM

$300 Gifts

🔹 Selkirk Boomstik Regal (Presale 11/28) – $333 + $40 digital gift card (INF-JOHNKEW)

https://tinyurl.com/2h49m3jy

🔹 Dink Master 3.0 – $280 BF/CM sale

https://tinyurl.com/y55tsau9

🔹 SpinPro – $254

https://amzn.to/48Cwg5J

🔹 Briffidi SW1 – $250

https://www.briffidi.com/product/sw1/

Money Is No Consideration

🔹 Titan Ace or One Ball Machines — $350 off w/ JOHNKEW ($1,849–$1,949)

https://tinyurl.com/2jhmevj4

🙌 Thanks for supporting the channel!

More deals updated daily at:

https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals

Topics this week: paddle leaderboard shakeups, Black Friday/Cyber Monday updates, paddle testing insights, gear reviews, and a brand-new analysis of sweet spot consistency using ball cannon data.

UPDATED Black Friday Paddle & Gear Deals: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals

Summary of new deals this week:

🔥 11Six24 giving away $10K on the 20th (every dollar spent is an entry) – All paddles 20% off, plus 10% stack with code JOHNKEW: https://11six24.com/?sca_ref=5460250.6fDhFP0v1v

🔥 Bodhi – 25% off sitewide Nov. 28–30: https://bodhipickleball.com/?sca_ref=6485713.jagcSYeM4dlg3

🔥 Bread & Butter – starting now, use code BADABING to get Loco for $169.69: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/55PRPo

🔥 JOOLA – Now to end of year: Pro IVs $230 (includes paddle cover and 3 balls); bundles (Perseus Pro IV + Tour Elite Bag + water bottle for $350; affiliate link: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ

🔥 Titan ball machines – starting now, take $350 with code JOHNKEW: https://titanballmachines.com?sca_ref=8396817.xE0IjEU9l4

Thanks to our sponsor for this episode: Centerline Athletic Apparel

• GripTek™ tech for better hand-drying

• AirLite breathable moisture-wicking fabric

• SPF protection

💸 20% off with code JOHNKEW: https://centerlineathletics.com/kewcast

Technical Pickleball's study on sweet spot mapping: https://www.technicalpickleball.net/sweet-spot2

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

2:57 New Black Friday Deals

8:30 Paddles of the Week – Update on Enhance Duo

15:16 Proton Peacock and new widebody Flamingo

21:16 Six Zero Coral

31:14 Paddle X-Ray Backlog

35:35 Paddle Leaderboard Update

56:30 Gear of the Week: Blumaka shoe inserts

1:03:52 Deep Dive – Study on Paddle Sweet Spot Mapping

1:14:09 Kew & A: Does the grit on the Luzz Inferno wear out more quickly than others?

1:16:30 Does the LT ball wear down paddle grit faster than others?

Products mentioned in pod:

★Apes Charm - take 10% off at checkout with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com/collections/charm-series?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA

★Blumaka Shoe Inserts - save 20% with code JOHNKEW: https://blumaka.com/discount/JOHNKEW

★Bread & Butter Loco: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/55PRPo

★Enhance: Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://enhancepickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fpaddles

★Gearbox GX2 Power: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD

★Honolulu J6NF - 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://808pickle.com/products/j6nf-pre-order?sca_ref=9901941.bcFPwzuTR4v

★Luzz Inferno: Take 15% off using code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzzpickleball-pro-4-inferno-mpp-pickleball-paddle-large-sweet-spot-durable-core

★Proton - buy on Pickleball Central and get the maximum discount using this affiliate link: https://pickleballcentral.com/?oid=9&affid=7926664

★Ronbus Quanta - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/quanta-series.html

★Selkirk Boomstik: get a $40 gift card using this affiliate link: https://www.selkirk.com/products/selkirk-labs-project-boomstik?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv

★Six Zero: Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3

★Thrive Fury - Take 10% off using code JOHNKEW: https://thrivepb.com/products/fury-hybrid-15-5-mm-gen-3-5-power-series-6-month-warranty-copy?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9

★Vatic V-Sol Pro - $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com/products/v-sol-pro-16mm?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

📬 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 84, John and Eddie cover gear gossip, tournament drama, and some of our most surprising paddle experiments yet. We break down the latest news from around the pickleball world, recap the biggest moments from Worlds, and test some of the most talked-about paddles—including new weight-mod options and paddle neck-flex research.

In this episode, we cover everything from Warping Point paddles to Gearbox GX2 Power stiffness vs. flex experiments, plus a full update on the community leaderboard and our paddles of the week.

If you love paddle tech, fun experiments, and hearing what’s coming next in the pickleball gear world… this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Products mentioned in pod:

★ Flik Weights - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://gd20a0-mc.myshopify.com/johnkew

★ Pickleball Apes - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.pickleballapes.com?sca_ref=4876737.4JZ4MIHBSA

★ Pickleball Central - automatically apply the best discount possible at checkout with this link: https://pickleballcentral.com/?oid=9&affid=7926664

★ Six Zero - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q

★ Slyce - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://slycesport.com?sca_ref=6327245.4GAmN4sm0v

★ Warping Point paddles - save 10% with code JOHNKEW: https://warpingpoint.com/

Chapters:

1:17 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: John's recap of Worlds

11:05 Paddles of the Week: Warping Point Rainbow

14:52 Warping Point NightShade

19:57 Warping Point Neon

24:20 Warping Point Phoenix (Tina Pisnik signature)

30:36 Gear of the Week: new Flik Weight accessories

33:42 Slyce SLYDRs

39:13 Tales from the Ball Cannon - Gearbox GX2 Power Neck Flex Experiment

47:04 Kew & A: Did the Six Zero Black Opal production model chnge enough to require recertification?

49:07 How does the Apes Charm compare to the Pulse?

51:04 What to do if you hit a weak, short return of serve? Come in or stay back?

54:43 What is your preferred weight setup on the Vatic V-Sol Bloom?

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

📬 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

👇 Support the channel & save:

★ 11SIX24: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: http://tinyurl.com/65zfxjb5

★ Bread & Butter: Get 15% OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/5n956578

★ Body Helix: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW

★ CRBN: Get 10% OFF CRBN using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/47dvfre3

★ Gearbox: Take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p

★ GRUVN: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/5e5hyjer

★ Honolulu Pickleball: Get $20 OFF any Kevlar paddle using code JOHNKEW-KEVLAR, or 10% off any other paddle using code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/3Yl0OnI

★ JOOLA: Get 10% off of most products with code JOHNKEW: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ

★ PaddleTek: Get 10% OFF your purchase with code JOHNKEW: https://www.paddletek.com/6xAhP5

★ Pickleball Apes: Get 10% OFF at checkout using code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/4crabzvw

★ Pickleball Central: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: https://pickleballcentral.com/

★ Ronbus: Get $20 OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/

★ Selkirk: Get digital gift cards up to $40 off with code INF-JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/57np7947

★ Six Zero: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3

★ Vatic: Get $10 OFF purchases up to $220, and $20 OFF above that using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/mum92h26

The biggest deals of the pickleball year are here: Black Friday through New Year, and we’re breaking down what’s actually worth your money. From Selkirk’s 60% off sale to JOHNKEW discounts for Babolat, Engage, Holbrook, and Apes.

Find the latest Black Friday Paddle Deals Here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals

We’re also diving into:

🔬 New updates from PBVision improve rating accuracy.

🧩 EPP + EVA hybrid builds in the new Enhance Duo paddle.

🧠 “Diced-Core” foam tech from Apes Charm and how it changes flex & rebound.

🎮 Paddle leaderboard updates – what John and Eddie are swinging now.

🎧 Fun Fact segment: Misophonia, the “brain short-circuit” behind emotional reactions to sound—and why it might explain why musicians feel music so deeply.

❓Q&A highlights from the community: power curves, PBCOR balance, and paddle weighting setups.

Plus, John heads to PPA Worlds with JJ—3,500 players strong—and shares tactical insight for 4.0-level doubles (how to counter the shake-n-bake).

📅 Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:24 Black Friday Deals – Updates

4:52 John heading to Worlds this week - plans

9:49 PBVision Update

17:42 Paddles of the Week: Enhance Duo

28:34 Apes Charm

38:01 Paddle Leaderboard Updates

42:00 Gear of the Week: Franklin bags

48:00 Neonic Sidekick bag

51:17 Sqairz XRZ Shoes

54:27 Tip of the Week: Proactive 4ths

59:27 Two Fun Facts: World Series // Misophonia

1:05:07 Kew & A: Why is it that the top paddles for reviewers are not the ones pros use?

1:08:25 For a sweet spot curve, wouldn't it be better for the top of the paddle to have lower power than the bottom, because the top of the paddle is moving faster during the swing arc?

1:11:16 On the Boomstik it seems like the power goes up as you move to the throat. Would that help correct missed shots for the part of the paddle that isn’t moving as fast?

👇 Support the channel & save:

★Gearbox: take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p

★Body Helix: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW

★GRUVN: Take 10% OFF with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/5e5hyjer

★Honolulu Pickleball: Get $20 OFF any Kevlar paddle using code JOHNKEW-KEVLAR, or 10% off any other paddle using code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/3Yl0OnI

★PaddleTek: Get 10% OFF your purchase with code JOHNKEW: https://www.paddletek.com/6xAhP5

★Pickleball Central: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW: https://pickleballcentral.com/

★Selkirk: Get digital gift cards up to $40 off (contingent on total price) with code INF-JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/57np7947

★JOOLA: Get 10% off of most products with code JOHNKEW: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ

★CRBN: Get 10% OFF CRBN using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/47dvfre3

★11SIX24: Get 10% OFF using code JOHNKEW, or at this link: http://tinyurl.com/65zfxjb5

★Bread & Butter: Get 15% OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/5n956578

★Pickleball Apes: Get 10% OFF at checkout using code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/4crabzvw

★Ronbus: Get $20 OFF your purchase using code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/

★Six Zero: Get 10% OFF using code 10JOHNKEW, or at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3rkdsdb3

★Vatic: Get $10 OFF purchases up to $220, and $20 OFF above that using code JOHNKEW, or this link: https://tinyurl.com/mum92h26

★Vatic Saga Flash: Take $10 off this paddle with the code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48V3yM4

In Episode 82 of the KewCast, John and Eddie break down their personal Top 5 pickleball paddle leaderboard — including the Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid, Selkirk Boomstik, Luzz Inferno, Ronbus Quanta, and Six Zero Black Opal.

We rate each paddle on power, control, feel, spin, and value — plus share our X-factor scores for connection and play style. Hear how these new foam-core and hybrid models stack up across the firepower-control spectrum, and which paddles truly deliver that balanced performance every player wants.

⚡Black Friday Deals Roundup (Updated Daily): https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/black-friday-pickleball-deals

💥 Gear Spotlight: Franklin ACV Pro shoes, Diadem Court Burst, and Bodhi Protour Duffel review — complete with capacity and materials breakdown.

🎾 Bonus Segment: “Tales from the Ball Cannon” dives into KewCOR sweet-spot consistency — what it means for performance maps and how it differs from vibration and feel.

🕰️ Fun Fact: We rewind to 2020 for a “Time Warp” look at how pro pickleball looked before the PPA and MLP boom — which pros were bigshots, and what paddles they used.

👉 Chapters:

0:00 Intro

2:00 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Black Friday deals already coming - here's what to watch out for

8:57 Gear of the Week: Franklin ACV Pro Pickleball Shoes

17:53 Diadem Court Burst Shoes

21:35 Bodhi ProTour Duffel

25:29 Tales from the Ball Cannon - can we use KewCOR score across the paddle face to map sweet spot?

44:18 Time Warp: How far has pickleball come in just 5 years?

53:30 Paddle Leaderboard: John & Eddie's Top 5 Picks

1:36:48 Kew & A: What’s your initial feeling, J2FC+ long handle would be better or the Luzz paddles?

📦 Shop Deals on Products Mentioned in Pod →

⭐Bodhi - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bodhipickleball.com/?sca_ref=6485713.jagcSYeM4dlg3

⭐Diadem - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://diademsports.com?sca_ref=6541890.ZymzZY8Ua9

⭐Franklin - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://franklinsports.sjv.io/WqZr1O

⭐Gearbox - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/48vIn2p

⭐Luzz - 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/

⭐Ronbus - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.ronbus.com/

⭐Selkirk - Digital gift card with code INF-JOHNKEW: https://www.selkirk.com?sca_ref=6285388.NM89wCbFwv

⭐Six Zero - 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q

⭐Vatic - $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb

🎧 Listen Everywhere → Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

💬 Drop your favorite paddle in the comments — and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly gear reviews, KewCast episodes, and exclusive discount codes like JOHNKEW for extra savings.

#pickleball #pickleballpaddles #KewCast #pickleballgear #Selkirk #Gearbox #Ronbus #Boomstik #foamcorepaddle

In KewCast Episode 81, John and Eddie break down the biggest new stories in pickleball tech and gear. If you love deep-dive paddle analysis, pickleball gear science, and philosophical detours, you’ll love this episode.

⏱️ Video Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

2:10 🧠 PB Vision launches an AI-powered DUPR alternative — measuring how you play, not just whether you win

8:24 🥇 Atlanta Open singles recap — Lea Jansen, Parris Todd, Federico Staksrud, and the brutal grind of 5-game matches

🏓 Paddles of the Week:

10:31 Forge + Bond Runout – Fusion Fiber Technology, thermoplastic forged carbon, 100 % recyclable

19:36 Engage Alpha Pro – foam-injected, EVA-wrapped design with KewCOR 0.38

26:36 Engage Encore Pro V3.0 – cold-pressed carbon at an affordable $70

28:59 🔍 X-Ray catch-ups: Engage ProFoam, Adidas AdiPower, E6 Zephyr, Friday Fever 102, Honolulu J6NF

37:44 Luzz Inferno break-in

43:12 💡 Tip of the Week: Hunter S. Thompson’s advice — don’t chase goals, build a way of life

49:38 🤯 Fun Fact: the Fruit of the Loom Mandela Effect — did it ever have a cornucopia?

55:01❓ Kew & A: “Which foam paddles have the most consistent KewCOR across the face?”

📬 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

#pickleball #pickleballpaddles #dupr #pickleballnews #kewcast #paddletech #pbvision #pickleballai #engagepickleball #forgeandbond #foamcore #huntersthompson #mandelaeffect

In KewCast Episode 80, John and Eddie dive into our favorite bags and backpacks, discuss the latest pickleball news, including the Uspenski scandal, talk about the new Adidas and Engage paddles, and examine how neck flex on a paddle affects PBCOR.

⏱️ Video Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:48 🗞 News & Gear Gossip: BMack, Samson, and Marcus launch the first PPA Pick’em Podcast

5:52 JOOLA 3S drops to $200 with new dual certifications

7:05 College Pickleball Boom: Alabama, Texas A&M, Maryland, Ohio State, Georgia & Michigan add major court expansions

11:20 UPA suspends Denis Uspensky for cheating & abusive behavior during a PPA Challenger Series match

16:01 Did Honolulu invent the floating EPP core used in all the most popular paddles right now?

21:46 🏓 Paddles of the Week: Adidas Adipower • Engage Full Foam • Friday Fever 102 • Thrive Fury Elongated

44:35 🎒 Gear of the Week | Bag Roundup - ADV Backpack • CRBN Sling Bag • FORWRD Sling • Ethos Venture Backpack ($230) • FORWRD Court Caddy ($325) • GRUVN Small Court Backpack • FORWRD Court Ranger ($175) • Six Zero Pro Tour & Performance Backpacks • CRBN Tour bag • Chorus Tour bag • Holbrook Podium Pickleball Bag

1:15:16 🔬 Tales from the Ball Cannon: How do stiff vs. flexy paddles score on PBCOR?

1:23:33 🎙 Eddie Unplugged — 20 Questions

Get to know Eddie like never before — from his childhood and creative process to his philosophy on data vs. feel in paddle testing.

💡 Plus: John reveals his Myers-Briggs type (INTJ-A, “The Architect”) and what that means for how he approaches pickleball science and content creation.

Use Discount Code JOHNKEW and Affiliate Links for Products Mentioned in Pod:

★ ADV: https://www.advtennis.pro/discount/JOHNKEW

★ Adidas: https://pickleballcentral.com/adidas-adipower-pro-edition-attk-14mm-pickleball-paddle/?oid=9&affid=7926664

★ Chorus: https://choruspickleball.com?sca_ref=5913065.peNkMfPr6F

★ CRBN: https://www.crbnpickleball.com/discount/JOHNKEW

★ Engage: https://engagepickleball.com/products/profoam

★ FORWRD: https://forwrd.co/?ref=dqdbjrty

★ Friday: https://www.fridaypickle.com/JOHNKEW

★ GRUVN: https://gruvn.co?sca_ref=4937714.X1H4Uman8f

★ Holbrook: http://bit.ly/4fha6Xc

★ Honolulu Pickleball: https://808pickle.com?sca_ref=4978161.g3fNpksoBn

★ JOOLA: https://www.joola.com/?bg_ref=SGHmrvEFDJ

★ Six Zero: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q

★ Thrive: https://thrivepb.com?sca_ref=5609835.GqRRIIgfl9

Stay Connected:

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In KewCast Episode 79, John and Eddie break down whether handle flex changes PBCOR, and its affect on paddle performance.

We review findings from Dr. Daniel Russell’s Penn State study on bat flex and explore how those insights apply to pickleball paddles. Plus, we test how pivot point placement affects PBCOR results in our Ball Cannon experiments — and the results might surprise you.

Referenced Study:

“Do Flexible Handles Affect the Performance of Baseball or Softball Bats?”

👉 https://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/bats/handle-flex.html

⏱️ Video Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:44 Adidas new paddles; signs CJ Klinger, adding to pro roster

3:14 Bread & Butter Locos shipping early to 3 JOHNKEW code users

4:38 Paddles of the Week: Body Helix Falcon

17:25 Element 6 Zephyr

23:26 Bread & Butter Loco Production Models

31:26 Tales from the Ball Cannon: what happens to PBCOR if you change the pivot point from 2- to 3-inches?

39:14 Deep Dive: Paddle neck flex and paddle performance

1:00:06 Kew & A: Eddie's 20 questions for John

1:09:46 If you’re launching a pickleball paddle line and HAVE to skip a shape, which one are you leaving out?

Discount Codes for Products Mentioned in Pod:

★ Element 6: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://e6pickleball.com/product/pro-series-16mm-zephyr/

★ Body Helix: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=JOHNKEW

★ Adidas (on Pickleball Central): 10% off with this link: https://pickleballcentral.com/?oid=9&affid=7926664

★ Bread & Butter: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://breadbutterpickleballco.sjv.io/Qj390x

Stay Connected:

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In Episode 78 of the KewCast, John and Eddie break down the latest pickleball gear, paddle tech innovations, and tournament highlights you won’t want to miss:

Topics Covered:

–PPA Sacramento Vintage Open: Surprising performances from tennis pros like Jack Sock & Genie Bouchard

–Paddle Deep Dive: Luzz Tornazo, Gherkin Wraith, RPM Friction Pro, Six Zero Ruby Pro, Diadem Edge BluCore, and more

–Full-Foam Paddle Iterations: EVA, EPP, MPP & SCF foams explained—density, stiffness scaling, and real-world performance

–Black Opal Break-In Updates: KewCOR scores before & after break-in

–Fan Q&A: Wide-body power paddles, all-court vs control paddles for sub-4.5 players, and more

Subscribe for more paddle reviews, tech insights, and pro tournament analysis every week!

⏱️ Video Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

3:10 LT Ball is in stock at PBCentral

3:59 Thoughts on wooden paddles used at PPA Sacramento Vintage Open

11:02 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Tornazo

17:24 Gherkin Wraith

21:13 RPM Friction Pro

27:14 Six Zero Ruby Pro

34:43 Diadem Edge BluCore

45:14 Chorus Phoenix

50:48 Chorus Tour Bag

53:40 Vatic V-Sol updates

1:05:28 Foam Deep Dive

1:20:05 Selkirk Court Strike Shoes

1:28:24 Update on Six Zero Black Opal Break In

1:33:10 Kew & A: Should paddle companies consult with reviewers before going to market with a paddle only to get killed by bad reviews?

1:40:45 Should we still be recommending less powerful paddles for beginner players when there's plenty of control in modern power paddles?

1:43:23 What do we do with all the paddles after we're done reviewing them?

Discount Codes for Products Mentioned in Pod:

★Chorus Phoenix: 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://choruspickleball.com/collections/phoenix?sca_ref=5913065.peNkMfPr6F

★Diadem – 11% off with code JOHNKEW: https://diademsports.com?sca_ref=6541890.ZymzZY8Ua9

★LT Ball: 10% off here – https://pickleballcentral.com/lt-pro-48-performance-pickleball/?oid=17&affid=7926664

★Luzz Tornazo – take 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://luzzpickleball.com/products/luzzpickleball-pro-4-tornazo-carbon-fiber-pickleball-paddle-dual-layer-core

★Gherkin Wraith – take 10% off with code JOHNKEW:

★RPM Friction Pro – 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://rpmpb.com/products/rpm-friction-pro-16mm-pickleball-paddle

★Selkirk Court Strike shoes – use code INF-JOHNKEW for digital gift card: https://www.selkirk.com/collections/courtstrike-pickleball-shoes

★Six Zero – take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3538395.LI0TTTs35q

★Vatic V-Sol – take $10 off with code JOHNKEW: https://vaticpro.com/products/v-sol-pro-16mm?sca_ref=3717419.wRxewY5VFb

Stay Connected:

📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/

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📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkew.pickleball/

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