The Planker pickleball paddle has a unique backstory, which made me excited to play with and review the paddle. The founder, Ken, saw that women’s paddles often missed the mark. He decided to create a paddle designed, just for women with bright colors and a comfortable grip.
It’s not just a colorful paddle, but the team embedded some great technology including a 4-layer 12k raw carbon fiber surface and a Gen3 propulsion core.
It’s insane that this paddle has these features and is currently under $100. That’s pretty amazing, but let’s talk first impressions.
First Impressions
When I first opened the packaging, what stood out to me was the bright, fun design. I love the pink edgeguard and how it matches appropriately with the pink colors on the paddle’s face. In addition, I really like the weave design look. It’s clean, but not overbearing.
The paddle doesn’t have the brand’s name on the side of the paddle, but that is not a big deal whatsoever.
Unique Features
What stood out to me with this paddle is the 12k carbon fiber surface and the gen 3 propulsion technology. Check out this close up image of the paddle’s surface.
You will see the grip that helps control the ball and a nice weaving pattern. In addition, 12k carbon fiber surface is a very tight carbon weave, and I love seeing that gen 3 propulsion technology in a paddle under $100.
We talked about the design and the unique features, but how exactly does the Planker on the court?
Let’s talk about that next.
Playability
The Planker pickleball paddle provided me the ability to combine power, control and spin. I found that it has the feel of a swiss army knife of pickleball paddles.
Control
Thankfully, when playing with the Planker this past week, I felt that the paddle provided ample control, given its carbon fiber and weave face.
So, I could easily control the ball to the back right side of my opponent, forcing a backhanded drop shot or drive.
Spin
The paddle also provided a beautiful spin. When playing with my father-in-law this week, I noticed the insane amount of spin that this paddle provided.
I could literally see the ball go around 1 foot to the left after the Planker put a spin on the ball.
It was insane, and I am excited to keep playing with this paddle.
Power
Sometimes when a paddle provides control and spin, I have found that it lacks power. Thankfully that was not the case with the Planker.
I was able to still have ample power on my serves, allowing me to control where the ball landed.
Overall, I was quite pleased with the playability of the Planker pickleball paddle.
Specifications
Here are the technical specifications per Paddleshop’s website. What you’ll notice is that this paddle has a nice 4.18 grip circumference which can be perfect for smaller hands.
In addition, I love 16mm paddles because they are a balanced paddle, so I appreciate that aspect about the Planker.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Paddle Height: 16.45”
Paddle Width: 7.4”
Core Thickness: 16mm
Face: 12k Ultra Weave Carbon Fiber with Durable Grit Surface
Core: Gen3 Fusion Polymer Honeycomb (Upgrade on original GEN3 core)
Average Weight: 7.9 – 8.0 oz
Grip Length: 5.5”
Grip Type: Black Ultra-Comfort Grip
Grip Circumference: 4.18”
Swingweight: 115-118
Twistweight: 5.8-6.5
Here’s a picture of the specs from the website.
Conclusion
The Paddleshop Planker is an excellent paddle for those who want control and spin with ample power.
Finally, I believe that the Planker will have a spot in the best pickleball paddles for women, but I have to decide exactly where it will rank.
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