This article may contain links that help support this website.
I own ~70 pickleball paddles now, but the only paddle I had tried until recently was the Gearbox CX11 Pickleball Paddle. I wasn’t sure that I loved the slim finish of the paddles, but I decided that I needed to truly test multiple Gearbox paddles to determine the best ones.
Let’s say that one Paddle stood out among them all, and it was incredible. I honestly couldn’t put the paddle down, and I had the best dink rally of my life with about 100 dinks with this paddle.
Let’s start with that paddle and go through the list.
1. Best Gearbox Pickleball Paddle
The Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is an incredible paddle that I would rank up there with the Joola Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV and the Engage Innovation (two of the most expensive paddles in the world).
The Gearbox GX2 has an incredible feel. The paddle has an incredible pop that really allow you to control the ball in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Both my dinks and my drops were also more consistent with this paddle, and my friends easily noticed that my level of play increased.
Impressive Technology
Let’s talk about the insides of the Gearbox GX2 that makes this paddle unique. The core material are made up of 200 FAW Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber, with the construction actually patented. It’s a patented SST 2.0 Carbon Rib Core Structure.
I take that as, this paddle has some legitimate technology. I’ve played with paddles that have 3K Woven Raw Carbon before, but nothing quite stood out to me better than the Gearbox GX2.
Unlike many Gearbox paddles, the GX2 has a 16mm thickness, which I often prefer to thinner thickness paddle.
In terms of weight, the paddle weight 7.9 ounces, which puts it in the same middle-weight class as many of my other top performing paddles.
Finally, I felt that the paddle’s grip would allow 2 handed backhands, and I thought that power and spin on this paddle were both well above average.
Honestly, this the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is currently in my top 3 paddles I’ve ever played with, and that’s why it’s ranked #1 in the best Gearbox pickleball paddles you can buy.
The cost of this paddle is no joke, so just be prepared when you check the price below. And unfortunately, I could not find this paddle on Amazon, but with the code: bepickleballer, you can get 10% off this paddle on JustPaddles.
Discount Code: 10% Off (BePickleballer)
Let’s talk about a paddle that gets a lot of acclaim next, and my experience.
2. Gearbox Pro Power
The Gearbox Power Pro was a paddle that surprised me. I had tried the Gearbox Pro Control SST Core paddle previously, and I did not have the best experience. I felt that the handle was light and the paddle’s face was too heavy.
The result?
I felt a lack of control.
That said, with the Gearbox Pro Power was really surprising to me in a good way. I felt that I had an insane amount of power with this paddle both on my drives, backhanded drives, and serves.
In addition, I also felt that I had ample control. As you can see the paddle has a 14mm thickness which I find is normal for a power paddle. The paddle specifications show a slim, easy-to-handle shape makes quick shots, soft drops, and fast reactions feel effortless.
What makes it stand out is the SSTCore inside that gives you that satisfying pop when you need power, but still keeps your touch smooth and controlled. The paddle’s sweet spot is dialed in to help you hit cleaner, more accurate shots.
It also has a low, stealthy sound that keeps your opponents on edge. Whether you’re going for spin, control, or a powerful putaway, the Pro Power Integra gives you everything you need to take over the court.
Discount Code: 10% Off (BePickleballer)
3. Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated
I really like the Gearbox Pro Ultimate paddle, but I liked the GX2 and the Pro Power more. The Pro Ultimate 16mm from Gearbox is built for players who want both serious power and smooth control: all in one paddle. Designed with top-tier tech and input from pro players, it gives you the tools to stay sharp, reset fast, and take charge of every point.
Thanks to Gearbox’s SSTCore and Power Matrix tech, you get a strong, clean hit without giving up feel or accuracy. It’s powerful when you need it, but stable enough to keep you in control during tough rallies.
It’s also USA Pickleball Quiet Category approved, which means you can use it on sound-sensitive courts without worrying about noise complaints. Whether you’re battling it out in a tournament or just playing at your local courts, the Pro Ultimate delivers quiet confidence and championship-level performance.
Discount Code: 10% Off (BePickleballer)
4. Gearbox CX11 Pickleball Paddle
I was honestly flabbergasted how much I liked the Gearbox CX11. To be honest, I always considered a paddle’s ability for control based often on the paddle’s thickness, but I realized I had made a reasoning error with this paddle.
I really felt that the paddle had ample control even though the paddle has a thinner thickness.
This paddle made for players who want more precision, reach, and feel on the court. Weighing just 7.8 oz, it’s light in the hand but packs a serious punch when it comes to control.
Built with Gearbox’s SST ribbed core and strong T-700 carbon fiber, the CX11 absorbs energy on impact, giving you better touch and more accurate shots. Its longer shape and narrow head help you reach tough balls and add spin with ease, perfect for singles or players who like to shape their shots.
The extended handle also gives two-handed players extra comfort and stability. Want something a bit wider with a bigger sweet spot? Check out the CX11 Quad Control. But if you’re looking for reach, finesse, and spin in one sleek package, the CX11 Elongated Control is ready to step up your game.
Discount Code: 10% Off (BePickleballer)
5. Gearbox Pro Control Integra
The Gearbox Pro Control Integra paddle was my first Gearbox letdown. I felt that I lost so much control in this paddle even though the paddle is designed for control.
For example, the paddle’s handle felt lightweight, but the paddle’s face felt very heavy. So, it was difficult to get control of my shots both on my dinks and my drops.
I disliked playing with the Gearbox Pro Control paddle so much that I switched back to the Gearbox GX2 almost midgame after starting to lose. If I remember correctly, I used the Gearbox GX2 and was able to close out the game with a win, even after starting out in a deficit.
Discount Code: 10% Off (BePickleballer)
Should You Purchase a Gearbox Pickleball Paddle?
Gearbox provides premium paddles a price. Many of Gearbox’s paddles are over $200 although you can find some Gearbox paddles under $100 that could fall into the budget category.
My experience with Gearbox paddles was mixed. The GX2 was an incredible paddle, but I didn’t have as solid of an experience with one of the premium control paddles.
That said, I loved the GX2, and would perosnally purchase that paddle in a heartbeat.
Leave a Reply