This article may contain links that help support this website. In addition, I may have received this product for free testing, but this review constitutes that I enjoyed the product as I do not review all my free products to maintain unbiased content.
As you may know, I am obsessed with pickleball paddles and balls. I study the best pickleball paddle materials and write about the most expensive paddles in the world. I own around 60-100 pickleball paddles.
My love for pickleball paddles is why I was elated to play multiple matches with Core Reaction Pro 14mm pickleball paddle and core pickleball balls.
The Core Reaction pro paddle is currently around $150 on Amazon, so I’ll also provide some alternatives that you can check out as well.
Playability
While the unboxing experience was simple, the playability of this paddle was not at all simple. I loved it. Let’s go through some main variables.
Control
I thought the Core Reaction Pro had great control. For context, I often play singles pickleball.
I have never been able to consistently get solid drop shots from the back line when my opponent is playing the net. I am able to get a few here and there, but I find myself trying to play the sides, often hitting the ball out.
Not with the Core Reaction Pro. I consistently was able to control drop shots just above the next, forcing my opponent at the net to play a dink that allowed me time to get to the net.
I really appreciated this aspect about the Core Reaction Pro paddles because it’s not something I’ve found with even my paddles in the $200 range.
Spin
The Core Reaction Pro has a T700 Carbon Fiber Surface, including a honeycomb polypropylene core. These elements ensured a solid spin. I tend to like to do a backhand on the return when playing singles. I found that I consistently played a nice spin with this paddle.
I’ll write about this later, but I believe the core outdoor pickleball balls have an amazing spin dynamic, so coupling the balls with this paddle was a great combination.
Power
The 14mm thickness gave me more power than some of my 16mm paddles, and I was pleased with the amount of power it provided. That said, my paddle highlights were control and spin over power.
That said, I was able to put a lot of power on my serves with this paddle and maintain that control.
Honestly, I test a lot of paddles, but I cannot wait to play with this paddle again!
The price of the paddle is around $150 on Amazon, so let’s also look at alternatives.
Core Pickleball Paddle Alternatives Under $100
As I now have 50+ pickleball paddles, I wanted to provide some interesting alternatives if the cost point is too much for you.
- Under $50 Budget: Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control Paddle: This is my favorite budget paddle at the moment. Check out my full review how this paddle beat out my #1 paddle of all time.
- Under $100 Budget: Vatic Pro Prism Flash (My full review). In my opinion this paddle is the best paddle under $100. Fantastic all around paddle, and with the code: bepickleballer, this paddle is under $90. Check the price on Vatic.
- Under $100 Budget: Warping Point Control Paddle (My full review). Incredible control paddle, and with my code bepickleballer, this paddle is under $100. Check Price on Warping Point.
Understanding the Core Reaction Pro Pickleball Paddle
I had one of the best drop shots I have ever had recently with this paddle, but first, let’s talk about design.
I have to say that I absolutely love the design of this paddle.
The paddle’s side also kept it simple with just one word, “Core”.
Yes, my college dorm room was also black and white. So, I am partial to simple black-and-white designs, but who doesn’t such a nice simple design?
Let’s talk next about the outdoor Core pickleball balls.
Core Pickleball Balls
The Core pickleball balls have one of the highest reviews I have ever seen for balls with a 4.8 rating based on 260 reviews.
Firstly, I liked the simple package of the core pickleball balls. While I love Franklin x-40s, I don’t love how it comes with so much plastic. These aren’t tennis balls. The 3 pack core pickleball balls come in a simple, small plastic bag.
Playability
I have tested a lot of pickleball balls to compromise the best outdoor pickleball balls, so I believe I know a thing or 2 about great balls.
So, how did the core balls play?
I believe the core outdoor pickleballs are the absolute best balls for spin. I know that may sound odd, but I consistently put such a nasty spin when playing with the core pickleball balls side by side with Franklin x-40s.
One memory, in particular, is that I was on the left line returning a serve, and I put a spin that was barely missed the back left line, but it had such a huge spin that it nearly hit the fence.
I love spin just as much as the next guy, but my opponent was even shocked by the spin.
Honestly, as someone who loves a spin, I would take this pickleball over almost any other pickleball.
Conclusion
The Core Reaction Pro 14mm pickleball paddle and the Core outdoor pickleball balls have quickly moved up to near the top of my list for both a great pickleball paddle and balls.
Hopefully, this article was helpful to help explain my experience with the Core brand.