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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.
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.
I have much to share about these paddles, so let’s start immediately. Also, I have been working with the brand, and this brand has been the most generous of any brand with a 20% discount code: bepickleballer
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?
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!
If you use the code: bepickleballer, you get 20% off your purchase!
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. Again, I appreciate this brand’s generous 15% off discount code.
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.