As a dedicated pickleball enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can elevate my game. Recently, I had the chance to try the Roore Solana paddle, and after an extensive period of testing on the court, I’m excited to share my thoughts.
Right off the bat, I was drawn to the stylish reddish maroon hue of the paddle, which resembles the Six-Zero Ruby. The Roore Solana features a Kevlar red aramid fiber surface that promises superior strength and responsiveness. At a weight of 8 ounces, it strikes a balance between power and control, which was just what I was looking for as an intermediate player.
Performance and Features
The paddle is USAP approved, which gave me confidence that it meets competitive standards. Upon swinging it on the court, I quickly noticed its responsiveness. The 16mm polypropylene core effectively dampened vibrations, reducing strain during long matches. Pair that with the edge foam injection, and the paddle felt stable and comfortable during my play.
One standout feature for me was its enhanced sweet spot. Thanks to the combination of the carbon fiber surface and the edge foam injection, I found it easier to hit consistent, powerful shots—even when not perfectly centered. This was a significant advantage when I was under pressure at the net.
However, while many reviewers highlighted its great control and spin potential, I did notice a limitation when it came to raw power. As a few fellow players mentioned, if you’re looking to dominate from the baseline with sheer brute force, this may not be the paddle for you. I found myself needing to add weighted tape to the lower corners to enhance power and further improve the sweet spot.
Pros and Cons
Reflecting on my experience and feedback from other players, here are some key pros and cons:
Pros:
- Excellent Control and Spin: It’s incredibly easy to execute precise shots, thanks to its soft touch and textured surface. A reviewer, RJMPARKERS, expressed that despite being a 4.3-level player, it became his go-to paddle, even eclipsing a higher-end $200 model.
- Comfortable Grip: The 5.5-inch handle provides an ergonomic feel that worked well for both one-handed and two-handed grips. Dan’s review echoed this, highlighting how switching to this paddle led his team from losing every match to winning.
Cons:
- Limited Power: While it has a finesse that allows for excellent control, those looking for a power paddle might be disappointed. As noted by Thos Byk, it’s not the paddle for “body bagging” your opponents from the backcourt.
- Quality Control Issues: I’ve heard complaints about inconsistencies in paddle surfaces, with some users receiving paddles with uneven grit. A fellow reviewer experienced this firsthand and expressed frustration over the quality control failures.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Roore Solana paddle performed admirably for my style of play and my needs on the court. It’s not the right choice if you mainly rely on power, but for players who value finesse and control—especially at a price point below $100—it’s a fantastic option. I definitely echo the sentiment shared by many, including K. Eng, who applauded the paddle for its good looks and excellent value.
If you’re an intermediate player or someone looking to improve your game without breaking the bank, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the Roore Solana a try. It could very well become your new favorite paddle, as it did for me!
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