Our take on the Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle. Available now at the dink store. Shop online.
Specs
Weight: 7.7 – 8.3 oz (standard) or 7.2 – 7.6 oz (light)
Width: 8.25 in
Handle Length: 5.5 in
Qualitative: Wide face with a big sweet spot and solid spin. Simone Jardim’s weapon of choice.
From Prince
Its width gives players the largest possible usable space. Playtesters have remarked that the performance feels consistent from side to side, neck to tip. This is thanks to what many say is the largest sweet spot they’ve experienced.
Review by Mark Napartovich
Why did I try and eventually buy the Prince Response Pro? The first reason is its shape. Its roundness is unique and allows you to pick up low balls better than traditionally shaped paddles. The second reason is that our local pro started using it recently. The spin he’s able to produce with it is impressive. As a spin fanatic, I couldn’t ignore it.
So, I switched from the Selkirk Epic Lightweight. The Response Pro has a huge sweet spot, great spin, and headlight balance. My opponents have felt more pressure from my Prince-powered game (they told me so). Compared to the Epic, it’s harder and stiffer, but the control is about the same. It’s very quick at the net due to its weight distribution and balance. With some handle adjustments to remove vibration, the Prince Response Pro was my paddle of choice for an entire year, which is saying a lot because I’ve always got my eye out for the next best thing.
