The Six Zero Double Black Diamond came out of Australia and immediately turned heads. It combines a 700K raw carbon fiber face with Carbon Fusion Edge Technology and a thermoformed unibody construction — delivering elite-level spin and feel in a hybrid shape that most players hadn’t seen before. It was named Paddle of the Year for 2023, and the hype turned out to be well-earned.
Verdict
Six Zero Double Black Diamond
Bottom Line
One of the most complete paddles on the market. Elite spin, exceptional feel, and a hybrid shape that suits almost every playing style.
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Elite spin
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Exceptional feel
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Built to last
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Short handle
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Less forgiving off-center
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Learning curve
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Specs
| Specification | Details |
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| Weight | 8.0–8.2 oz (standard 16mm) |
| Face Material | 700K Japanese Toray Raw Carbon |
| Core | Premium Honeycomb Polymer |
| Thickness | 14mm / 16mm / 15mm Elongated |
| Length | 16.3″ (14mm & 16mm) / 16.6″ (Elongated) |
| Width | 7.5″–7.7″ (14mm & 16mm) |
| Handle Length | 5.5″ (14mm & 16mm) / 6″ (Elongated) |
| Grip Size | 4.125″–4.25″ |
| Swing Weight | 114 (standard 16mm) |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Performance
Power
More pop than you’d expect from a 16mm control paddle. The thermoformed unibody gets enough energy into the ball to finish points — without constantly overhitting.
Control
The 16mm core keeps things manageable. Dinks dial in fast, resets land where you aim, and the paddle never fights you at the kitchen.
Spin
The 700K raw carbon surface grips the ball like few others. The hybrid shape lets you whip through contact easily, so spin feels accessible on every shot — top spin, slice, roll volleys, all of it.
Feel
Crisp and alive. You know exactly what the ball is doing on every contact. Off-center shots that die on other paddles still come off decent here. It’s one of those paddles that makes you feel like a better player — and that’s a real thing.
Best For
Intermediate to advanced players (3.5+) who want a do-it-all paddle with elite spin and a playful, lively feel. Particularly good for players who rely heavily on roll volleys, spin serves, and aggressive dinking.
Skip this if you exclusively use a two-handed backhand and can’t compromise on handle length, or if you’re a raw beginner who doesn’t need this level of spin sensitivity yet.
Comparisons
vs. Vatic Pro Flash
Very similar shape and construction. The DBD edges it on feel and spin texture. The Flash is slightly more predictable for pure power. If you’re net-focused, the DBD wins.
vs. JOOLA Perseus Gen 3
The Perseus gives you more reach and suits baseline-heavy players. The DBD wins on spin and feel. For kitchen-focused play, it’s not close.
Value
The DBD performs at a level well above its price point, includes a neoprene cover, and backs it up with a 12-month structural warranty. For any serious 3.5+ player who wants one paddle that does everything well, this is one of the clearest yes-buys in the market.
Final
The Double Black Diamond earned its Paddle of the Year title for a reason. Elite spin, exceptional feel, versatile hybrid shape — it checks every box without obvious trade-offs.
The short handle is the only real asterisk. Everything else? Hard to fault. If you’re ready to level up, this is the paddle.
FAQs
Should I get the 14mm or the 16mm?
Depends on your game. The 14mm leans toward more pop off the face — it’s livelier and slightly more powerful. The 16mm gives you more control, a softer feel, and better dinking. Most recreational and club players are happier with the 16mm. If you’re an aggressive baseliner who wants to attack, the 14mm is worth considering, but know that control takes a back seat.
What separates the Double Black Diamond from the Black Diamond?
Six Zero positions the Black Diamond for advanced players and the Double Black Diamond for expert-level play. The DBD uses a raw carbon fiber face for spin and control, while the Black Diamond uses a raw fiberglass face for more power. The DBD is the control-focused option; the Black Diamond leans toward power.
Will the 5.5″ handle work for two-handed backhands?
Probably not comfortably. Players with smaller hands or those who choke up can make it work, but a full conventional two-handed grip will feel cramped. If two-handed backhands are a core part of your game, the Elongated version with the 6″ handle is a much better fit.
How durable is the thermoformed construction?
Very. Thermoformed unibody paddles are significantly more resistant to the core crushing and delamination issues that affect traditional honeycomb paddles. Six Zero also double-bonds the face layers and adds extra reinforcements specifically to prevent delamination. The 12-month structural warranty backs that up, and multiple players report zero degradation after months of heavy play.
Is this paddle approved for tournament play?
Yes. The Double Black Diamond is registered with USA Pickleball and approved for sanctioned tournament play across all three thickness options.
