Question 1

How is the Project Flamingo different from the original Series Three?

Accepted Answer

The Flamingo adds Proton's Velocity Core, which combines performance foam with polypropylene for more power and dwell time, and a roughness-enhanced surface for far more spin. It's also more maneuverable thanks to a lower swing weight, and it's dual-stamped for tournament play. In short, it fixes the original's sluggish swing and modest spin while adding power.

Question 2

What is the Velocity Core?

Accepted Answer

It's Proton's proprietary core that integrates high-density performance foam with premium polypropylene honeycomb, using small 6mm cells. The combination delivers more power and rebound while adding dwell time and control, so the paddle hits hard without becoming uncontrollable. It's the main reason the Flamingo is both powerful and surprisingly manageable.

Question 3

Is the Project Flamingo a power or control paddle?

Accepted Answer

It's a power paddle first, and one of the most aggressive available. That said, the smaller core cells give it better control than most power paddles, so you can reset, take pace off attacks, and dink reasonably well. Power and spin are its strengths, with control as a strong supporting trait.

Question 4

Is the Project Flamingo approved for tournaments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and notably so. It was the first-ever paddle approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, meaning it's legal in both USA Pickleball sanctioned events and PPA Tour events. That dual approval is a key selling point for players who compete across both circuits.

Question 5

Does the Project Flamingo come in other shapes or thicknesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside this 15mm elongated model, Proton offers widebody versions, branded Project Peacock, in 13mm and 15mm for a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness, plus a thinner 13mm elongated for a lighter, quicker, more responsive feel. All share the Velocity Core and roughness-enhanced carbon face.

Question 6

Does Anna Leigh Waters actually play the C45 Aurelius?

Accepted Answer

The Aurelius is her official signature shape and carries her name, but independent reviewers have noted she isn't competing with this paddle on tour. Signature paddles are partly a marketing arrangement across the industry, so it's worth judging the Aurelius on its own merits rather than on the name on the throat.

Question 7

Does the C45 Aurelius need added weight?

Accepted Answer

For most players, yes. It has among the lowest stock swing weights of any paddle, which makes it extremely fast but also too light to fully trust, with some dead spots. Reviewers commonly add corner or perimeter weight, such as tungsten tape, to firm it up, add stability, and unlock its power and consistency.

Question 8

Which thickness should I get, 12.7mm, 14mm, or 16mm?

Accepted Answer

The 12.7mm is the lightest, grippiest, and most powerful, but also the most demanding and least forgiving, making it a specialist's choice. The 14mm is the balanced middle option. The 16mm leans toward control and forgiveness. All three share the same shape and high-texture face.

Question 9

Is the C45 Aurelius good for spin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, genuinely. The 45-degree T700 carbon face is among the grippiest surfaces independent testers have measured, especially in the 12.7mm version, with spin readings around 2,100 RPM. The spin is real and accessible, letting you shape heavy topspin and slice, which is the paddle's biggest strength.

Question 10

How is the Aurelius different from the C45 Parris Todd?

Accepted Answer

The Aurelius uses a traditional, wider shape with a short 5.1-inch handle and an ultra-light build, tuned for fast hands. The Parris Todd is an elongated hybrid with a longer 5.7-inch handle, better suited to two-handed backhands and reach. They're different signature shapes within the same C45 family.

Question 11

Is the ProXR Signature Jolt good value?

Accepted Answer

Yes, value is its standout quality. It's derived from the same prototype ProXR's touring pros use, with a premium raw carbon face and thermoformed dual-foam construction, but it typically sells for far less than comparable premium paddles, especially when discounted. You get tour-level specs at a budget-friendly price.

Question 12

Is the Jolt a power or control paddle?

Accepted Answer

It's a power-leaning all-court paddle. Its dual-foam Power Switch Core uses a high-density ring for explosive power and a softer ring for touch and forgiveness, so it brings serious pop while keeping enough control for the soft game. Power is the focus, with control as a capable secondary trait.

Question 13

What is the Power Switch core?

Accepted Answer

It's ProXR's dual-foam core system. A polypropylene honeycomb structure is surrounded by two foam rings: a Control Ring that dampens the response for touch and stability, and a Charge Ring that boosts energy return and power on full swings. Together they let the paddle deliver both control and explosive power.

Question 14

Is the Jolt good for spin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, while it's fresh. The Toray T700 ultra-raw carbon face is gritty and bites the ball for strong topspin and slice. The one caveat owners mention is that the grit can wear down over time, so the spin may soften as the paddle ages, which is worth keeping in mind.

Question 15

Is the Jolt good for two-handed backhands?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The long 6-inch handle gives you plenty of room to fit both hands comfortably, and the light swing weight helps you get the paddle into position quickly. Combined with the elongated reach, it's well suited to two-handed backhands and fast exchanges at the net.

Question 16

What is HONEYFOAM technology?

Accepted Answer

It's Paddletek's proprietary three-foam floating core. A low-density EPP core softens impact and lengthens dwell, EVA foam reinforcement from the 4 to 8 o'clock positions adds energy return, and a perimeter foam ring expands the sweet spot and adds stability. Leaving the top open lets the core flex like a diving board for more power on full swings.

Question 17

What is the difference between the 14mm and 16mm Reserve Honeyfoam?

Accepted Answer

The 14mm version is quicker and livelier, responding fast on counters, speed-ups, and punch volleys, which suits aggressive net play. The 16mm version is more control-oriented, with a slower rebound that makes resets, drops, and blocks feel more forgiving. Both share the same foam core and carbon face.

Question 18

Is the Reserve Honeyfoam a control or power paddle?

Accepted Answer

It's a control-first paddle. Its strengths are plush dwell time, forgiveness, and a smooth feel, which make it excellent for the soft game. Power is its weakest area, since it's tuned for control over speed, so players who want a fast, hard-hitting attacking paddle may find it underpowered.

Question 19

Is the Reserve Honeyfoam worth the price?

Accepted Answer

It's a premium paddle in a very competitive foam market, where several rivals offer more power, a more modern feel, and often a lower price. It's best justified if you're a Paddletek fan wanting a foam upgrade, a control player who values forgiveness, or a collector drawn to the limited release. Value-focused buyers can find more for less.

Question 20

Where can I buy the Reserve Honeyfoam?

Accepted Answer

It's a limited, small-batch release sold exclusively through Pickleball Central and Paddletek. Because it's part of the Reserve line, it won't be restocked once it sells out, so it's a true limited run. If it returns later, it would be as a broader release under a new name and design.

Question 21

Who uses the HIT Hand Cannon?

Accepted Answer

The Hand Cannon is the signature paddle of Hunter Johnson, the World No. 1 in PPA men's singles, who switched to it from the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX. His twin brother Yates Johnson also plays for HIT Pickleball, and the brand was co-founded by streamer Turner Tenney and Brandon Anandan.

Question 22

What makes the HIT Hand Cannon handle special?

Accepted Answer

The handle is its headline feature. It's 3D-printed from carbon-fiber-infused nylon and reinforced with carbon on the sides, making it virtually unbreakable, with a butt cap designed not to fly off. Beyond durability, it dampens vibration for a more connected feel, solving the handle-failure issues that affect many paddles.

Question 23

Is the HIT Hand Cannon a power or control paddle?

Accepted Answer

It's a balanced all-court paddle that leans toward power. The thin PowerCore delivers explosive pop and the raw carbon face provides elite spin, while the rubber perimeter weighting adds the stability and control needed to keep that power in check. It's built to do everything for an aggressive player.

Question 24

Is the HIT Hand Cannon good for spin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The raw carbon fiber face has the gritty texture needed to generate strong spin, supporting the high-RPM topspin drives that define modern singles play. Spin is a key part of what makes it an all-court weapon rather than a pure power paddle.

Question 25

Where is the HIT Hand Cannon made and is it available?

Accepted Answer

It's designed and manufactured in the USA. HIT Pickleball is a newer brand, so availability can be limited and may vary as production ramps up, so it's best to check HIT's official site for current stock. As always, confirm the model on the USA Pickleball approved list if you plan to compete.

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Proton Series Three Project Flamingo Review

Franklin C45 Aurelius Review

ProXR Signature Jolt Review

Paddletek Reserve Honeyfoam Review

HIT Hand Cannon Review

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