Gearbox GX2 Power First Impressions & Comparison to JOOLA Pro IV
The GX2 Power is Gearbox’s follow-up to the original GX2, and in my opinion, it might be their best paddle yet. Not just because it’s powerful, but because it finally rounds out some of the long-standing issues Gearbox paddles have had.
I’ve been testing the hybrid version and will save thoughts on the elongated model for the full review on August 7th. But based on my early impressions, this is a major step forward.
If you’re in the market for a power paddle this is definitely one you should consider. Especially if you’re already looking at a JOOLA Pro IV.
In this these first impressions I’ll be going over what to look out for, potential tradeoffs, what to keep in mind before buying.
Table of Contents
What’s Changed Since the Last GX2?
Specs
On-Court Performance & Shot-by-Shot Feel
GX2 Power vs JOOLA Pro IV
Final Thoughts — Who This Paddle’s For
What’s Changed From the Last GX2?
The first GX2 was divisive. Some players loved it. Others didn’t. And a big reason for that was how dampened it was. It felt muted, with almost no feedback. It played quietly and absorbed so much vibration, it was hard to tell what kind of contact you were making with the ball.
The new GX2 Power changes that.
Sound: Now has a more audible “thud” on contact. Not overly loud, but closer to what you hear from Gen 3-style paddle like the JOOLA Pro IV. Much easier to feel how hard you’re hitting the ball.
More Feedback: You can feel the ball much better. It’s not overly stiff, but it’s no longer that disconnected feeling when hitting the ball. No more thinking you hit the ball clean only to realize you missed the sweet spot.
Lighter Swing Weight: The hybrid comes in at 111, and the elongated version is 117. This is much more manageable than previous heavy Gearbox models.
Great Sweet Spot: This is the best Gearbox sweet spot yet. In fact, I’d put it right up there with the best-of-the-best paddles on the market currently. I wouldn’t go as far to say it’s “the best sweet spot in pickleball”. But it’s to the point where I don’t think about the sweet spot at all while playing. And that’s a great thing.
Specs
GX2 Power Hybrid
Price: $280 retail
or $252 with code PBSTUDIO
Swing Weight: 111
Twist Wight: 6.42
Spin: 2256 RPM
Handle Length: 5.5”
Warranty: 1 Year
GX2 Power Elongated
Price: $280 retail
Or $252 with code PBSTUDIO
Swing Weight: 117
Twist Wight: 5.89
Spin: 2218 RPM
Handle Length: 5.5”
Warranty: 1 Year
On-Court Performance and Shot-By-Shot Feel
Power:
The GX2 Power is easily on par with and possibly even more powerful than the JOOLA Pro IV. Not by significant margins, but enough to notice. Serves jumped off the face, and counters were easy to put away.
Control:
This is where the tradeoffs start. Returns and drops took extra focus to dial in. I found myself on certain shots having to concentrate a bit more to not pop it up or sail the ball long.
Spin:
Historically, Gearbox power paddles have smooth surface texture. That’s changed here. While not the grittiest on the market, the GX2 Power now produces solid RPMs, testing at about 2256. It’s a clear improvement, and I don’t see people complaining about spin with GX2 Power.
Shot-by-Shot Feel
Serves: Easy depth and spin without needing to swing big.
Drops: A bit touchy. You'll need to focus to keep them low. Of course, this is something you could easily dial in with time, but I wouldn’t call this an easy paddle for third shot drops.
Resets: Surprisingly consistent. The sweet spot gives more margin for error than past Gearbox models.
Dinking: Backhand dinks felt crisp. Forehand dinks could float if your paddle angle is off. They felt about equal to other paddles I’ve been testing recently.
Hands Battles: One of the paddle’s strong suits. Compact swings deliver pop, but overswinging can send shots long.
GX2 Power vs JOOLA Pro IV
GX2 Power vs JOOLA Pro 4 Hyperion 16mm: Which One’s Better?
I wanted to compare these two because they’re neck and neck. Both sit in the power paddle category, and in my opinion, they’re direct competitors. So here’s how the Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid stacks up against the JOOLA Pro 4 Hyperion 16mm, category by category.
Feel:
The GX2 Power has a more plush, rounded feel. The JOOLA feels sharper and a little stiffer off the face.
✅ Winner: Personal preference for this one.
Power:
This one’s close, but I’d give the GX2 Power a slight edge. I didn’t have to swing as hard to get the ball deep, especially on serves and counters. While both are very powerful, it felt more effortless on the GX2.
✅ Winner: GX2 Power has a bit more power. Not a big gap, but noticeable when playing the two paddles.
Control:
Surprisingly, I had better touch and feel with the Pro IV. Drops were easier to place, and it was more predictable overall. On the GX2, because of the extra pop I found myself thinking more about how to place my shots. I would not call either easy, but in comparison, the Pro IV felt like I didn’t have to think as much.
✅ Winner: JOOLA Pro IV is more predictable when trying to place the ball.
Sweet Spot:
Both have great sweet spots, but if I had to pick a clear winner, it would be the GX2 Power.
✅ Winner: GX2 Power
Durability:
Gearbox wins here. Their SST core tends to hold up longer than Gen 3 polymer cores, especially with some of the core crush issues we’ve seen on other paddles.
✅ Winner: GX2 Power given their track record it’s likely to last longer
Shape Options:
JOOLA has way more variety. Multiple elongated shapes, widebody options, and different thicknesses. The GX2 Power is just available in a hybrid and elongated right now with one thickness.
✅ Edge: JOOLA Pro IV
Final Thoughts — Who This Paddle’s For
This is the first time I’ve played a Gearbox paddle and not felt like there was a major tradeoff holding it back. Historically, Gearboxes always had 1 or 2 issues that prevented them from being great. High swing weights, tight sweet spots, not enough spin for the power they had, too muted, etc. They’ve finally taken all the feedback that has been given for years and packed it into a great power paddle.
✅ Why You Might Want It:
You want a power paddle that competes with the JOOLA Pro IV
You value durability and sweet spot forgiveness
You like compact swings and aggressive counters
You want something that performs right out of the box
❌ Who It’s Not For:
Players who want that more connected paddle-to-ball feel like the JOOLA Pro IV
Those who prefer elongated shapes with longer handles (limited options here)
Players used to soft, plush reset-first paddles
Players who don’t regularly use power paddles.
My personal take:
I still think the Honolulu J2NF is slightly better for my own game, but the GX2 Power is right behind it. It’s seriously fun to use and for anyone looking for a paddle with pop, spin, and stability that doesn’t fall apart, this should be on your radar if you were looking into a Joola Pro IV.
More to come when the full review drops on August 7.
Thanks for reading!
Use code PBSTUDIO at checkout to save 10%.