Why This Matchup Matters in 2025
Both JOOLA and Gearbox have exploded in popularity among serious players, and both bring cutting-edge tech to their paddles:
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JOOLA: Known for carbon grit, elite spin, and pro partnerships with players like Ben Johns
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Gearbox: Famous for seamless carbon construction, durability, and vibration-free feel
If you’re deciding between these brands, this guide breaks it all down.
Top JOOLA Paddles in 2025
1. JOOLA Perseus CFS 16mm
Why It Stands Out:
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Used by Ben Johns
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Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) adds unmatched spin
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16mm core delivers strong balance of power and control
Best For: Aggressive spin players, tournament-level competitors
Upgrade Tip: Pair with lead tape at 3/9 o’clock for plow-through, and a custom paddle band to boost grip precision.
2. JOOLA Scorpeus 14mm
Why It Stands Out:
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Thinner core offers more pop and speed
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Excellent for doubles play
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Lightweight with an aerodynamic feel
Best For: Fast hands at the net, players who drive the ball
Upgrade Tip: Add a tacky replacement grip for enhanced feel and quick resets.
Top Gearbox Paddles in 2025
1. Gearbox CX14E Ultimate Power
Why It Stands Out:
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Patented Solid Span Technology (SST) = full carbon construction
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Feels ultra-stable and vibration-free
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Elongated shape offers more spin potential
Best For: Power players who need consistency and arm comfort
Upgrade Tip: Use lead tape at 12 o’clock to enhance momentum, and a grip band for control during power drives.
2. Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
Why It Stands Out:
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Edgeless design and pure carbon face
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Explosive pop with long paddle dwell time
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Slightly heavier, perfect for spin-oriented bangers
Best For: Singles players, baseline attackers, tennis converts
Upgrade Tip: Add grips to reduce torque and keep placement consistent during spin serves.
Side-by-Side: JOOLA vs Gearbox (2025)
| Brand | Model | Best For | Core Tech | Surface | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOOLA | Perseus CFS 16mm | Spin & balance | Reactive Honeycomb | Carbon Friction | Powerful + controlled |
| JOOLA | Scorpeus 14mm | Speed & hand battles | Reactive Polymer | Carbon Fiber | Quick + lightweight |
| Gearbox | CX14E Ultimate Power | Power + arm comfort | Solid Span Tech | Raw Carbon | Stable + smooth |
| Gearbox | Pro Power Elongated | Spin & reach | SST Core | Raw Carbon | Heavy + responsive |
Which Brand Has Better Spin Potential?
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JOOLA excels in surface grit — their CFS paddles offer one of the highest spin ratings in 2025.
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Gearbox uses raw carbon faces, which offer consistent spin but require more technique to fully unlock.
🏆 Spin Winner: JOOLA for its aggressive texture and easier access to spin.
Which Has Better Control + Feel?
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Gearbox wins on consistency and smoothness — fewer vibrations, cleaner resets
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JOOLA has more pop, but can be less forgiving on mis-hits
🏆 Control Winner: Gearbox for its unmatched feel on blocks, dinks, and drop shots
Which Is Better for Power Players?
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JOOLA’s Perseus has strong pop with added spin
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Gearbox paddles like the Pro Power are heavier and deliver raw force
🏆 Power Winner: Tie — depends if you prefer pop (JOOLA) or weight-driven plow-through (Gearbox)
Don’t Forget the Add-Ons: Elevate Either Paddle
Whether you go JOOLA or Gearbox, smart upgrades can unlock another level of performance:
🎯 Lead Tape
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Add power or balance based on placement
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Great for reinforcing swing weight and paddle stability
🎾 Custom Paddle Bands
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Train better wrist snap for spin
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Improve hand placement consistency
🧤 High-Tack Grips
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Reduce slippage and fatigue
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Rotate regularly to maintain elite-level control
Final Verdict: Should You Buy a JOOLA or Gearbox Paddle in 2025?
Choose JOOLA if:
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You want spin-first performance
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You like lighter, faster paddles
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You value power with grit
Choose Gearbox if:
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You want control, smoothness, and build quality
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You value a full-carbon, durable design
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You prefer a solid feel with less vibration
Either way — the paddle is only half the equation. Add lead tape, apply a custom paddle band, and refresh your grip to turn your gear into a game-winner.
Ready to Upgrade Your Paddle Game?
Visit CustomPickleballBands.com to shop:
Spin harder. Control better. Win more in 2025.