ProLite's New CRUSH Paddle Shows Where Pickleball Is Going

Some Paddles Are Designed For Looks, Some For Performance - ProLite’s CRUSH Powerspin Delivers Both

The market for pickleball paddles is diverse. Core and face materials, paddle shape, size, weight, grip and other factors all contribute to the diverse options available. With their launch of the ProLite CRUSH Powerspin, veteran paddle manufacturer ProLite has created a new paddle that is truly unique.

Decades later, ProLite continues to innovate. With the CRUSH Powerspin, their innovations incorporate new materials as well as leading edge graphic design. The CRUSH is built on ProLite’s most successful paddle shape – the Magnum. However, unlike the Magnum, which has a graphite face and nomex core, the CRUSH interior is constructed of QuadCore™ Power Polymer honeycomb, covered with ProLite’s new SPINtac™ fiberglass panels.

The result is a highly durable and quiet paddle with an oversized face that provides plenty of power, great control, and spin when you want it. To top that off, the CRUSH is made in three colorful great-looking graphic styles (called Skate, Snow and Surf) appealing to players with style who like to play hard and look good while they’re at it. Each design is truly unique, with a coordinated brightly colored No-Slip Thin Grip.

We recently spoke with ProLite’s President Neil Friedenberg and Vice-President Lisa Wehr about the CRUSH. We thought our readers would like to hear what Neil and Lisa had to say about this exciting new paddle.

PBC: “We know you designed the new CRUSH Paddle with an eye to serving the younger players, or simply players who are young at heart. What can you tell us about the type of player you are trying to serve with the new Crush Paddle?”

ProLite: “The CRUSH is geared toward a player who values relative proportion in the important aspects of their paddle - balance, power, touch, spin - versus dominance of a particular aspect. This one has plenty of all four. This, along with a sense of style as well.”

PBC: “There are over 100 models of paddles in the marketplace, what makes the Crush truly unique?”

ProLite: “A couple of things. First, the new process for applying graphics to the face has allowed us to enhance ball spin capabilities without exceeding USAPA specs - we've named this new surface SPINtac(TM). Next, we opted to create three different designs incorporating stylish colored grips rather than different colors of the same design. All three skew toward a younger (mindset) player with a little bit of attitude included.”

PBC: “The visual design and colors of the new CRUSH models are striking. Are you trying to appeal to a specific type of player with the graphic design of the paddle?”

ProLite: “ProLite recognized the homogenous look of paddles several years ago. Because of the large surface area we have to work with versus other sports like tennis and racquetball, we feel an obligation to create a way for players to express themselves - break out - stand out. It may not improve the performance of the equipment but maybe it lends a little something to the player ego. After all, we're playing a sport and athletes enjoy distinction. You'll notice that in all of our paddle graphics.”

PBC: “As you went through the process to select the core and face materials for this paddle, what was your thought process?”

ProLite: “The Magnum shape has been our most popular shape and top performer for many years. It's always been Nomex and graphite so we felt compelled to utilize popular materials such as polymer and fiberglass to appeal to a different style of player using this highly preferred shape. The Polymer core is a quiet, strong, durable choice. It holds up and adds absorption contributing to touch. The new SPINtac fiberglass surface is cutting edge and to our knowledge, has not been used before on paddles.”

PBC: “For players who are used to playing with the Magnum, what kind of differences would they notice if they pick up the Crush and use it?”

ProLite: “Players will notice a difference. Because the CRUSH is made of 1/2 inch polymer core, it's thicker. It's also Green Zone approved for quiet communities where the Magnum's Nomex/graphite combination is not.”

PBC: “You shared that you thought this paddle served a number of distinct player types including Juniors and Women players. What makes this paddle well suited for various player types?”

ProLite: “The Crush is well suited for any player who is looking for a balance of the four performance elements we discussed earlier. It has the Magnum's smaller grip size, it's lightweight and edgy looking. And because of the balance, it should help younger players develop a solid, well-rounded game. For the same reasons, we think women looking for a smaller grip paddle will love the CRUSH’s performance, and the holographic look of the Snow design will likely appeal to more women - the design and color palette.”

For players looking for a paddle that combines an ideal balance of performance features with a healthy dose of color and style, the CRUSH delivers it all. To get all of the details on this hot new paddle, see the CRUSH Powerspin technical specs.