Details
Controllable, elongated, Toray T700 carbon fiber face, foam-reinforced 16mm core, and weighted end cap option.
Middleweight/Small Grip
Middleweight/Small Grip
GAMMA Raw Carbon Fiber Obsidian 16mm Pickleball Paddle
Designed for control-oriented players who still desire some put-away power, the GAMMA RCF Obsidian 16mm Pickleball Paddle combines GAMMA's classic control with a sleek, tapered shape and elongated profile. The 16-3/8" overall length boasts a 5-3/4" long foam-molded handle that not only encourages two-handed backhands, but dampens vibrations for increased feel...all while offering adjustable butt cap weights (sold separately) to help you find your desired balance point. The 7-3/8" wide Toray T700 carbon fiber hitting surface offers poppy response and ample dwell time to help you spin your cut shots and keep your passing shots within the lines. Rounded corners and a tapered shape help you achieve high swing speed while enhancing the sweet spot so you can consistently put the ball away.
The RCF Obsidian 16mm paddle from GAMMA Pickleball tips the scale a bit more toward control due to its 16mm (0.63") thick polymer honeycomb core. Reinforced with foam edgewalls, this core and surrounding foam is able to limit vibrations, return energy to the ball for a bit of pop, and offer stability and plow through ability that fills players with confidence. Plus, at 16mm thick, you know it provides a soft feel that helps you drop your thirds from deep, and reset from mid-court with aplomb, while keeping your dinks low and unattackable.
Get your GAMMA RCF Weighted End Cap Accessory Kit to customize your RCF Obsidian 16, improving hand speed by customizing the balance point via adding counter-weight below your hand. It's tricky, and it works!
Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8"
Reviews of the RCF Obsidian 16 Paddle by Pickleball Central Staff:
"It's not a stretch to say that the Gamma RCF Obsidian is the best pickleball paddle GAMMA has produced to date, and that would be true if they were not simultaneously releasing the tech-packed RCF Airbender, too. While the Airbender features industry leading tech (and performance for a fitting player), the new Obsidian is a different animal. It is more subdued, easier to wield, seemingly built for the masses and to compete solidly on performance, feel, and price in a very crowded space.
The RCF Obsidian isn't going to blow you away if you've been playing with top offerings from leading brands, but it's very difficult to find any fault and in most cases is a winner on price vs paddles with similar construction and performance. The play is definitely advanced from the first version of the Obsidian. You can feel the difference with the thermoformed construction being added to the raw carbon playing surface. It gives you a larger sweet spot and a great feel both off the face and in the handle/grip - the RCF Obsidian is improved in almost every way and a worthy consideration for your next paddle."
PickleballCentral Play Test Team
Specifications
GAMMA RCF Obsidian 16mm Pickleball Paddle Technical Specifications
Average Weight: 8.3 ounces
Weight Range: 8.2 - 8.4 ounces
Grip Circumference: 4 1/8" (Small) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8"
Grip Style: GAMMA Honeycomb
Grip Manufacturer: GAMMA
Handle Length: 5.75" (5-3/4")
Paddle Length: 16.375" (16-3/8")
Paddle Width: 7.375" (7-3/8")
Paddle Face: Toray T700 Carbon Fiber
Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
Core Thickness: 16mm (0.63")
Edge Guard: 1/8" Overlapping Paddle Face
Manufacturer: GAMMA Pickleball
Made in China
Average Weight: 8.3 ounces
Weight Range: 8.2 - 8.4 ounces
Grip Circumference: 4 1/8" (Small) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8"
Grip Style: GAMMA Honeycomb
Grip Manufacturer: GAMMA
Handle Length: 5.75" (5-3/4")
Paddle Length: 16.375" (16-3/8")
Paddle Width: 7.375" (7-3/8")
Paddle Face: Toray T700 Carbon Fiber
Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
Core Thickness: 16mm (0.63")
Edge Guard: 1/8" Overlapping Paddle Face
Manufacturer: GAMMA Pickleball
Made in China
