Ektelon is a renowned brand in the racquetball industry that has recently ventured into the realm of pickleball. At present, they offer two pickleball paddle models: the Ektelon Inferno 13MM and the Ektelon Inferno 16MM. If you are searching for the Ektelon Pickleball Paddle, then read this editorial product review article titled “Ektelon Pickleball Paddles Review.”
In this article, we are going to provide information about these two Ektelon Pickleball Paddles(Ektelon Inferno 13MM and Ektelon Inferno 16MM). Next, we’ll recommend a specific Ektelon Pickleball Paddle model for you to consider, and then we’ll delve into essential tips for maintaining and caring for your chosen paddle.
Ektelon Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle
The Ektelon Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle offers an excellent combination of affordability and suitability for beginners. It features an elongated shape, offering an extended reach, and is impressively lightweight, with an average weight of just 7.75 ounces. The paddle’s face is crafted from textured fiberglass, striking a perfect balance between power and control. Moreover, it excels at generating spin, giving you a competitive edge in your pickleball matches. Below are the detailed specifications of the Ektelon Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle:
- Average Weight: 7.75 oz
- Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb
- Hitting Surface: Fiberglass
- Grip Size: 4.25 inch
- Grip Length: 5.5 inches
- Paddle Length: 16.5 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.4 inches
- Paddle Thickness: 13 mm
- Factory Grip: Ektelon Comfort Grip
Design And Build Quality Of The Ekleton Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle
The Ektelon Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle boasts a 13mm polypropylene honeycomb core, offering a forgiving sweet spot and enhancing both power and ball contact sensation. The core is wrapped with a single-piece fiberglass face, guaranteeing that the paddle performs consistently across its entire hitting area.
This paddle also features Ektelon’s Vibration Dampening handle, which incorporates EVA foam to improve overall comfort and feel, particularly during extended gameplay sessions. With a handle length of 5.5 inches, the Inferno 13MM is an excellent choice for players who prefer a two-handed backhand grip.
Performance Of The Ekleton Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle In Pickleball
The Ektelon Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle delivers an impressive performance on the pickleball court. Thanks to its lightweight and elongated design, it excels in providing an extended reach, particularly when you’re positioned at the baseline. Moreover, it boasts a generously sized sweet spot, making it a breeze to generate power even if you don’t hit the ball dead center. The textured surface of the paddle offers an excellent ball grip, enabling you to generate spin effectively.
When the ball hits the face of this paddle, the polypropylene core makes a pleasing “pop” sound while keeping the paddle easy to control and steady. Overall, this paddle is a fantastic choice for beginner to intermediate level players seeking an affordable option that offers exceptional playability. You can easily make precise shots on the court because it offers a great blend of power, spin, and control.
Pros & Cons Of The Ekleton Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Features a spacious sweet spot
- Strikes an outstanding balance between power and control
- Elongated shape extends your reach
- Generates decent spin
- Excellent value for the price
- Doesn’t perfectly match the touch and finesse of higher-end paddles
- Not as powerful as certain composite face paddles
- Grip might not be as comfortable for some players
Conclusion
The Ektelon Inferno 13MM is an excellent paddle choice for pickleball players who are beginners or at the intermediate level. It offers an impressive combination of power, spin, and control at a highly affordable price point. The paddle’s elongated design and lightweight construction make it easy to swing and provide excellent reach on the court. In summary, it represents a fantastic value option for recreational play.
Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle
The Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle is carefully designed to deliver premium performance and quality at an affordable price. It boasts a weight of approximately 8.35 ounces and a generous length of 16.5 inches, offering players an ideal combination of control and extended reach. The paddle has a robust 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core, guaranteeing an outstanding stability and a generous sweet spot. Below, you’ll find the detailed specifications of the Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle:
- Average Weight: 8.35 oz
- Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb
- Hitting Surface: Fiberglass
- Grip Size: 4 3/8 inch
- Grip Length: 5.5 inches
- Paddle Length: 16.5 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.4 inches
- Paddle Thickness: 16 mm
- Factory Grip: Ektelon Comfort Grip
Design And Build Quality Of The Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle
The Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle’s core is its impressive 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core. This thick core brings exceptional stability and effectively reduces vibration, ensuring a comfortable playing experience. Moreover, it creates a remarkably generous sweet spot, allowing for consistent shots, even when not perfectly centered.
The Inferno 16MM has a 5.5-inch handle with EVA foam cushioning inside the grip, making it more comfortable and providing a better feel, particularly during extended matches. Its 4.35-inch grip circumference caters well to players with larger hands. The paddle’s single-piece fiberglass face covers the polypropylene core, guaranteeing that it performs consistently across the entire hitting surface.
Performance Of The Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle
The Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle delivers an outstanding performance suitable for various playing styles, thanks to its ample sweet spot and premium feel. The polypropylene core offers precise touch and control, allowing for an accurate shot placement. It also provides excellent power when needed, making it effective for putting away shorter balls.
The 16mm core thickness ensures exceptional stability and vibration reduction. This paddle truly excels when executing delicate shots near the kitchen. Additionally, the EVA foam handle enhances comfort, even during extended matches. It offers added reach and court coverage with its elongated 16.5-inch length, a valuable feature that many players appreciate.
Pros & Cons Of The Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle
- Excellent stability and vibration dampening
- Very forgiving sweet spot
- Great mix of control, power, and feel
- Premium build quality and materials
- Comfortable, spacious grip size, ideal for players with larger hands.
- Offers extended reach with its 16.5-inch length
- Heavier than some composites, which may slow the swing speed
- Doesn’t have exceptional power and spin potential
- Comes at a higher price point than entry-level alternatives
Conclusion
With its substantial sweet spot, premium feel, and unparalleled stability, the Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle stands as an outstanding choice for intermediate to advanced-level players. This paddle, offering excellent control and a comfortable feel, is ideal for precise shot-making and maintaining rallies. Moreover, its use of premium materials and top-tier construction guarantees a consistent, high-level performance year after year. It remains an excellent option for players aiming to improve their control and stability on the court.
Which Model of Ektelon Pickleball Paddle Can You Choose?
If I had to choose between the Ektelon Inferno 13MM and the Ektelon Inferno 16MM pickleball paddles, I would prefer the 16MM. It appears to be the superior choice in terms of performance and comfort.
The thicker 16mm polypropylene core offers excellent control and stability, and I value its forgiving sweet spot, which is crucial as I strive to make my shots more consistent. Additionally, the 16MM provides an outstanding feel and touch, particularly when I need finesse in my shots and want to keep the ball in play.
Although the 13MM paddle appears suitable for beginners, I don’t believe that it would offer me the same level of performance and feel as the 16MM. As an intermediate player with aspirations to improve, I’m prepared to invest a little more in the 16MM paddle, with confidence in its reliability if I maintain it properly. Its stability, control, and forgiving sweet spot have convinced me that the 16MM paddle is the one that can elevate my game to the next level.
How to Take Care of the Ektelon Pickleball Paddle?
To ensure that your Ektelon pickleball paddle will last as long as possible and maintain its performance, here are some essential care guidelines:
- After playing, clean the paddle face by wiping it with a damp cloth to remove dirt, grime, and sweat buildup.
- When not in use, store the paddle in a padded case or bag to protect it from potential cracks and warping.
- Avoid exposing the paddle to direct sunlight or extremely hot conditions, such as inside a hot car.
- Regularly inspect the face and edge guard for cracks or peeling, and apply edge tape as needed to prevent damage.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the paddle’s surface.
- If the grip becomes worn or slippery, consider having it professionally replaced.
- To ensure the highest level of protection, think about having the paddle professionally sealed once or twice a year.
By following these care and maintenance routines, you can expect your Ektelon pickleball paddle to deliver excellent performance and remain durable for many seasons consistently. Proper storage, gentle cleaning, and regular edge guard maintenance are essential to ensure your paddle’s longevity and keep it in top-notch condition.
FAQs
The most significant distinction lies in the core: the 13MM boasts a 13mm polypropylene core, while the 16MM features a thicker 16mm core. This gives the 16MM several advantages, including a more generous sweet spot, enhanced stability with reduced vibration, and an overall premium feel. The 13MM, on the other hand, is designed as a budget-friendly option primarily suited for beginners.
Both Ektelon pickleball paddles, thanks to their textured fiberglass faces, allow you to generate decent spin. However, the 16MM provides a bit more potential for spin and control on your shots. Its polypropylene core and fiberglass face are optimized for a better touch and feel, which helps in imparting spin to the ball.
The Ektelon Inferno pickleball paddles are crafted with a polypropylene honeycomb core, surrounded by a durable fiberglass hitting surface. The core delivers power and control, while the fiberglass face ensures longevity. The handle features an EVA foam grip for added comfort.
Ektelon uses a single-layer edge guard tape applied around the rim of these paddles to protect their edges from damage. It is advisable to periodically inspect this tape and reapply it if you notice any peeling.
Unfortunately, Ektelon does not offer replacement parts for their Inferno pickleball paddles. However, you can use third-party overgrips and edge tape, which are readily available and tend to work effectively as replacements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Ektelon Pickleball Paddles(Ektelon Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle & Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle) offer excellent performance and playability at affordable prices. The Ektelon Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle is a perfect choice if you’re a beginner or a recreational player seeking a budget-friendly and lightweight option.
However, for most pickleball enthusiasts, the Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle represents the superior choice. Its premium design and thicker core provide exceptional control and feel, particularly when you need precision and finesse in your shots. Although both Ektelon Inferno Pickleball Paddles are good choices, the 16MM stands out as the top pick for intermediate and advanced players due to its exceptional performance.
It is recommended to choose any one of these two Ektelon Pickleball Paddles according to your skill level, playing style, budget, and whether its weight and grip size are comfortable to you. If you can, it’s a good idea to test both Ektelon Pickleball Paddles to see which one works better for your playing style before making a decision. It is necessary for you to maintain and take care of this paddle after purchasing it according to its maintenance tips mentioned in this article.
After writing an editorial product review article on “Ektelon Pickleball Paddles Review,” we hope you have read and understood the information on these two Ektelon Pickleball Paddles(Ektelon Inferno 13MM Pickleball Paddle & Ektelon Inferno 16MM Pickleball Paddle) and will purchase any one of them and perform well on the pickleball court.
