Six Zero Sapphire Pickleball Paddle Review (2024)

Six Zero Sapphire has emerged as an exciting player in the pickleball industry over the past year, bringing a fresh perspective and a robust research and development approach to the table. Dale, the passionate owner, is deeply invested in advancing the sport and pushing boundaries in paddle innovation.

Today, I’ll delve into their budget-friendly option, the thermoformed Six Zero Sapphire pickleball paddle. While their Diamond series often steals the spotlight, the Sapphire holds its own merit and deserves attention. I’ve highlighted the Sapphire in my recommendations for both intermediate players and those seeking quality paddles under $100. For a comprehensive overview of Six Zero paddles, be sure to explore my Complete Six Zero Paddles Buyer’s Guide.

Alright, let’s dive in.

Six Zero Sapphire Technical Specifications

• Price: $99 BUY
• Type: Control/All-court
• Shape: Elongated
• Core thickness: 13mm
• Face: Toray 700 Raw carbon fiber w/ textured epoxy coating
• Average weight: 7.9-8.0 oz
• Grip length: 5.6”
• Swing Weight: 108
• Grip size: 4.25”
• Core: Honeycomb polymer
• Total length: 16.5”
• Width: 7.5”
• Warranty: 6-month for defects

Six Zero Sapphire Quick Summary

Unibody thermoformed (hot molded) paddles are currently in high demand, praised for their powerful hits, excellent spin capabilities, and sturdy construction. Among them, the Six Zero Sapphire stands out as the sole thermoformed paddle available for under $100.

The Sapphire offers remarkable solidity within its price bracket, boasting superior build quality. Its shape, reminiscent of the Franklin Signature series paddle but with enhanced feel and performance, garners appreciation.

In terms of performance, the Sapphire proves itself as a well-balanced, versatile paddle suitable for all-court play. It delivers impressive power, spin, and control.

Personally, I find the 5’6″ elongated handle of the Sapphire particularly enjoyable. As someone who employs a two-handed backhand, I consider handles of 5’5″ and above to be optimal. Even when not using a two-handed backhand, the elongated handle allows for gripping lower, thereby increasing swing power.

Overall, I’m highly satisfied with this paddle, especially considering its affordability. Six Zero’s commitment to detail truly shines through in their exceptional paddle offerings.

Power Summary of Six Zero Sapphire

As a thinner-cored 13mm thermoform model, the Sapphire excels in power potential. It effortlessly facilitates hard-hitting drives, overhead shots, and putaways with minimal exertion.

While it remains versatile enough to be considered an all-court paddle, its inclination towards power is evident. The Sapphire is capable of serving as a legitimate singles paddle, thanks to its impressive power output.

Pop Summary of Six Zero Sapphire

I’ve discovered that both the power and pop output of the Sapphire surpass any other 13 or 14mm paddle I’ve used. Its solid pop, coupled with its remarkably low swing weight, makes it a formidable weapon at the net.

While it may not exhibit as much pop as other leading thermoformed paddles currently available, such as the Six Zero Black Diamond or Legacy Pro, the Sapphire still outperforms non-thermoformed Gen. 1 raw carbon fiber paddles in terms of pop delivery.

Control Summary of Six Zero Sapphire

Initially, I was concerned that the Sapphire’s thermoformed construction and thinner core might make it challenging to control and manage its power. However, after playing with it, I have no complaints.

Granted, it doesn’t offer the same level of control as a high-quality 16mm paddle, nor does it feature edge foam like many premium modern paddles do. But considering its price point in the $100 range, it still provides a solid performance.

One of the standout features of the Sapphire is its large sweet spot, a characteristic consistent with other thermoformed paddles I’ve tested. Hitting the ball off the sweet spot feels incredibly satisfying, with the ball launching off the paddle like a rocket.

In fast-paced net exchanges and hand battles, the Sapphire proves to be a game-changer, thanks to its quick and maneuverable nature, aided by its low swing weight of 108. Moreover, the paddle feels well-balanced, a testament to the meticulous engineering by Six Zero’s team.

For those seeking more control and forgiveness with the Sapphire, I recommend adding weighted tape to the lower half of the paddle. This adjustment enhances the solidity of hits and minimizes vibrations, resulting in a more consistent playing experience.

Spin

In terms of spin, the unique textured epoxy coating applied to the paddle face proves effective, delivering a substantial amount of spin. Straight out of the box, it genuinely feels akin to fine-grain sandpaper.

During testing, I measured an average spin rate of around 1,700 RPM, which is commendable for any paddle, particularly within this price range. Although the Sapphire didn’t quite make it onto my list of top pickleball paddles for spin, other Six Zero models did.

Despite its gritty texture due to the epoxy coating, I found that the spin performance of the Sapphire didn’t quite match up to paddles like the Legacy Pro, Vatic Pro, or Six Zero’s Diamond line.

It’s becoming apparent in the paddle world that friction plays a more significant role than grit in generating spin. Some newer paddles feature surfaces that aren’t overly gritty but exhibit a high level of friction, resulting in superior spin performance compared to their grittier counterparts.

Overall, the grip and spin offered by the Sapphire are commendable. While the gritty surface coating serves to distinguish it from the premium diamond paddle line, I’m unsure if it’s entirely necessary.

I’d like to see future iterations of this paddle prioritize friction over grit, as I believe it would lead to improved performance and surface longevity.

Durability

This paddle is constructed with durability in mind, and it’s expected to withstand the test of time, barring any delamination issues. There’s optimism that Six Zero has addressed this concern, which has affected newer-generation thermoformed paddles.

Structurally, the Sapphire is solid. You won’t encounter issues like broken handles or edge guards coming loose. While it lacks the carbon edge seam found in the Diamond series, it remains reliable.

Due to the nature of its surface coating, longevity may be a concern. Sprayed-on gritty coatings tend to wear over time. It’ll be interesting to observe how well it holds up with extended use. I haven’t had enough time with the paddle to thoroughly assess its durability, and few individuals have extensively tested it.

However, compared to other paddles in the $100 price range, the Sapphire is likely to outshine them in terms of durability. Many inexpensive paddles tend to deteriorate quickly, whereas the Sapphire is expected to maintain its integrity over time.

Value

The Sapphire stands out as an excellent choice for a paddle priced under $100. Its unibody thermoformed construction and utilization of Toray T700 carbon fiber result in top-notch build quality.

In this price range, the only paddle I’d recommend over the Sapphire is the Ronbus R1 16mm. While it may not offer the same level of power, it excels in control performance. However, if you’re specifically seeking a thermoformed paddle for $100, the Sapphire is undoubtedly the way to go.

Just six months ago, it would have been unimaginable to find a paddle of this caliber within this price range. Even now, the Sapphire rivals the quality and construction of the Rokne Curve X, which carries a retail price of $180. Additionally, comparisons could be drawn between the Sapphire and the Power Air Invikta, which is priced twice as high and, in my opinion, doesn’t offer the same level of playing satisfaction.

Should you buy the SixZero Sapphire?

For anyone seeking an affordable yet premium paddle, the Sapphire offers exceptional design and remarkable value for the price. If you’re a beginner aiming to advance your game beyond entry-level equipment, the Sapphire won’t disappoint.

This paddle excels in enhancing hand speed and bolstering confidence at the NVZ line, thanks to its impressively low swing weight. Considering its price point, the Sapphire is an unbeatable choice. It adds an element of fun to your gameplay and serves as a reliable option, whether as a primary paddle or a backup.

For those prioritizing control within a similar price range, the Ronbus R1.16 might be a preferable option. Priced similarly to the Sapphire, it features a 16mm gen. 1 raw carbon fiber construction, delivering superior control performance.

If you’re open to spending a bit more than $100, there are several outstanding paddles available in the $130-160 price range. Among my top recommendations are the Legacy Pro, Vatic V7, Vatic Flash, Six Zero Black Diamond, and Six Zero Double Black Diamond. Investing a bit more in these paddles guarantees excellent value for money and a notable improvement in performance.

While you’re at it, I also recommend checking out my posts on the best paddles for $100 or less as well as my post on the best intermediate pickleball paddles

FAQs about Six Zero Sapphire Pickleball Paddle