Vatic Pro V7 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review (Power, Spin, Control)

In 2022, Joola caused a stir in the pickleball paddle market with their Hyperion CFS/CGS carbon fiber paddles, introducing industry advancements like edge foam injection.

Fast forward to 2023, and a new wave of paddle innovation is underway. Raw carbon fiber paddles are the big trend this year, integrating thermoforming, unibody construction, sealed-in edge foam, and enhanced T700 carbon fiber paddle face textures.

Leading this evolution is the Vatic Pro paddle line.

In this post, we’ll delve into everything we know about the highly anticipated Vatic Pro V7 16mm pickleball paddle.

Let’s dive into the review.

Vatic Pro V7 16mm Specifications

• Price: $139.99 BUY
• Warranty: 4 Months
• Shape: Elongated
• Core thickness: 16mm
• Face: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber w/heat-compressed texture
• Average weight: 8.3 oz
• Grip length: 5.3′
• Swing Weight: 119
• Grip size: 4.25 in
• Core: C7 Polymer Honeycomb
• Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
• Total length: 16.5 in
• Width: 7.5 in

Quick Summary of the Vatic Pro V7 16mm Pickleball Paddle

I’ve put numerous carbon fiber paddles to the test, including those from Electrum, CRBN, Engage, Diadem, Joola, and more. Yet, none have quite matched the balance and performance of the new generation of carbon fiber paddles set to debut in 2023, particularly the Vatic Pro models.

Upon trying out the 16mm Vatic Pro, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. Shots that I typically struggle with became easier to execute, and I found myself returning tough shots with greater consistency. After several weeks of use, I’ve noticed improvements in my pacing, drop shots, dinking, control, and power.

It’s challenging to articulate without experiencing it firsthand, but the Vatic Pro exudes a sense of refinement. Perhaps it’s the result of new technology, such as thermoforming or grip inserts, that contributes to its exceptional feel and pure shot execution. Whatever the case, this paddle simply feels comfortable and enjoyable to wield, indicating superior construction quality.

Every aspect of the paddle feels meticulously planned. It strikes a perfect balance between power and control, without sacrificing its overall equilibrium. The paddle offers an optimal blend of power, control, and spin, complemented by a generous sweet spot for an elongated paddle. While not overly extravagant, its performance is undeniably impressive.

Adapting to the added “pop” of the paddle took me just a few games, after which I found myself in top form. Surprisingly, adjusting to this extra “pop” has actually enhanced my control game overall. I now find more enjoyment in executing dinks and resets than I did before using the Vatic.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse the Vatic Pro, and this recommendation comes from someone who is often critical of paddles on the market. There’s undoubtedly something special emanating from the factory where these new thermoformed paddles are produced.

Power Summary of Vatic Pro V7 16mm Pickleball Paddle

The Vatic Pro offers an impressive amount of power and pop for a 16mm paddle. In fact, I find that the 16mm version actually delivers more “pop” than the 14mm Flash version.

There’s no shortage of power with this paddle, and it feels quite effortless to wield. Driving shots with it feels particularly satisfying, making it an enjoyable choice for players who love aggressive playstyles or require extra punch in their shots.

It’s important to note that this paddle packs a significant punch, especially when compared to previous raw carbon fiber paddles. In comparison, the Hyperion feels notably softer and more plush.

With the Vatic Pro, you’ll find yourself able to place the ball precisely and swiftly. During my last game with it, I alternated between the Vatic Pro and the CRBN 1 re-release paddle, and the Vatic Pro consistently delivered more power.

However, adjusting to the increased “pop” may pose a challenge for some players. The paddle’s punchiness and reduced dwell time demand a certain level of control proficiency. If you struggle with resets or prefer paddles with a softer feel, the Vatic Pro might not be the best fit for you.

Once you’ve mastered the art of dialing back your strokes to accommodate the paddle’s power, you’ll find it to be an excellent choice. During my initial sessions, I found myself hitting drives past the baseline, but even then, it was an enjoyable experience. The power offered by thermoformed paddles is truly captivating.

Spin Summary of Vatic Pro V7 16mm pickleball paddle

The Vatic Pro V7 paddles truly excel in spin generation. The level of spin achievable with this paddle is quite remarkable, especially when compared to carbon-faced paddles of the past. The TORAY T700 fiber surface they utilize proves highly effective, delivering even more spin than I’ve encountered with previously released carbon-faced paddles.

Spin plays a significant role in my game. I utilize topspin on my serves and employ backhand slices with great effectiveness. The spin potential afforded by the Vatic Pro elevates my game to another level, adding an element of excitement (though perhaps at the expense of my opponents). Balls curve sharply and drop swiftly, often resulting in whiffs and mishits from the opposing team.

While I’ve managed to achieve even more spin with a couple of other new paddles, such as the Legacy Pro, Ronbus Pulsar, and Six Zero Black Diamond, all of which also utilize the TORAY T700 fiber, their top layer is tighter than that of the Vatic Pro and CRBN Power Series. It’s worth noting that all four brands originate from the same factory.

It appears that the Vatic team is aware of this, as they’re making adjustments to their weaving pattern for the upcoming batch of 14mm V7 Flash paddles. Perhaps we’ll see similar changes implemented for the 16mm version as well. However, based on my experience, the 16mm version already delivers a well-balanced spin performance, earning it a spot on my list of the best pickleball paddles for spin.

Control Summary of Vatic Pro V7 16mm pickleball paddle

The latest paddle technology incorporated into the Vatic Pro paddles undeniably enhances control, based on my experience.

By encasing the edge guard in carbon fiber, they’ve managed to improve the sweet spot, creating a consistent, dynamic tension across the paddle face. Additionally, injecting foam into the walls has become a new standard, resulting in a softer impact with the ball, thereby enhancing control.

Compared to the Joola Hyperion, the weight distribution of the Vatic Pro feels superior, contributing to better control. While I have a fondness for the Hyperion, the Vatic Pro simply offers a more balanced feel.

However, it’s important to note that the Vatic Pro may not feel like a top-control paddle for everyone. Its significant “pop” due to thermoforming can pose a challenge for some in terms of control. Personally, I adapted to it quickly and find the paddle ideal for dinking and resetting, but others may have a different experience. Hence, I’ve categorized it on my best intermediate paddle list rather than for beginners.

Setting aside its pop factor, this paddle has the potential to enhance nearly every aspect of your game. I’ve noticed significant improvements in my topspin serves, groundstrokes, and drops without sacrificing control.

Overall, the paddle exudes refinement and consistently delivers true, pure shots. While it may take some time to adjust to the pop, I believe it’s well worth the effort. If you’re seeking a more controllable version of the Vatic Pro V7, the newly released Vatic Pro Prism V7 is an excellent alternative, and it comes at a $40 lower price point.

Durability Summary of Vatic Pro V7 16mm pickleball paddle

There have been some reported issues with Vatics and other thermoformed paddles, such as core crushing, disbonding, and delaminating. While these issues are not entirely unique or new to the industry, they have led to concerns regarding excessive and inconsistent power output. However, Vatic has taken steps to address these shortcomings in their manufacturing process, and it appears that their fixes have been effective.

These new thermoformed paddles, including the Vatic Pro, are built to be incredibly robust. The Vatic Pro is constructed with multi-layered, wrapped, and heat-pressed TORAY T700 carbon fiber, which undergoes a curing process lasting over two hours. This build design is comparable to that of GearBox paddles, which are renowned for their resilience.

This unibody construction method is likely to become the standard in paddle-making, promising durable paddles without the exorbitant price tags. In comparison, paddles like the Joola Hyperions pale in comparison to the Vatic Pro in terms of durability.

The only paddles that can truly rival the durability of the Vatic Pro are those from the same factory (such as the CRBN 1/2X, Legacy Pro, and SixZero) or those from GearBox.

Value Summary of Vatic Pro V7 16mm pickleball paddle

The praise for the Vatic Pro paddles is undoubtedly well-deserved, especially when it comes to one area that stands out: price. In the current market, the Vatic Pro offers exceptional value, punching way above its weight in terms of performance compared to its price point.

This paddle holds its own against any top-of-the-line paddle available today but comes at a considerably lower price than many leading name-brands. For instance, the Vatic Pro V7 16mm is nearly identical to the CRBN 1X 16mm but is $80 cheaper.

This scenario reminds me of when XSPAK shook up the market by offering a rebranded version of the CRNN 1 paddle at a much lower price than CRBN’s offering. While there’s no ill will towards CRBN, it’s evident that they apply hefty markups, and they’re likely feeling pressure in terms of price competition from the likes of Vatic Pro.

Initially, I found one drawback regarding the value of the Vatic Pro: its aesthetics. The font used on the initial release for the “V7 CARBON FIBER 16mm” text along the side of the paddle face was quite basic and detracted from the overall presentation.

However, I’m pleased to report that Vatic Pro has taken note of this feedback and made improvements. The new design features a more appealing font, enhancing the overall appearance of the paddle. Moving forward, any paddle purchased from them will showcase this updated design.

Should you buy the Vatic Pro V7 16mm paddle?

The Vatic Pro 16mm paddle enhances your ability to shape your shots, grip the ball, and play with aggression on the court. Whether you’re an intermediate recreational player, an advanced 5.0 player, or a professional, making the switch to this paddle is likely to yield positive results in your game.

Considering its exceptional value and performance, I wholeheartedly recommend investing in this paddle if you’re looking to experience the latest advancements in paddle technology and prefer elongated paddles.

However, if elongated paddles aren’t your preference, you might want to explore the Vatic Pro Flash 14mm, which offers similar advancements and is also available for order.

For players seeking a softer paddle with less “pop” but still desiring high levels of spin and power, the Double Black Diamond Control paddle is worth considering.

If you’re in search of even more “pop” and spin in your 16mm paddle, the Legacy Pro might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if it’s power and “pop” you’re after, the Black Diamond Power stands out as the most “poppy” and powerful thermoform currently on the market.

It’s worth noting that the Joola Perseus prototype, which Ben John is currently using, is expected to incorporate some of the new advancements embraced by Vatic Pro. While this paddle is likely to gain popularity, I doubt it will surpass the value offered by the Vatic Pro.

FAQs about Vatic Pro V7 16mm Pickleball Paddle