Gearbox CX14H Pickleball Paddle: Best Next-Gen Technology
I have found that the Gearbox CX14H is one of the best options available on the market after trying out multiple paddles. This paddle is designed to provide players with ultimate power and control, thanks to its solid span technology (SST) and thicker 14mm stability profile.
It is an excellent choice for players who want to experience Gearbox’s SST Technology, as it offers a stable and soft feel.
The Gearbox CX14H is available in different sizes, including a grip circumference of 3-5/8″ and 3-15/16″. It is also available in a middleweight carbon fiber version, which is perfect for players who want a lighter option.
The paddle is designed to push the limits of paddle technology, and it delivers on that promise. It is a great choice for players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
Overview of Gearbox CX14H Pickleball Paddle
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle and was impressed with its performance. As an intermediate player, I was looking for a paddle that could provide me with greater control and power on the court, and the CX14H did not disappoint.
One of the standout features of the CX14H is its larger sweet spot. This means that even off-center hits can still result in a solid shot, making it easier to maintain control during rallies. Additionally, the paddle has a 14mm thickness, which provides greater stability and reduces vibration on impact.
The paddle is constructed with woven carbon fiber, which not only makes it lightweight but also durable. Gearbox’s Hyper-bite spin technology also helps players generate more spin on their shots, making it easier to place the ball exactly where you want it.
Another feature that sets the CX14H apart is its solid-span technology. This means that the paddle has a solid core, which provides greater power and control.
Overall, the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players looking for a paddle that can provide them with greater control, power, and spin on the court.
Its larger sweet spot, 14mm thickness, woven carbon fiber construction, Hyper-bite spin technology, and solid span technology all work together to create a paddle that can help players take their game to the next level.
Design and Construction
The Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle is designed with a patented carbon fiber chamber construction that enhances the paddle’s durability and performance.
The paddle is constructed with 3K woven carbon fiber, which provides a premium feel and sound, a larger sweet spot, greater spin, added torsion control, and more durability. The paddle also features Toray T-700 carbon fiber, which is a high-performance carbon fiber that is known for its strength and stiffness.
The Gearbox CX14H paddle has an edgeless design, which means that the paddle has no sharp edges that can cause discomfort or injury during gameplay. The edgeless frame also provides a larger hitting surface, which increases the sweet spot and improves the paddle’s overall performance.
The Gearbox CX14H paddle is available in a variety of weights, including 7.8 oz, 8.0 oz, and 8.2 oz. The weight of the paddle is evenly distributed throughout the paddle, which provides a balanced feel and improves the paddle’s maneuverability.
Paddle Weight Guide
| Weight Range | Power | Spin | Control | Agility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight (7-7.3 ounces) | Best for agility and control | Good for spin | Good for touch shots | Beginner Intermediate 50+ Women Doubles Play |
| Midweight (7.3-8.3 ounces) | Good balance of power and control | Good for all-around play | Good for volleys | Versatile |
| Heavyweight (8.3-10 ounces) | Best for power | Good for blocking | Less forgiving on mis-hits | Singles Beginner Intermediate Advanced |
| Extra Heavy (10-13 ounces) | Maximum power | Not as good for spin or control | Very unforgiving on mis-hits | Advanced |
Dimensions and Specifications
The Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle has a standard paddle width of 8 inches and a length of 15-5/8 inches. The paddle thickness is 14mm, which provides stability and control during gameplay. The handle length measures 5-5/8 inches, allowing for a comfortable grip.
The paddle comes with two grip circumference options – 3 5/8″ or 3 15/16″ – to accommodate different hand sizes. The Gearbox Smooth Wrap Grip provides a soft feel while maintaining a stable grip during play.
The paddle’s face is made of 3K woven carbon fiber, which is known for its durability and strength. The core is also made of carbon fiber, which results in a lightweight paddle that is easy to maneuver.
The Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle is approved by USA Pickleball, making it an excellent choice for both recreational and competitive players. Its design and specifications make it a versatile paddle suitable for players of all skill levels.
Summary of Features and Specs
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Paddle width | 8 inches |
| Paddle length | 15-5/8 inches |
| Paddle thickness | 14mm |
| Handle length | 5-5/8 inches |
| Handle circumference | 3 5/8” or 3 15/16” grip |
| Face material | 3K woven carbon fiber |
| Core material | T-700 Carbon fiber |
| Weight average | 8.0 ounces |
| Grip style | Gearbox Smooth Wrap |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Performance and Playability
I have been playing with the Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power paddle for a few weeks now, and I am impressed with its overall performance and playability. The paddle’s power, control, and spin capabilities are top-notch, making it an excellent choice for both attacking and defensive players.
The CX14H Ultimate Power features Gearbox’s Power Band Technology, which enhances the paddle’s power and stability profile. The power band technology allows the paddle to have a larger sweet spot, making it more forgiving when hitting off-center shots. Additionally, the paddle’s elongated shape and quad-shaped face provide a larger hitting surface, which is ideal for power shots.
The paddle’s honeycomb core and carbon fiber face finish make it lightweight and provide a plush feel when hitting the ball. The CX14H Ultimate Power’s hyper-bite 2.0 spin technology also enhances its spin capabilities, making it easier to hit topspin and drop shots.
I found the CX14H Ultimate Power to be very maneuverable, making it easy to dink and control the ball at the net. The paddle’s balance is also excellent, making it easy to swing and hit shots with pace. I did not experience any dead spots on the paddle, which is a common issue with some carbon fiber paddles.
The CX14H Ultimate Power is an all-court paddle, making it suitable for both attacking and defensive play. Its stability and forgiveness make it an excellent choice for players with tennis elbow or other arm injuries. The paddle’s elongated shape and head shape, H (Hyper), also make it great for attacking at the net.
Overall, the Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power paddle is an excellent choice for players looking for a high-performance paddle with top-notch power, control, and spin capabilities. Its advanced paddle technology, forgiveness, and plush feel make it a great option for players of all levels.
Weight and Balance
I have been using the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle for a few weeks now, and one of the standout features is its weight and balance. At 8.0 oz, the paddle feels relatively light in my hand, which makes it easy to maneuver and control my shots.
The low weight of the Gearbox CX14H paddle is due to the materials used in its construction. The face of the paddle is made of 3K woven carbon fiber, which is both strong and lightweight. The handle is made of a composite material that is also designed to be lightweight.
While the low weight of the paddle is a plus for many players, some may find that they prefer a slightly heavier paddle. If you fall into this category, you can add lead tape to the paddle to increase its weight. This can also help to shift the balance of the paddle slightly, which can be useful for players who prefer a different feel.
Overall, I find that the weight and balance of the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle are well-suited to my playing style. The low weight makes it easy to control my shots, while the balance of the paddle feels just right in my hand. If you’re looking for a lightweight paddle that still offers plenty of power and control, the Gearbox CX14H is definitely worth considering.
Swing Speed and Swing Weight
The Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle has a higher swing weight compared to the original CX14. The swing weight of the CX14H is 109, which is higher than the CX14E, which has a swing weight of 119. The higher swing weight gives the CX14H more power, but it also means that the paddle is slightly slower to swing.
The swing speed of a paddle is an important factor to consider when choosing a paddle. The swing speed is the speed at which the paddle moves through the air during a swing. A faster swing speed means that the paddle is easier to maneuver and control, but it may not have as much power as a paddle with a slower swing speed.
Swing Speed and Swing Weight Paddle Guide
| Swing Speed | Swing Weight | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| High | High | More power, more stability, larger sweet spot |
| High | Low | More power, faster swing speed, better maneuverability |
| Medium* | Medium* | Balance of power and control |
| Low | High | More control, more feel, easier to maneuver |
| Low | Low | Easiest to swing, most maneuverable, best feel |
Swing Speed and Swing Weight Range Guide
| High | Medium* | Med-Low | Low | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 110+ mph | 90-110 mph | 70-90 mph | Below 70 mph |
| Weight | 550+ oz-in2 | 450-550 oz-in2 | 350-450 oz-in2 | Below 350 oz-in2 |
The Gearbox CX14H* has an average swing speed, which means that it is not too fast or too slow. The paddle is easy to control, and it has enough power to hit hard shots when needed. The paddle’s shape and weight distribution also contribute to its overall swing speed and control.
The Gearbox CX14H has a higher swing weight than the original CX14, which gives it more power but a slightly slower swing speed. The paddle has an average swing speed, making it easy to control and maneuver. The paddle’s shape and weight distribution also contribute to its overall swing speed and control.
*-CX14H has a medium swing speed and swing weight, making it a well balanced power paddle
Grip and Handle
I have been playing with the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle for a while now, and one of the things that immediately caught my attention was the grip and handle and the edgeless design. Gearbox makes some of the best edgeless paddles on the market.
The Gearbox CX14H paddle offers two grip circumference options – 3 5/8″ and 3 15/16″. This allows players to choose the grip size that best suits their hand size and playing style. I personally prefer the 3 5/8″ grip, as it feels more comfortable and secure in my hand. However, it’s great to have the option to choose the grip size that works best for you.
The paddle handle is 5-5/8″ long, which is a standard length for most pickleball paddles. The handle is also wrapped with Gearbox Smooth Wrap, which provides a comfortable and secure grip. The Gearbox Smooth Wrap is available in black, which looks sleek and professional.
One thing that I appreciate about the Gearbox CX14H paddle is that the grip and handle are designed to work together. The grip circumference and smooth wrap provide a secure grip, while the handle length allows for a comfortable grip position. This combination allows for better control and accuracy during gameplay.
I am very impressed with the grip and handle of the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle. The options for grip circumference, combined with the Gearbox Smooth Wrap and handle length, make for a comfortable and secure grip that enhances gameplay.
Core and Thickness
The Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle features a unique SST (Solid Span Technology) core that is designed to provide maximum power and control. The core of the paddle is made from a combination of carbon fiber and polymer, which provides exceptional durability and strength.
One of the standout features of the Gearbox CX14H paddle is its thickness. The paddle has a thickness of 14mm, which is thicker than most honeycomb core paddles on the market. This thickness provides greater stability and control, making it an ideal choice for players who want to take their game to the next level.
The thickness of the paddle also helps to reduce vibration, which can be a common problem with thinner paddles. This means that players can hit the ball harder without worrying about the paddle vibrating or losing control.
The SST core of the Gearbox CX14H paddle is designed to provide a solid hitting surface, which helps to increase accuracy and power. The solid hitting surface also helps to reduce the amount of energy lost during impact, which means that players can hit the ball harder with less effort.
Paddle Core Guide
| Material | Characteristics | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer | – Softest and quietest material – Excellent power with less noise | Heavier paddles |
| Nomex | – Hard, durable, and powerful material – Created by dipping a honeycomb framework into a resin | Lightweight paddles |
| Aluminum | – Offers a blend of power and control – Usually light but less powerful than Nomex | Lightweight paddles |
Overall, the Gearbox CX14H paddle is an excellent choice for players who want a paddle that provides maximum power and control. The combination of the SST core and the 14mm thickness make this paddle one of the most advanced paddles on the market today.
Durability and Quality
As a pickleball player, I understand the importance of having a durable and high-quality paddle. That’s why I was impressed with the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle.
Firstly, the paddle is made with 3K woven carbon fiber, which provides superior strength and durability. This material is known for its resistance to wear and tear, making it perfect for players who play frequently.
Additionally, the Gearbox paddle features the company’s proprietary #1 SST ribbed core technology, which enhances the durability of the paddle. This technology ensures that the paddle can withstand heavy usage without losing its shape or performance.
As for the grip size, the Gearbox CX14H paddle comes in two options: 3 5/8″ or 3 15/16″ (octagonal). I personally prefer the 3 5/8″ grip size, as it provides a comfortable and secure grip, especially during long games.
Another aspect of the paddle’s quality is the red grip, which not only looks stylish but also provides a non-slip grip. This is important as it helps prevent the paddle from slipping out of your hand during play, which can affect your performance.
USAPA Approval
The Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle is approved by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) for use in tournament play. This means that the paddle has been tested and meets the standards set by the USAPA for size, weight, and materials.
To be approved by the USAPA, a paddle must meet the following requirements:
- The paddle must be no larger than 24 inches in length and 17 inches in width.
- The paddle must weigh no more than 14 ounces.
- The paddle must have a core made of a specific type of material, such as polymer or aluminum.
- The paddle must have a smooth surface without any texturing or roughness.
The Gearbox CX14H meets all of these requirements and is therefore approved for use in USAPA-sanctioned tournaments. Players can use this paddle with confidence, knowing that it has been tested and approved by the governing body of the sport.
It is important to note that not all pickleball paddles are USAPA-approved. Using a non-approved paddle in tournament play can result in disqualification and may affect a player’s ranking. It is always recommended to check with the USAPA-approved equipment list before purchasing a new paddle.
Upgrades and Enhancements
One of the most notable upgrades is the new Hyper Bite technology, which provides increased spin and control on the ball. This technology is achieved through a unique surface texture that creates more friction between the ball and the paddle face. I found that this technology allowed me to put more spin on the ball, which made it easier to keep my shots in play and to place the ball where I wanted it.
Another enhancement that I appreciated was the increased sweet spot on the paddle face. Gearbox has increased the size of the sweet spot by 15%, which means that even off-center shots still have a good chance of landing where you want them to. This is especially helpful for players who are still working on their accuracy and consistency.
In addition to these upgrades, Gearbox has also made some improvements to the core of the paddle. The CX14H features a new core material that provides a more solid feel and better energy transfer on your shots. This means that you can hit the ball harder without sacrificing control or accuracy.
Overall, I was very impressed with the upgrades and enhancements that Gearbox has made to the CX14H pickleball paddle. The new Hyper Bite technology increased sweet spot, and improved core all work together to create a paddle that provides excellent spin, control, and power. If you’re in the market for a new paddle, I would definitely recommend giving the CX14H a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the features of the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle?
The Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle is a high-performance paddle that is designed to provide players with excellent control and power. It features Gearbox’s patented SST technology, which enhances the sweet spot and reduces vibration. The paddle is made with a 14mm thick honeycomb core and a carbon fiber face, which makes it lightweight and durable.
What is the difference between the Gearbox CX14H and CX14E Ultimate Power pickleball paddles?
The Gearbox CX14H and CX14E Ultimate Power pickleball paddles are both high-performance paddles that are designed to provide players with excellent control and power. The main difference between the two paddles is that the CX14E has a slightly larger sweet spot and a softer feel, while the CX14H has a more stable feel and a slightly smaller sweet spot.
How does the Gearbox CX14H compare to other Gearbox paddles?
The Gearbox CX14H is one of Gearbox’s most popular paddles. It is designed to provide players with excellent control and power, and it is known for its stability and durability. Compared to other Gearbox paddles, the CX14H is a bit heavier and has a longer handle, which makes it ideal for players who prefer a more stable paddle.
Is the Gearbox CX14H paddle USAPA approved?
Yes, the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle is USAPA-approved. This means that it has been tested and approved for use in USAPA-sanctioned tournaments.
Are there any common issues or complaints with the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle?
One common issue that some players have reported with the Gearbox CX14H pickleball paddle is that it can be a bit heavy for some players. However, this is a personal preference, and many players prefer the added stability and power that the CX14H provides.
What size should I choose for a Gearbox paddle?
The size of the Gearbox paddle that you choose will depend on your personal preference and playing style. Most players prefer a standard-size paddle, which is around 8 inches wide and 15-16 inches long. However, some players prefer a smaller or larger paddle, depending on their playing style.
What paddle does Ben Johns use?
Ben Johns, one of the top pickleball players in the world, currently uses the Joola Hyperion CFS* pickleball paddle.
What is a dead paddle in pickleball?
A dead paddle is one that does not meet the paddle specs. You can usually tell when a paddle is dead. It doesn’t pop or have the same power that it had when new. To me, it sounds like a ‘thud’ on your paddle. This can happen for a variety of reasons, wear, breakage, or a crack. When this occurs, you should replace the paddle.
What paddle does Anna Bright use?
Anna Bright, another top pickleball player, currently uses the Joola Anna Bright Scorpeus* pickleball paddle.
What is skinny pickleball?
Skinny pickleball is where you are only playing or drilling with two players. If you are waiting for your other players to show up, this is an excellent way to warm up. It also is fantastic for learning ball control. This is a great video by Sarah Ansboury. Sarah is a playing pro and is a coach at Palmetto Dunes in Hilton Head Island, where I play. I have attended her clinics and boot camps.
Are there really differences between pickleball paddles?
Yes, there are differences between pickleball paddles. The materials used, the thickness of the core, the shape of the paddle, and the weight of the paddle can all affect the performance of the paddle. It is important to choose a paddle that is comfortable for you and that suits your playing style.
*Paddles available on Amazon
