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Gearbox GBX vs Pickleball Apes Charm x

Side-by-side comparison with lab-tested specs

Specs Comparison

Spec
Gearbox GBX
Pickleball Apes Charm x
Price
$199.99
$199
Swing Weight
122
123
Twist Weight
6.33
6.13
Weight
8.5 oz
8.2 oz
Core
16mm
16mm
Power
56.5 MPH
56.3 MPH
Pop
36.5 MPH
36.5 MPH
Spin
1524 RPM
—
Shape
Elongated
Elongated
Face
Carbon
Composite
Build
Gen 3
Gen 4
Balance
235mm
244mm

Gearbox GBX

This paddle delivers mid-range 56.5 MPH power, plush 16mm+ feel — a power option in a elongated shape.

Pros

  • +Heavy swing weight of 122 (88th percentile) delivers extra momentum and plow-through on drives
  • +Elongated shape gives extra reach on defense, overheads, and two-handed backhands
  • +Thick core (16mm+) provides a soft, controlled feel with a large sweet spot
  • +Latest-generation thermoformed construction for premium feel and consistency

Cons

  • −Limited spin at 1524 RPM (bottom 5%, avg 1988) compared to newer paddles
  • −Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
  • −Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
  • −On the heavy side at 8.5 oz (top 4%) — may cause fatigue for players with arm issues

Best For

Advanced / Tournament PlayersSingles PlayersTennis Converts
Buy at Official StoreAlso on Amazon
Full details

Pickleball Apes Charm x

This paddle delivers mid-range 56.3 MPH power, plush 16mm+ feel — a all-court option in a elongated shape.

Pros

  • +Heavy swing weight of 123 (top 9%) delivers extra momentum and plow-through on drives
  • +Elongated shape gives extra reach on defense, overheads, and two-handed backhands
  • +Thick core (16mm+) provides a soft, controlled feel with a large sweet spot
  • +Latest-generation thermoformed construction for premium feel and consistency

Cons

  • −Very high swing weight of 123 (top 9%) can cause fatigue and slow hand transitions
  • −Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
  • −Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control

Best For

Singles PlayersTennis Converts
Buy at Official StoreAlso on Amazon
Code: PBSTUDIO — 10%
Full details

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