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Pickleball Apes Pulse S 16mm vs Thrive Surge 16mm

Side-by-side comparison with lab-tested specs

Specs Comparison

Spec
Pickleball Apes Pulse S 16mm
Thrive Surge 16mm
Price
$199.99
$199.99
Swing Weight
114
117
Twist Weight
6.26
6.75
Weight
8 oz
8 oz
Core
16.5mm
16mm
Power
57.7 MPH
57.1 MPH
Pop
36.9 MPH
36.2 MPH
Spin
2183 RPM
2215 RPM
Shape
Hybrid
Hybrid
Face
Composite
Carbon
Build
Gen 3
Gen 2
Balance
241mm
243mm

Pickleball Apes Pulse S 16mm

This paddle delivers 84th percentile power (57.7 MPH), plush 16mm+ feel, 85th percentile spin (2183 RPM) — a all-court option in a hybrid shape.

Pros

  • +Above-average power at 57.7 MPH (84th percentile, avg 56.4)
  • +Solid pop at 36.9 MPH (77th percentile) for net exchanges
  • +Outstanding spin at 2183 RPM — 85th percentile for heavy serves and thirds (avg 1988)
  • +Thick core (16mm+) provides a soft, controlled feel with a large sweet spot
  • +Latest-generation thermoformed construction for premium feel and consistency

Cons

  • −Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control

Best For

Power PlayersSpin-Heavy Players

Thrive Surge 16mm

This paddle delivers mid-range 57.1 MPH power, plush 16mm+ feel, top 10% spin (2215 RPM) — a all-court option in a hybrid shape.

Pros

  • +Above-average power at 57.1 MPH (74th percentile, avg 56.4)
  • +Outstanding spin at 2215 RPM — top 10% for heavy serves and thirds (avg 1988)
  • +Thick core (16mm+) provides a soft, controlled feel with a large sweet spot

Cons

  • −Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control

Best For

BeginnersSpin-Heavy Players

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