Pickleball Apes Pulse X 16mm Review
This paddle delivers 80th percentile power (57.4 MPH), plush 16mm+ feel, 86th percentile spin (2184 RPM) — a all-court option in a elongated shape.
Price: $199.99. Swing weight: 122. Twist weight: 6.18. Weight: 8.1 oz. Power: 57.4 MPH. Spin: 2184 RPM. Core: 16.5mm. Shape: Elongated. Face: Composite.
Pros
- Above-average power at 57.4 MPH (80th percentile, avg 56.4)
- Solid pop at 36.6 MPH (65th percentile) for net exchanges
- Outstanding spin at 2184 RPM — 86th percentile for heavy serves and thirds (avg 1987)
- Heavy swing weight of 122 (89th percentile) delivers extra momentum and plow-through on drives
- Elongated shape gives extra reach on defense, overheads, and two-handed backhands
Cons
- Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
- Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
Best For
- Power Players: 57.4 MPH drive speed (80th percentile) for aggressive baseliners and overhead-heavy games
- Singles Players: Swing weight of 122 (89th percentile) plus elongated reach for court coverage and driving
- Spin-Heavy Players: 2184 RPM (86th percentile) for kicking serves, heavy thirds, and roll volleys
- Tennis Converts: Swing weight of 122 and 5.5" grip feel familiar coming from tennis
Pulse X 16mm
This paddle delivers 80th percentile power (57.4 MPH), plush 16mm+ feel, 86th percentile spin (2184 RPM) — a all-court option in a elongated shape.
Specs & Lab Data
Pros
- +Above-average power at 57.4 MPH (80th percentile, avg 56.4)
- +Solid pop at 36.6 MPH (65th percentile) for net exchanges
- +Outstanding spin at 2184 RPM — 86th percentile for heavy serves and thirds (avg 1987)
- +Heavy swing weight of 122 (89th percentile) delivers extra momentum and plow-through on drives
- +Elongated shape gives extra reach on defense, overheads, and two-handed backhands
Cons
- −Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
- −Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
Best For
57.4 MPH drive speed (80th percentile) for aggressive baseliners and overhead-heavy games
Swing weight of 122 (89th percentile) plus elongated reach for court coverage and driving
2184 RPM (86th percentile) for kicking serves, heavy thirds, and roll volleys
Swing weight of 122 and 5.5" grip feel familiar coming from tennis
Lead Tape Optimizer
Customize how your Pickleball Apes Pulse X 16mm plays by adding lead tape.
