Spartus Gladius 16 Review

This paddle delivers plush 16mm+ feel — a versatile option in a elongated shape.

Price: $84.99. Swing weight: 125. Twist weight: 6.19. Weight: 7.9 oz. Spin: 1791 RPM. Core: 16mm. Shape: Elongated. Face: Carbon.

Pros

• Heavy swing weight of 125 (top 5%) 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
• Great value at $84.99 — cheaper than 99% of paddles (avg $197)

Cons

• Limited spin at 1791 RPM (14th percentile, avg 1987) compared to newer paddles
• Very high swing weight of 125 (top 5%) 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 Players: Swing weight of 125 (top 5%) plus elongated reach for court coverage and driving
• Tennis Converts: Swing weight of 125 and 5.5" grip feel familiar coming from tennis
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: At $84.99, it's cheaper than 99% of paddles (avg $197)