PODCAST · news
The KewCast with John & Eddie
by Johnkew
We discuss pickleball with an emphasis on gear and equipment
Episodes
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Loco 2 vs Jade + Spitfire vs Cannon XPP: Who Wins? | KewCast 127
Four buzzworthy paddles. Two head-to-head matchups. Bread & Butter Loco 2 vs RPM Jade, and Spartus Spitfire vs Luzz Cannon XPP: which would you buy? We compare spin, power, feel, handling, price and provisional spin durability results. Chapters/ Timestamps 0:00 Intro and episode preview 0:50…
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RPM Jade, Loco 2 & Cannon XPP: Promising Early Spin Results | KewCast 126
RPM Jade, Bread & Butter Loco 2 and Luzz Cannon XPP are giving us promising early reasons to watch their spin performance. But how much can early testing really tell us about whether that spin will last? In KewCast Episode 126, we discuss the buzz around the Jade and Loco 2, take a first look at...
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All Tier 1 Paddles Have These 2 Things in Common | KewCast 125
What do Tier 1 pickleball paddles have in common? I went back through 50 accelerated wear tests, and every Tier 1 result shared two traits in the surface roughness left after wear. In KewCast 125, we unpack what those findings could tell us about durable grit and lasting spin. All 10 Tier 1…
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Getting Nerdy with Justin Barton at the PPA Testing Lab | KewCast 124
For the first time, Justin from Pickleball Etc. and I sit down together for a full KewCast. We recorded at Pickle Pro Labs in Boca Raton, Florida, the official testing lab of the PPA pro tour. If you like the technical side of pickleball paddles, this one goes deep. Justin shares his perspective…
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Franklin X-44 vs LT Pro-48: The Lab Result We Did Not Expect | KewCast 123
The new Franklin X-44 and LT Pro-48 started remarkably close, then both lost about 18% of their pop during the first 100 impacts. Nearly all of that change happened in the first 50. We break down what the lab data says about how quickly a new pickleball becomes a broken-in ball. Also in KewCast...
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New Spin Durability Tests: 4 Paddles Struggle, Gearbox Survives | KewCast 122
A new batch of accelerated spin tests just produced a brutal run of Tier 4 results for paddles marketed with durable or permanent grit. The lone bright spot: the new Gearbox Pressure X held on well enough for Tier 2. In KewCast 122, we break down the latest durability data on the Diadem Edge…
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Vatic V-Sol Tour Hits Tier 1… So Why Am I Still Cautious? | KewCast 120
A $100 paddle just earned the first Tier 1 spin-durability rating I’ve seen at a true budget price — but the Vatic V-Sol Tour result comes with an important caveat. The Luzz Inferno 2 also posted a strong Tier 2 result, yet both paddles lost more measurable surface texture than their retained…
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Spin Doesn’t Fade Slowly. It Crashes Early | KewCast 119
Spin durability may not work the way we’ve been measuring it. Spin doesn’t necessarily fade gradually. On some paddle surfaces, it crashes early, then levels off. For this test, I doubled my normal wear protocol to 200 impacts and added checkpoints every 50 hits to see the actual shape of the...
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The “Dwell = Spin” Myth, Tested | KewCast 118
How many times have you heard that a paddle's "dwell" helps spin the ball, supposedly because the ball sinks into the face more, or it dwells longer, giving you more spin? Well, I put that to the test. I ran 12 paddles through one fixed rig and checked whether face deflection, the closest thing…
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JOOLA's New Patent Could Change Pickleball Forever + Spin Durability Results
JOOLA has filed a continuation patent application that appears to expand beyond its existing Propulsion Core patents toward a fully floating core surrounded by foam. What does that actually mean—and could it affect the future of pickleball paddle design? In Episode 116 of KewCast, we break down…
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Spartus Spitfire First Look + Do KewCOR Curves Predict Paddle Feel?
Will the Spartus Spitfire with "PermaGritNano" become the first true budget paddle to deliver durable spin, or is that still reserved for paddles costing twice as much? Welcome to KewCast Episode 113! We also introduce KewCOR Curves, a new visualization tool that maps paddle response along the...
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Updated Paddle Leaderboard, Plus Updated Eyewear Impact High Speed Footage
We updated our paddle leaderboard, revisited pickleball eye protection with Part 2 of our ballistic dummy testing, discussed JOOLA settling with Proton over Propulsion Core patents, the return of Proton's NanoTac Series One, and whether paddle feel might actually be quantifiable....
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95% of USAP-Approved Paddles Failed This Test
What happens when you independently test USAP-approved paddles against USAP's own surface roughness limits? I tested 42 paddles from 42 different brands using the same methodology described in the USAP standards. The result was shocking: only 2 paddles passed. Does that mean everyone is cheating?...
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The Durable Grit Rankings Just Changed | Who Will Win the $100 Durable Grit Paddle Race?
We just found another Tier One durable grit paddle. Check out my updated paddle database/interface here: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/paddle-database Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: New Paddle Database Interface at johnkewpickleball.com 4:53 Paddles of the Week…
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Proton Nanotac Gains Spin After Wear?!
What happens when a paddle GAINS spin after wear testing instead of losing it? We may have underestimated the true spin ceiling in pickleball. 🔹Save $20 on Enhance MPP Turbo hybrid with code JOHNKEW at checkout: https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction…
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Aireo Cyclone Nanograph vs Thrive Ignite Clear Fusoin Grit | Spin Durability Tested
Aireo’s Nanograph and Thrive’s Clear Fusion Grit were finally tested — which spin durability tier did they rank in? In this episode of KewCast, we test the Cyclone and Ignite/Clear Fusion grit technologies using accelerated wear testing, radar gun RPM testing, ball cannon analysis, and Starrett...
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We Broke Pickleball Spin… And the New UPA-A Rules Explained
What if I told you most paddles already max out spin… and more grit doesn’t actually increase it? And at the same time, new UPA-A rules could completely change how paddles are judged mid-match. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Proton is back 4:00 UPA-A is now nonprofit...
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How is Durable Grit Made? Plus, New MPP Widebody, and a Wild PPA Moment
Durable grit might be the biggest paddle innovation right now. We explain how it’s made, why it matters, and where it’s going next. In Episode 104 of the KewCast, we dig into the latest paddle tech, including how durable grit is actually made, what it costs manufacturers, and which brands are...
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Blue Grit vs. Everything Else | 3 Paddles That Work for ANY Player | Plus - Pros as Rock Stars
What if you had to pick just 3 paddles for ANY player in the world, without knowing skill level or preferences? In this episode of KewCast (Episode 103), we break down the safest bets, plus the latest paddle drops, PLUS we pit Honolulu Blue Grit up against all the other durable grits. And in one…
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JOOLA Lawsuit - Are Foam Paddles In Trouble?
This lawsuit could reshape pickleball paddle design overnight… Episode 102 of the KewCast breaks down one of the biggest moments in pickleball gear history — JOOLA’s ITC lawsuit targeting multiple paddle brands and technologies. We explain what the patents actually cover, why this isn’t just…
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Proton Ban, $400 Paddle?!, Cannon vs Arm Spin Debate
Pickleball just hit 24 MILLION players—but the biggest story right now is a pro paddle ban… In Episode 101 of KewCast, we break down the Proton ban (what we know vs what we don’t), why pickleball is still the fastest-growing sport in America, and what’s happening behind the scenes at the PPA. We...
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Do “Permanent” Paddle Grits Really Last? Ball Cannon Test Preliminary Results | KewCast #99
In KewCast Episode 99, John Kew and Eddie take a deep dive into one of the biggest questions in pickleball paddle technology: Do “durable” grit surfaces actually last longer? Using a ball cannon, high-speed camera, and controlled spin testing, John runs a durability experiment comparing modern...
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Is the Enhance MPP Turbo a Budget Inferno? Plus, Grit Durability Data
In KewCast 96, we cover the latest pickleball gear news, new paddle releases, spin durability testing results, and answer some great listener questions. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:16 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: JOOLA Pro V Teasers 11:30 Pickleball comedy 'The Dink', produced by Ben Stiller…
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Why Spin Changes Ball Flight (With Data) + New Paddle Releases
In KewCast Episode 95, we dive deep into pickleball gear rumors, new paddle releases, and high-speed spin science using real ball-cannon data and flight modeling. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 02:22 - Latest News/ Gear Gossip - Rumors about the JOOLA Pro V 09:16 - Paddles of the Week: Apes Joy 19:41…
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The Honolulu CR is Finally Here with New Foam Paddle Tech // Plus Spin Testing and Dwell Deep Dive
In this episode of the podcast, we break down the latest pickleball news, give our impressions of the new Honolulu J6CR, and take a deep dive into spin testing methodology using high-speed cameras and lab tools. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Updates on pro paddle...
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Pro Paddle Sponsor Shakeup, Foam Paddle Future & 2026 Pickleball Predictions
In Episode 91 of the KewCast, we break down one of the wildest weeks in pickleball—from Anna Leigh Waters’ paddle sponsor shake-up, to pro contract drama, to where paddle technology is heading in 2026. John also shares some exciting news about new lab gear, and updates to the paddle database....
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Pickleball Paddle Awards 2025 | New Arrivals: Volair Shift and Ehance Duo Widebody
In this, our last episode of 2025, we cover some juicy gear and industry news, including a patent infringement lawsuit, a few corrections from previous episodes, and each of our picks for the 2025 Pickleball Paddle Awards. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:40 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: CRBN Files…
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Enthusiast Paddle Brands Surge, Infinigrit Durability Tested & Does Dwell Really Create Spin?
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dig deep into some of the things that drive pickleball paddle performance, backed by lab testing and real-world experimentation. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:45 Kitchen poll verifies ‘enthusiast’ paddles are more prevalent than SFAI-DUPR study 7:49 UPA...
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New Full-Foam Paddles, Swing Weight Estimator & Gear Gossip
In Episode 88 of KewCast, we break down new full foam paddles from Spartus, Holbrook, and GRUVN, and we discuss gear gossip, swing weight science, and viewer questions, all through a data-driven lens. 🔬 Free swing weight estimator tool: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/swing-weight-calculator...
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2025 Pickleball Paddle Trends Exposed/ Loco vs. Coral & Swing-Weight Formula Explained
Welcome back to Episode 87 of the show! This week we dive into the 2025 Pickleball Market Playbook, new paddle-usage analytics from the latest Sports & Fitness Industry Association study. We also do a head-to-head paddle battle for the Bread & Butter Loco versus the Six Zero Coral. Plus, swing...
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Holiday Shopping Guide - Our Favorite Picks for Pickleball Gear Black Friday-Cyber Monday Deals
👇 Timestamps & Topics 0:00 - Intro & Latest Pickleball News 3:25 - Updated thoughts on main paddles this week 19:06 - Gear of the Week: Neonic Sidekick bag 28:19 - Bodhi Backpack 32:14 - Holiday Gift Guide - Our favorite BF/CM deals 1:06:14 - Deep Dive - measuring paddle frame flex with digital...
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Paddle Leaderboard Updates! Plus New BF/CM Deals, Sweet Spot Science & Gear of the Week
Topics this week: paddle leaderboard shakeups, Black Friday/Cyber Monday updates, paddle testing insights, gear reviews, and a brand-new analysis of sweet spot consistency using ball cannon data. UPDATED Black Friday Paddle & Gear Deals:...
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Worlds Recap, Warping Point Paddles, GX2 Power Tests & New Gear Drops
In Episode 84, John and Eddie cover gear gossip, tournament drama, and some of our most surprising paddle experiments yet. We break down the latest news from around the pickleball world, recap the biggest moments from Worlds, and test some of the most talked-about paddles—including new weight-mod...
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Black Friday Pickleball Deals + New Foam Core Designs & New Gear
The biggest deals of the pickleball year are here: Black Friday through New Year, and we’re breaking down what’s actually worth your money. From Selkirk’s 60% off sale to JOHNKEW discounts for Babolat, Engage, Holbrook, and Apes. Find the latest Black Friday Paddle Deals Here:...
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Our Top 5 Paddle Leaderboard, Sweet Spot Mapping & Black Friday Deals You Can’t Miss
In Episode 82 of the KewCast, John and Eddie break down their personal Top 5 pickleball paddle leaderboard — including the Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid, Selkirk Boomstik, Luzz Inferno, Ronbus Quanta, and Six Zero Black Opal. We rate each paddle on power, control, feel, spin, and value — plus share…
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AI vs DUPR? New PB Vision Rating Explained + F+B Paddles & Hunter S. Thompson Wisdom | KewCast #81
In KewCast Episode 81, John and Eddie break down the biggest new stories in pickleball tech and gear. If you love deep-dive paddle analysis, pickleball gear science, and philosophical detours, you’ll love this episode. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 🧠 PB Vision launches an AI-powered...
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Bag Roundup, New Adidas and Engage Paddles, and Cheating Scandal
In KewCast Episode 80, John and Eddie dive into our favorite bags and backpacks, discuss the latest pickleball news, including the Uspenski scandal, talk about the new Adidas and Engage paddles, and examine how neck flex on a paddle affects PBCOR. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:48 🗞 News…
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Paddle Neck Flex Research, Plus Zephyr, Falcon, and More Paddles
In KewCast Episode 79, John and Eddie break down whether handle flex changes PBCOR, and its affect on paddle performance. We review findings from Dr. Daniel Russell’s Penn State study on bat flex and explore how those insights apply to pickleball paddles. Plus, we test how pivot point placement...
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Full-Foam Paddle Innovations, PPA Sacramento Surprises & New Gear Drops
In Episode 78 of the KewCast, John and Eddie break down the latest pickleball gear, paddle tech innovations, and tournament highlights you won’t want to miss: Topics Covered: –PPA Sacramento Vintage Open: Surprising performances from tennis pros like Jack Sock & Genie Bouchard –Paddle Deep Dive:...
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First Impressions: Black Opal, Ruby Pro, Vatic V-Sol | PBCOR Weight Mystery Explained
John and special guest Pickleball Will break down the latest pickleball paddle releases and give their first impressions on: –Six Zero Black Opal and Ruby Pro –Vatic V-Sol Pro & Power –Several more We also do a deep dive on why PBCOR doesn't change when you add perimeter weight to the paddle. ⏱️...
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First Look: Honolulu, Friday, Pakle, Reload Paddles + LT Ball Breakdown
Episode 76 of the KewCast John and Eddie break down the latest pickleball paddle releases and give their first impressions on: –Honolulu J6NF/FC+ –Friday Fever Widebody –Pakle Evo-01 –Reload 14mm We also do a deep dive on the LT pickleball—comparing it to the Vulcan VPRO and Franklin X-40—to see...
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CRBN TruFoam Waves & the PPA Paddle Shakeup Explained
John and Eddie break down the major paddle shakeup happening at the PPAs after the new UPA-A rule regulations went into effect. 🏓 We share first impressions of the latest paddles hitting the scene: –CRBN TruFoam Waves –Luzz Pro-Cannon & Pro4 Inferno –Facolos Elite-X Plus, we dive deep into the...
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China Paddle Tour, Ronbus Quanta, CRBN Waves Launch Date, & Spin Durability Insights
In KewCast Episode 74, John and Eddie discuss John's trip to China to visit faddle factories and production, the Ronbus Quanta, upcoming releases, and updates on spin durability and break-in on the Selkirk Boomstik and Gearbox GX2 Power. Take $20 off Ronbus Quanta with code JOHNKEW:...
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Bread & Butter Enters the Full-Foam Fray
In KewCast Episode 73, John and Eddie discuss the remake of the Loco, Bread & Butter's first full-foam paddle, and we ask whether all the indoor pickleball facilities are sustainable. People's Choice Top Pros & Paddles: https://www.johnkewpickleball.com/top-pro-paddles Vote for your favorite pro...
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Boomstik Breakdown: MOI Weighting Choices & New Paddle Insights
In KewCast Episode 72, John interviews Tom Barnes of Selirk about the Boomstik. We talk about the MOI tuning weights, durability testing, and concerns about loose edge guards. Get The Selkirk Boomstik here, and get a $40 Selkirk gift card with code "INF-JOHNKEW"...
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Is the Great Paddle Boom of 2025 Coming to an End?
In KewCast Episode 71, John and Eddie discuss the new Honolulu shapes, and give initial impressions on several other new paddles. Subscribe to the newsletter: https://johnkewpickleball.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:15 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: LT Ball now official PPA ball 10:10…
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First Look at the Selkirk Boomstik // Is Gearbox GX2 Power Still Our Favorite?
In Episode 70, John and Eddie discuss the latest pickleball news, and give our initial impressions of four new paddle releases: Selirk Boomstik, Franklin Pariss Todd C45, Thrive Fury, and Ronbus Refoam.
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Which Paddles Survived the July Shake-Up?
In KewCast Episode 69, John and Eddie consider top contenders for new mains after all the new paddle drops this summer. Gearbox GX2 Power Giveaway. Follow instructions at Instagram post here: (forthcoming) Pre-order GX2 Power here, and take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://bit.ly/4mcs3tD…
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What Sunlight Does to Paddles // Plus Zane Navratil Scoop on Quang Duong
In KewCast Episode 68, special guest Zane Navratil stops by to give us the scoop on the Quang Duong/UPA-A situation, and John and Eddie discuss how heat and sunlight affect your paddles. . Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Poll Results: How much control are you willing to sacrifice for power? 5:32...
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Deciphering the Honolulu All-Foam Varieties, Plus, More Rankings of New Release Paddles
In KewCast Episode 67, John and Eddie do a blind test to see if we can tell any difference between the Honolulu J2NF and J2FC+, and we do another ranking of firepower and forgiveness for all of the current all-foam paddles. Vote here for the People's Choice Pro & Paddle Rankings:...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The KewCast with John & Eddie have?
The KewCast with John & Eddie currently has 106 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The KewCast with John & Eddie about?
We discuss pickleball with an emphasis on gear and equipment
How often does The KewCast with John & Eddie release new episodes?
The KewCast with John & Eddie publishes regularly with 106 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The KewCast with John & Eddie?
You can listen to The KewCast with John & Eddie on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The KewCast with John & Eddie?
The KewCast with John & Eddie is created and hosted by Johnkew.
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