What happens when one of the tennis industry’s top racquet manufacturers makes a pickleball paddle? It quickly becomes one of the most sought-after paddles around. Building on the success of the uber-popular RBEL pickleball paddle, Babolat has just released two new paddles that are already getting rave reviews: the MNSTR and XPLR.
First, let’s take a look at the MNSTR. Available in both “Power” and “Touch” models to cater to players with different styles of play, the MNSTR’s unique core is composed of a polymer honeycomb topped with a layer of shock-absorbing EVA foam. The face has a rigid surface featuring 80% carbon and 20% fiberglass that yields excellent ball placement. The slightly heavier Power weighs in at around 8 ounces, while the Touch weighs just over 7 ounces. At $139, the MNSTR is an excellent choice for advanced players as well as intermediates looking to improve their game with a top-notch paddle.
The $79 EXPLR, on the other hand, is a perfect paddle for beginners fostering their love of pickleball, or even higher-level players looking for a solid paddle at a great price point. The EXPLR delivers great all-around play with a little extra length (16” long) to help you reach even more balls. Its forgiving design features a thin core for added maneuverability – comprised of polymer honeycomb that gives it a nice, solid feel in your hand. The balanced weight yields a perfect compromise between power and control. Weighing in at just under 8 ounces, the XPLR is a versatile paddle that can help take your game to the next level.
Recently highlighted in 5280 Magazine’s article on “How to Play Pickleball in Denver,” the MNSTR and EXPLR are now available to local players at Game-Set-Match, Inc. Shop in-store at any of our four locations.