Gearbox fans will be happy with the release of the GBX Power. This paddle keeps the familiar Gearbox feel that the brand is known for, and the raw power that's their trademark.
Most Gearbox paddles come on the market at $250 or more. It's great to see them offering a strong paddle below the $200 mark. This one lists for $180 but we've got discounts from Gearbox and Pickleball Central that take the price down around $160. I played with the elongated model but it also comes in a hybrid shape.
The Gearbox GBX Power is a really strong power paddle, especially if you like the Gen 3 stiffer feel over newer Gen 4 foam paddles. If you want a softer, more rounded paddle, there are plenty of great choices in this price range – the FLiK F3, Volair Shift, Bread & Butter Loco. If you're a Gearbox fan already, you'll feel right at home here with a paddle that costs significantly less than the $280 Gearbox GX2 Power.Today's best deals
Buy or pass?
Buy if:
You want a power paddle for around $160:
very few paddles under $200 have this much power – the GBX is the first Gearbox power paddle I've played with that's this cheap.
You like the Gearbox feel:
Gearbox has lots of fans who'll love this familiar-feeling paddle at a much lower price.
You want a light, maneuverable paddle:
this is very fast, even the elongated model, making it a joy to play with in hand battles.
Pass if:
You don't like stiffer paddles:
even for a Gearbox, this is stiff – try a more plush-feeling paddle like the Holbrook Fuze.
You want more control:
if your game relies on touch and placement, check out the best pickleball paddles for control.
You need elite spin:
spin generation was solid, but not at the highest levels like the best pickleball paddles for spin.
A more affordable Gearbox
The Gearbox GBX Power is right in line with that trademark Gearbox feel – it's a stiff, powerful paddle. This is a really aggressive, quick paddle and it's $100 cheaper than the Gearbox GX2. If you like Gearbox or the Gen 3 stiffer feel, you're going to be happy here. It's very powerful for a $180 paddle. It reminds me of the fast, explosive Honolulu J6CR, which retails for $195 (before discounts).
The tradeoff is that stiffness. You don't get a ton of control or spin. When you're getting attacked or you're trying to dink, it can be difficult to soften or shape the ball – it flies off with a very straight trajectory. I've seen this in other Gearbox paddles and some people like it.
I recommend this as an upper intermediate paddle or advanced pickleball paddle (4.0 skill level and above) if you're a power-forward player. If it was $250, I'd say look elsewhere for something more rounded.
The $160ish (after discounts) price tag is what makes it appealing, both to loyal Gearbox fans – who are used to spending $250 for this kind of power – and newcomers to the brand looking for raw power.
Paddle Weight
8 oz
Paddle Length
16.2 inches (hybrid) / 16.5 inches (elongated)
Paddle Width
7.8 inches (hybrid) / 7.375 inches (elongated)
Handle Length
5.5 inches
Grip Circumference
4 inches
Paddle Face Material
Carbon fiber
Core Material
PPE honeycomb
Core Thickness
16 mm
Sweet Spot
Medium
How the GBX Power Elongated plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 9.5/10 | One of the hardest-hitting paddles under $200. This is where the Gearbox GBX Power excels. |
| Control | 7/10 | The stiffness makes it a little difficult to control where you're putting the ball. Beginners and new intermediates will have a harder time. Advanced players who like Gen 3 power paddles will be able to cope. |
| Spin | 8/10 | The paddle doesn't allow you to whip up the spin or shape of a really good spin paddle. Again, it's down to the stiff pop. It's still pretty good though because the carbon fiber surface is top quality. |
| Forgiveness | 7/10 | Gearbox paddles are always lacking in forgiveness. They go for power and are less concerned with saving your mishits. Still, the sweet spot is decent so more advanced players can manage fine. |
| Weighting | 9/10 | I like the weighting – it's a lighter paddle that hits hard. The best of both worlds. |
| Grip | 9/10 | It's a really thin grip, which players with smaller hands will appreciate. I personally like thin grips because you can always add overgrip, while thicker grips limit you. This one is comfortable too – it never slipped out of my sweaty hand even though it's smaller. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Just minor scuffs, nothing to worry about – your average carbon fiber paddle durability. |
| Aerodynamics | 9/10 | It's a very light paddle, and because of the smaller grip, I felt like I could move this paddle around, even though I played with the elongated shape. I did really like that aspect about this paddle, and I think people will really enjoy that too. |
✅ Pros
One of the most powerful mid-range paddles
When you use our discounts, you can get the Gearbox GBX Power for around $160. I can't think of many paddles in this price range that are this hard hitting. Bangers who don't want to spend $200 or more will love this paddle.
Quick and easy to move
Even though I played with the elongated model, I was able to whip it through the air. It's not head heavy like some powerful paddles. It feels like one of the most powerful lightweight paddles. I assume the hybrid model is even quicker.
True to the Gearbox feel – at $100 less
Gearbox fans will love the pricing. Paddles like the GX2 cost $280. This one is $180, and we've got 10 to 12 percent discounts available.
❌ Considerations
Stiff feel
The stiffer feel is not for everyone. It results in less control, spin, and forgiveness, sacrificing them all for power. Some people love this, some will want more softness.
Competitive price range
Even though this is cheap for a Gearbox paddle, it faces tough competition from the likes of the Honolulu J2NF, Gherkin Draco, and paddles I mentioned above. These paddles are often more rounded, with more control and spin, but the Gearbox stands out for its unique powerful Gen 3 feel.
Gearbox GBX Power price – is it worth it?
The GBX Power scored highly on our value metric (we divide the price by the paddle's overall score ratings). It sits right between the B&B Loco and Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF for performance-based value.
It's a much better deal than previous Gearboxes, which gave you the same feel and power but for a way higher cost. It won't be for every player, but for those who it matches with, it's 100% worth it.
Alternatives to the Gearbox GBX Power
If the GBX Power from Gearbox isn't for you, here are three pickleball paddles worth considering:
Power with control
Holbrook Fuze
Best spin
RPM Friction Pro V2
Best beginner
11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean
What even more options? Try my 30-second quiz and I'll recommend the best paddles for your play style and budget.
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