Gearbox has a good following among intermediate to advanced players who like power paddles, but I’ve never been a big fan. The new GX2 Power changes that – this is the first time I’ve really enjoyed playing with a Gearbox paddle.
Available in both elongated and hybrid shapes, the GX2 still has that signature Gearbox power, but now it comes with a significantly improved sweet spot, higher twist weight, and a plush feel that actually lets the ball dwell on the face.
For the first time, I felt like I could both hit big and shape the ball with a Gearbox paddle.
So, if you want top-tier power with a good balance of control, this should be on your radar, though I wouldn’t recommend it to beginners because it’s expensive ($279) and very powerful.
I’ll dive deeper into this paddle’s strengths and weaknesses here, for my first impressions review of the Gearbox GX2 Power.
Gearbox finally nails power and feel
Gearbox has always been known for producing raw power paddles, but for me, they’ve often lacked the control, sweet spot size, and forgiveness that top-tier paddles need. The absence of an edge guard and the overly springy feel made them tough to tame, especially on touch shots.
While the GX2 Power is still a true power paddle, it doesn’t have that “unforgiving rocket launcher” personality of older Gearbox models. There’s legitimate touch here, especially on drops, dinks, and resets. The trampoline effect is still present, but it feels more controllable and less wild – though it can still get away from you if you’re not disciplined with your swings.
Compared to the earlier Gearbox GX2 paddles, this is a clear evolution. The sweet spot is bigger, off-center hits are less punishing, and the overall feel is more in line with other premium paddles in the $275–$300 range.
✅ What stands out
Massive power
This is a true 10/10 in the power department, matching the best power paddles on the market, like the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV or Selkirk Power Air.
Improved sweet spot
Easily the best sweet spot Gearbox has ever produced, with better consistency and less punishment for slight mishits.
Better touch than past Gearbox paddles
The ball feels like it sinks into the face before launching out, giving you more control for drops and dinks than you’d expect from a power paddle.
Two shape options
Available in elongated and hybrid, so you can pick based on reach or maneuverability preference.
❌ What to consider
Still a true power paddle
If you struggle to tame high-powered paddles, this will be a challenge – this isn't a control-focused paddle. If that's a concern for you, check our list of the best control paddles.
Premium price
At $279, this is priced right for a premium paddle, but it’s not a value buy.
Occasional unpredictability
That trampoline effect can still send a ball long if your contact point or swing path isn’t perfect.
How the Gearbox GX2 Power plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 10/10 | This thing absolutely rips. It’s every bit as powerful as the biggest hitters in the premium segment. |
| Control | 8.5/10 | Better than any past Gearbox paddle, with genuine ability to shape shots, but still not in the same tier as control-first options like the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2K. |
| Spin | 9/10 | Premium-level spin, plenty to bend drives and add bite to passing shots, though the sheer pace can sometimes overpower the spin. |
| Forgiveness | 8.5/10 | The improved sweet spot makes it much more forgiving than older models, but you still need precision to keep balls in play. |
| Weighting | 8/10 | Comfortable and balanced in hand, without feeling head-heavy or sluggish. |
| Grip | 9/10 | Thin, soft, and cushioned – very comfortable, though some players may prefer a thicker overgrip. |
| Durability | 8.5/10 | Gearbox claims no delamination, and early signs are good, but like most paddles, it may lose a bit of pop over time. |
| Aerodynamics | 8/10 | Neither a speed demon nor a slug – swings through the air comfortably and predictably. |
Features that matter
- Improved sweet spot: a major upgrade from past models like the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated, which always had tight sweet spots, making those paddles unforgiving.
- Trampoline-like power: explosive pace without completely sacrificing touch.
- Choice of shapes: elongated or hybrid to suit different play styles.
Who the Gearbox GX2 Power is for
If you’re a power player who’s wanted to love Gearbox but struggled with the control and forgiveness, this is the model you’ve been waiting for. It’s the first Gearbox paddle I could see myself playing with full-time, and it finally competes directly with the big names in the premium space.
That said, this is still a power paddle. If you prefer a softer, more control-oriented game, you’ll have an easier time with something like a Selkirk LUXX Control or Vatic Pro PRISM. For advanced players who can harness it, though, the GX2 Power is a serious weapon.
The GX2 Power is Gearbox’s best paddle yet – a true premium power paddle that finally adds touch and forgiveness to the mix. Not for everyone (I’d personally pick a JOOLA Pro IV paddle at this price point), but especially for Gearbox fans, this is a game-changer.Today's best deals
