If you're going to pay $400 for a pickleball paddle, it better offer something unique. The KOBO Thunder AXE definitely delivers there. It looks like no other paddle, with three air holes, a unique squat shape, an edgeless face, and a thick 18 mm core.
While this is the most expensive paddle I've seen so far, it's also one of the best control paddles and one of the best for spin. Once I got used to it, I was really excited. I think this could be the future of pickleball paddles.
The KOBO Thunder AXE is a really interesting and unique paddle. I love the friction surface – this is cutting-edge tech that's going to last much longer than your typical grit. The thick 18 mm core and aerodynamic shape boosts my soft game massively – I'm quick and in control. For me, there's not enough power but this paddle has me excited about how innovative paddles are getting. I hope we'll see more experiments like this. It's a high price at $400, but if you want top-of-the-line touch, speed, and spin and an eye-catching design, this is worth checking out.Today's best deals
Buy or pass?
Buy if:
You want the best control:
I can get up to the net whenever I want. If someone attacks me, I can easily reset it right back at them.
You want longer-lasting spin:
this carbon friction surface generates awesome spin that will outlast traditional gritty surfaces.
You want a paddle that's maneuverable despite being head heavy:
while this feels like an axe in your hand, the design makes it fly through the air. It never feels sluggish.
Pass if:
You need a power paddle:
the head-heavy feel doesn't translate into much power, so check out the Gherkin Draco or Honolulu J6CR for raw power.
You need more forgiveness:
edgeless paddles tend to have smaller sweet spots, so try the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF if you want more forgiveness.
You don't want to spend $400:
this is by far the most expensive paddle I've seen. The CRBN TruFoam Barrage and JOOLA Pro V are premium paddles in the $250 to $300 range.
What paddle innovation should look like
I have to admit, I raised my eyebrows when I saw the $400 price tag on the KOBO Thunder AXE, but the second I took this paddle out of the box I was intrigued. It looks and feels so different.
My misgivings were quickly forgotten as I went on to win a 5.0 event with it. That's surprising given that this paddle lacks in power. It makes up for that by absolutely shining on pure control and spin. Despite a heavier feel, it moves quickly through the air, with awesome touch.
If they add more power and put an edge guard on for a little more stability, I think they have an incredible paddle on their hands. It's a rare one I can recommend as a paddle for beginners as well as a pro pickleball paddle. It's so easy to control, even if the sweet spot could be a little bigger.
The main drawback for me (besides a lack of power) is a lack of forgiveness. Edgeless paddles tend to be less forgiving. As soon as I played at the 5.0 level, I had to add weight to my paddle because it would turn in my hand whenever somebody would drive at me. If I hit off-center, I struggle.
All that said, I'm really glad to see a company try something that completely breaks the normal stereotype of what a pickleball paddle is. It looks crazy, but I think there's a method to their madness. It's not perfect yet, but it definitely stands out and I'm excited to see where KOBO goes next.
The only thing is, it's so expensive. That's going to limit the number of people it appeals to. It becomes more of a niche pickleball paddle. However, if you want to stand out on the courts, this is one to keep in mind.
Paddle Weight
8.1 oz
Paddle Face Material
Raw 3K carbon
Core Material
DuraCore Raw Carbon Strips
Core Thickness
18 mm
Sweet Spot
Medium
How the KOBO Thunder AXE plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 7/10 | Not severely lacking in power (I did win a 5.0 event with it), but I wouldn't recommend it as a power paddle. The thicker 18 mm core puts it squarely in the control paddle field. |
| Control | 10/10 | This is a rare 10 out of 10 for control. They nailed the tech with the 18 mm core and the wider face, as well as the core not being foam but rather raw carbon strips, with foam built into the frame. It's incredible for your soft game. |
| Spin | 9.5/10 | Everyone I let use this paddle loved the spin and control. Instead of grit, this uses a friction surface, which is going to last a lot longer. |
| Forgiveness | 7/10 | Edgeless paddles tend to be less forgiving. At a lower level, I could get out of certain situations more easily, but at the 5.0 level, I had to add lead tape to stabilize it. |
| Weighting | 9/10 | Several people said it was head-heavy before they even played. Then, after a game, they'd all say that it moves so much better than they expected. KOBO really engineered the shape to give you that weightier feel without hurting your wrist or slowing you down at the net. |
| Grip | 9/10 | I haven't needed to use an overgrip. Even when it's humid and I'm sweating a lot, I have no issues with my hand slipping. It doesn't have a lot of squishiness – it's more like a tennis racket grip. I can do a two-handed backhand easily. |
| Durability | 9.5/10 | This is definitely built to last, which you'd want from a $400 paddle. After 10 hours with it, there's barely anything I can't just wipe off the face. The edge has some protective harder material. |
| Aerodynamics | 9.5/10 | You can tell they really thought about how to streamline the shape because this paddle is really fast and maneuverable in my hand. I've played against several 5.0 players who really like to be aggressive and attack me out of the air, and I haven't had any issues countering and getting the paddle into position to be ready. |
✅ Pros
Long-lasting friction surface
The super-durable surface goes some way to justifying the high price point. You're getting one of the best spin paddles that won't wear down after a couple of months.
Surprisingly fast for a head-heavy paddle
When you first hold this paddle, you might worry it's going to weigh you down. However, the second you start swinging, you'll feel it cut through the air. It's great engineering that helps you at the kitchen zone.
Built to last at a price that demands it
For $400, you want assurance that you're not going to need to replace this paddle anytime soon. Luckily, mine still looks almost brand new after 10 hours. It's built to last with premium materials.
❌ Considerations
Not built for power
This is one of the best control paddles right now. It's one of the only 18 mm cores I've played with – super thick and plush. It's incredible for finessing shots.
If you want more natural aggression, check out the best power paddles.
Not a foam paddle
It's interesting to see which brands are ignoring the foam paddle craze. While almost everyone is switching to 100% foam cores, the JOOLA Pro V and the RPM Friction Pro V2 are two amazing Gen 3 paddles that came out lately.
KOBO is the latest brand to do the same. They incorporate foam into the perimeter and frame, but the core is made from raw carbon strips. It's a very interesting design. Some people, like my fellow paddle reviewer Stephen Mijangos, prefer non-foam Gen 3 paddles.
If that's you, check out our guide to foam pickleball paddles.
The shape takes some getting used to
The KOBO Thunder has a totally different shape to what most players are used to and it takes some time to adapt. At the start, I was hitting the ball into the net a lot. Now that I'm used to it, I love it for speed, control, and spin.
KOBO Thunder AXE price – is it worth it?
At $400, this is in a price point of its own. If it scored 10 across all metrics, I'd be recommending it to everyone. However, there are such good alternatives like the Holbrook Fuze, Bread & Butter Loco, and Maverix Havik 2 for much cheaper. They'll work for most players.
Otherwise, if you do have the budget and you want a long-lasting control paddle that's like no other, I can recommend this paddle for beginners all the way up to pros.
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Alternatives to the KOBO Thunder AXE
If the KOBO Thunder AXE isn't for you, here are three alternatives worth considering:
Premium foam paddle
CRBN TruFoam Barrage
Better power
Holbrook Fuze
More forgiving
Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF
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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