PPA Rankings, New Vatics Soon, and Pickleball Machine Awards!!!

Welcome to Your Pickleball Journey!

NEWS
PRO PRESS
Current PPA Rankings!

This year has been a crazy one for the pickleball scene. From PPA & MLP finally merging, to the biggest upsets in pickleball history, and so on! Now we’re reaching a point where people are getting closer and closer in point rankings to the Johns Brothers!

Just a few months ago, Ben & Collin could’ve gone many tournaments without fear of Frazier & Johnson catching up to them…..

Federico is really showing his true strength on the court, maybe he’ll be #1 soon…..

To be almost 10,000 points ahead of the #2 seed is quite literally insane! That is a whole career of points ahead of everyone else.

The Womens brackets are fairly close in points, shockingly with how long Waters has been dominating!

As usual, Waters is killing it.

No surprise that Waters is about 8,000 points above #2.

PADDLES
WHAT’S NEW

Paddle Stats Spreadsheet - HERE for discounts, and stats!

Give PBJourney a try for 10% off!

Vatic is known for their reasonably priced, budget friendly paddle line! Yet this is Pro Player - Spencer Smiths line! It has an aerodynamic hole for a faster swing speed, and less drag through the air! This paddle even has a guard for the center opening, to take off! It can weigh anywhere between 0.2oz - 0.3oz.

Vatic will be redoing their Pro line soon….. It will be called “Oni” instead, to be different and keep people from being confused! They will be more power oriented, yet still have some all-court options. The core material and methods have not been revealed yet, but the best part is that they will stay the same amazing price of $140! There is word that these new Vatic Oni paddles are in plans of releasing late April!

Our RPM test came out to - 1908

1908 is above average for the timeline that these came out. Which, gives us the thought how fast paddles reached 2,000+ in such short time!

Alchemy by Spencer Smith pushes the boundaries of pickleball technology. We have implemented the highest quality TORAY T700 raw Carbon Fiber and engineering to help you perform at the highest level on the pickleball court.

The unique enhanced airflow channel above the throat creates faster swing speed and promotes more "feel" during play, allowing greater control on the court.

The paddle's curved tip makes it easy to handle and maneuver, while its elongated grip ensures room for two-handed backhands. With our renowned thermoforming technology, we provide a dominant yet sleek paddle while still maintaining a competitive price. Carbon fiber is stronger, more resistant to deformation under stress, and more resistant to fatigue and wear than fiberglass or graphite. Even through rigorous play, your Vatic Pro paddle will maintain its integrity, grit, and strength. 

Please note: we work to accommodate all custom weight requests. However, due to increased demand and limited inventory, exact weights are not guaranteed.

For international customers: please note that shipping costs do not include any additional taxes/duties that may be required. See our Shipping & Returns page for more info.

Specifications:

  • Surface - Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with heat compressed texturing 

  • Aerodynamic hole

  • Foam Inject Walls for an increased sweet spot and added control 

  • Thermoformed edges and a Unibody Construction

  • Throat hole has a modular clip on guard that can be removed to reduce weight

  • Average Weight - 13.5mm: 8.3-8.5 oz [8.0-8.3 without guard]

  • Average Weight - 16mm: 8.5-8.7 oz [8.2-8.4 without guard]

  • Total Length - 16.5 Inches

  • Width - 7.5 Inches

  • Grip Circumference - 4.125 Inches

  • Grip Length - 5.5 Inches (elongated for 2-hand backhands)

  • Grip has 2 polyurethane inserts to reduce shock and help with tennis elbow

  • Core - Optimized C7 Polymers and high-grade performance Honeycomb

  • Core Thickness - 13.5 & 16mm

  • Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU

  • USAPA Approved!

This is over $9,000 of ball machines we tested!!!! 

Here are our Awards for each category!

From the cheapest, to most expensive, to best overall, there’s something out there for you!

Here are our codes to help save you some money!!!

Titan X: code PBJourney50 for $50 off! https://titanballmachines.com

Watch the rest of our thoughts on the PICKLEBALL MACHINES we tested here! 

Subscribe to Pickleball Journey!

DISCOUNTS
WAYS TO SAVE

CRBN 10% Off: PBJourney10 

Is there a tiny voice in the back of your head saying “PROTECT YOUR EYES” every time you play pickleball?

Well, CRBN is here to save you money, and your eyesight! These glasses have SO many options, styles, and ways to wear them! Is your budget an obstacle? The SHOP APP will allow you to do payments! These have a 1 YEAR WARRANTY! With our code, the price will come out to about $85, in comparison to other brands of $100-$300! Save your eyesight, and your wallet from hospital bills!

JustPaddles + Pickleball Journey Discount

Do you want a drilling partner who doesn’t talk smack? Here’s the SpinShot with $50 off!!!

RECOVERY
STRETCHES/EXERCISES

“Functional Mobility for Pickleball Athletes

Yoga Poses for Pickleball Mobility

Incorporating yoga into your training routine can further improve your functional mobility. Various poses promote flexibility, balance, and core strength, all essential for pickleball athletes. Here are some effective yoga poses to try:

  • Downward-facing dog

  • Pigeon pose

  • Warrior I and II

  • Tree pose

  • Bridge pose

Functional Mobility Benefits for Pickleball Players

Benefit

Explanation

Improved court movement

Enhanced flexibility allows for more efficient and fluid movement on the court

Reduced risk of injury

Proper stretching reduces muscle imbalances and promotes overall muscle health

Faster recovery time after games

Stretching helps muscles recover faster, reducing soreness and fatigue

Enhanced performance in pickleball skills

Increased mobility improves your reach, agility, and overall game performance

By focusing on functional mobility for pickleball athletes and incorporating the suggested exercises and stretches, you’ll see improvements in your overall game performance.

Remember that consistency is key, and make sure to include these stretching exercises in your regular training routine for the best results.”

Thanks to Pickleball Wiki for all this information and these routines! Read more here!

Thanks for reading. Share with your pickle people and we can grow more for big giveaways, exclusive deals, and offers! See you next week!

- The Pickleball Journey Team