Gamma NeuCore Pickleball Paddle Feels Like an Extension of Your Arm
Review Written by Bjorn Benson
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| Gamma Shard |  |
| Gamma Legend | |
| Gamma Compass | |
Ever think of purchasing a Gamma NeuCore Pickleball Paddle, here are some great reasons. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a new pickleball paddle but not all factors are created equal. Probably the worst reason to purchase a particular paddle is because you saw a good player on the next court using it. You’re wishfully thinking to yourself that if I get that pickleball paddle I will stop making the usual mistakes I’ve been making: hitting the net, hitting the ball long, missing an overhead or falling into the pickleball kitchen. Okay, maybe not that last one, but our wishful paddle thinking extends to other ways we think about the game. That shiny new paddle will allow me to compete at the same level that woman or guy on the next court is playing at. If I get that elongated paddle I will miss fewer short balls. If I get that wider, heavier paddle I’ll never get smacked in the stomach again. My blocking shots will be so good I won’t have to wear goggles or that helmet I’ve been thinking about. Especially if I have a paddle in each hand. Wishful thinking can lead to magical thinking.
All of these “fashionable”decision-making factors will lead to disappointment on the court. My advice: Close your eyes to the popularity of the paddle and the number of top players using it. Picking a paddle should be a blind test demonstration – okay, I’ll admit that’s much easier to do at a wine tasting than when you’re running around on a court, but I’m only half kidding that you should mentally spray paint a new pickleball paddle and then try it out. Trust your instincts and you will find the paddle that really “feels” like a good fit for you, personally, and not that guy foot-faulting on the next court.
I would rank, in order of importance, the following when purchasing your next Gamma NeuCore Pickleball Paddle : feel, price and durability. Feel can’t be overrated. The right paddle is an extension of your arm, really your entire body. If a paddle makes you feel like a caveman with a club in his hand, or like you’ve gotten a kidney transplant from the wrong donor, ditch that paddle and don’t look back. Of course, like the song says, feelings are hard to put into words, but, like falling in love, you will know when it feels right.
If money doesn’t matter, buy as many paddles and Designer Pickleball Hats & Shirts as you want. I want to support manufacturers and do my part to help them stay in business too. I don’t mind paying more for a solid, well-built paddle, but, like that new Nike shirt, I’m still checking the price tag before I throw it in the shopping cart.
All that to say, for both tangible and intangible reasons, we are impressed with the latest line of Gamma pickleball paddles, offered with an innovative new technology called NeuCore that increases the polymer cell size by 25 percent. Polymers make up the insides of most high-end paddles. There will be new innovations in the future but for now NeuCore engineering gives Gamma the edge. These Gamma pickleball paddles exceed our expectations of feel, price, and the durability we’ve come to expect from this made in the USA manufacturer. The added plus is that they look cool—really cool—especially after you remove the spray paint from the blind test.
Contents
Gamma NeuCore Pickleball Paddle Details and Specs:
GAMMA SHARD Pickleball Paddle:
wide graphite face, 25% thicker polymer NeuCore technology. Recommended for power and pop but still retains a quieter sound when smacking the ball. The Shard is a great companion paddle to the Legend. If my game slumps I am comfortable switching between these two paddles. If I need more finesse in my shots I lean toward the Legend but if I think I can overpower my opponent with some power shots I’ll switch to the Shard.
- Skill Level: Beginner to Pro
- Weight: 7.75 oz average
- Grip Length: 4.75″
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/8”
- Grip Style: Cushion, perforated, ribbed
- Paddle Length: 15 7/8”
- Paddle Width: 8″
- Paddle Face: Textured Graphite
- Core Material: NeuCore Poly
- Edge Guard – Yes
- Graphic Design – Very Cool
- Warranty – 1 Year & 30 day satisfaction guarantee
- US made
- USAPA Approved
- SHOT CONTROL 9.5
- SHOT POWER 9.6
- SHOT SPIN 9.5
- PADDLE GRIP 9.5
- SURFACE SIZE (SWEET SPOT) 9.4
- PRICE/PERFORMANCE: 9.5
Purchase Gamma Shard on Pickleball Central
GAMMA LEGEND Pickleball Paddle:
wide composite face, NeuCore technology. Recommended for touch. Keeps the ball on the paddle longer without sacrificing power. Produces a satisfying sound on contact which we really like (but I’m still dreaming of the day Gamma introduces a subwoofer sound). The Shard somehow manages to combine a softer surface for more control but it still has enough power for hard returns. We also like its ability to produce enough top and back spin to keep your opponent on their heels or drawing them into the kitchen.- Skill Level: Beginner to Pro
- Weight: 8.1 oz average
- Grip Length: 4.75″
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/8″
- Grip Style: Cushion, perforated, ribbed
- Paddle Length: 15 7/8″
- Paddle Width: 8″
- Paddle Face: Textured composite
- Core Material: NeuCore Poly
- Edge Guard – Yes
- Graphic Design – Very Cool
- Warranty – 1 Year & 30 day satisfaction guarantee
- US made
- USAPA Approved
- SHOT CONTROL 9.7
- SHOT POWER 9.4
- SHOT SPIN 9.6
- PADDLE GRIP 9.5
- SURFACE SIZE (SWEET SPOT) 9.4
- PRICE/PERFORMANCE 9.5
Purchase Gamma Legend on Pickleball Central
GAMMA COMPASS Pickleball Paddle:
Elongated graphite face, 25% thicker polymer NeuCore technology. If you like longer paddles this is the one. Great reach, power (my back hands haven’t been stronger) and touch & the biggest sweet spot I’ve found on a paddle. If you liked the Gamma Needle (my previous go-to), you will love the Compass. The advantage to the Compass is a “thicker” feel, and, again owing to NeuCore, a deeper sound on contact, which leads to better control and feel. It’s amazing how much one extra inch adds to your game.- Skill Level: Beginner to Pro
- Weight: 7.7 oz average
- Grip Length: 4.75″
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/8″
- Grip Style: Cushion, perforated, ribbed
- Paddle Length: 16 5/8″
- Paddle Width: 7 1/8″
- Paddle Face: Textured graphite
- Core Material: NeuCore Poly
- Edge Guard – Yes
- Graphic Design – Very Cool
- Warranty – 1 Year & 30 day satisfaction guarantee
- US made
- USAPA Approved
- SHOT CONTROL 9.5
- SHOT POWER 9.7
- SHOT SPIN 9.5
- PADDLE GRIP 9.5
- SURFACE SIZE (SWEET SPOT) 9.7
- PRICE/PERFORMANCE 9.5
Purchase Gamma Compass on Pickleball Central
Review Written by Bjorn Benson and Edited by Charlie Moore
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The Gamma NeuCore Pickleball Paddle Review – Shard, Legend and Compass Pickleball Paddle Reviews
Exceeds Expectations
The Gamma NeuCore pickleball paddles exceed our expectations of feel, price, and the durability we’ve come to expect from this made in the USA manufacturer.
Overall a 9.7 and we will see how it holds the spot with top end paddles like the Selkirk Vanguard pickleball paddle arriving soon.
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