Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 66 reviews.
Getting a Reload paddle has been the best thing I’ve done for my game. The power of the paddle combined with the ability to always have a fresh surface on demand means that I’m executing shots with power and precision I would not have thought possible before. Balls which would have been out or in the net before are now suddenly above the net and staying in to the great surprise of my opponents. With Reload, pickleball paddles have just entered new and uncharted territory and the game is about to get a lot more interesting.
Rostislav R.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
The look of the paddle is awesome. I always get compliments on it and because it’s such an eye catching paddle, people are always asking me about it… what kind of paddle is that? Where did you get it? How much was it? How much are the replacement sheets? And Do I like it?
The funniest thing about talking about it is when I peel off the skin, the look on their faces is priceless. That in itself is a great marketing tool.
My responses are always positive and I believe the results speak for themselves in the few tournaments I played in with it.
My feedback…
Most people who try it think it’s a bit too head heavy. I love it for serving and drives! It has so much power and spin!
I also find it easy to reset, dink and the overheads are just ridiculous. The only drawback is that because it is a bit head heavy , it makes it slower for the fire fights at the net, but I’m getting used to it.
And I love the replacement sheets, however some are grittier than others.
The last thing is that, I wish it came with a paddle cover. Something as sleek and stylish as the paddle itself.
Other than that, it’s a fantastic paddle that I will continue to talk very highly about.
Duey H.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Store owner replied:
Hey Duey - thanks for the kind review. We hear you on the slight head heaviness - but check this out https://www.reloadpickleball.com/blogs/news/what-is-flick-weight-and-why-is-it-important - the quick summary is that if you add some weight (about 14-18g) to the base of the paddle - you'll find that the balance point shift gives you the best of both worlds.
You'll have the swing weight benefits you've already stated that you know and love - but you'll also have a paddle that's much faster at the line.
Try it and let us know how it works for you.
(note that you can do this by adding a Slyce Cap - or for a much cheaper and faster solution - just remove the Blue Original Reload Grip - add two loops of Tungsten Tape at the bottom - don't wrap them over the top of each other but one above the other. If you're a fan of the Hesacore this effect is even more pronounced as the Hesacore is heavier than the Original Reload Grip).
Enjoy.
Good point about the Uniformity of grit in the sheets - we are taking steps to optimise the QC.
I love the color choice and it’s my paddle shape preference. It was very easy to learn how to play this paddle. Resets and drops were flawless and drives were easy to control. I added some weights on the neck and top of the paddle to have more plow through on drives. Grit felt great and if it does need replacing, it can easily peel and stick a new one out. Looking forward to what the future has for this paddle and company.
Nick C.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
This paddle is awesome. It’s the perfect amount of grittiness, plushness and power. It has a big sweet spot that feels like butter. And the fact that I don’t have to worry about buying another one as soon as it wears out is great.
Just played my first 5.0 tournament with this paddle and ended up getting 2nd with it. Even though I just got this paddle a week ago, I opted to use it for the tournament because i felt like I could trust my shots way more than my other paddles (Selkirk Vanguard Invicta, Luxe, and Legacy). Highly recommend.
Conrad D.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Looks great and feels amazing (balance, pop, control), makes me wanna go play even more (already play every day though hehe). Also love that it will NEVER lose its grit, bring it on...!!!!!!
Marc C.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
This is a really long review. Also, I formatted it to be very readable by separating my review in sections but the website just puts it in one giant text block.
Review After 4 Months of Heavy Use: I shopped around for an environmentally friendly and economical paddle and eventually came across this company. I currently use the 16mm version, and I like this paddle so much that I took the time to write this review — which almost never happens unless I really like a product. (Small disclaimer: I used AI to help organize and clean up my original thoughts/review.) I’m NOT sponsored — just a guy who genuinely likes this paddle and wishes more people used it. In fact, after posting this review, I bought a second 16mm paddle and two 6-packs of replacement sheets, which should tell you how much I like it. For background, I come from a doubles tennis and ping pong background. TLDR: Spin (5/5) — with a fresh sheet, spin is extremely high; Power/Pop (3/5) — after weight tape mods this becomes a 4/5, potentially 4.5/5 if you generate your own power; Control (4/5) — could be 5/5 with soft hands and good touch; Balance (3.5/5) — head-heavy by default but improves to ~4/5 after modifications; Swing weight (4/5 unmodified) — after mods and overgrip, it feels closer to 3.5/5, mine is ~241g which is on the heavier side but I’ve adjusted to the added weight and have no issues swinging/volleying; Sweet spot / twist weight (3/5) — after modifications, this becomes 5/5 as I can’t remember the last time that I mishit a ball; Length (4.5/5) — elongated design gives great reach and allows for a comfortable two-handed backhand; Usability / Eco (4.5/5) — sheets are very easy to replace and more environmentally friendly than replacing an entire paddle, and I hope their planned recycling program becomes reality. My mods include an 8" strip of tungsten tape (3g) near the bottom of the handle for balance, two 4" strips (1.5g each) at the 10 and 1 o’clock positions for added power and stability, a tennis overgrip for more control/stability, and I marked one side of the paddle to track forehand/backhand paddle orientation to extend sheet life since I use the forehand side more (once the forehand sheet wears out, I swap in the backhand side sheet onto the forehand side and install a new sheet to the backhand side). The paddle's color palette is unique and stands out in a good way, and with a fresh sheet this paddle generates a ton of spin if you can produce it — I’ve had players ask me after games what paddle I was using because of the spin I was generating, and some mentioned they could hear the wiffle ball whistling through the air. The stock grip is very cushioned and grippy, and I later added an overgrip for more stability and control. Before adding the overgrip, I placed an 8" tungsten strip (3g) near the bottom of the handle about 1–1.5 inches from the butt cap, directly over the stock grip rather than removing anything, since I didn’t want to commit to a full teardown to install a weighted cap. This reduced head heaviness and made the paddle quicker at the net, but I still felt I lacked power and forgiveness on off-center hits. I then experimented by adding head weight, initially placing two 3g strips at 9 and 3 o’clock for stability and twist resistance, which worked but made the paddle too heavy, so I reduced them to 1.5g per side, which improved swing feel but still didn’t feel quite right. Moving those same strips from 9 and 3 o’clock to 10 and 1 o’clock was the breakthrough — it dramatically improved the sweet spot size, increased power/pop, and made off-center hits far more stable while also improving overall balance. At that point the paddle felt like I could hit any shot that I wanted to. I then covered the tungsten tape on the sides of the paddle with black electrical tape to secure it and protect it from scrapes, with negligible added weight. As a final modification, since I naturally favor my forehand, I marked one side of the paddle with directional indicators so I know which side is my dedicated forehand side since that side tends to wear out first. When it does wear out, I swap the backhand sheet to the forehand side of the paddle and install a new sheet on the backhand side (continously doing this as I rotate through sheets), which saves me a lot of money and reduces waste since I’m not constantly replacing an entire paddle. I don’t see anyone using this paddle locally, which surprises me, and I’d like to try the 14mm version someday for comparison, but there are no demos available near me. All in all, this is a great paddle — especially with modifications — and it ends up being very cost-effective in the long run.
John
5/5
Verified
RLD-1 System
Store owner replied:
Thanks very much for taking to time to review this John. I believe this is the longest and most informative review I have ever received (and likely that I have ever SEEN on any DTC website) - CONGRATS ;)
Happy you were able to dial in the paddle to your liking.
I have been using the 14mm paddle in lessons, leagues, and 4.0+ competitive play and it is the best initial experience I have had with a new paddle. It usually takes me a bit of time to get used to a new paddle before I feel comfortable with it. The RLD1 felt comfortable immediately. There was no learning curve. The paddle just does what I want it to do: drives, dinks, resets, lobs, etc. I have also had a chance to show it to a few people and they love the removable surface. A few people have also commented on what a beautiful paddle it is. The design is just as good as the innovation. Well done.
Steve B.
5/5
Verified
RLD-1 Paddle System
Plays just like new after 3 months with great control
Fernando T.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Absolutely love the 14mm paddle! I can feel the ball very well compared to my old GX2. In my first week of playing with the paddle I was able to get second a 4.0-3.5 tournament. I am very excited to see how far I can go with the paddle. I did replace the original grip with a leather grip which helped a lot since the default grip gets a bit slick if you sweat a lot.
Grant C.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Store owner replied:
Synthetic leather grips can indeed get a bit slick over time - one way to solve this is to use overgrips. Personally I loved the feeling of a leather grip on tennis rackets - they're a tad heavier but some people love them. Thanks for the review and feedback.
*This review is in reference to my experience with weighted tape and a hesacore grip. I mostly compare the 14mm with the 16mm RLD-1 just to give a point of reference and that’s all I’ve been using for paddles.
I had the 16mm for four months and the 14mm for about three weeks.
Note: I’ve added a significant amount of weight to both paddles, but in slightly different configurations - thats just my preference.*
The 14mm is what I wanted the 16mm to be. The 16mm is a great paddle but, the 14mm simply “gels” very well with me.
The 14mm does feel “stiff” in comparison to the 16mm, but I prefer that. Ironically, my “soft game” has improved because of it - I like I can feel the response of my shots much more. This enhanced my drilling experiences because I’m able to dial in my shots quicker/better.
My game relies heavily on generating spin and the spin seems to be the same - I shape my shots just as well with 14 as I do with 16.
The 16 feels more stable, as expected, but the weighted tape fixed that easily for the 14. But if I recall the ONE GAME I played WITHOUT tape, the 14 didn’t feel unstable, it’s just I was coming directly from a very heavily weighted-down (particularly at the head) 16mm RDL-1.
The sweet spot feels pretty good, even from going from the 16 to the 14. It doesn’t feel quite as “forgiving” as the 16 but that’s expected. It’s certainly adequate, if not more. And again, adding the weighted tape pretty much remedied that for me.
I was wrong about suspecting durability issues with my 16mm. It’s completely fine and I put a lot of hours of drilling with the 16mm.
I’m honestly surprised how much integrity the core has. Naturally, I suspect the 14mm will have no problems either.
The 14 has a bit more power/pop, but so much so that’s it’s uncontrollable or inconsistent, and not so little it isn’t noticeable.
The kitchen is where the real difference is between the 14 and 16, in terms of performance for me.
It’s generally lighter and has less swing weight - it feels more agile. Again, it’s counter intuitive, but somehow my soft game has improved, even at the kitchen.
I sound like a fanboy, but I love this thing. I’d like to reiterate, the 16mm is a great paddle, but because of my preference/quirks, I literally thought to myself before I even knew 14mm existed, “if they made this exact same paddle in a 14mm, it would be perfect.”
Lo and behold, the 14mm RLD-1.
Thomas H.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Store owner replied:
Thanks for all the detail in the write-up (super helpful for everyone to see). I for example love the 16mm (I have 3 strips of tungsten under my hesacore/overgrip as per https://www.reloadpickleball.com/blogs/news/how-to-add-weight-to-the-handle) - but I keep a 14mm in the bag also ;)
Took first place in a mixed-age, mixed-doubles 3.5 tournament
Mark S.
4/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
As a new player coming from ping pong it took me a bit to find the right paddle for me and I ended up coming back to the BnB Shogun. I wanted to have a second paddle solely for practice but didn't want to pay for an entirely new paddle just to have to surface grip wear out in no time to... buy another paddle.
Enter the Reload paddle which has VERY similar specs to the Shogun and has replaceable surfaces. A dream for me. As others have said, it is on the head heavy side, but is manageable with a cap weight and throad tape. The 16mm has plenty of touch without being too poppy and I can get power or spin when I want it.
When I want to hit balls in the garage I just slap on an old practice reload surface, hit as much as I'd like then put my league surface on good as new. Hitting the same paddle in practice and games has done wonders for my consistency. Six or seven paddles into the infamous pickleball paddle search, I have one paddle system that just makes sense.
I would love to try a 14mm!
Brad
5/5
Reload Paddle System
Store owner replied:
Hey Brad - thanks for the review. You shouldn't have to wait long for the 14mm - just waiting for approvals ;)
Getting the cons out of the way first: the paddle inherently has a head heavy balance paired with a higher swing weight. I’ve spent lots of time adjusting the setup to get it head light enough for faster hands at the kitchen, but it remains a bit of a work in progress for me to find a setup I truly love.
Onto the good: it’s got a remarkably consistent response off the paddle face. On the denser/“plusher” side, but I wouldn’t call it mushy either. It’s definitely an all-court thermoformed paddle that allows you to do what you want. Because of the higher swing weight, it hits like a truck. It’s also a spin monster. I haven’t tested RPMs or anything like that, but I reckon some of the good but not great spin figures being quoted by reviewers are probably due to the fact that they’re using it in stock form (and it’s heavy to swing). After adding some weight at the butt cap, everyone remarks how much more kick my serve has compared to before.
I would say some things to work on for the next iteration(s) of Reload: (1) finding a way to reduce some of the head weight, (2) introducing new shapes, and (3) introducing different thicknesses (I feel like this specific paddle would be killer in 14mm).
Thomas C.
4/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Store owner replied:
Thanks for the review Thomas - you are right - the first batch of paddle were slightly head-heavy - so many advanced players modified them by putting some weight on the butt-cap (as discussed at some length here https://www.reloadpickleball.com/blogs/news/what-is-flick-weight-and-why-is-it-important and here https://www.reloadpickleball.com/blogs/news/how-to-add-weight-to-the-handle.
Thanks for taking the time to dial in the paddle and give your feedback. Great that you are enjoying it overall.
14mm paddle on the way (DMed you separately about this)
I tried my new Reload paddle this week and I love it. I followed the advice you posted to add two strips of lead tape around the butt of the paddle and it gave it a very nice, slightly head light balance. When I used the paddle I noticed immediately that I had more pop on my groundstrokes and serves. The topspin was much better than my previous paddle and I’m excited I can change the paddle face as often as I want. My playing partners wanted to try it out as they had heard about it. They all really liked it and most common comments were the huge sweet spot and greater speed on their shots.
Ronald F.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Great paddle very stylish many people asking what it is! Great all around court paddle. Great power and control.
Phillip B.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
I was using the Selkirk Amped Pro Air Invikta before purchasing the Reload. I really loved the Selkirk for it's power and spin, but my tennis elbow would flare up so bad that I would have to stop playing after about 2 hours. I was recommended the Reload by a buddy and tried it. There is so much less vibration with the Reload. It doesn't have the same power as the Selkirk, but the grit is great and I have more control over my dinks with the Reload. One suggestion to Reload is to have more color choices for the paddles and perhaps have different designs for the replacement skins. Other than that, I really like the Reload paddle system.
Thuan L.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
The paddle feels different from any other thermoformed paddle I've used, and I love it!
I had my friend try it and he said it felt like there was more dwell time on the paddle that made it easier to control. The power is there too. We were both ripping drives with tons of topspin.
The sweet spot great, so I didn't feel the need to add any weight. The paddle was already very stable.
I tend to prefer paddles with slightly higher swing weights, and I did notice that this felt slower in the hands. It was never so much that I felt like I lost the point because of it, though. If you are sensitive to swing weight, you should probably pass this by, otherwise it's an amazing paddle from a company that is pro consumer.
P.S. I had a question with customer service, and they responded quickly and resolved my question right away.
Benjamin A.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
I've been looking for the next tech upgrade in Pickleball and I can say without a doubt I've found it here with Reload. Being able to replace your grit whenever you need/want to is a total game changer for folks who aren't sponsored tournament players.
Not only is the innovation next level, the Paddle itself is constructed well. I've used pretty much every brand you can think of and the edge guard on this RLD-16 is 2nd to none. I've put over 80 hours in with my first set of sheets and the performance is still solid. If you're on the fence give them a try you won't find a better "deal" on the market.
Jeff M.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Greetings from Montreal. I got the pickleball bug last year… I’m now on my third paddle. Heard about RELOAD a few weeks ago… pickleball paddle nirvana. You're telling me I can STICK IT & RIP IT whenever I want! Hallelujah! Ordered the paddle and it was delivered up here to the Great White North in 48 hrs. Impressive start! Impressive design and colours too (Canadian spelling). I added an overgrip and 12g of lead along the middle/upper side. WOW!!! I have a great feeling and great playing Gen 2 thermoformed paddle with infinitely renewable carbon fiber surface. Brilliant!!! Used it for 2 days and played a DUPR rated game… and… we won!!! Off to an auspicious start!!!!! Thanks RELOAD!!! See you on the courts!!!
Ross M.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
This is an initial review as I have not switched out the faces yet (which is the primary reason for the purchase). Overall the paddle is a solid paddle. I would put it more on the control side of the spectrum as it feels softer than most paddles I have played with. At the same time with it having a higher swing weight I did not have any issues putting the ball away at the net as well. Picture was the first tournament I played with the paddle and took gold (orange shirt). I will submit another review after I replace the faces a couple times for long term feedback but as of right now I am happy with the Reload paddle.
John H.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
I started out like everyone else who fell in love w this game.. just kept having to warranty paddles. This is a full revolution to play experience .. I can change my grit whenever I want and and as someone who has been an advisor to global green it became really obvious that the sport I loved has been so unfortunately wasteful... And this answers my call for topspin and a desire to spend less on new paddles while feeling more eco savvy. People keep commenting on how ridiculously good my rolls have gotten
Dominika J.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
I've been replacing my paddle about every month, because I rotate my tournament paddle into my training paddle once the spin dies down, and it's an ongoing cycle.
That is, until Reload (finally) launched their product. Now I just have the one paddle that I'll replace the grit on before every tournament, and I'm saving literally so much money it's great!
Kyle W.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
It feels like I'm hitting with tennis strings. I have a lot of control and I can apply a bucketload of spin.
love the fact I can replace it whenever
Alex A.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Fine
Bruce G.
5/5
RLD-1 System
Great paddle very happy but what happen to the cover ? Now need to buy cover !
William W.
5/5
Verified
RLD-1 System
Store owner replied:
If by cover you mean replacement sheets - you already have two sets in your order ;)
But if you mean the paddle cover/holster - then yes that's a separate item https://www.reloadpickleball.com/products/reload-accessories
16mm - Great control and spin, this is my new go to paddle
Eric M.
5/5
Verified
RLD-1 System
it a great paddle, for me it has the control of the 16mm and new power added
Sisoes V.
5/5
Verified
RLD-1 System
I love the idea/concept of replacing part of the paddle instead of the whole thing when the grit wears down. It seems a bit "top heavy" (I got the 16 mm) but when I added some lead tape to balance it out, the whole thing was too heavy for me, so I'm just working on getting used to it. So far pretty good.
Ronnie B.
4/5
Verified
RLD-1 System
Great pop
Great control
Need to hit the sweet spot for maximum effect
Jeremy C.
5/5
Verified
RLD-1 System
I have recently started to play. I used to play table tennis before. I still dont have a paddle and I have been using paddles in our club to see if I can find my favorite and I think I found it just yesterday when I played with this paddle. I understand that with this price, it is hard not to think about Sixzero DBD or Coral or some other famous paddles, but I personally love this one more than others.
Sassan
5/5
RLD-1 System
Store owner replied:
Glad you like it. Don't forget that with every other paddle when it wears out (which is very fast) you have to buy another one - but with Reload you can just keep replacing the sheets.
In fact even the initial price of Reload has 2 paddles worth of sheets ;)
After that they're $40 a "paddle" but for everyone else you're at $200 each time ;)
So
The idea of paddle surfaces wearing out prematurely has been a pet peeve of mine, so the concept of a replaceable surface on the Reload paddle caught my attention. In December/2025. I contacted Nick, owner of Reload, with some questions. He was very helpful, even providing suggestions on fine-tuning balance to suit personal preferences. I ordered two: one to test out, and one to let club members try out. (although, soon after trying mine, my wife latched onto the other as her own) We have been playing with them, 3 days per week, for 5 months now. I had been expecting to replace the surface by now, but they show no wear on either paddle to date. The swing weight, as supplied seemed a bit more than my other paddles..not "heavy", but slightly more. I added 3/4 oz weight to the butt, as described by Nick, and it seemed to give me a faster flick-weight/ lighter swing weight, at the net. In addition, the paddle has a huge sweet spot, the best of any paddle I've used to date, and I have much better control, ie: leaving far fewer drop shots hanging on the net, etc.
I'm 6'1"/215 lbs and my wife is 5'6"/130 lbs (3.5-4.0 players), so a lot different in terms of strength, etc...Yet we both love the paddle in exactly the same weight.
In summary: These paddles are brilliant , in terms of quality and playability. (and I don't give top reviews easily).
Kudos to Nick and company for tackling the wear surface issue...and for producing an all-round great paddle!
Rick H.
5/5
RLD-1 System
your stick-on sheets are an improvement of my spin ability.
Nicholas P.
4/5
Verified
RLD-1 Paddle System
I had occasion to use my old paddle while traveling and the difference was amazing. My reload has so much more control because I have a new paddle every time I change the surface. I love my reload paddle.
Rob R.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
This is an absolutely fantastic paddle! It has premium feel, premium play and boy does it have a pop! Im returning balls better than i was with my Zcebra paddle. Whats even more impressive is the fact that the replaceable grit doesnt even flinch when returning powerful drives! Its stuck on the paddle like its part of it and you can just peel it off easily using the tab at the bottom of the grit. The replaceable grit doesnt even leave ANY residue behind! This is definitely best use of advanced tech i have seen in a pickleball paddle!! I’m using the 16mm paddle!
Even the sports tops are of high standard. It feels great on the body and absorbs the sweat as you’d expect from a premium sports too!
I will be buying more!!
Anis J.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Such an awesome idea for a pickleball paddle. Paddle feels awesome. Plays really well. The ability to change out faces makes it even more intriguing to use day every day. I highly recommend purchasing one.
Daniel D.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
I've had a few favorite high end paddles over the last couple of years, until I tried this one, I'm never switching again hehe. Feels great (balance, spin, power, touch), and never loses its bite!!!
Marc C.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Loving the new 14mm paddle. Just switched from the 16mm. Already having better results.
Stephen G.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Awesome job! The paddle is very nice and just so happens to be the exact shape I like to use. It's even better for two-handed backhands than my previous paddles, and the long handle is perfect. Cheers!
Brendan M.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Paddle feels great to play
Harith Z.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
Coming from table tennis, I want max spin, so
the Reload is a good fit!
Jimmy M.
5/5
Verified
Reload Paddle System
