GAMMA RCF Airbender Pickleball Paddle

Great paddle!! Helped with my tennis elbow w the vibration dampner.

I bought this paddle when it was released, and I am very happy with the results. It has amazing touch and control without losing power. The paddle has the versatility to change the weight distribution and balance via the weight system, and the Shockbuster system reduces any vibration when hitting the ball. The paddle has a very solid feel and great touch at the kitchen.

Had this paddle for a couple of weeks and I'm very pleased with it. Great touch, huge sweet spot. Like the ability customize the weight.

Paddle is a little heavy. But that was ecpected. It has great grit spin. More ppp than i was expected. Great control.

Received my Airbender 22 two days ago and let about 5 players in my community use it for a couple of games each. The players ranged from 3.5-4.5 in ratings. The most common statements were that it offered great control and spin. While some said it did not provide a lot in power, it did have a great “pop” off the paddle face and they loved the weight, balance and feel. Another added feature that they all loved was the thermoformed edge detail.

This is the best, most accurate paddle I have tried

I have been playing with the Obsidian 16 mm for a couple of years (I’m about a 3.5 player), which I love. It took my game to a higher level. The Airbender 22 mm is amazing! I think it will take my game another level higher. The really noticeable characteristics, for me, are the balance and the response . It feels different when you pick it up and take some shots. I think the adjustable weight system is the secret sauce for the superb balance of the paddle. The ball comes off the face effortlessly with no shock or vibrations. I think that the extra thickness and face surface are the reason that strikes feel so smooth. The control is amazing. Be prepared to hit some shots that have you asking, “where has that shot been all my life!” I was concerned that the thickness might someway slow down my hand speed, but I haven’t noticed any slowdown. The spin I can generate with the Airbender 22 seems to exceed what I was able to do with the Obsidian 16. I feel like there is a little loss of power on my serve with the 22, but good players don’t have trouble returning hard serves, anyway. I feel like the increase in spin will compensate to keep my serves harder to return. Also, I haven’t experimented with adjustable weights yet, that might add back some power, so far I have stayed with the smallest weight. I haven’t notice any loss of power on smashes or hard put-a -ways. I have let other players use it, and they have noticed how well balanced the paddle is, and the shots I was making with it.

I have played with the Airbender 22 for a couple of weeks now. I have an Obsidian 13 also and have been switching. I believe the Airbender will be my favorite and I have had a few from my club try it out and a couple are thinking of purchasing it -- almost instant love for it ! I like the weight (8.4) -- at first I wondered about this but I love a heavier paddle. This paddle provides power AND control.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This paddle is perfect for me! I have trouble hitting the sweet spot and this paddle has an insane huge sweet spot. Now I am playing so much better. I love this paddle!

Feedback for the 22mm Airbender I have played with the paddle and have had 3.5 rated players test it at an indoor facility with outdoor surfaces and Chuck Balls The paddle ranks high for the following. Stability while striking the ball. Amazing control on dinking both in backhand and forehand. Very little loss of power from ground strokes compared to the Obsidian and the 13 mm Airbender. Off-center hits are much more stable than other paddles; ball stays in play. The weight of the paddle requires some time to get used to, but after growing accustomed to the weight it is difficult to return to the 13mm paddles. The ball remains on the paddle for a long period of time which gives an amazing accuracy rating for hitting targets. Overall the players, and I, agree the paddle is great. I would say that that it is rated a 10 out of 10 in resets and dinking as well as transition area shots and 9 out of 10 for ground strokes (although after a short period of additional use that, too, might be increased to 10/10). Fantastic addition to the offering

I’ve tried a number of paddles over the last year… From CRBN, Pickleball Apes and Honolulu. All of them were solid offerings…. But when I tried a demo of the Airbender 16 at my local club, I knew I had found my paddle. It has great control out of the gate and the weight system (optional) helps you dial it in even further if you feel you need to. The best thing I can say is that I have more shots in my bag when this paddle is in my hand than I ever had before- especially softer shots at the kitchen. I highly recommend checking this paddle out!

Great paddle and helpful to have weight adjustments

By far my fav paddle. Excellent with control and power , love the grip length and the weight.

Great paddle. Good control, spin, and power. Highly recommended.

Love the paddle but became hollow after 2months of use.

I bought the Airbender after my Gamma Compass broke. I like the feel of the paddle & my drop shots seem to hit the mark more. My drives are more controlled & accurate. The handle fits well and I’m experimenting with the throat inserts …. apparently one fell off during play & I didn’t notice which is unfortunate so I’m using the heavier ones. I think you’ll enjoy using this and I’m happy with my purchase.

I tried over 50 paddles from big brands to niche small ones and by far and away Gamma's Airbender was the best paddle I found for 3 reasons: 1.) the open throat design and weight distribution makes my hands 20% faster 2.) It doesn't wear out after three months like other paddles and 3.) it's super thin and edgeless construction and having come from tennis I like that it reminds me of tennis racquet. Also, I have been using the shock buster in the throat and it's crazy how much harder you hit the ball with weight in the throat--such a cool concept.

I love Gamma paddles, but I wish the grip was black or gray. The white grip looks great for a day, but gets dirty quickly and looks awful after a month of use.

Like the new design and surface. Took me a few game to adjust from my old paddle but I would recommend this paddle for sure. Great value as other companies paddles are skyrocketing in price.

I love this paddle as it comes, such a game-changer. The paddle feels great and performs with the best. I love the option to be able to upgrade with the shockbuster weights and grip weights.