GAMMA RCF Airbender Pickleball Paddle

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.

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