Hi friends, Happy Wednesday!

We’re in the final stretch of July and it’s been one of the most epic months for paddles.

Hopefully you’ve been able to keep up because we still have more exciting things to cover.

We have a pretty packed email for you today.

Some giveaways, new reviews, first looks, and even a sneak peak of some data my engineer friend found about paddle end caps.

And really quick, I just published my CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4 review and I think this hybrid shape suits the TFG technology better than their other shape options. That being said, there’s a lot more competition now than when the TFG series launched 7 months ago.

Other than that, lets get into this weeks email.

In this week’s email, we have:

—First look at the Chorus Phoenix
—Podcast sneak peak: Newest paddle end cap findings
—Gearbox GX2 Power Pre-Sale + Giveaway
—Around The Post with Eddie: 3 essentials for his best pickleball

If you listen to the podcast and have some time, I’d love your feedback!

I made this quick 4 question poll to hear your thoughts.

The Phoenix is Chorus’s answer to the Chorus Fire’s delisting. (Fitting name, right?)

It’s a power paddle that keeps the same large-cell (10mm) polypropylene core as the Fire, but Chorus reworked the build to address the biggest complaint: stiffness.

This new version includes ‘soft carbon’ in the layup (CFC) and adds Gen-3 foam enhancements.

From the description, it sounds like a build similar to the 11Six24 Power series. And I’ve been enjoying it.

To me, it feels slightly more powerful than the 11Six24 Vapor Power and has a comparable ball response.

Retail price will be $179 before code. It still needs to pass PBCOR testing, but based on how it feels and where it scored on my KewCOR tests, I don’t see how it could fail.

My friend, Keith Knauss, the engineer who’s been helping me with my ball cannon set up, recently found some new data regarding paddle endcaps.

The assumption has always been that these weighted endcaps increase power and swing speed of your paddle, but Keith found that wasn’t the case.

In fact, one paddle’s power actually decreased.

Some of the other interesting findings saw that endcaps reduce vibration. That means larger-feeling sweet spot and better feel on contact.

We’ll be covering more on these findings in the next podcast.

I’ve been testing Gearbox’s new GX2 Power, and this is, in my opinion, the best paddle they’ve ever made.

It also stacks up well against other brands’ top-tier power paddles, and feels great on court. I’ll have a full review soon, and yes, it’s a contender for my new main.

Pre-sale is now open, and you can use code: JOHNKEW for 10% off

Also, I’m partnering with Gearbox for a giveaway. Five people will win a GX2 Power paddle.

Details:

—Find the giveaway post on Instagram (live tomorrow)

—Follow @gearbox_pickleball and @johnkewpickleball

—Tag three pickleball friends in the comments

—Tap the link in Gearbox’s bio to complete your entry

Giveaway ends August 6. Official launch is August 7.

This might seem like an ad, but it’s not, haha. Wringer didn’t pay me for this, but I do have a 24-hour discount code that will get you 20% off.

Eddie and I have both been wearing Wringer’s new gear on court.

The shorts and shirts are high-performance, and the built-in DRYV material actually helps dry your hand before a serve.

So it’s especially nice of you get sweaty hands while playing. A bonus that they look good too.

Wringer is offering a 24-hour code: KEW20 for 20% Off

Valid Thursday noon through Friday evening.

I recently competed in Colorado’s largest tournament, the Rocky Mountain Pickleball Championship, and was lucky enough to take home gold in Men’s Doubles 4.5 (50–59 Division). Big credit to my partner, who came through in the clutch more than once.

But this isn’t about strategy or rating points. It’s about the gear I trusted when it mattered most.

In my view, there are three essentials to playing your best pickleball:

That means eyewear, footwear, and paddle. Here’s what worked for me:

Eyewear – I’ve been using Rudy Project’s Tralyx frames with their new pickleball-specific lenses. These photochromic lenses offer high contrast in changing light, protect against wind and impact, and are so light they basically disappear on your face. Total game changer for me.

Footwear– The new Babolat Jet Mach pickleball shoes (in neon yellow, of course) are the best I’ve played in. Comfortable right out of the box, super stable, and supportive. I’ve tried a ton of shoes, and for context, I’ve got fairly wide feet with a medium arch, and these have been a great fit.

Paddle – Franklin’s C45 Dynasty (14mm) is flat-out consistent. From drives and drops to dinks, it’s been incredibly reliable. That predictability makes it my go-to right now.

So those are my nonnegotiables when I need to perform. What are the three legs of your pickleball stool?

That’s all for this week!

Thank you for reading!

—John