The KewCast with John & Eddie

Proton Nanotac Gains Spin After Wear?!

What happens when a paddle GAINS spin after wear testing instead of losing it? We may have underestimated the true spin ceiling in pickleball. 🔹Save $20 on Enhance MPP Turbo hybrid with code JOHNKEW at checkout: https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW Chapters/ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Selkirk extending warranty on Bread & Butter paddles from 6 months to 1-year 3:31 Paddles of the Week - Enhance MPP Turbo – new hybrid shape 10:22 Tales from the Ball Cannon, Part 1: Spin durability on traditional grit paddles (Selkirk Power Air and Engage Encore) 17:40 Tales from the Ball Cannon, Part 2: Spin Durability on Proton Nanotac and Owl Paddles 23:52 Is the spin ceiling higher than we thought, or are Nanotac and Owl felt getting elastic snapback? 28:33 Kew & A: Are you going to test the durability of the Gearbox GX2 Power paddles, and is Gearbox going to enter the field with an extended durability surface? 29:58 Should USAP and UPA-A drop surface roughness/spin limits and instead ban only materials that create rebound effects like ping pong rubber, since friction-based spin appears to have a natural ceiling anyway? 32:43 Do I even need to clean my paddle? Is that for aesthetics or is there some performance reason to clean my paddle? 34:55 Best foam-core paddle recommendations for soft resets and blocks with long-lasting grit that minimizes pop-ups? 36:42 Why do you think an edge guard is important for making a good paddle, and what role does it play in paddle performance and design? 38:53 Can you recap some niche pickleball gadgets you’ve tried — like the red light therapy device, cap coins, and handle weights — and whether you still use them or if they eventually faded out? 55:26 Gear of the Week: Update on JOOLA R4LLY shoes and Selkirk Legacy shoes 59:54 Blind Rank - Can We Rank These Paddles WITHOUT Knowing What’s Next? 1:17:21 Selkirk OMNI In this episode of KewCast, we break down surprising spin durability test results from Proton Nanotac and Owl paddles—spoiler alert: spin actually INCREASED in a big way after accelerated wear testing. We also explore whether these surfaces are doing more than simple friction… and whether tangential snapback might be entering pickleball. Plus: •Blind ranking mystery paddles with locked placements •Enhance MPP Turbo first impressions •New paddle from Selkirk: the OMNI •JOOLA R4LLY shoe durability after 6 weeks •Selkirk Legacy shoe discussion •Red light therapy gadgets •Firefly Recovery claims and evidence •Foam-core paddle recommendations •Why edge guards matter •The future of paddle spin regulations If you’re into paddle tech, spin science, durability testing, and gear nerd discussions… this one gets weird.

Aireo Cyclone Nanograph vs Thrive Ignite Clear Fusoin Grit | Spin Durability Tested

Aireo’s Nanograph and Thrive’s Clear Fusion Grit were finally tested — which spin durability tier did they rank in? In this episode of KewCast, we test the Cyclone and Ignite/Clear Fusion grit technologies using accelerated wear testing, radar gun RPM testing, ball cannon analysis, and Starrett surface roughness measurements. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: PPA receives $225 million investment 6:49 Tama becoming superstar overnight 13:27 ALW dropped out of singles for Finals in San Clemente 15:46 Thoughts on “Partners” – New PPA Documentary 22:28 Article: Can you trust paddle reviewers because of different commissions? 39:14 Paddles of the Week: Gherkin Draco elongated and widebody 45:50 Warping Point Sophon 50:58 Aireo Cyclone with NanoGraph Grit 54:51 Pickle Poppers Pop N Pink 1:02:55 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Spin/Grit Durability Testing: Aireo Cyclone Nanograph & Thrive Clear Fusion Grit 1:10:59 Tales from the Ball Cannon Part 2: Comparing texture loss to spin loss (Starrett Results) 1:23:23 MPP Paddles & Disbonding 1:30:21 Kew & A: Do MPP or EPP foam cores offer better sweet spots at lower swing weights? 1:31:44 Could a rubber-like paddle face be legal under UPA-A rules if it passes all performance tests? 1:34:12 Does UPA-A test surface roughness, or only spin/RPM similarity testing? 👉 Products Mentioned in Podcast (Affiliate Codes): 🔹Aireo Cyclone (Nanograph) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/ybecf22t 🔹Gherkin Draco (all shapes) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/45n7nzk6 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹11SIX24 Power 2 Series (code JOHNKEW for 10% off): https://tinyurl.com/5npfvt9y 🔹Pickle Poppers Pop N Pink - take 15% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/46me5rts 🔹Thrive Ignite (Clear Fusion Grit) - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/2wjk2c9c 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://tinyurl.com/yrk7t94r 🔹Warping Point Sophon - take 10% off with code JOHNKEW: https://warpingpoint.com/ In this episode, we also break down: •Texture loss vs spin loss •Rz vs Rt Starrett readings •Why some paddles lose spin faster than others •MPP vs EPP foam core discussion •UPA-A surface roughness testing •PPA Atlanta reactions •ALW singles withdrawal •Pickleball Inc.’s massive new investment •New paddle releases from Gherkin, Warping Point, Aireo, and more #pickleball #pickleballpaddles #johnkew #kewcast

We Broke Pickleball Spin… And the New UPA-A Rules Explained

What if I told you most paddles already max out spin… and more grit doesn’t actually increase it? And at the same time, new UPA-A rules could completely change how paddles are judged mid-match. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Proton is back 4:00 UPA-A is now nonprofit 501-C(3), and has new rulebook 4:27 Who is this rulebook for? 7:19 Paddle compliance 11:04 Weight modification - Slyce Slyders and Pickleclips are not allowed 12:00 Paddle Challenges 16:40 Spin Penalty 19:53 Ball interaction - no more blowing the ball over the net 21:48 Balls - No more stopping play or redo unless ball is SERIOUSLY damaged 22:51 Line Calls 26:10 Serve Rules 28:15 Video Challenges 29:05 Card System 31:37 What constitutes "unsportsmanlike" behavior? 33:53 Weird / Edge Case Rules 35:43 Will local tournaments eventually adopt UPA-A rules? 36:40 Key differences between USAP & UPA-A rules 40:11 Paddle of the Week: Honolulu J2CR LH Blue Grit 49:09 Tales from the Ball Cannon: We tested a rubber surfaced paddle…and it broke everything 55:09 The Spin Ceiling Explained 56:11 If roughness can't take you beyond the spin ceiling, why are grittier paddles better? 58:56 Why rubber breaks the spin ceiling 1:00:37 My experiment: high speed footage of ball spin with ping pong rubber 1:05:16 Testing spin with radar gun 1:06:20 Takeaway: Why RPM Numbers Cluster 1:07:14 Takeaway - what this experiment tells us about the future of paddle grit technology 1:17:50 Kew & A: Will future paddles reduce noise, or is sound an important feedback mechanism that’s here to stay? 1:20:13 Why does Eddie prefer the J6CR over the J2CR, despite typically favoring hybrid/widebody paddles? 1:22:00 Will pros start using durable grit paddles, or will they remain mostly for non-pro players? 1:23:07 Is yelling after an opponent’s error more unsportsmanlike than blowing the ball over the net? 1:25:21 Do higher RPM differences between arm vs. cannon testing correlate with swing weight or added rotational velocity? In this episode of KewCast, we break down the brand-new UPA-A rulebook and what it means for both pro and amateur pickleball—along with one of the most important discoveries we’ve ever made in paddle testing. We tested a rubber-surfaced paddle… and the spin numbers weren’t even close. Tennis Warehouse study by Crawford Lindsey (2023): “Pickleball Spin — Why Is A Rubber Hitting Surface Illegal?” 👉 https://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/pickleball/rubberpaddle.php This leads to a bigger question: 👉 Is there actually a limit to how much spin a pickleball paddle can produce? We explain the concept of the spin ceiling, why most paddles are already near it, and why durability might matter more than peak grit. Latest News / Gear Gossip: •Proton is back (kind of?) 👉 Charles & Brant IG post: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXiKc1IEeq_/ On the rules side, UPA-A is introducing major changes: 👉 https://upaa.unitedpickleball.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-UPA-A-Rulebook-V0.7-4.20.2026.pdf •Ongoing paddle compliance (even after approval) •Paddle challenges mid-match •New serve enforcement standards •Strict rules on ball interaction (yes—blowing on the ball is banned) •A pro-style penalty system with cards and point penalties We also compare UPA-A vs USAP and ask the big question: 👉 Can both systems coexist—or will one take over the sport? 🧪 Topics Covered: •New UPA-A rulebook breakdown •Paddle compliance and performance drift •Paddle challenges and penalties •Spin ceiling explained (friction vs elasticity) •Rubber vs grit paddles (and why rubber is banned) •Why RPM numbers cluster •Durability vs peak spin performance •Future of paddle technology 🏓 Paddle Featured: •Honolulu J2CR LH Blue Grit 💬 Q&A Topics: •J6CR vs J2CR paddle preference •Future of paddle sound and noise •Will pros adopt durable grit? •Sportsmanship debates in pickleball •Cannon vs arm spin differences

How is Durable Grit Made? Plus, New MPP Widebody, and a Wild PPA Moment

Durable grit might be the biggest paddle innovation right now. We explain how it’s made, why it matters, and where it’s going next. In Episode 104 of the KewCast, we dig into the latest paddle tech, including how durable grit is actually made, what it costs manufacturers, and which brands are pushing the boundaries next. Plus, we break down new paddle releases, updated ball cannon spin data, and answer your questions about control vs power paddles, swing weight decisions, and more. If you're trying to choose the right paddle—or just want to stay ahead of where the sport is going—this episode is packed with insight. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:52 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Oncins/Black posted zero errors on serves, drives, and 3rds during gold medal match 6:25 Oncins blowing ball over net - poor sportsmanship? 13:07 Hunter Johnson's paddle throwing incident 15:20 JOOLA expands lawsuit to monetary damages 19:24 Paddles of the Week: Luzz Pro-Blade 2 24:03 Luzz Glider 28:49 Enhance MPP Turbo Widebody 34:14 Tales from the Ball Cannon: Generating Spin with Arm vs. Ball Cannon, Revised 44:59 Kew & A: As a 3.25 player struggling with pop-ups, is the J2CR Blue Grit too much compared to what I preferred in the J2NF? 47:25 What is durable grit made of, how is it applied, what does it cost to manufacture, and which brands are expected to adopt it next? 53:28 Why do some companies intentionally undersize paddle dimensions—does it help control overall weight and swing weight? 🔗 Products Mentioned in Pod (save on all with code JOHNKEW): 🔹Luzz Glider and Pro-Blade 2: https://luzzpickleball.com?sca_ref=10162045.DyVJzmd5hL 🔹Enhance MPP Turbo (release date April 15): https://www.enhancepickleball.com/JOHNKEW 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit: https://tinyurl.com/38nk37we 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹Selkirk Boomstik (code INF-JOHNKEW): https://tinyurl.com/5dcka9sy 🔹Six Zero Coral: https://tinyurl.com/yc2sru9u 🔹Spartus P1: https://tinyurl.com/yzd5t7rx

Blue Grit vs. Everything Else | 3 Paddles That Work for ANY Player | Plus - Pros as Rock Stars

What if you had to pick just 3 paddles for ANY player in the world, without knowing skill level or preferences? In this episode of KewCast (Episode 103), we break down the safest bets, plus the latest paddle drops, PLUS we pit Honolulu Blue Grit up against all the other durable grits. And in one of our most fun segments yet, we chose famous musicians who reminded us of the top 20 pickleball pros. This one gets surprisingly deep… and a little chaotic. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:22 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: Elongated shapes now available for CRBN Barrage 2:47 Paddles of the Week: NOX X-Foam 9:14 Engage X2 14:03 Head to Head: Honolulu Blue Grit vs. 11SIX24 Hex Grit vs. Spartus Permagrit vs. Chorus Harmony Grit 37:49 3 Paddles for Anyone 52:13 If pickleball pros were musical artists, who would they be? 53:49 Noe Khlif 56:10 Jade Kawomoto 57:34 Eric Oncins 58:51 Lea Jansen 1:01:13 Gabe Tardio 1:03:16 Parris Todd 1:04:38 Fed Staksrud 1:06:45 Kate Fahey 1:08:11 Andrei Daescu 1:09:59 Rachel Rohrabacher 1:11:10 CJ Klinger 1:12:41 Catherine Parenteau 1:13:35 Chris Haworth 1:14:57 Jessie Irvine 1:16:18 Hayden Patriquin 1:17:38 Tyra Black 1:18:38 JW Johnson 1:19:43 Jorja Johnson 1:21:29 Christian Alshon 1:23:01 Anna Bright 1:24:26 Ben Johns 1:26:37 Anna Leigh Waters 1:29:42 Kew & A: If brands invest in innovation (like Six Zero’s Diamond Tough grit), can they realistically stop copycats—and should we expect legal action? 1:31:17 Do Paddle Shapes Affect Power? Does the data show consistent power differences across shapes—like elongated paddles hitting harder than standard or widebody—and are any clear trends emerging? 1:35:43 Do lighter paddles actually help younger players, or could they limit development compared to standard or elongated shapes? 🔗 Products Mentioned in Pod (save on all with code JOHNKEW): 🔹11SIX24 Power 2 Series: https://tinyurl.com/yc6taeh5 🔹Chorus Coda with Harmony Grit: https://tinyurl.com/38nk37we 🔹Enhance MPP Turbo: https://tinyurl.com/mut2nnzb 🔹Engage X2: https://tinyurl.com/bdhr9ryv 🔹Friday Aura: https://tinyurl.com/3395yabc 🔹Honolulu J2CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6p5wj6 🔹Honolulu J6CR Blue Endurance Grit: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkvjt 🔹JOOLA Pro V: https://tinyurl.com/yc3p5hhj 🔹NOX X-FOam: https://tinyurl.com/ms4e8myc 🔹Selkirk Boomstik (code INF-JOHNKEW): https://tinyurl.com/5dcka9sy 🔹Six Zero Coral: https://tinyurl.com/yc2sru9u 🔹Spartus P1: https://tinyurl.com/yzd5t7rx Find all paddle data, rankings, and deals here: 👉 https://www.johnkewpickleball.com