The latest episode of the All Drive No Drop podcast, hosted by Jacob and David, provides a comprehensive look at the current landscape of professional and recreational pickleball. From the frustrations of broadcasting major tournaments to the granular details of paddle customization and new tech releases, the episode captures a sport in a state of rapid, sometimes clunky, evolution.
The Broadcasting Battle: PPA Finals and the “Golf Bump”
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) finals held over Mother’s Day weekend. Despite the sport’s growth, it faced a familiar hurdle: the “golf bump.” The finals were scheduled for major network coverage on Fox but were moved to Fox Sports 2 due to golf coverage running long. [03:42].
The hosts criticized the PPA’s lack of accessibility, noting that the live stream was unavailable on YouTube or Pickleball TV during the broadcast window, forcing fans to navigate cable packages or specialized apps. [04:52]. This “hurdle” for viewers is seen as a major barrier to growing the pro scene. Furthermore, they questioned the scheduling of a premier event in the middle of Mother’s Day, suggesting that evening “prime time” slots would better serve both families and fans. [08:17].
Media and Personalities: The “Partners” Series
The hosts reviewed the pickleball docuseries Partners. While David binged all six episodes, the consensus was that the series might feel redundant for die-hard fans. The show covers well-known pro-circuit drama, such as the Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters partnership, but often “glazes over” the spicier details fans crave, like the specifics of partnership breakups. [12:49]. A highlight mentioned was the portrayal of world #1 Ben Johns, whom the show paints in a quirkier, almost “weird” light through quick cuts and interviews. [11:21].
Gear Talk: Widebodies and “Frankenstein” Paddles
In the technical segment, David shared his top three “widebody” paddle recommendations for players seeking stability and defensive prowess:
- Gerken Draco: Currently his top pick for its excellent sweet spot and out-of-the-box power. [21:52].
- Vatic Pro Bloom: A safe, classic “EP” (Edge-less Peripheral) option with a favorable price point and a longer handle. [22:43].
- 11SIX24 Pegasus: Noted for superior spin, though currently only UPA approved. [23:26].
The episode also featured a humorous look at extreme customization. David showcased a “Frankenstein” paddle he found after a tournament, featuring three different “Cookie Grips” and various tuning tapes cobbled together from leftover trimmings. [16:49]. This highlighted the increasingly personal—and sometimes bizarre—nature of how players are “weighting” and “gripping” their gear to find a competitive edge.
New Releases: Wilson and Paddletek
The hosts offered a critical “sneak peek” at new equipment:
- Wilson Vesper & Blaze: The Wilson Vesper, featuring a unique “hole” in the throat similar to a tennis racket, received a “hard pass.” Jacob noted that while it looks “cool,” the sweet spot is too small for modern pickleball, and the aerodynamic design seems optimized for the wrong sport. [33:41]. The Wilson Blaze SF Tour 16, however, showed more promise as a functional all-court paddle. [36:15].
- Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X: This new 16mm foam-core paddle was described as “soft and hollow,” a rare category in the market. While it currently sits on the lower end of the power spectrum, the hosts believe it is Paddletek’s best foam offering to date. [41:23].
As pickleball continues to professionalize, the All Drive No Drop team suggests that the sport’s success will depend on making the professional game easier to watch and ensuring that new equipment actually serves the unique mechanics of the game, rather than just borrowing from tennis. [34:01].
