Gearbox GBX 16mm Paddle Review

Gearbox GBX 16mm Paddle Review

Gearbox, a California-based company renowned for its high-quality, innovative paddles, has made waves with its latest release: the GBX. As the brand’s first foray into raw carbon fiber, expectations are high.

Boasting new technology exclusive to the raw carbon fiber market, the GBX is positioned as a premium paddle with a premium price tag. To determine if this new offering lives up to the Gearbox legacy and is worth the investment, I tested the GBX.

GBX Paddle Feature

Feature	Specification
Shape	Elongated
Core Thickness	16mm
Face	Toray T700 Carbon Fiber
Average Weight	8.5 oz
Grip Length	5.5 inches
Swing Weight	122
Grip Size	4 inches
Core	Polypropylene Honeycomb
Total Length	16.5 inches
Width	7.38 inches

Gearbox GBS 16MM A Quick Overview

The Gearbox GBX is a raw carbon fiber paddle that presents itself as a premium option with innovative technologies. While it boasts an impressive spec sheet with features like R3 and Power One technology, its performance seems to fall short of expectations, especially when compared to newer, technologically advanced competitors.

Key features of the GBX include:

• Elongated shape
• Toray T700 carbon fiber face
• R3 and Power One technology
• Unibody construction

While the GBX offers decent control and a wide sweet spot, it lacks the power and spin generation of many other paddles on the market. The absence of thermoforming and foam-injected perimeter treatment, technologies commonly found in high-end paddles, is a notable omission that impacts the GBX’s overall performance.

The paddle’s pricing also raises eyebrows. Positioned as a premium product, the GBX faces stiff competition from other brands offering comparable or superior performance at lower price points.

While the Gearbox GBX is a solid paddle with respectable build quality, it fails to stand out in a crowded market dominated by technologically advanced competitors. Its lack of power, combined with its high price point, makes it a challenging sell for most pickleball players.

Ultimately, the GBX seems to be a step behind the curve in terms of innovation and performance. While it might appeal to some players seeking a traditional raw carbon fiber paddle, those looking for the latest advancements in pickleball technology may want to explore other options.

Paddle Features

Construction

The Gearbox GBX features an elongated shape with a 16mm polymer core and a Toray T700 carbon fiber surface. A yellow edge guard adds protection.

Dimensions and Weight

Weighing in at 8.5 ounces, the GBX has a handle length of 5.5 inches and a grip circumference of 4 inches.

Design

The paddle boasts a sleek black and green color scheme.

Technology

Gearbox has incorporated its R3 Technology to enhance the paddle’s structure without adding weight. Additionally, the Power One Technology at the throat optimizes flexibility and stiffness for increased swing speed.

Paddle Performance

GBX Paddle Power

Despite its limitations, the Gearbox GBX can excel in offensive play. Its elongated shape and Toray T700 carbon fiber face combine to produce effective spin, particularly for generating topspin shots that drop sharply over the net. The Power One Technology further enhances offensive capabilities by maximizing flex and stiffness, resulting in increased swing speed and power.

For volleys and smashes, the GBX’s 16mm polymer core offers a solid feel and control, enabling players to direct shots with precision. The paddle’s weight and balance can be assets in delivering powerful blows, especially for doubles players.

Furthermore, the R3 Technology reinforces the paddle’s durability, making it suitable for frequent and aggressive play.

While the GBX may not be a universal choice, it can be a formidable weapon for players prioritizing attacking play and seeking a durable paddle that delivers spin and power.

GBX Paddle Control

The Gearbox GBX offers commendable control, featuring a generous sweet spot and a balanced pop-to-control ratio. The paddle’s forgiving nature shines through during delicate shots, inspiring confidence in soft play. Players transitioning from beginner or low-intermediate paddles will likely find the GBX’s control exceptional.

However, the paddle’s weight and top-heavy balance can introduce a degree of clumsiness, particularly around the net. While the sweet spot surpasses many competitors, it falls short of elite levels. 

Off-center hits suffer from rapid energy dissipation, although this can be mitigated by adding weight to the neck, albeit at the cost of increased overall weight.

Despite these factors, the GBX excels in control-oriented playstyles. Its elongated shape, comfortable grip, and R3 technology contribute to stability and accuracy. 

Defensive play benefits from the paddle’s reach and ability to absorb power, while the balanced feel facilitates precise shot placement.

The GBX provides solid control with a forgiving nature. While its weight and sweet spot limitations might deter some players, those prioritizing control and accuracy will find the GBX a capable option.

GBX Paddle Spin

The Gearbox GBX delivers respectable spin thanks to its Toray T700 carbon fiber face and proprietary “hyper spin technology.” Independent testing by Pickleball Studio recorded an impressive 1524 spin RPM, confirming the paddle’s spin-generating capabilities.

While the GBX excels at producing topspin serves, groundstrokes, and backhand slices, it doesn’t quite reach the top tier of spin-oriented paddles. While capable of generating significant spin, it falls short of the exceptional spin offered by paddles like the Legacy Pro.

The GBX provides solid spin performance, making it a reliable option for players seeking effective spin control.

GBX Paddle Durability

Gearbox has established a reputation for building exceptionally durable paddles, and the GBX appears to be no exception. Following nearly a month of intensive use, playing five or more days a week, the paddle has demonstrated impressive resilience.

The GBX’s unibody construction, which eliminates the potential weak point of a bonded handle, significantly enhances its durability. This design choice differentiates it from paddles like the Joola Hyperion, which have been known to suffer from handle fractures.

While initial impressions are positive, the true test of durability lies in extended use. To gather more comprehensive data, the paddle will be circulated among fellow players for ongoing evaluation. Any signs of deterioration or performance changes will be documented and shared in future updates.

Based on current observations, the Gearbox GBX exhibits promising durability characteristics.

Price and Value: A Disappointing Verdict

The Gearbox GBX presents a puzzling value proposition. Priced at $199, it commands a premium price point atypical of the Gearbox brand, known for its more budget-friendly offerings. Unfortunately, the GBX fails to justify its cost.

Power output, edge foam, and thermoforming technology all fall short of expectations at this price point. Superior alternatives like the Vatic Pro, Legacy, and Carbon 1X offer better performance for a lower price. Additionally, the GBX’s spin generation and sweet spot performance lag behind competitors.

While Gearbox has expanded its product line, the GBX is a misstep in terms of value. Players seeking a high-quality paddle would be better served exploring other options from Gearbox or competing brands. Ultimately, the GBX struggles to compete in a market filled with more compelling choices.

Should You Buy the Gearbox GBX?

Short answer: Probably not.

While the Gearbox GBX offers some positive attributes like decent control and durability, its overall performance and value proposition are underwhelming.

Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:

• Price: The GBX is overpriced compared to its competition.
• Power: Lacks the power of newer thermoformed paddles.
• Spin: While good, it doesn’t match the top-tier options.
• Control: Good control but hampered by weight and balance issues.

If you’re a die-hard Gearbox fan and want to support the brand, the GBX might be an option. However, for most players seeking the best value and performance, there are significantly better options available at similar or even lower price points.

It’s recommended to explore other paddles from Gearbox or consider competitors like Legacy, Vatic Pro, or Carbon 1X before making a decision.

Ultimately, the GBX falls short of expectations and struggles to compete in a market filled with more compelling options.

Final Thoughts

The Gearbox GBX is a paddle with potential, but it ultimately falls short of delivering the exceptional performance expected from a premium-priced product. While it offers some positive qualities like decent control and durability, its shortcomings in power, spin, and overall value overshadow its strengths.

For most players, investing in a paddle from a different brand or exploring other options within the Gearbox lineup would be a wiser choice. The pickleball market is highly competitive, and numerous alternatives provide better value and performance.

Ultimately, the GBX is a disappointing addition to the Gearbox lineup and struggles to compete with the best paddles currently available.

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