Limited Spring Offer: The Spartus Olympus is now available only for $146 with Good10
After spending the last few weeks with the Gen 3 Spartus Olympus, I can confidently say it’s a game-changing paddle that lives up to its hype. With its patent-pending Ascension Core™, carefully crafted construction, and superior performance capabilities, the Olympus Gen 3 has quickly become a favourite in my pickleball arsenal. Whether I was aiming for powerful drives or soft, controlled dinks, this paddle consistently delivered.
Specifications of Spartus Olympus:
• Brand: Spartus
• Price: $162 (Use code "GOOD10")
• Year Released: 2024
• Shape: Hybrid (offers a blend of control and power)
• Face Material: Toray T700 Carbon Fiber & Fiberglass (provides strength, durability, and optimal ball response)
• Core Material: Ascension Core™ (patent-pending, handcrafted core built for both power and touch)
• Core Thickness: 14 mm (balances power and control while remaining forgiving)
• Handle Length: 5.5 inches (ideal for both one-handed and two-handed backhands)
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches (provides a comfortable, snug fit without being too bulky)
• Average Weight: 8.0 oz (balanced weight offering a blend of power and manoeuvrability)
• Swingweight: 110 (offers excellent manoeuvrability and control)
• Twistweight: 6.32 (adds stability on off-centre hits)
• Spin Rating: 2,100+ RPM (offers excellent spin for advanced play)
• Power Rating: 53.8 MPH (provides great power without sacrificing control)
• Pop Rating: 34.4 MPH (offers solid pop for volleys and quick shots)
• USAP Approved: Yes (approved for tournament play)
• Bonus: Free neoprene paddle cover included
First Impressions: Precision and Craftsmanship
From the moment I held the Olympus Gen 3, I could feel the attention to detail that Spartus has put into this paddle. The craftsmanship is evident in every aspect, from the carbon face to the raw texture/peel-ply grit, which provides exceptional spin. The paddle comes with a free neoprene cover, a thoughtful bonus for a paddle at this level.
The Olympus features a hybrid shape, which provides a generous sweet spot and makes it extremely forgiving on off-centre hits. The paddle measures 16.35 inches in length and 7.65 inches in width, giving it an excellent balance between power and control. However, what truly sets it apart is its Ascension Core™, which Spartus claims takes nearly three hours to craft by hand using its proprietary polymer. This core gives the paddle a unique feel, both powerful and controlled at the same time.
A Third-Generation Evolution: Spartus Olympus
As a third-generation paddle, the Olympus Gen 3 represents an evolution in performance and design. Spartus has fine-tuned this paddle to deliver the best possible experience for players looking for a blend of power, spin, and control. Its core thickness of 14mm strikes the perfect balance between touch and strength. Whether you’re slamming shots from the baseline or engaging in delicate net play, the paddle feels responsive and reliable.
Performance: Power, Control, and Spin
Power: A Paddle that Packs a Punch
The Olympus is built for power, but what’s most impressive is how that power is coupled with control. The Ascension Core™ provides excellent energy transfer, allowing you to generate powerful shots from anywhere on the court. Whether you’re hitting a smash or a drive, the paddle’s power rating of 53.8 MPH puts it among the best paddles for those who love a hard-hitting game. Its swing weight of 110 ensures that while the paddle is powerful, it doesn’t feel heavy or slow. The paddle is perfectly balanced for aggressive shots while still maintaining control over your swing.
Control: Soft Touch Where It Counts
Despite the power it brings, the Olympus doesn’t compromise on control. This is where the paddle truly shines. During net play, I was able to execute delicate dinks and well-placed drop shots with precision. The twist weight of 6.32 adds stability to your hand during quick, reactionary shots, making it easy to handle fast-paced volleys.
The 14mm core thickness also helps absorb impact during softer shots, giving you an exceptional level of touch and making it more forgiving during mishits. This wide sweet spot means fewer errors and better performance, even when you’re in a tough rally.
Spin: Unleashing the Olympian Spin Potential
One of the most exciting aspects of the Olympus is its ability to generate spin. The raw texture/peel ply grit provides excellent grip on the ball, allowing for more spin and control on serves, topspin groundstrokes, and backhand slices. With a spin rating of over 2,100 RPM, the Olympus offers enough spin potential to create difficult angles for your opponents.
In doubles play, I found the paddle particularly effective for adding spin to third-shot drops and returns, making it harder for opponents to predict and respond.
Comfort and Handling: Built for the Long Haul
The 5.5-inch handle length is ideal for single and two-handed shots, making it versatile for players with different styles. The 4.25-inch grip circumference provides a comfortable, secure grip that remains solid even during long matches.
One of the standout features of the Olympus is its balanced swingweight of 110 and stable twistweight of 6.32. These specs ensure the paddle feels light and responsive in hand while maintaining enough heft to give your shots power. The balance and weight distribution are exceptional, meaning I could play for hours without experiencing hand or arm fatigue.
Comparing the Olympus with Other GEN 3 Paddles
Having used other top-tier paddles like the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated, Ripple R1, and Perseus 3, here’s how the Spartus Olympus measures up:
Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
- Price: $274.99
- Swingweight: 121 (heavier feel, slightly more power but less agility)
- Twistweight: 5.16 (lower stability on off-center shots)
- Power: 55.4 MPH (a brute force contender)
- Spin: 1,986 RPM (a hair less spin than the Olympus)
- Pop: 34.8 MPH (slightly higher than Olympus, but less forgiving)
Bottom Line: If pure power is your priority, Gearbox may edge out the Olympus. But if you want a more balanced package of power, spin, and control, the Olympus remains supreme.
Ripple R1
- Swingweight: Comparable to Olympus at 110
- Twistweight: 5.6 (less stable)
- Power: Higher power output than Olympus, but with some control trade-off
- Spin: Great spin, but Olympus’s textured face has a slight advantage
Bottom Line: Ripple R1 is for the heavy hitter who values raw power over nuanced play. Olympus offers a more well-rounded game.
Perseus 3 (14mm & 16mm)
- Swingweight: 121 & 117 (heavier and less nimble than Olympus)
- Twistweight: 5.77 & 5.87 (less stability)
- Power: Comparable or higher power than Olympus but not as refined in touch
- Spin: Neck-and-neck, though Olympus’s grit surface grants it a slight lead
Bottom Line: If you love a heavier paddle that emphasizes raw power, Perseus 3 might be tempting. But the Olympus has a better blend of agility and control.
Final Thoughts: The Pinnacle of Performance
The Spartus Olympus is a masterpiece in paddle design. It excels in every key area, power, control, and spin, making it a fantastic choice for players who want an all-around paddle that performs well in any situation. Its swing weight and twist weight provide the perfect balance between power and stability, while it's Ascension Core™ and textured face make it versatile enough for any style of play.
After weeks of play, I can confidently say that the Olympus Gen 3 is my new go-to paddle, providing everything I need for competitive play. And with the bonus of a free neoprene cover and a 10% discount using code GOOD10, it’s an investment that’s well worth making for any serious pickleball player looking to unleash their inner Olympian.