Update: Adding to the already impressive Spartus APEX Series lineup, the Spartus APEX Oracle is the newest addition, featuring a 16x8 standard shape. This design delivers a lower swingweight (SW) and higher twistweight (TW) compared to the Odyssey and Orion paddles, offering players a unique balance of stability and maneuverability. Available now for $80 ($72 with the code GOOD10), it continues the APEX series' legacy of providing top-tier paddles at an unbeatable price, ensuring that players of all levels can chase greatness with confidence.
As someone who’s always testing new gear, especially paddles that blend cutting-edge technology with player-centric performance, I’ve had the opportunity to try out the Spartus APEX Series, featuring the Orion and Odyssey models. These paddles quickly caught my attention, and after putting them through their paces, I can confidently say that they offer some of the best value on the market. But it’s not just about my experience, after handing these paddles to players around me with 4.5+ ratings and even some around 3.0, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve learned from personal testing and players' reactions at both skill levels.
The Technologies Behind the APEX Series
One of the reasons the APEX Series stands out is the innovative technologies that Spartus has packed into these paddles, making them a force to be reckoned with on the court.
- Fully Molded Handle
- One of the standout features is the fully molded handle, which is 360-degree molded for a seamless, ergonomic fit in your hand. This design ensures that the paddle feels natural and comfortable no matter how long you’re on the court. The molding process eliminates uncomfortable pressure points, enhancing your overall playing experience and giving you a solid connection with the paddle, whether you’re smashing a power drive or setting up a delicate drop shot.
- Phalanx System™
- The Phalanx System™ is Spartus' proprietary hardened gel reinforcement that’s strategically placed in key areas of the paddle. This technology increases the sweet spot, boosts stability, and adds rigidity to the frame, making it far more forgiving on off-center hits. The added sweet spot also enhances control, giving players a solid connection with the ball no matter where it hits the face.
- BOOST CORE™
- At the heart of the Orion and Odyssey paddles lies the BOOST CORE™, a new 10mm cell polymer-blend core similar to the 11six24 Hurache X Alpha 1 and Chorus Fire Series, that significantly improves both power and durability. This core has a lower failure rate compared to traditional polypropylene cores, meaning the paddle will hold up longer and continue to perform at a high level over time. BOOST CORE™ delivers just the right amount of pop for explosive shots without losing control, ensuring powerful drives, precise dinks, and consistent serves.
- Blended Face Material
- The face material of both paddles combines carbon fiber, fiberglass, and more carbon fiber layers. This multi-layered construction not only enhances the durability of the paddle but also maximizes power and spin. The fiberglass layer gives excellent spin, especially for slice shots, while the carbon fiber layers add rigidity and control, giving you an ideal balance of power and precision on every shot.
- Refined Surfacing
- A key component of the APEX Series is the refined surfacing of the paddle’s face. With an abrasive coating, the surface provides an extra boost to spin speed, allowing players to generate more spin on serves, returns, and during fast exchanges at the net. This feature shines when you’re looking to add precision to your shots and make the ball bend unpredictably, keeping your opponents on their toes.
- Gen 1.5 Core Design
- Unlike traditional paddle cores that can be prone to crushing or collapsing over time, the Gen 1.5 design used in the Orion and Odyssey models ensures that the paddle’s core won’t crush. This innovative design allows the paddles to retain their performance and durability, even after extensive use. The Gen 1.5 core ensures the longevity of your paddle, offering consistent performance with every game and preventing the dreaded core crush, which is a common issue in lower-quality paddles.
Spartus APEX Odyssey Paddle: The Hybrid Design
The Odyssey is a hybrid paddle, blending carbon fiber with fiberglass for a perfect balance between power, control, and forgiveness. This paddle is ideal for players who want precision and consistency with just enough power to make a statement.
My Experience:
When I first picked up the Odyssey, I was struck by how balanced it felt in my hand. With its swingweight of 113, the Odyssey felt incredibly maneuverable, allowing me to react quickly during fast exchanges. I found it especially useful during dinks and serves, where the extra spin I could generate helped me dominate the net. The paddle felt solid but not too heavy, and I loved how plush the contact felt with every shot.
Feedback from 4.5+ Players:
After handing the Odyssey to players with 4.5+ ratings, the feedback was clear: they loved how the paddle felt forgiving on miss-hits while still offering enough power for their aggressive playstyles. One player, who’s usually more inclined toward stiffer paddles, commented on the feel and dwell time of the paddle, remarking that it was perfect for finesse shots, while still having enough pop to perform well on full swings.
Feedback from 3.0 Players:
For players at the 3.0 level, the Odyssey was a great choice because of its forgiving nature. Many noted that they felt more confident during fast exchanges and long rallies. They found that even if their shots weren’t perfectly executed, the new core technology made the paddle more forgiving (high twistweight), and the spin they could generate added a new dimension to their game. One player mentioned that the paddle “offered the perfect balance between forgiveness and control,” which helped them manage both power and touch shots.
The Details:
- Price: $90 ($81 with SLICE10 coupon code)
- Weight: Around 7.6 oz, making it light and easy to maneuver.
- Swingweight: 113 for quick reactions.
- Twistweight: 6.7 (Sweetspot)
- Core: BOOST CORE™ provides controlled power.
- Spin: 2,100+ RPM, great for both topspin and slice serves.
- Grip: 5.35” grip length for added comfort and flexibility in hand positioning.
- PbCor: 0.41: well within the PBCoR threshold of 0.43 for USAPA tournament approval.
Spartus APEX Orion Paddle: The Elongated Powerhouse
The Orion, being the elongated version of the APEX series, is ideal for those looking to maximize their reach on the court. At 16.5” in length, the Orion gives you just enough extra length to catch those challenging shots without feeling like you’re losing control.
My Experience:
When I first picked up the Orion, I immediately noticed the extra reach gave me an advantage when positioning for deep shots or reaching across the court for returns. The 16mm BOOST CORE™ technology offers that extra pop on powerful drives, and I was able to maintain control with ease. In fast exchanges at the net, I felt comfortable switching between offense and defense without losing control. The Phalanx System™ was especially noticeable when I missed the sweet spot; I still felt connected to the ball, and the shot wasn’t as dead as it might’ve been with other paddles.
Feedback from 4.5+ Players:
When I handed the Orion to some experienced 4.5+ players, they immediately appreciated its reach and stability. One player commented that it felt like “a great power paddle” that didn’t make them sacrifice control. Another player, typically a fan of heavier paddles, found Orion's swingweight of 121 to be a sweet spot of stability and control, helping them dial in their accuracy while keeping their power. This paddle provided them with the confidence to attack the ball while remaining accurate on their returns.
Feedback from 3.0 Players:
For players around a 3.0 skill level, the Orion gave them additional reach without feeling too unwieldy. One player mentioned that it “helped them extend their shots” and that the sweet spot made it easier to connect with the ball, even when they didn’t get the ball perfectly in the center. They appreciated the extra power they could generate with the paddle, but still found the paddle controllable for dinks and softer shots.
The Details:
- Price: $90 ($81 with SLICE10 coupon code)
- Length: 16.5” for added reach.
- Swingweight: 121 for a more stable feel during powerful shots.
- Twistweight: 6.1, good stability despite the elongated shape.
- Core: BOOST CORE™ technology for explosive power.
- Spin: 2,100+ RPM, making those top-spin shots deadly.
- Grip: 5.85” grip length for added comfort and flexibility in hand positioning.
- PbCor: 0.40 Well within the PBCoR threshold of 0.43, meaning it's perfectly USAPA-approved for tournament play!
The Steal of the Market
For $80, these paddles are already an exceptional value, but when you factor in the 10% discount with the code GOOD10, the Orion and Odyssey become undeniable steals in this market. With cutting-edge technologies like the BOOST CORE™ and Phalanx System™, and with the balance of control, power, and forgiveness that both paddles offer, it’s hard to find a comparable deal at this price point.
Final Thoughts: Odyssey or Orion?
The Orion and Odyssey paddles are both exceptional, each catering to different styles of play. The Orion is perfect for those who want a bit more reach and power without sacrificing stability, while the Odyssey is ideal for those seeking a balanced paddle with excellent forgiveness and a plush feel. The cutting-edge technology that comes with both paddles, along with the affordable price, especially with the 10% discount, makes the APEX Series a great choice for players looking to step up their game. Whether you're playing in tournaments or just casually hitting the court, these paddles are designed to help you Chase Greatness™. With PBCoR approval, both paddles are ready for tournament play.