The Smoke is Thrive’s newest pickleball paddle release, boasting a gen 1 core similar to the Paddletek Bantam series. While it packs a substantial punch, what sets it apart are extra layers of carbon and fiberglass on the surface, resulting in a more plush and forgiving feel than many other gen1 pickleball paddles on the market.
Key Specs
- MSRP: $219.99 ($197.99 with coupon code SLICE10)
- Dimensions: 16.5" x 7.5" (elongated shape)
- Core Thickness: 14.5 mm
- Handle Length: 5.6"
- Grip Circumference: 4.25"
- Swing Weight (SW): 118.9
- Twist Weight (TW): 6.15
- Static Weight: 7.94 oz
Design & Construction
- Macro Charged PP Performance Core
- Similar to Paddletek’s Bantam core, delivering significant pop and power off the face.
- V Fusion Face Technology
- 5 Layers of Carbon and FiberGlass: Extra layers of fiberglass and carbon to reduce stiffness and provide a plush impact.
- Offers more spin capability than many standard fiberglass-only paddles.
- Elongated, Head-Heavy Profile
- The longer shape (16.5") and slightly head-heavy balance naturally promote power, making it especially appealing to aggressive hitters.
Personal Review
Feel & Comfort
- Plush Yet Powerful: Whereas typical gen1 paddles can feel overly stiff, the Smoke’s layered face cushions impact. That said, the head-heaviness ensures you still get plenty of power and a lively response.
- Feedback: There’s a satisfying dwell time on contact, enough to shape shots effectively without feeling “mushy.”
Power & Spin
- Powerful Drives: The combination of the 14.5 mm core and head-heavy balance translates into explosive drives. You can easily put away high balls, and deep serves come naturally.
- Spin Potential: The carbon-fiberglass blend grips the ball effectively, giving you extra bite on top-spin and slice.
Control & Sweet Spot
- Control in the Soft Game: Despite the power orientation, the Smoke’s plush face makes third-shot drops and dinks surprisingly controllable.
- Huge Sweet Spot?: It has a reasonably large sweet spot for an elongated paddle, but players who want an extremely large and forgiving sweet spot (like some thicker, more balanced paddles) may find the Smoke less forgiving on extreme off-center hits.
Player Perspectives
3.0-Level Players (Intermediate)
- Forgiveness & Consistency
- Elongated shape and cushioned face help reduce mishits, but keep in mind it leans towards a power profile. A thicker core or more balanced paddle might be better if you're looking for ultimate forgiveness.
- Confidence-Boosting Pop
- The Smoke definitely rewards solid swings with easily accessible power, which can help intermediate players develop a more offensive style.
4.0+ Players (Advanced)
- Precision & Spin
- Spin-friendly face and crisp feel suit advanced strategies, roll volleys, angled dink shots, and aggressive slices are all on the table.
- Power Potential
- The gen1 core and head-heavy nature excel at driving the ball. Off-the-bounce attacks and big overheads feel dynamic and potent.
Comparing to Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX (14.3)
- Pop & Power
- Very similar to the TKO-C & CX in terms of raw power output.
- Extra Fiberglass/Carbon Layers
- The Smoke’s extra layers provide a plusher impact, reducing the stiff feel that some Bantam models are known for.
- Spin Advantage
- The Smoke edges ahead in spin generation, likely due to the specific layering on the face.
- Handle & Balance
- Smoke’s 5.6" handle vs. TKO-CX’s 5.75" handle. The slightly shorter handle helps lower the swing weight for faster maneuverability, despite being head-heavy overall.
Suitability: Who Will Love It (and Who Might Not)
- Power Players
- If you crave easy power and enjoy driving the ball aggressively, the Smoke’s elongated shape, thinner 14.5 mm core, and head-heavy balance combine to provide substantial “pop.”
- Players Preferring Lower SW or a Giant Sweet Spot
- Those who prioritize a lower swing weight or want the absolute largest possible sweet spot may not love the Smoke’s more focused, elongated head. It’s not especially heavy in total weight, but the balance does lean forward.
Optimizing the Paddle: Weighting & Balance Tips
- Add ~5g Lead/ Tungsten Tape
- Placing a little lead tape (or lead weight) starting from the handle on both sides can further expand the sweet spot and provide additional stability.
- There are no significant dead spots, but the extra mass helps with off-center hits, making the paddle more forgiving.
- Coin in the Butt Cap
- Attaching a small coin (or any compact weight) inside or on the butt cap can shift the balance point slightly closer to your hand.
- This mod reduces head-heaviness, making the paddle easier to maneuver, particularly if you find it too top-heavy in fast kitchen exchanges.
These tweaks allow you to tailor the Smoke’s balance to your preference, either preserving maximum power or aiming for a more even feel.
Final Thoughts
The Thrive Smoke Paddle is a compelling choice for players who enjoy power-focused performance with a dash of plushness. It marries the potent pop of a gen1 core (like Bantam) with extra layers of fiberglass and carbon for a softer, more controlled feel. The elongated, slightly head-heavy design suits aggressive hitters who like to drive the ball or overpower opponents from the baseline, yet still offers decent finesse at the net.
- Ideal For:
- 3.0 players seeking to add offensive firepower
- 4.0+ players who want a spin-friendly, power-oriented paddle
- Modifications:
- Adding weight at the handle or butt cap can balance out the paddle, enhance off-center performance, and dial in the feel to your liking.
If you’re in the market for a powerful yet comfortable elongated paddle and are open to customizing balance, the Smoke is well worth taking for a test drive. You’ll find plenty of pop, improved spin potential compared to many gen1 paddles, and a plush sensation that sets it apart from stiffer competitors.
