Update: I finally received the two production models of the 11SIX24 Ultre Power 2, and the early numbers are honestly very interesting. Both paddles came in very light compared to Vapor and Hurache, which were like 8.0-8.2 oz. One weighed 7.7 oz stock, while the other came in at 7.65 oz. The swing weight on both was sitting right around 109-110, which is noticeably lower than what I expected for a shape that still has this much body and hitting surface.
The biggest thing I noticed right away is how headlight this paddle feels in hand. When I checked the balance point, it came in around 22.9 cm, which is lower than my usual Hurache-X, which sits closer to 24 cm. That small difference on paper actually makes a very noticeable difference in hand speed. The paddle feels quick, easy to maneuver, and very natural during hand battles. This is one of the reasons I prefer the production model over the prototype. In pickleball paddles, most paddles tend to feel a little head-heavy, and a lot of players usually end up adding weight in the handle with flick weights or by wrapping lead tape around the handle to bring the balance point lower. With the Ultre Power 2 production model, the balance point is already lower, so it has that headlight feel right out of the box.
Because of that, I really enjoyed playing it stock with just an overgrip before adding any pickle clips. It already felt fast, balanced, and easy to control. After adding my usual setup with 3g pickle clips and overgrips, the paddle came up to around 8.2 oz, with a swing weight of around 114 and a twist weight above 7. Even with the clips added, it still does not feel head-heavy, which is probably the most impressive part. The added weight gave it more stability and plow-through without taking away the quick feel in hand. It has enough mass behind the ball that it almost feels like you are playing with an elongated paddle rather than a usual hybrid. That extra plow-through helps on drives, counters, and resets, but because the balance point is still low, it does not feel sluggish or difficult to maneuver.
On paper, the Ultre Power 2 still keeps a very familiar 11SIX24 formula. It has a similar core and overall feel to the Power 2 lineup, along with the usual abrasive HexGrit surface. So while the shape is new, the general construction and feel should be familiar to people who already like the Power 2 series.
11six24 looks like it is adding a really interesting shape to the lineup with the new Ultre Power 2, a flat-top hybrid measuring 16.35" x 7.65" with a 5.5" handle. The biggest difference is that it has no taper and maintains a fuller-dimensioned body, which should give it a larger usable hitting surface.
What makes this shape exciting is not that it replaces the Hurache or Vapor, since both already have a clear purpose. The Hurache gives you that longer reach and whipping, elongated feel, but because it tapers heavily in the lower corners, it still moves through the air more like a hybrid than a true full-bodied, elongated paddle. The Vapor, on the other hand, is one of the quicker and more maneuverable shapes in the lineup. Its taper helps it feel fast in hand, easy to accelerate, and very natural in hand battles.
The Ultre Power 2 feels like it could fit right between those two. It should offer more body and stability than the Vapor, but still feel more manageable than a full elongated paddle. It also comes with a 5.5-inch handle, similar to the Vapor, so it should keep that quicker, more compact feel in hand while still giving players enough handle length for two-handed backhands. At the same time, it keeps some of that elongated-style reach and leverage that Hurache players like, while adding a fuller hitting area and a little more forgiveness.
I have been able to hit with a prototype, and the shape honestly surprised me. It almost plays like an elongated paddle, but with a more forgiving and controlled response. I also gave it to a 5.0+ player who normally only plays with flat-top elongated paddles, and his feedback was pretty telling. He said he did not really feel a major difference from his usual elongated paddle, but he felt the control was better.
The Ultre Power 2 is expected to drop in early June, and based on the prototype, I think this shape could become one of 11six24’s most balanced options yet.