Introduction
The Beatnik Air Blade paddle takes full advantage of advanced fiber technology, offering players an impressive combination of power and control. In this review, I'll delve into the technical aspects that make this paddle stand out. The Air Blade is as powerful as the popular Space Blade model but provides a bit more forgiveness. With its gritty surface, it delivers exceptional spin, consistent with other paddles from Beatnik.
The power of the Beatnik Air Blade comes from its cutting-edge 15K Aluminized Carbon Twill face. But what exactly is Aluminized Carbon Twill, and why is it important?
Aluminized Carbon Twill
Aluminized carbon twill is a composite material that combines carbon fiber with an aluminized coating. This material is used in various applications due to its unique properties and aesthetic appeal. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Composition
1. Carbon Fiber Twill Weave: The twill weave is a common pattern used in carbon fiber fabrics. It has a distinctive diagonal pattern that provides a balance between strength and flexibility. Twill weaves are known for their drapability, making them easier to work with on complex shapes compared to plain weaves.
2. Aluminized Coating: Aluminum Layer: The aluminized aspect refers to the addition of an aluminum layer or coating on the carbon fiber.
3. Properties and Benefits
• Strength and Durability: Retaining the core properties of carbon fiber, aluminized carbon twill is strong and durable. It can withstand significant stress and is resistant to impact, making it suitable for demanding environments.
• Lightweight: Despite its strength, the material is lightweight, which is advantageous in industries like aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment where weight reduction is crucial.
Applications: Sports Equipment: Utilized in high-performance sporting goods such as bicycle frames, hockey sticks, and paddles, where strength and lightweight are crucial.
It is important to know that aluminum has more flex than fiberglass, so, when combined with carbon fiber, you will get power and stiffness both. 15K Aluminized Carbon Twill face delivers extra ball rebound for greater power in what is theoretically a control paddle with a generous sweet spot.
Specifications
• Face: 15k Aluminized Carbon Twill
• Weight: 8.11 oz
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
• Grip: Anti-vibration Pro Grip
• Handle Length: 5.51 inches
• Paddle Length: 16.20 inches
• Paddle Width: 7.64 inches
• Core Material: Polypropylene honey comb
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Edge Guard: Reinforced fiber glass tubular braid
• For: Intermediate and Advanced Players
Performance
Among all the Beatnik paddles I have used, the Air Blade is my personal go-to choice. Other players, whose games are different than mine (like my wife, who is better than me) will have different favorite paddles. The Air Blade offers a perfect blend of power and precision, making it ideal for various scenarios:
• Powerful Shots: The lightweight design and aluminized carbon twill face deliver significant power, making it easy to hit deep shots and powerful drives.
• Net Play and Firefights: The paddle excels at the net and in fast exchanges, providing control and accuracy.
• Spin and Control: The gritty surface allows for exaggerated topspin, giving players confidence in their shots.
I experimented with dropping my serves within two feet of the baseline and achieved nearly 100% accuracy, thanks to the paddle's combination of lightweight and power.
Purchasing
For players seeking a paddle that combines remarkable control with substantial power, the Air Blade is an excellent choice. It retails for $199, but you can receive a 10% discount by using the code HANS10 at checkout. Investigate and purchase it here: https://beatniksports.com/products/air-blade
