Wilson, one of the biggest brands in the sporting goods industry, is now releasing its new paddles for Pickleball players, the Vesper Paddle, aimed for competitive players. In this post we’ll go through why this racquet stands out among competitors and what type of player might prefer it.
Wilson’s Big Pickleball Push
The Vesper’s release (April 26th) coincides with Wilson’s deeper dive into pickleball. Just recently, Wilson announced its role as the official paddle and sportswear provider for the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, marking its first major sponsorship in the sport. The Vesper series, promoted as “engineered for competitive players who want total command,” was presented to players and fans at the event.
The Vesper builds on earlier models from Wilson, but its advanced spin technology and dual-core options set it apart. The Vesper’s “max performance” within legal limits, shows it’s a solid option for serious pickleball players.
So far, the Vesper seem to have enjoyed good reviews among players and the FreeFlex Tech shaft design with an open throat makes it unique.
The Vesper series includes these different versions:
Vesper Power 14
Built for aggressive and attack-oriented players, wit a lot of power and reach. It offers a fair amount of spin and you’ll have good precision in your shots with the Power 14.
- Specs: Weight: 8.1 oz (midweight), Dimensions: 16.5” x 7.5”, Core: 14mm 360CellX Polypropylene Honeycomb, Face: Raw Hybrid (Fiberglass under Carbon Fiber), Grip: 4.125” circumference (Comfort Max Grip), Handle Length: 5.25”.
- Performance: The 14mm core delivers a lively response, perfect for drives and smashes. Its elongated shape improves leverage for power shots, with FreeFlex Tech’s open throat design boosting swing speed. The raw hybrid face maintains high spin potential, though the smaller sweet spot will demand precision from the player. StableMax Tech in the handle improves torsional stability for quick volleys. Off-center hits are less forgiving than the Control 17mm.
- Player Suitability: Best for intermediate to advanced players, particularly singles players or aggressive doubles players prioritizing power and spin. Beginners may find its precision demands challenging.
Vesper Control 17
This will be a big hit among players looking for control on the court. The 17mm core gives a real plush feel but also with a bit of pop.
- Specs: Weight: 8.1 oz (midweight), Dimensions: 16” x 7.7”, Core: 17mm Polypropylene Honeycomb, Face: Raw Hybrid (Fiberglass under Carbon Fiber), Grip: 4.125” circumference (Comfort Max Grip), Handle Length: 5”.
- Performance: The 17mm core prioritizes control, absorbing pace for precise dinks and resets. Its hybrid shape offers a large sweet spot, forgiving off-center hits. The Clear Spin TCH textured surface generates strong topspin and backspin. The Thermoformed Edge Technology dampens vibrations, reducing arm fatigue. The paddle excels at net play but lacks pop for aggressive drives due to its thicker core.
- Player Suitability: Suited for intermediate to advanced players focused on finesse, such as doubles players emphasizing soft shots and spin-heavy serves. Less ideal for power-driven players needing maximum pop.
Insights and Availability
All Vesper paddles feature a raw hybrid face (fiberglass under carbon fiber) and 360CellX core with foam perimeter, maximizing sweet spot size and spin. The Control 17mm gives greater finesse and control with its thicker core and the Power 14mm prioritizes pop with an elongated shape. Prices range from $219–$229, now available at Pickleball Warehouse. All paddles are USA Pickleball-approved for tournament play.
The price might steer casual players toward cheaper alternatives, but the overall quality suits competitive play and we also think it might be a hit among decent tennis players now trying the game of pickleball. The open throat design enhances aerodynamics, though some players note the unique shape requires adjustment.
Have you tried this unique pickleball paddle from WIlson? Give us your opinion in the comments!
