Gearbox GX5 Pickleball Paddle Review | Worth It or Not?
With so many options in size, shape, grip, weight, and texture in pickleball paddle, it’s not easy to find a perfect paddle that suits your needs and style.
If you are trying to upgrade your paddle for a recreational or professional game, but don’t know what to look for, we got you covered.
After playing hours of research, we give an in-depth and honest review of the Gearbox GX5 pickleball paddle. Keep reading, and you will know why GX5 can or can’t be an ideal paddle for you.
Table of Contents
- Gearbox GX5 Pickleball Paddle Review
- Notable Features of Gearbox GX5 and Rating
- About Gearbox
- Who Is Gearbox GX5 Pickleball Paddle For?
- User Reviews
- What Do We Think About Gearbox GX5
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Gearbox GX5 Pickleball Paddle Review
- SLIM AERODYNAMIC FRAME -
- CARBON FIBER EDGELESS FRAME
- MASSIVE SWEET SPOT -
- DAMPENER SYSTEM
- HYPER BITE SPIN TECHNOLOGY
Before we review this paddle in detail, it’s pertinent to mention that it comes in 4 variations. This table shows the differences between all four of these.
| Paddle | Weight | Color |
| GX5 Power | 7.8 oz | Green |
| GX5 Power | 8.5 oz | Blue |
| GX5 Control | 7.8 oz | Red |
| GX5 Control | 8.5 oz | Orange |
We are discussing the new and redesigned look of the Gearbox GX5 model. It is made with the most advanced technology, giving it strength, soft feel, and sound. It is one of the quietest paddles.
GX5 paddle is available in both power and control versions, vibrant colors, and weight choices of 7.8 oz and 8.5 oz. The majority of players highly favor its slim grip and strong handle.
With its slim and smooth edgeless frame, it’s easy to maneuver. It allows you to be faster in your response without being slowed down by the weight and size.
Unlike any other paddle, Gearbox GX5 is constructed with unibody molding that strengthens it. You get a paddle with equally distributed weight, vibration control to avoid injuries, and a carbon fiber surface that allows the ball to spin.
We saw many players from level 3.0 to 5.0 level, enjoying their game with this paddle. We found it to be a mid-weight paddle and ideal for any level player.
However, not everybody is happy with the small grip and finds it too slim for their liking. Few power players who like their thick or heavy paddles, weighing 9 oz or above, don’t like the thin and edgeless body of GX5.
Pros
- The edgeless frame allows greater hitting surface and fewer mishits.
- Bigger sweet spot.
- Different grip sizes and weight options.
- These paddles provide more stability and playability.
- USAPA approved.
- One-year warranty.
Cons
- Few players find both grip size small.
- These paddles are a bit pricey.
Notable Features of Gearbox GX5 and Rating
Players highly appreciate Gearbox GX5 paddles, and many professionals are using them. They are famous for their durability and reliability. Let’s discuss the feature in detail and see how our experts rate them.
Control and Power Option
The best feature of the GX5 series is the freedom to choose the paddle according to your playing style. The material and technology are the same in both paddles. However, their lay-up is different, giving power and control paddles different characteristics.
However, if you don’t have any preference or need an all-round paddle, it’s better to go for Phoenix G6.
Rating for control and power: 9.2/10
Weight Option
The Gearbox GX5 series offers two weight options, both in control and power paddles: 7.8 oz and 8.5 oz.
As a power player, if you like to hit hard without adding the extra force of your body, you can pick either the mid-weight (green) or heavy (blue) GX5 power paddle.
On the other hand, if you like to control your ball and want it to hit the target, prefer accuracy to power, pick from a GX5 control paddle, weighing 7.8 oz (red) and 8.5 oz (orange).
If you are looking for another paddle that offers weight options, check out Prince Spectrum Pro.
Grip
Another great feature of GX5 is its slim grip, available in two sizes, 3-5/8 inches, and 3-15/16 inches. With a standard handle length of 4 3/4 inches, it’s easy for players with small hands to love this variation, as it allows wrist movement and mobility in the court. If, however, you are not fond of small grips, you can see Gonex Pickleball Paddle for thicker grips.
Rating for Grip: 8.4/10
Hyper Bite Span Technology
GX5 uses hyper bite spin technology that is a source of extra spin for the players. Hyper bite spin technology allows your ball to bite into the paddle’s small groves, and that is how you get a maximum spin.
If you want a paddle that provides 3D spin, you can also check the Head Gravity pickleball paddle.
Rating for a spin: 7.5/10
Dampener System
There is nothing worst in a paddle than its inability to absorb the vibration when the ball hits the paddle. Such paddles can cause injury and are not suitable even for recreational players.
But Gearbox GX5 provides complete vibration control and a great feel.
Solid Span Technology
SST is the most advanced technology used by Gearbox. This method uses a graphite chamber system instead of gluing the polymer honeycomb layers and securing them with an edge guard.
Carbon fiber is combined, and each piece is precisely laid. This gives the paddle durability and stability. Then the heat and pressure are used to cure the resin.
Simply put, it means that you will get a paddle with balance and weight, durability, sleekness, and shot accuracy.
Slim Aerodynamic Frame
GX5 paddles are slim and have less air resistance. This feature allows you to maneuver the paddle easily and get a faster movement.
Rating for frame: 7.5/10
Carbon Fiber Edgeless Frame
The GX5 series has an edgeless frame that provides the players with more hitting surfaces and sweet spots. It also grants you fewer mishits and more accurate shots.
Rating for edgeless and carbon fiber: 8.5/10
About Gearbox
The Gearbox is a Californian Company founded in 2007 by Rafael Filippini- an athlete who spent his days and nights honing the skill of creating top-quality sports equipment with modern technologies.
The Gearbox manufactures paddles and other racquets with durability, quality, and cutting-edge technologies. They believe that players of all levels should experience how quality products can change their game for the better.
Who Is Gearbox GX5 Pickleball Paddle For?
The Gearbox offers paddles for players of all levels and playing styles to show them how good paddles can be game-changers.
In the GX5 series, you get grip size and paddle weight variations. Players can choose from power or control, as per their inclination.
We can’t limit these paddles to beginners or pros with so many options. Any player who has extra bucks to spend and wants a quality product can have it.
User Reviews
The majority of users are delighted with the Gearbox GX5 paddle. They like the feel and thin structure without any dead or soft spots. Many players find its weight variation the plus point, especially couples.
Some users like the edgeless structure that allows them more space to hit the ball. Many converted players find these paddles highly suitable for their gaming styles.
Few players are not satisfied with the grip size and find both sizes smaller as they prefer to use a large grip and long handle.
What Do We Think About Gearbox GX5
In short, Gearbox GX5 is a paddle with the most advanced technology you won’t find with any other manufacturer. These are excellent paddles for any player who wants paddles with a short handle and small grip size. You can see our paddles for small hands if you want to check more paddles with thin grip sizes.
These are quieter and sound absorbent paddles, perfect if you live in noise-restricted or Green zone areas.
If you are coming from a tennis or table tennis background, you will love these paddles because of the soft feel and strength they provide. The best thing about these paddles is that you get choices for style, weight, and grip size. This way you can get a top-quality paddle with all your preferred features.
We write this review in the hope of helping you to get a paddle according to your playing style. If you want to know more about picking a paddle, check the ultimate buying guide.
