ProDrive has finally entered the world of foam-core paddles with the introduction of the Apex, featuring yet another type of foam known as engineered X-Foam.
X-Foam is perforated EPP foam with an X in the center, so it gives perfect balance to the paddle.
So, what does a material associated with construction have to do with a pickleball paddle?
According to ProDrive, its engineered foam construction helps reduce the excessive trampoline effect found in some high-powered paddles while improving durability and resistance to core crushing. The idea is to provide controlled power without sacrificing the softer feel that makes foam paddles so appealing.
The Apex also features adjustable side weights, something we’re seeing on an increasing number of premium paddles.
My test paddle weighed 8.3 ounces with the weights installed, a bit heavier than I prefer. After removing them, I brought the weight down to a more manageable 8.15 ounces.
Did removing the weights affect performance? Not that I could tell.
With or without the additional weight, I had no difficulty driving the ball into a headwind. In fact, the Apex has plenty of power, and when combined with ProDrive’s Triplex construction and hybrid carbon-Aramid face, it produces excellent topspin on aggressive drives.
What impressed me most, however, was how well the Apex combines that power with a surprisingly forgiving soft game.
Performance and Playability
Power
Make no mistake: the Apex is a powerful paddle.
Whether hitting drives from the baseline or putting away high balls at the kitchen, I never felt that I needed to generate additional effort to produce pace.
My theory is that the internal X-Foam layers compress against the central Aramid honeycomb structure, storing and releasing energy much like a spring. The result is what I would describe as “free power,” although I can’t verify exactly how the internal materials interact.
Whatever the engineering explanation, the result is impressive. The Apex delivers plenty of power without requiring an exaggerated swing.
Equally important, that power is manageable. Some high-powered paddles have a pronounced trampoline effect that can make controlling aggressive shots difficult. I didn’t find that to be a problem with the Apex.
Touch and Control
This is where the Apex really surprised me.
With some power paddles, you have to work harder to keep third-shot drops and transition-zone resets from sailing too high. That wasn’t my experience with the Apex.
Third-shot drops required very little effort, and resets were particularly easy. Rather than having to manufacture a soft shot, I could simply absorb and redirect the pace of my opponent’s ball.
The paddle does much of the work for you.
Dinking was equally comfortable. The ball stayed low over the net, and I experienced very few unintended pop-ups.
For a paddle with this much power, the soft game is remarkably forgiving.
Sweet Spot and Stability
The Apex has an exceptionally generous sweet spot that extends surprisingly close to the edges of the paddle face.
Off-center shots retained a good deal of their intended direction, and the paddle resisted twisting when blocking hard drives.
ProDrive incorporates high-density foam stabilizers along the lower sides of the paddle, along with reinforced diamond-shaped openings in the neck. These design elements are intended to improve stability and reduce unwanted vibration.
Whatever their individual contributions, the overall result is a paddle that feels solid and stable, even when contact isn’t perfect.
I also appreciated the relatively muted feedback on impact. There was none of the harsh vibration that sometimes accompanies mishits with more traditional honeycomb paddles.
Specifications
- Swing Weight: 124 (Medium)
- Static Weight: 8.3 oz ± 0.18 oz (with side weights)
- Twist Weight: 6.45 (Medium)
- Face Material: Hybrid Carbon + Aramid Fibers
- Core Construction: Triplex
- Length: 16.41 inches
- Width: 7.55 inches
- Thickness: 16 mm
- Handle Length: 5.31 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/8 inches
- Certification: USA Pickleball Approved
Who Is the Apex For?
In my opinion, the ProDrive Apex is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want the power of a modern performance paddle without giving up the touch and forgiveness of a traditional 16 mm control paddle.
It’s particularly appealing to players who like to drive the ball aggressively from the baseline but also rely on third-shot drops, resets, and controlled dinking to work their way to the kitchen.
Players who prefer very lightweight paddles may find the Apex a little heavy in its stock configuration. However, removing the adjustable side weights brought mine down to 8.15 ounces, which I found quite comfortable.
Final Thoughts
The ProDrive Apex is an interesting addition to the growing number of foam-core paddles entering the market.
Manufacturers seem determined to experiment with different foam formulations and core constructions, each promising some combination of additional power, improved control, and greater durability.
In the case of the Apex, I think ProDrive has achieved a particularly good balance.
It has more than enough power for aggressive baseline play, generates excellent topspin, and provides a soft, forgiving feel around the kitchen. The generous sweet spot and stable response on off-center hits are additional benefits.
I also appreciate the adjustable side weights, although I ultimately preferred the paddle without them.
My conclusion: The Apex is an excellent all-court paddle that successfully combines power, touch, and forgiveness. Players who want the control of a thicker paddle without sacrificing the ability to finish points aggressively should give it serious consideration.
Price and Purchasing
The ProDrive Apex normally retails for $269, placing it squarely in the premium paddle category.
At the time of this review, however, ProDrive is offering it for $229.
You can visit ProDrive using my affiliate link below, which provides an additional 15% discount on eligible purchases:
https://prodrivepickleball.com/?ref=gagnfqtz
At the sale price, assuming the additional discount applies, the Apex comes in at approximately $194.65, making it a particularly attractive option among premium performance paddles.