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PickleballCentral Expert's Corner:
Reviews of the PROLITE Chrome NRG from the Garnet Valley Gherkins Pickleball Club
Bob Lecompte - Lead Demo Coordinator: What distinguishes the PROLITE Chrome N-R-G pickleball paddle from all others on the market is its dramatic shape. When you walk onto the court, your opponents immediately notice that you have a special, unique tool in your hand. The top-heavy design, which tapers to a slight “V” down near the handle, reminds one of the designs used in the most powerful racquetball rackets on the market. Place the N-R-G next to your standard issue paddle and you'll see additional length that allows you to reach balls you'd never have dreamed of getting before and extend your ability to execute the overhead smash shot with ease. The PROLITE Chrome N-R-G delivers effortless power on ground strokes, and is a strong performer when hitting quick reaction shots up at the no-volley line. The N-R-G is forgiving on mis-hits across the entire surface except for the extreme lower area near the handle. While the handle is shorter than standard paddles, it's still large enough to accommodate players with bigger hands. As far as looks, the PROLITE Chrome N-R-G uses somewhat muted colors and graphics that make it look elegant. Here are a few comments from players who have tried this beast out on the courts:
- Angie (4.0): “I love the PROLITE Chrome N-R-G particularly for singles play. The extra reach that I get allows me to get more balls at the net, and gives me more leverage and power on overhead smashes.”
- William (3.5): “I love the unique design of the PROLITE Chrome N-R-G. I felt comfortable using it after just a few games. The longer paddles helps me with overheads, and I can definitely get to more balls during a rally. I did notice at the net I missed a few shots at the body that surprised me, but that’s the trade-off for having a paddle that is not as wide as my regular paddle. It’s a winner for me!”
- Julie (4.5 Instructor): “This paddle is best suited for the player that wants a ‘head heavy’ paddle. The design puts more power near the top range, and the sweet spot is positioned further forward than standard paddles. I like the innovative design but will need to experiment more before playing the PROLITE Chrome N-R-G as my regular gamer.”
- Jimmy (3.5): “The Chrome N-R-G is a real head turner. As soon as you see it, you know it’s different than every other paddle on the market. The design gets everyone talking, and I felt the power immediately on my ground strokes and overhead smashes. I also like the feel on touch shots and lobs!”
- Mark (4.0): “The older I get, the more I need a racquet that helps me cover more of the court. The PROLITE Chrome N-R-G gives me an extra step reaching for shots near the net. I noticed the power immediately as I sailed my first ground stroke over the end line.”
Rating:
- Design innovation – 5
- Power on ground strokes and overheads – 5
- Feel on third shot drops and dinks – 4.5
- Forgiveness – 4
- Ability to spin shots – 4
- Appearance and graphics – 4.5
Chrome N-R-G Reviews from Southern Southern Arizona Pickleball Association
I like to see manufacturers trying new things. This paddle is an eye-catcher for sure. PROLITE has always had a good selection. I played with this paddle using Dura Fast 40 and Onix Pure balls. Here's what I liked about it: I normally play with a paddle weight of 8.5 oz, and although this paddle was lighter it had a good feel to it as soon as I put it in my hand. The shape of this paddle had no real effect on me hitting ball any differently. I did feel a somewhat larger sweet spot and really liked serving with this paddle. I’m sure this will become a hit with those areas that have noise requirements. The grip was a plus as well.
Chuck Borozinski (4.0), USAPA Ambassador
The PROLITE Chrome is an elongated paddle which generates adequate power for baseline shots. The polymer honeycomb core provide great touch for play at the NVZ. PROS: Able to generate solid power and control from baseline. Provides additional reach capabilities on shots hit wide. Very good feel when attempting drop shots or blocks. Due to its unique shape this paddle required me to pay more attention to ball contact and made me focus on keeping my eye on the ball all the way to the paddle face. CONS: In game conditions, due to the shape, it appeared to take me longer to move my paddle quickly at the NVZ for open face paddle shots to my right. This may be just a case of either opening my paddle face a little more when I set up at the NVZ or working on getting faster reflexes.
OVERALL: The paddle felt very comfortable in my hand and the weight was in the range that I feel comfortable playing with. In my opinion this would be a good paddle for either singles or if certain players have a tendency to stay back at the baseline. I think the learning curve to get comfortable with this paddle would be a little longer than “conventional” shaped paddles.
- Neil P. Bourquin (3.0)
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Chrome NRG paddle 
Good Paddle