Pickleball Paddle Review: Niupipo Explorer, The Perfect Paddle for Beginners
Niupipo pickleball paddles have become popular with pickleball players looking for an affordable paddle that performs well. One of the top results for pickleball paddles on Amazon.com, the Niupipo Explorer Pickleball paddle has been said to be worthy of players wanting to engage in tournament play. We decided to test the paddle ourselves and provide a pickleball paddle review, and Niupipo was kind enough to hook us up with one.
Niupipo Explorer Pickleball Paddle
Features
Colorway: Black/White
Grip Circumference/Grip Size: 4.25”
Paddle Core Material: Premium durability polypropylene honeycomb core
Paddle Face: Premium Fiberglass Surface
Paddle Handle Length: 4.5”
Paddle Length: 15.94”
Paddle Shape: Widebody
Paddle Thickness: 0.54”
Paddle Weight: 7.97 - 8.1 oz
Paddle Width: 7.87”
USAPA approved
Unboxing the Niupipo Explorer Paddle
Upon opening the package, you see a USAPA-approved card, meaning the paddle meets the pickleball paddle requirements for tournament play by USA Pickleball. Advanced players will appreciate that the Explorer can be taken from their local court all the way to the World Pickleball Championship. If you’ve heard of the American pickleball pro Frank Anthony Davis, you’ve undoubtedly heard that he plays with a Niupipo Graphite pickleball paddle, which is a cousin to the Explorer paddle.
Once you remove the paddle from the box, you’ll notice it is surrounded by a free reusable protective sleeve. If you don’t have a paddle cover, this can come in handy and keep your paddle from being damaged when you take it to the pickleball court.
When we first picked up the paddle, the light to midweight feel was immediately apparent. It feels substantial enough to hit powerful shots but light enough not to wear out our wrists or elbows. The shiny modern fiberglass face was attractive, and the medium-sized cushioned grip felt comfortable in our hands.
Playtesting the Niupipo Explorer
During playtesting, it became apparent why the Niupipo Explorer was so popular. The weight, grip, and large sweet spot made shifting from hard drives to the soft game seamless. The polypropylene honeycomb core gives the paddle a great feel while dinking, and the edge guard ensures the paddle is protected from chipping and damage.
One notable exception about the paddle feel is the balance - the paddle is slightly top-heavy, which may work well for some (particularly former tennis players), but for those who want equal balance, it may be best to invest in a bit of lead tape.
Where to Buy the Niupipo Explorer
The price point is around $50 and is perfect for beginning and intermediate players, but players of all skill levels will appreciate the look, feel, and performance of this paddle. Pick yours up at Amazon!
