Read on for our comparison of two popular next generation Pickleball paddles, the Vatic Pro and the Legacy Pro 16mm Carbon Fiber paddles.
Vatic Pro vs Legacy Pro Pickleball Paddle Review
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Tell me which is best now →Both the Vatic Pro 16mm Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle and the Legacy Pro 16mm Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle represent the newest generation of paddles that use Thermoforming technology. Thermoforming is a manufacturing process that uses both heat and pressure to shape a sheet of material into a desired mold. This allows for a lightweight and durable paddle that has reinforced edges and a textured face for more spin.
The specs of both paddles are fairly identical. The Vatic Pro weighs in at 8.3 ounces and comes in two sizes. The longer Vatic V7 is 16.5 x 7.5 and the shorter but wider trapezoidal Vatic Flash is 16.2 x 7.7. The Legacy Pro weighs between 8-8.4oz and is 16.5 x 7.5 the exact dimensions of the Vatic V7. Note that you can customize the weight when you order the Legacy Pro (from 8.0 to 8.7)
Both paddles utilize a TORAY T700 carbon fiber face, foam injected edges and unibody construction. The Vatic has a 90 day warranty whereas the Legacy Pro has a 6 month warranty.
Cost-wise, both paddles are excellent value as compared to the luxury paddle market of 200.00 and above. The Vatic Pro is the less expensive of the two – 150.00 vs 140.00.
Playability-wise, control for both paddles is excellent on dinks and resets. The Vatic Pro feels head light while the Legacy Pro is quite balanced. I would give the Legacy Pro a small edge in spin generation. The Legacy Pro provides a more satisfying sound when smacking the ball whereas I get a more hollowed out sound hitting with the Vatic Pro.
The downside of a thermoformed paddle is something called “delamination” where the layers of thermoformed material can begin the separate as the paddle continually hits a plastic pickleball. When this happens a trampolining effect is created where the ball can noticeably rebound off of the paddle and the player can experience a loss of control. Both manufacturer are experimenting with different adhesives to minimize this issue going forward.
These paddles hold up well compared to the Joola’s and the Engage’s of the pickleball world. The value at this price point is fantastic. While you can’t go wrong with either paddle, I would give the current edge to Vatic as the Legacy Pro has been suffering from supply constraints.