Choosing the right paddle is one of the most important decisions in elevating your pickleball game. With so many materials, weights, and technologies now available, it can be daunting to find your ideal match. Gearbox consistently pushes boundaries by engineering high-performance paddles crafted with innovation and ingenuity.
In this in-depth review, we’ll break down several of Gearbox’s premier pickleball paddle offerings to reveal their specialized strengths. Evaluating critical factors like power, control, durability and design, you’ll gain key insights in our gearbox pickleball paddle reviews to discover your personalized paddle soulmate. Let’s dive in gearbox pickleball paddle reviews!
CX14E Ultimate Power Pickleball Paddle
The CX14E Ultimate Power Pickleball Paddle flagship paddle features innovative Power Band technology for explosive pop and an enlarged sweet spot. Advanced carbon construction provides top-tier performance. Best for competitive players.
Specialized Design & Construction
Right away the slick edgeless design of the CX14E catches your eye. Gearbox completely redesigned this flagship model focusing on power through their advanced Power Band Technology. By suspending the core chamber away from the paddle’s perimeter, Gearbox created a unique “trampoline” effect across the face.
The visible slope around the edges forms the Power Band – optimized for effortless pop and a lively yet buttery responsive feel. The Power Band effectively enlarges the sweet spot for more consistency. Meanwhile, the reinforced Edgeless Frame provides exceptional stability and touch.
The core comprises Gearbox’s signature SST Carbon Fiber chambers. Carbon fiber ribbing across the 3K woven face generates ample spin. At 8.5 ounces, this specialized lightweight build caters to quick maneuvers and smooth acceleration into shots.
- Power Band Technology provides excellent pop and enlarged sweet spot
- Lightweight yet powerful for quick maneuvers
- Very responsive feel and touch on shots
- Great spin potential
- Advanced players may prefer more weight for plowthrough power
- Higher price point around $200
Performance & Playability
From the first hit, the CX14E’s power and control shine through. The paddle delivers lively pop with enviable touch for shot shaping finesse. Gearbox’s Power Band Technology provides easy access to explosive power while maintaining high control and stability.
The lightweight design reacts quickly for interception volleys or redirecting pace. Meanwhile the enlarged sweet spot rewards clean mechanics with phenomenal placement ability. The CX14E truly marries power and finesse for elite play.
Advanced players will appreciate the paddle’s high ceilings for control and speed. The technology provides a distinct competitive edge when you need to overpower opponents. For technical players seeking specialized lightweight performance, the CX14E delivers in spades.
Other Variants Of CX14E
| Feature | CX14E 8.0oz | CX11E Power – Blue – 7.8oz |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Length | 16-5/8″ | 16-5/8″ |
| Width | 7-3/8″ | 7-3/8″ |
| Thickness | 14mm | 11mm |
| Weight | 8.0 oz | 7.8 oz |
| Handle Length | 5-5/8″ | 5-5/8″ |
| Handle Circumference | 3-5/8″ or 3-15/16″ | 3-5/8″ or 3-15/16″ |
| Grip | Gearbox Smooth Wrap – Black | Gearbox Smooth Wrap – Black |
| Core Technology | SSTCore Technology (Solid Span Technology) with ribbed core and one-piece construction | SSTCore Technology (Solid Span Technology) with ribbed core and one-piece construction |
| Face Material | 3K Woven Carbon Fiber with Hyper-Bite Spin Technology and urethane coat | 3K Woven Carbon Fiber with Hyper-Bite Spin Technology and urethane coat |
| Sweet Spot | Enhanced with repositioned carbon fiber plies | Enhanced with repositioned carbon fiber plies |
| Performance | Stable, soft feel, excellent for control and stability, ideal for players coming from a thick honeycomb core paddle, longer reach and more spin, longer handle for two-handed shots | Powerful, increased spin, higher speed velocity, more pop, agile, excellent for aggressive game style or more power behind spin shots, longer reach and more spin, longer handle for two-handed shots |
GBX Pickleball Paddle
The GBX Pickleball Paddle is optimized for driving penetrating shots. The thick Polypropylene honeycomb core and carbon fiber face supply exceptional stability and touch. Ideal for aggressive players.
Specialized Design & Construction
Gearbox’s GBX shifts focus to a premium Polypropylene Honeycomb core designed for extra pop and stability. The core measures a substantial 16mm thickness to deliver impressive power on contact. 8 plies of Carbon Fiber lend unmatched rigidity and touch.
The paddle weighs a heavier 8.5 ounces providing excellent mass to plow through shots. But the design remains elongated for maneuverability. GBX uses a combination of Hyper Spin and Power technologies to supply enviable control and spin generation.
- Very powerful and stable for driving shots
- Good control for a thicker core paddle
- Durable construction with 8 carbon fiber plies
- Designed for advanced competitive play
- Heavier weight not ideal for beginners
- Less touch/finesse compared to other models
- Higher price point around $180
Performance & Playability
Right away the GBX impresses with its ability to unload serious power while maintaining outstanding control. The paddle feels exceptionally solid and stable, inspiring confidence taking full cuts on drives and blocks.
Despite its mass, the GBX still provides nice touch for finesse shots thanks to the responsive core and multi-layer carbon face. The weight does require added muscle but supplies undeniable pace in return.
The GBX suits competitive players with consistent, smooth mechanics. The heft challenges novice players but helps advanced competitors overpower shots. For an advantage driving penetrating shots, the GBX is a premier control-focused powerhouse.
CX11E Power Pickleball Paddle
The CX11E Power Pickleball Paddle is an elongated design built for spin, speed, and balanced power. The responsive carbon core and face generate great control and feel. Excellent for dynamic offensive play.
Specialized Design & Construction
The CX11E Power elongates the CX11 shape for added reach and leverage. At 8.5 ounces, this lightweight build allows easy maneuvering yet still packs serious punch. Gearbox’s patented ribbed SST Carbon Fiber core optimizes pop and speed.
The 3K woven carbon fiber face generates heavy spin for shaping shots. An extended 5 5⁄8 inch handle provides maximum reach, especially on backhand wings. The slim 11mm profile maintains excellent control.
Built for offense, the CX11E Power enables aggressively dictating points with speed, power and finesse. The paddle is designed to complement hard-hitting play.
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Elongated shape provides extra reach
- Very responsive and lively pop
- Excellent blend of power, control and touch
- Narrower sweet spot due to slim profile
- Not as powerful as GBX or CX14E
- Higher price around $170
Performance & Playability
The CX11E Power provides an exceptional blend of stability, explosiveness and touch in a lightweight package. The paddle delivers lively pop even on off-center hits thanks to the enlarged sweet spot.
The elongated head shape expands reach for attacking wider angles. Meanwhile, the spin-friendly face grants easy access to pace and placement control. Power players will love plowing through shots with the CX11E.
While optimized for offense, the paddle still provides excellent touch for when you need to softly defend or redirect balls. The CX11E Power is best suited for competitive players who rely on consistent, powerful drives.
Other Variants Of CX11E
| Specification | CX11E Control – Yellow – 7.8oz |
|---|---|
| Shape | Elongated |
| Length | 16-5/8″ |
| Width | 8″ |
| Thickness | 11mm |
| Weight | 7.8 oz |
| Handle Length | 5-5/8″ |
| Handle Circumference | 3-5/8″ or 3-15/16″ |
| Grip | Gearbox Smooth Wrap – Black |
| Core Technology | SSTCore Technology (Solid Span Technology) with ribbed core and one-piece construction using T-700 carbon fiber material |
| Face Material | 3K Woven Carbon Fiber with Hyper-Bite Spin Technology and urethane coat |
There is also one more variant of pickleball paddle CX11E Control which is CX11E Control - orange. The only difference between the two is the colour of the paddle.
CX11 Quad Power Pickleball Paddle
The CX11 Quad Power Pickleball Paddle maximizes power and stability with its wider Quad head shape. Quick, lively, and spin-friendly. Ideal for dominating the offense through drives and placement shots.
Specialized Design & Construction
Similarly designed for power and spin, the CX11 Quad Power utilizes a wider head shape for more coverage and an enlarged sweet spot. At 8.5 ounces, this lightweight build allows quick maneuvers and smooth acceleration into shots.
Gearbox’s signature ribbed SST Carbon Fiber core and 3K carbon fiber face work together to deliver explosive pop with ample spin and control. The Quad shape provides excellent stability and leverages the core’s touch and responsiveness.
For competitive players seeking an extra edge on control and power, the CX11 Quad Power is an excellent asset in your gear bag.
- Quad head shape provides a large sweet spot for stability
- Powerful pop and explosive drive on shots
- Lightweight and maneuverable for quick reactions
- Generates excellent spin for shot control and placement
- Very responsive and comfortable feel on hits
- Suits aggressive offensive playing style
- Narrower sweet spot compared to wider paddles
- Not as much finesse/touch as other Gearbox models
- Power focus may be difficult for novice players
- Higher price point around $170
- Not as lightweight as other paddles
- Shorter handle than elongated designs
Performance & Playability
The CX11 Quad Power impresses with its excellent blend of stability, finesse and explosiveness. The paddle delivers lively pop and enviable touch to precisely shape shots.
The wider Quad head shape improves reach for reacting quickly and defending off-center hits. Generous spin potential lets you dictate placement and pace. Meanwhile, the lively feel inspires confidently driving penetrating shots.
In the hands of intermediate and advanced players, this specialized design excels at keeping opponents off-balance with a blend of power, pace changes and shot placement. For an offensive playing style, the CX11 Quad Power provides a key competitive asset.
The wider Quad head shape improves reach for reacting quickly and defending off-center hits. Generous spin potential lets you dictate placement and pace. Meanwhile, the lively feel inspires confidently driving penetrating shots.
In the hands of intermediate and advanced players, this specialized design excels at keeping opponents off-balance with a blend of power, pace changes and shot placement. For an offensive playing style, the CX11 Quad Power provides a key competitive asset.
Other Variants Of CX11 Quad
| Specification | CX11 Quad Control – Yellow – 8.5oz |
|---|---|
| Shape | Quad |
| Length | 15-7/8″ |
| Width | 8″ |
| Thickness | 11mm |
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
| Handle Length | 4-3/4″ |
| Handle Circumference | 3-5/8″ or 3-15/16″ |
| Grip | Gearbox Smooth Wrap – Black |
| Core Technology | SSTCore Technology (Solid Span Technology) with ribbed core and one-piece construction using T-700 carbon fiber material |
| Face Material | 3K Woven Carbon Fiber with Hyper-Bite Spin Technology and urethane coat |
There are two more variants of pickleball paddle CX11 Quad Control - Yellow - 8.5oz which are CX11 Quad Control - Purple - 7.8oz and CX11 Quad Power - Red - 7.8oz. The only difference between them is the colour of the paddle.
Gearbox CP7 Paddle
Gearbox CP7 Paddle is a budget-friendly control paddle with outstanding touch and feel. Polypropylene core and carbon/fiberglass face provide great versatility at an affordable price point. Ideal for intermediate players.
Design & Construction
The CP7 offers Gearbox’s signature quality and performance in a more budget-friendly package. Starting at just $99, the CP7 delivers outstanding control and pop through thoughtful design and materials.
A Polypropylene Honeycomb core measuring 7mm thick provides excellent touch and stability. Layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass lend rigidity and responsiveness across the surface.
Weighing 7.8 ounces, the CP7 maintains easy maneuverability for quick reaction shots and smooth stroke mechanics. The classic elongated shape caters to all-around play. For a very affordable yet highly capable paddle, the CP7 overdelivers.
- Excellent control and feel for the price
- Very lightweight and maneuverable
- Great value at just $99
- Quality construction and materials
- Less power than carbon core models
- Not high-performance specialized design
- Lacks premium features of pricier models
Performance & Playability
Considering its budget price point, the CP7 remains impressive in both construction and performance. Right away the paddle delivers excellent feel and pop thanks to the responsive core and fiberglass face.
The CP7 offers great stability and control for consistent shot-making. While power-focused players may want a thicker core, the CP7 provides very respectable drive given its weight. The lightweight build is forgiving on the arm even during extended matches.
For intermediate players seeking quality performance without a premium cost, the CP7 is a phenomenal value. It’s a great choice as a transitional paddle as skills progress. Even advanced players could utilize the CP7 for training variety.
Other Variants Of CP7 Paddle
There are 2 other variants of the pickleball paddle CP7:
1) Gearbox CP7 Pickleball Paddle (8.5 OZ)
There is only a color difference between CP7 – 7.8oz Green and CP7 – 8.5oz Blue. One is of Green in Color and the other one is Blue color.
2) Gearbox GH7+ Pickleball Paddle
| Specification | GH7+ |
|---|---|
| Shape | Standard |
| Length | 15-7/8″ |
| Width | 8″ |
| Thickness | 12mm |
| Weight | 7.8 – 8.2 oz |
| Handle Length | 4-3/4″ |
| Handle Circumference | 4″ |
| Grip | Gearbox Smooth Wrap – Black |
| Core Technology | Polypropylene Honeycomb core with Hand-Laid H7 Fiber Technology using Unidirectional and Woven Fiberglass Plies¹²³ |
| Face Material | Six ply glass fiber structure with Hyper-Bite Spin Technology and urethane coat |
Frequently Asked Questions
Gearbox uses high-quality materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Polypropylene honeycomb cores. Many models also feature their signature SST carbon fiber chambers in the core.
The CX11E Power and CX11 Quad Power offer the most control and finesse thanks to their spin-generating carbon fiber faces and responsive cores.
The GBX maximizes power using its thick 16mm Polypropylene honeycomb core and 8 carbon fiber ply construction.
Gearbox offers both 3 5/8” and 3 15/16” circumference grips. Measure your hand size and comfort to determine the ideal fit.
Yes, the CP7 provides professional Gearbox quality and performance at just $99. It’s a great value option.
Many specialty retailers allow demos. You may also be able to demo Gearbox paddles at certain tournaments or events.
Gearbox pickleball paddles come with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects.
Yes, all Gearbox pickleball paddles meet standards for approval by the USAPA and other governing bodies.
The Verdict: Your Ideal Paddle Partner Awaits!
Gearbox consistently pushes boundaries in paddle innovation, as highlighted across these gearbox pickleball paddle reviews of premier models. Whether your priority is power, control, finesse or value, Gearbox engineers specialized designs to elevate your play.
The CX14E and GBX cater to elite players seeking high-performance assets. Control and finesse players will appreciate the CX11 offerings. And the CP7 provides a very respectable value option.
While pricing varies, the performance benefits Gearbox engineering. We strongly recommend demoing these paddles to find your ideal fit. Match your paddle to your style and experience next-level performance with Gearbox by your side!
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.
