T700 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle – Lightweight 7.8oz | 14mm Thermoformed Honeycomb Core | Edgeless Design | High Spin & Power | for Intermediate Players

The surface texture of my freshly unbagged Burncalo Vorix felt so sandpapery, I could literally file my fingernails on it.Why is that a good thing, you ask? It's because the grittier the paddle's face, the more it "grabs" the ball, which in turn increases spin potential. And any coach will tell you that topspin serves and drives, plus backspin slices, are key components to scoring points and ramping up your overall skill level.I've been playing with the Burncalo Vorix consistently against Intermediate competition at my club, and the spin I am able to generate is exceptional. Once I got fully used to the paddle, I had the ability to bend and shape the flight of the ball at will.Much of the credit certainly goes to the rough surfaces; but, grit alone isn't the only factor. Typically, top-tier spin-producing paddles are 16mm thick, making them soft-textured enough to absorb some of the ball’s energy on contact. It's this "plushness" that allows the ball to extend its brief stay on the paddle face and produce effective spin. Amazingly, despite its mere 14mm thickness, the Vorix feels quite plush.One normally associates a 14mm paddle with being "poppy," and indeed it is. But the magic of the Vorix is that it's a "control paddle," capable of producing effective dinks and 3rd-shot drops, as well as spin, pop, and power. I am finding it to be a truly versatile "all-court" weapon!Here is a rundown of addition PROS (followed by a few CONS)...IT'S A LIGHTWEIGHT...in a good sense. Out of the box, my stock paddle weighed in at just 7.8 ounces, well below the industry average of 8.0 - 8.2ozs. Even after adding an overgrip and protective edge tape (very highly recommended to avoid chipping the periphery), the Vorix is remarkably agile and easy to maneuver. My dinks, blocks, backhand flicks, push volleys, and overhead smashes seem effortless. And an important contributing factor is:A SWEETER SWEET SPOT...Due to the edgeless design, thermoformed unibody construction, and 360 degree proto molding, the Burncalo Vorix boasts an above average sweet spot for its slender shape. I even enhanced it slightly, while also increasing stability ("twist weight"), with some lead tape. I added a 3-gram strip at the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions. This brought the total static weight of the paddle (including the added overgrip and edge protection tape) to a very manageable 8.3 ounces (see photo).HOLEY SMOKE...The hole in the paddle's throat is quite functional. This "open-throat technology," as it's often called, was first developed for pickleball by Selkirk, and is featured in its highly-regarded Vanguard Power Air models. But be prepared to shell out some big bucks for one...and a paddle case isn't even included!Burncalo's ad copy describes it as: "Aerodynamic throat for optimum airflow." I love that the small vent produces a very satisfying whoooshing sound when hitting a drive with the Vorix. Since air resistance is reduced, it decreases the paddle's "swing weight," thus making this sleek weapon feel even more maneuverable. The additional hand speed I am able to generate increases my effectiveness with blocks and fire-fights at the Kitchen.GOOD VIBRATIONS...The Vorix incorporates high-tech elements, such as carbon tube frame hollowing, combined with a thermoformed molding. It's a combo that effectively dampens vibrations and diminishes oscillations when contacting the ball. This, in turn, improves hitting comfort and stability, while reducing hand fatigue and arm pain. For those (like I) who suffer from chronic wrist arthritis and tennis elbow, your joints will be most appreciative!And now for some CONS:THE NITTY GRITTY...Although I've praised the grittiness of the paddle, a potential drawback is that the micro-textured surface will wear down eventually. My concern is based on witnessing similar paddles that use applied grit. For example, the more expensive Selkirk I mentioned earlier exhibits visible surface deterioration after a few short months. That said, I will keep my eye on this potential issue and update my review, if needed. For now, the micro-textured grit on the Vorix is holding up well after two weeks of everyday use.On a related topic, the white surfaces are prone to accumulating markings on them; so I would recommend a regular cleaning with a soft rubber paddle eraser. This will also refresh the racquet's grittiness.GET A GRIP...The stock grip on my racquet wasn't wrapped perfectly, leaving a small but irritating gap at the bottom of the handle (see photo). This problem isn't unique to the Vorix, I should add; but it is a big pet peeve of mine. Since I tend to hold my racquet very low on the handle (to maximize leverage), the exposed octagonal edges and butt were digging into the fleshy parts of my palm. Additionally, the 4.1" grip circumference seems too miniscule for all but the daintiest of hands.I resolved both issues in one fell swoop by simply adding an overgrip to the handle. The result: not only was the gap fully covered, the grip circumference increased to 4.3", and feels much more cushiony and comfy than before...just the way I love it!CARBON FIBER BRAND: Toray T-700 Japanese raw carbon fiber has emerged as the industry's standout brand for the production of Gen-2 pickleball paddles. The Vorix is advertised as having T-700; but I was unclear if it was the more expensive Toray brand, or not. So, I went ahead and asked their Customer Service about it. In the past, I've caught a few companies lying about their use of Toray. However, Burncalo's Customer Service, to its credit, was quite forthright in their email reply to me: "The carbon fiber used in our paddle is indeed T-700 grade, but it's not specifically from the Toray brand. We ensure that the material meets high standards for strength and durability."MEASURING UP: The stated dimensions of the paddle are: Length = 16.5", Width = 7.3", Handle length 5.7". I often find discrepancies in this area, so I took my own measurements. Length and width were spot on, but handle length seemed closer to 5.5". For comparison, I laid the Vorix handle atop one of my many paddles with a 5.5" handle, and they were the same size (see photo). Not that this matters for me, since my backhand stroke is a one-hander. However, for the 2-HBH players out there, I'm sure a 5.7" is preferable. Don't worry though; there is still plenty of room to manage your two-eys, especially with Burncalo's teardrop design along the throat.NOT USA PICKLEBALL APPROVED...For some reason, this is a deal-breaker in the minds of many consumers, most of whom never even intend to play in a USAP tournament. I reached out to Burncalo Customer Service, and according to their rep: "We are currently considering submitting the paddle for USA Pickleball approval, but we have not made any final decisions yet." In their defense, USAP submission is a costly and time-consuming process. IMHO, I see no obstacles interfering with this racquet getting a passing grade upon application to USAP. In the interim, however, it does mean that its usage is not permitted at sanctioned USAP events.I'll wind up this detailed review with a couple more PROS:FREE CASE...A logoed, neoprene paddle case is included. It even has a handle. Better yet, it is generously proportioned, especially when compared to other bundled-in covers on the market (see photo). The elongated Vorix paddle easily fits inside the Burncalo case, with room to spare. Other ill-fitting neoprene cases I own require a good deal of stretching and prodding to squeeze an elongated paddle inside.WARRANTY: According to the Customer Service rep I contacted, "The Burncalo Vorix comes with a 1-year warranty. If you experience any issues during that time, we'll be happy to assist with a replacement or refund, depending on the situation."As a footnote, I found thecompany's Customer Service Department to be very caring and responsive, which I always appreciate.IN CONCLUSION...the Burncalo Vorix reminds me in many ways of the open-throated and elongated Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta. The specs and even the red/white coloration are quite similar. But the Vorix is half the price...and comes with a case! This make the $129 retail price of the Vorix quite reasonable. If you're fortunate enough to catch a sale (e.g., there's a $30 off coupon available, as this review is being written), it's an even bigger bargain.All things considered, the Burncalo Vorix deserves the 5-star rating I've assigned it. My game has taken on a whole new dimension, especially since I've never played with a vented 14mm before. I am truly enjoying playing with this pickleball paddle, and am confident you will too, no matter what your current skill level might be.

It has been a really good paddle really upped my game, it is nicely waited for quick hands battles good power for serves while still having good dinks and drop shots it has a really nice touch also gets nice spin if you into that. I’d say it has 9/10 on power and 7.5/10 on control and about 8/10 on spin. I personally think that 14 mm paddles are some of the pest overall and really love this paddle.The only reason I gave this a 4/5 is because I have had this paddle for a little less then a year and it has already gotten smooth in the center also it has a lot of nicks in the center which is pretty usual and also I was using pretty used ruff balls.

I have played with the Selkirk LUXX which is more than the double the cost of this paddle, but this paddle rivals that one. This paddle is very similar to the LUXX but has an even longer handle, and is similar in being edgeless, having a very gritty surface for spin, aero cut out, and elongated and narrow head. While this paddle was designed for more experienced players due to the smaller surface area (and thus smaller sweet spot) given the price I would recommend this for anyone that regularly plays Pickleball. This is also a perfect choice for anyone coming from tennis due to the long head and handle. I see no reason to spend the money on a Selkirk now that this paddle is available.

This paddle is a perfect starter. If you’re a ex tennis player you will love the longer handle and the comfort of the grip. Weight is awesome. Speed is faster and for the value can’t beat it

This is my go-to Pickleball paddle . It is nice quality and feels good on my hand. Sturdy. Decent price. Well made.

This paddle has the smallest sweet spot on it. Not a lot of pop or spin. Below average at best

Paddle is firm and fast. Texture on the face is great AT FIRST, but it wears off pretty quickly and then you're left with just a regular $40 paddle. When I first got it I had great spin and control, but as time has gone on it is just another paddle. I was glad I got it for $99 rather than $249 from Burncalo directly or $130 on Amazon which is what they normally charge for it. Over all I have been pleased, I just wish the surface stayed grippy for longer than a couple of months.

This is a great lightweight pickleball paddle! The grit, weight, size, etc. has made it a solid go-to for recreational play. The longer length of the handle is perfect for me because I typically use both hands for my backhand shots. The grit on the surface of the paddle allows for more controlled shots and more spin as well. The protective case that it comes with is definitely an added bonus. Overall, it’s my favorite paddle I’ve had so far, with great quality and design!