PROLITE Stealth GS1 Review
I ordered my PROLITE Stealth GS1 on April 1 about 15 minutes before the launch email hit my inbox. As a PROLITE brand ambassador, I knew the paddle was coming and couldn’t wait to give it a “spin” on the court. I have two of these paddles now – a white paddle that I keep in my bags for demos and an orange one which is my personal paddle. I’ve played the Stealth exclusively since it joined my kit except for the few times two people wanted to demo on the same court at the same time. (In those cases, I go back to my trusty PROLITE Titan Pro LX II. Still love that paddle!)
I was asked to write a review of the Stealth for this newsletter. Before I get into the specs and my experiences with the Stealth, let me share my personal tips on picking out a paddle.
First, a paddle is a very personal piece of equipment, perhaps more than other types of sports equipment. Sure, the arm is connected to the wrist which is connected to the hand which grips the handle. Same with golf clubs, baseball bats, racquetball rackets and similar sports. But in those sports, the wrist acts like a hinge. In pickleball, the shoulder is the hinge. The arm, wrist, hand, handle and paddle face act as one continuous unit. That’s why a great cross-court dink feels so good in pickleball. There’s no wrist movement in that graceful dink! Due to that personal nature, what works for me might not work for you.
Second, understand your game and your goals. Many beginner players pick their first paddle based on snazzy paddle graphics. (My first paddle was the rock star paddle that showed up on Amazon.) Beginner plus players may buy what a friend is using. Improving players with disposable income often pick what they see the pros use on TV. Smart players of all levels, though, create game goals and then pick paddles to demo known to help those goals.
Do you prefer to sustain rallies from the baseline or engage in dink/volley battles at the non-volley zone? (Me: NVZ as much as possible.)
Do you have or want to develop fast hands or powerful slams? (Me: I’m working on fast hands. Not there yet but I’m working on it.)
Which is more important to your game, control or power? (Me: Control. For most players, points are won with control and placement not with monster drives.)
How important is top spin in your game? Sure, slicey, curvy serves are fun to watch and occasionally win points. But it is a deep dropping top spin serve that sets up of winning rallies. Watch the pros, rarely will they score a service ace. Better to gain early control and outlast the opponent on a point. You can start that with a deep top spin serve. (Me: I’m working on that top spin serve. It isn’t consistent yet but I’m getting there with the help of the Stealth.)
Finally, how often to you hit that sweet spot on the paddle? If you answer rarely, you probably need a larger sweet spot and a more forgiving paddle to keep the ball in play and lots of practice to improve the eye hand coordination. On the other hand, if you typically get the paddle in front of the ball, a smaller sweet may give you even more ability to shape the location of the ball. (Me: Because of many years of ping pong, I’ve got good eye hand coordination. I want a paddle that will help be place the ball on a dime rather than just get it over.)
Finally, no amount of online reviews or fancy TV ads can replace actual on court demo time. Find a paddle rep or two and ask to demo some paddles. Ask your favorite retail location if they’ll loan or rent paddles. Attend a “demo day” at your local club. Play at least one game with each paddle so that you have a chance to experience on a variety of typical shots.
The PROLITE Stealth GS1 was released to the world on April 1 but it is definitely no joke. In fact, PROLITE is one of the most innovative paddle companies in the sport. Founded in 1984 (yes, almost 40 years ago!) we owe them a great debt of gratitude. Why? They were the first paddle company to introduce a composite paddle not made of wood. If not for PROLITE, we could still be playing with wood paddles. They were also one of the first companies to use carbon graphite in paddle construction. Plus, PROLITE paddles are not only made in the USA but made in Milwaukee. This allows them to ensure top quality during all parts of manufacturing process. (Learn more about PROLITE’s history here and innovation here.) Many other paddle companies outsource the manufacturing process to companies in China. The paddles are essentially commodity shells perhaps with a custom graphic printed on the face but little quality control.
The Stealth GS1 is a premium, oversized paddle made with Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber. This is arguably the best material in the industry for paddle surfaces. The Raw Carbon Fiber face provides the “pop” that propels the ball across the court. The GS in GS1 stands for “gritty surface” which creates the tremendous spin imparted by the Stealth. The 8” width creates a larger sweet spot to help create powerful shots while the 14mm width creates a great balance between power found on thinner paddles and control found on thicker paddles.
When the Stealth was pre-announced to brand ambassadors, I wasn’t looking for a new paddle. I loved the PROLITE Titan Pro LX II that I had been using for six months. Why try to fix something that wasn’t broken? But then I got curious as I read more about Toray T700 Raw Carbon. So, I decided to order a paddle and take it for a spin.
One word came to mind during my first game with the Stealth – confidence. My serves were deep and when desired, had some curve. Volleys were solid and dinks smooth. I thought, “I might actually like to keep playing this paddle.” Turns out, six weeks later it is my primary paddle. Here’s why:
It has all the power I need to drive from baseline to baseline.
I can deliver curvy serves and returns to take the offensive early in the point.
I can shape the ball with spin to place dinks and volleys in hard to return places.
The 14mm width provides both power and control without compromise.
I can more easily roll my backhand volleys due to the gritty surface.
When desired, I can attack from under the top of the net by pulling the ball up and adding top spin to get it over the net and down.
Overhead slams are solid (assuming I keep my eye on the ball!)
The large sweet spot allows for solid backhand volleys to help me take control in hands battles.
I don’t need to worry about delamination as with some other Raw Carbon Fiber paddles. (Learn about delamination in next month’s newsletter.)
So, who would benefit from the Stealth GS1? Frankly, just about anyone at an intermediate level or above and even some beginner plus players looking to add spin to their game. Who’s not a great match for the Stealth GS1? Very new players who haven’t yet developed the ability to position shots. Though, at this price point, it wouldn’t be a mistake to try it. Also, those which very large hands or in need of a big handle for two-handed shots might be better off with the Rebel Pro XLT or waiting for a long handle version of the Stealth.
Give the Stealth GS1 a try out on the courts. Find a local rep who has a paddle available for demo or check with retail organization. If buying direct, use that rep’s discount code to get the GS1 for under $125. Learn more at https://prolitesports.com/products/stealth-gs1.
John Michl is a PROLITE brand ambassador, DUPR club director, and Professional Pickleball Registry certified instructor. During the summer he plays at Lake Country Pickleball Club, The Wisconsin Athletic Club, The Grove in Sussex and various locations in Waukesha and Menomonee Falls. Save 25% when buying direct from https://prolitesports.com using his discount code TeamJAM25. John did not receive free product or compensation for this recommendation.
Contact him directly at john@pickleballjam.org.