Pro II

The Featherweight Enigma

At 7.5 ounces with a swing weight that lands in the bottom 20% of tested paddles, the Electrum Pro II presents an interesting paradox. Here's a paddle that promises all-court versatility while delivering one of the most maneuverable experiences in the game—yet struggles to generate the raw power that many competitive players demand.

The Pro II isn't trying to be everything to everyone. With a 98.7 swing weight compared to the 114.8 average, this paddle makes a clear statement about prioritizing quick hands over crushing drives. The question is whether that trade-off makes sense at $159.99.

Build Quality & Design

Electrum has kept the construction details close to the vest, but the paddle's performance metrics tell a compelling story about its engineering priorities. The 232mm balance point sits well below the 239.9mm average, creating a head-light feel that becomes immediately apparent during rapid exchanges.

The weight distribution is the star here. That low swing weight translates to effortless paddle acceleration through contact zones, making this a paddle that responds instantly to wrist adjustments and last-second redirections.

On-Court Performance

Power drives reveal the Pro II's primary limitation. JohnKew's testing found consistent power output around 54-56 MPH—a full 2 MPH below the testing average and nowhere near the 62.9 MPH ceiling that elite power paddles achieve. For players who rely on drive-heavy strategies or need to overpower opponents from the baseline, this deficit becomes problematic.

But step into the transition game, and the Pro II transforms. That 36.6 MPH pop rating sits above average, suggesting the paddle delivers excellent responsiveness on blocks, counters, and quick exchanges. The low swing weight allows players to generate surprising pace on compact swings—exactly what you need when opponents are driving balls at your feet.

Spin generation lands squarely in the middle of the pack at 2165.7 RPM. JohnKew's testing showed consistent results across multiple sessions, with RPM readings clustering around 2089-2204. This isn't a spin monster like the top-tier textured paddles, but it provides adequate bite for drops and serves.

The Numbers

The testing data reveals a paddle with a very specific performance profile:

- Power: 55.1 MPH (below average, 52nd percentile)

- Pop: 36.6 MPH (above average, 62nd percentile)

- Spin: 2165.7 RPM (average, 51st percentile)

- Swing Weight: 98.7 (bottom 20%, 18th percentile)

- Twist Weight: 6.0 (average, 47th percentile)

These numbers paint a clear picture: exceptional maneuverability with solid touch, but power that lags behind the competitive field.

What the Community Says

The reviewer community splits along predictable lines. JohnKew expressed mixed feelings about the paddle's overall package, likely reflecting the tension between its excellent handling and power limitations.

Matts_pickleball delivered a positive assessment, suggesting that for certain play styles, the Pro II's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. This divide typically emerges when paddles excel in specific areas while sacrificing others.

Who Should Buy This

The Pro II makes sense for three specific player types:

Transition specialists who live in the mid-court will appreciate the lightning-quick maneuverability and above-average pop. Players who rely on placement over power—think surgical drops and perfectly angled volleys—can maximize this paddle's strengths.

Doubles players with strong court positioning will find the Pro II's responsiveness invaluable during rapid exchanges. When you're covering the middle effectively, you need paddle speed more than raw power.

However, aggressive baseline players should look elsewhere. That 55.1 MPH power ceiling becomes a liability when you need to drive through opponents or finish points from deep court positions.

The Verdict

The Electrum Pro II succeeds as a specialized tool rather than an all-court solution. At $159.99, it's priced competitively for its performance tier, but buyers need to understand exactly what they're getting.

This paddle rewards intelligent positioning and quick hands over athletic ability. For players who've developed their court sense and want a paddle that responds instantly to their intentions, the Pro II delivers. But if you're still developing your game or rely on power to overcome positioning mistakes, the performance gaps become too significant to ignore.

The Pro II represents solid engineering focused on a specific vision. It just happens to be a vision that works better for chess players than sledgehammer swingers.