Best Pickleball Guide

Welcome to Vatic Pro Alchemy Pickleball Paddle Review. This Vatic Pro paddle has garnered attention due to its collaboration with pro player Spencer Smith. As a fan of Vatic Pro’s pickleball paddles and their brand ethos, I was eager to test this new addition to their lineup.

Vatic’s paddles are one of the best value paddles in the market in 2023. Vatic initially introduced a successful series of thermoform paddles, featuring models like the Vatic Pro v7 and Vatic Pro Flash.

Building on this success, they launched the Prism line, which utilized a new “thermofoamed” technology. This line consists of the Prism v7 and Prism Flash paddles. The Prism series has gained immense popularity due to its impressive performance and reasonable pricing.

Notable contenders in this category include Vatic Pro, Six Zero, Legacy Pro, Ronbus, CRBN, and Volair Forza. Personally, I’ve always favored Vatic Pro, Ronbus, and Six Zero for their superior quality and competitive pricing.

A Quick Summary of the Vatic Pro Alchemy

The Vatic Pro Alchemy paddles are great for pickleball players who used to play tennis, due to its springy and spongy feeling like a tennis racket. Once I got used to them, they worked really well with my game, especially the 13.5. I felt like I had full control over my ground strokes and volleys.

Soft control is super important in pickleball, especially in doubles. So, these paddles are probably better for singles. If you’re playing doubles, you’ll need to work on your soft game a lot. The 16 is softer than the 13.5, but still not as good as many other paddles. But during my testing, I didn’t really mind.

My game focuses on controlling ground strokes from the baseline and then moving up to the net quickly and accurately for volleys. These paddles are great for that, so I didn’t mind that they’re not super soft.

The alchemies are so unique with their swing pattern and feel that if you like how they play, you won’t find anything else like them. That’s why I think they’ll be really popular with certain players.

Technical Specifications Vatic Pro Alchemy Paddle

Paddle Thickness: 16mm & 13.5mm

Weight Range:

• 16mm: 8.5-8.7oz (8.2-8.4oz without bumper)
• 5mm: 8.3-8.5oz (8.0-8.3oz without bumper)

Paddle Shape: Elongated

Handle Length: 5.5”

Grip Circumference: 4.25”

Paddle Face: T700 Raw carbon fiber

Paddle Core: Polymer

Swing Weight:

• 16mm: 121
• 5mm: 113

Twist Weight:

• 16mm: 6.38
• 5mm: 6.04

Spin: 1700 RPM

Warranty: 3 months

Vatic Pro Alchemy Paddle Review

There is been a lot of hype around this paddle due to its shape. Let’s put this cool looking paddle to test and check is it really worth it or just another paddle with everything similar.

Let’s talk about the Alchemy specs. The paddle comes in a 13.5 and 16 millimeter core. The Alchemy is 16 and a half inches long with a five-and-a-half-inch handle.

The weight is actually pretty interesting because there is a removable rubber piece covering the hole. The paddle weighs between 8.3 and 8.5 ounces with it and between 8 and 8.3 ounces without it.

We are going to discuss a ton of playability characteristics of the Vatic Alchemy because we are talking about two very unique paddles with the hole which look quite similar to Selkirk Power Air paddles.

We will talk about the touch, feel, spin, power, control, maneuverability and also who they are best for.

Paddle Face

The paddle face of the Vatic Pro Alchemy pickleball paddle, is constructed using raw carbon fiber, a material renowned for its durability and ability to provide an optimal balance between power and control.

The use of T700 carbon fiber in the face offers a promising blend of stiffness and responsiveness. The Vatic Pro Alchemy paddle face is just the same as the previous vatic pro pickleball paddles just with a “V shaped” hole and have removable edge guard.

The purpose of the removable edge guard doesn’t have much effect on the performance or maneuverability of the paddle. Although this alteration leads to a slight reduction in swing weight. It’s just aesthetically pleasing and look more like a top tier Selkirk paddle “power air”.

Paddle Core

The Vatic Pro Alchemy paddle comes in 13.5mm and 16mm. The Vatic Pro Alchemy’s polymer core contributes to its balanced performance, offering players the responsiveness they need for quick exchanges at the net and the power required for effective drives and smashes. Let’s talk about 16mm and 13.5mm in detail.

16mm

The first standout feature of the 16mm paddle is its distinct feedback upon impact. It’s a sensation that’s challenging to describe without experiencing it. This feedback, reminiscent of the Power Air series, is more subdued here, offering a unique playing experience. While some find this feedback jarring, it’s less pronounced compared to its Power Air counterpart.

Additionally, the 16mm paddle carries a slightly higher swing weight, which might be just outside the preference of some players. This swing weight can influence the maneuverability of the paddle, and for some, the 13.5mm variant might be a better fit.

Customizability with Edge Guard

A notable design choice is the removable bumper edge guard. This feature allows players to reduce the static and swing weight, offering a more customizable experience. Removing the bumper drops the swing weight by approximately two points, making it a viable option for those seeking a swifter paddle. This modification might also subtly alter the feel of the paddle, warranting some experimentation to find the ideal configuration.

13.5mm

Moving on to the 13.5mm variant, it presents a different experience altogether. With a lower swing weight, players can expect enhanced maneuverability. The feel and responsiveness of this paddle are notable, providing a satisfying pop off the face. While the 16mm paddle excels in resetting, the 13.5mm variant offers a punchier response, particularly during drives. The feedback is subtle yet present, giving players a nuanced feel for the ball.

After rigorous gameplay sessions, the 13.5mm paddle emerged as the preferred choice. The difference in feel with and without the edge guard was minimal, with a modest shift in swing weight. This subtle adjustment in weight did translate to a slightly faster paddle, enhancing responsiveness.

It’s worth noting that while the 13.5mm paddle provides good power, it may not be the hardest-hitting option on the market. For players who prioritize controlled power, this paddle strikes an excellent balance. It exudes a springy quality akin to the Power Air series, albeit in a more subdued manner.

Performance Review of the Vatic Pro Alchemy Paddle

In the performance review, we’ll take a closer look at the Vatic Pro Alchemy paddle, examining its control, power, spin potential, aesthetics, and other key factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of its on-court performance.

Feel

The Alchemy has a very unique feel but I want to add here that I really hate the feel with the rubber guard on as the paddle felt really springy and spongy kind of off. As I took the rubber guard off hoping this will make a lot of difference the paddle fell really normal and I think most player will like it without the rubber guard off.

The paddle is less stiff compare to the original Gen.2 Vatic Pro V7 and flash but more stiff than the prism series.

Control

The Alchemy paddles aren’t great for the traditional soft control. On the 13.5 paddle, soft control almost doesn’t exist. It’s a bit better on the 16mm paddle but still not as good as stiffer ones like the V7 and Flash.

The paddle feels instant and springy, and it doesn’t bend unless you hit hard. So, it’s not very soft. I mostly used the 13.5 paddle, and my dinks were all over the place, especially at first.

Sweet Spot

The Sweet Spot is quite small, and the paddle face feels a bit wobbly, probably because of the hole. It’s funny because thermoform unibody paddles are supposed to be strong and firm since they’re made from one piece of carbon. Putting a hole in the middle seems to go against that idea, and the Alchemy paddles aren’t as stable as other thermoform paddles.

It seems like you have to give up stability to get that unique flexible feeling. These paddles aren’t terribly unstable; they’re still long, heavy paddles with high swing weights. But compared to similar paddles, they’re not as steady. If you want to make them softer and more stable, you can add lead to the bottom part of the paddle face. That will help balance out the big hole and make the paddle feel softer.

Maneuverability

The alchemies feel different when you swing them because of the hole in the middle. They’re not as fast as Power Air Invickta, but they’re quicker than expected for their length and weight. They respond well when you move your hands fast.

When I used them with the V7, they felt more responsive, like the hole helped them pivot faster. I really liked that about the paddle, especially its unique swing pattern.

The swing pattern feels logical, and as someone who plays tennis, I appreciated it. I got used to it quickly, especially for my ground strokes and serves, especially my forehand. When you swing with this paddle, you naturally get more spin, which I liked.

The alchemies make it easier to hit with spin because their shape works well with that style. But they’re more spin-friendly because of the swing pattern, not because the paddle itself creates a lot of spin.

Power

Compared to other thermoform paddles, these paddles might not spin the ball as much. The power is noticeably lower too. It took me a bit to get used to it because I thought a 13.5 millimeter paddle would have big power. But when I first hit the ball, it went into the net. I think it’s because the hole takes away some energy when you hit the ball.

Most of this paddle’s playability comes from the big hole in the middle. Some people might not like that it’s less powerful, but once I got used to it, I actually liked it.

When a paddle is too powerful, I don’t feel confident hitting the ball hard. That wasn’t a problem here. The 13.5 paddle is a bit more powerful than the 16, but it’s a bouncy kind of power that’s hard to control, not the kind you really want. So, it’s not necessarily a good thing.

Spin

Both the 13.5 and the 16 paddles are good for creating spin, but I felt slightly less control over the ball compared to other thermoform paddles. This might be because of the hole in the paddle, which makes it less rigid when you hit the ball.

So, the ball doesn’t spin as much when it comes off the paddle, but it’s still pretty good. Between the 16 and the 13.5, the 13 is faster in the air, so you can swing it faster. But the 16 is heavier, so it gives more power to the ball. Both paddles are pretty much the same when it comes to making spin.

Aesthetic and Personal Opinion

In terms of aesthetics, a minimalist design tends to be my preference, akin to those offered by paddle companies like Vatic Pro, Ronbus, and CRBN. However, the Vatic Pro Alchemy boasts a visually striking design, particularly with its distinctive aerodynamic hole.

While I’m inclined to rate the paddle highly for aesthetics, my personal preference brings it down slightly. The Vatic Pro Alchemy stands out as a versatile paddle, offering a combination of power, spin, and control while catering to players who prefer heavier, elongated paddles.

Who Should Consider Buying the Vatic Pro Alchemy Paddle:

All-Around Players: The Vatic Pro Alchemy is well-suited for players who value a balanced performance across various aspects of the game. It offers a mix of power, control, and spin potential, making it suitable for those who want versatility in their playstyle.

Fans of Thermoformed Paddles: For players who appreciate the benefits of thermoformed paddles, such as enhanced durability and performance, the Vatic Pro Alchemy is a solid choice. Its construction ensures it can withstand rigorous play.

Those Who Want an Aesthetically Unique Paddle: The distinctive design of the Vatic Pro Alchemy, especially with its aerodynamic hole, makes it visually striking on the court. Players looking for a paddle that stands out in terms of aesthetics may find this appealing.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options:

Players Seeking Maximum Power: If your gameplay heavily relies on powerful shots with an emphasis on pop, you might find other paddles with more pronounced power to be better suited to your style.

Those on a Tight Budget: While the Vatic Pro Alchemy offers a competitive price point for its features, players on a very strict budget may find other more affordable options that still meet their needs.

Individuals Who Already Own a Thermoformed Paddle: If you already own a thermoformed paddle that meets your requirements, there might not be a compelling reason to switch to the Vatic Pro Alchemy, especially if you’re content with your current paddle’s performance.

Remember, the ideal paddle choice is subjective and depends on individual playing styles and preferences. It’s recommended to demo or try out different paddles whenever possible before making a final decision.