The short answer
The CX14E Ultimate Power is an elongated SST solid-core paddle Pickleheads rated 5.0 in 2023, the GBX Power Elongated is a honeycomb Gearbox Pickleheads scored 9.5/10 for power in 2026, and the CX11Q Power 8.5 oz is an 11 mm quad-shape SST paddle.
Our Top Picks
Gearbox lists 37 paddles (plus sets and a kit) in its all pickleball paddles collection. Four are picks here, each sold new on Amazon at or below Gearbox’s regular (compare-at) price on November 10, 2026. Two are the CX11 Quad Power in its 8.5 oz and 7.8 oz versions, which Gearbox sells as separate products. One, the GBX Power Elongated, is also a pick on our other guides; most other Gearbox paddles we found on Amazon already are, which keeps this list short. Gearbox’s newer premium lines, the GX2 Power, Pro Ultimate and Pressure X, had no Amazon listing we could use.
Related guide: 4 Best Gamma Pickleball Paddles: Knockout, Airbender, Rainmaker
Find the Gearbox paddle for how you play
Pick how you play and what you want to spend. The suggestion is our editorial starting point, drawn from the four paddles below, not a test result.
Tiers are relative to the Gearbox list prices of the four paddles in this guide; live prices are in the comparison table below.
Compare the 4 Gearbox paddles
Gearbox’s figures for the linked version. USA Pickleball approval: the approved-list entry and the date added where the list shows one, checked November 9, 2026.
CX14E Ultimate PowerElongated SST, 14 mmReach, solid core14 mm SST carbon fiber8.5 oz$149.99
Evidence: Pickleheads, this exact model
CX11Q Power 8.5 ozQuad SST, 11 mmPower, solid core11 mm SST carbon fiber8.5 oz$79.99
Evidence: maker specs only, no independent test
CX11Q Power 7.8 ozQuad SST, 7.8 ozPower, solid core11 mm SST carbon fiber7.8 oz$79.99
Evidence: maker specs only, no independent test
GBX Power ElongatedGen-3 HoneycombPower, reach, honeycomb16 mm Gen-3 PPE honeycomb8.0 oz$149.99
Evidence: Pickleheads, this exact model
Is Gearbox a Good Paddle Brand?
Gearbox’s about page says it has been “Engineering Better Performance Since 2007” and was “Founded in California by engineer and lifelong athlete Rafael Filippini”, starting in racquetball before pickleball.
Solid core or honeycomb. Gearbox’s CX paddles use its patented SST core. On the CX14E page, Gearbox says “Solid Span Technology (SST) features carbon span structures formed with a solid-state core material that acts as a gearbox for shots”. Pickleheads’ CX14E review puts the difference this way: “It feels very different to your standard honeycomb polymer core.” Gearbox’s GBX page calls the first GBX “Gearbox’s first venture into the premium PPE honeycomb core category”; the GBX Power (#4) has a Gen-3 PPE honeycomb core. As for face material, every pick has a carbon fiber face: 3K woven carbon on the CX paddles, raw unidirectional carbon on the GBX Power.
What reviewers and owners say. Opinions split on the SST feel. In its 2023 CX14E review, Pickleheads wrote: “I’ve never been a huge fan of Gearbox paddles. They’ve always felt too stiff and alien to me. But I have to hand it to them—they nailed it with this one.” Pickleball Studio wrote of the CX14 Ultimate the same year: “It still has that classic Gearbox feel which some love and some hate.” In a 2023 Reddit thread, a CX14E owner wrote that it “seemed to lack feel”, and a reply said: “Gearbox SST paddles will always feel different because they are made differently.” On the honeycomb side, Pickleheads’ 2026 GBX Power review says: “Gearbox paddles are always lacking in forgiveness.” So the answer depends on whether you like a firm feel: try one before you commit if you can.
Related guide: Best Custom Pickleball Paddles You Can Personalize With a Photo, Logo or Name
Gearbox’s Lines, Warranty and the Paddles Missing Here
Lines. By paddle line, Gearbox splits its cores. The CX14 and CX11 collections are SST solid-core paddles in 14 mm and 11 mm, sold in Power and Control versions and in elongated (E) or quad (Q) shapes. The GBX, GBX Power and G2 are honeycomb or PPE-core paddles. The GX2, Pro Ultimate and Pressure X are newer premium lines.
Warranty. Gearbox’s FAQ says: “Gearbox offers a 1-year limited warranty*** from the original date of purchase for purchases made directly from Gearbox or an authorized Gearbox dealer.” It is for the original purchaser only, needs proof of purchase, and the paddle goes back to Gearbox for evaluation; “Items purchased used or from a private party or an unauthorized dealer do not qualify”, and “Paddles with wear and tear as part of normal play” are among the exclusions (others include impact damage, edge breakdown, modified paddles and gifts without proof of purchase). The FAQ’s 6-month term applies to the G12, G14 and G16, which are not picks. For #4 the terms differ: the GBX Power Elongated page lists “Warranty: 6 Month with additional 6 months upon registration”, and its Warranty tab says: “This product has a 6 month limited warranty, with additional 6 months upon registration.” The CX14E and CX11Q Power pages list “Warranty: 1 year”. On November 10, #1 and #4 were sold by the Amazon storefront named GEARBOX SPORTS, and the two CX11Q Power picks by RacquetGalaxy, a third-party seller (GEARBOX SPORTS held those listings the day before). Gearbox’s site does not mention Amazon or publish a dealer list, so we could not confirm which Amazon sellers its warranty treats as authorized; keep your receipt and ask Gearbox before you rely on it.
Not picks. The GX2 Power, Pro Ultimate, Pro Control Integra and Pressure X had no Amazon listing we could find on November 9. The GX2 Integra XL and GX2 Hyper are on Amazon, but Amazon’s product data service refused their listings, so our table could not show their live price or stock. The CX11E Control 8.5 oz was not in stock on Amazon, and the CX11Q Control 7.8 oz was out of stock on Amazon on November 10. The first GBX (Elongated 16mm) is on Amazon, but the product data our table uses showed no price or seller for it on November 10. The CX14H, CX11E, CX11Q Control 8.5 oz, GBX Power Hybrid, GBX 14mm, G2 Elongated, G3, G12, G14, G20 and CP7 are already picks on our other guides, such as the heavy paddle guide, and a cap on repeats keeps them out. Other brands by budget: paddles under $100 and under $150, and our budget paddle roundup.
How We Picked Four Gearbox Paddles
How this guide was built
from Gearbox’s product pages and FAQ, the Amazon listings, the USA Pickleball approved list (November 9, 2026), Pickleheads’ reviews of the CX14E and GBX Power, Pickleball Studio’s CX14 Ultimate measurements and owner threads on Reddit; we have not tested these products ourselves.
What each paddle had to show
- A Gearbox product page in its current collection, with a spec block for the version we link, and no Gearbox statement that it is no longer eligible.
- A new Amazon offer in stock at or below Gearbox’s regular (compare-at) price, with the listing matched to Gearbox’s version by its UPC.
- A USA Pickleball list check. Our USA Pickleball approved paddle guide explains the list.
Sources and their ties
Sources and their ties
Pickleheads and Pickleball Studio earn affiliate commissions but do not sell the paddles. Two reviews rest on Pickleheads’ tests of the same model, two on Gearbox’s specs. Reddit comments are single owners’ views.
Detailed Reviews
Gearbox CX14E Ultimate Power, Elongated SST, 14 mm
3 15/16 in grip · 14 mm SST carbon fiber
Intermediate and advanced players who want an elongated Gearbox solid-core paddle that leans to control; Pickleheads advises beginners to pass.
$149.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 09:45 UTCVerdict
An elongated 14 mm SST solid-core paddle that Pickleheads calls “still more of a control paddle”, despite the Power name.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleheads: CX14E Ultimate Power.
Gearbox calls the CX14 Ultimate Power “the most advanced paddle yet created by Gearbox” (the GX2 and Pressure X lines reached USA Pickleball’s list later, in 2025 and 2026) and says its Power Band “detaches and suspends the patented SSTcore rib structure from the perimeter of the paddle, creating a trampoline effect on the paddle face.” Pickleheads rated it 5.0 in August 2023 and wrote: “This has more than enough power to complement its 10/10 control.” It also wrote: “This is still more of a control paddle.”
Sources disagree on the sweet spot. Pickleheads: “While it’s not as large as some, like the CRBN-2X Power Series, the CX14E Ultimate Power has a much larger sweet spot, making it a very forgiving paddle.” Pickleball Studio, which played mostly the CX14H (the hyper shape), wrote: “I would say the performance of the CX14 Ultimate is acceptable but not above average.” It measured the CX14E’s swing weight at 119 and its spin at 1861 RPM. The Amazon listing says its frame layers “reduce vibration” (more: our vibration guide). Gearbox’s own store showed it sold out on November 10; Amazon had it in stock. More elongated paddles: our elongated guide.
Specs (Gearbox CX14E Ultimate Power, 3 15/16 in grip)
- Weight: 8.5 oz (Gearbox)
- Core: 14 mm Toray T-700 carbon fiber, “Patented Carbon Fiber Chambers” (SST) (Gearbox)
- Face: 3K woven carbon fiber, ribbed (Gearbox)
- Size: 16 5/8 x 7 3/8 in; handle 5 5/8 in; grip 3 15/16 in (Gearbox also sells 3 5/8 in)
- Warranty: 1 year limited (Gearbox)
- Approval: “CX14 Ultimate Elongated Power 8.5” (listed under the brand “Gear Box”), added 2023-01-31
Pros
- Elongated 14 mm SST solid core with Gearbox’s Power Band, independently tested in this model
Cons
- Pickleheads: “At 8.5 oz, the heaviness made me feel slower than I’d like—especially in fast kitchen exchanges”
Who should buy it
Intermediate and advanced players who want an elongated Gearbox solid-core paddle that leans to control; Pickleheads advises beginners to pass.
Gearbox CX11Q Power 8.5 oz, Quad SST, 11 mm
8.5 oz, Blue · 11 mm SST carbon fiber
Players who want a wide-face Gearbox solid-core paddle pitched for power, at 8.5 oz.
$79.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 09:45 UTCVerdict
A quad-shape 11 mm SST paddle from Gearbox’s Power Series, at 8.5 oz.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Gearbox.
Gearbox says the CX11 Quad Power‘s “Quad shape provides the largest sweet spot in the series” and that its “patented SST ribbed core” is “engineered to return energy to the ball with explosive speed.” Its Control twin is pitched the other way: Gearbox says the CX11 Quad Control 8.5 oz, a pick on our heavy paddle guide, delivers “exceptional energy absorption”. At 15 7/8 x 8 in, it is shorter and wider than the two elongated picks. We found no independent test of the Quad Power; in its CX14 Ultimate review, Pickleball Studio wrote: “I had the same experience with the CX11, where I didn’t care for the elongated, but the standard shape was much better.” In the same review it wrote, “On the CX11s, I didn’t like how it felt,” and it does not say whether it played a Power or Control CX11. USA Pickleball lists “CX11 Q Power” with no date added shown.
Specs (Gearbox CX11Q Power, 8.5 oz, 3 15/16 in grip)
- Weight: 8.5 oz (Gearbox)
- Core: 11 mm Toray T-700 carbon fiber, “Patented Carbon Fiber Chambers” (SST) (Gearbox)
- Face: 3K woven carbon fiber, ribbed (Gearbox)
- Size: 15 7/8 x 8 in; handle 4 3/4 in; grip 3 15/16 in (Gearbox also sells 3 5/8 in)
- Warranty: 1 year limited (Gearbox)
- Approval: “CX11 Q Power”, no date added shown
Pros
- 11 mm SST solid core in a 15 7/8 x 8 in quad shape from Gearbox’s Power Series
Cons
- No independent test; sold by RacquetGalaxy, a third-party seller, on November 10
Who should buy it
Players who want a wide-face Gearbox solid-core paddle pitched for power, at 8.5 oz.
Gearbox CX11Q Power, Quad SST, 7.8 oz
7.8 oz, Red · 11 mm SST carbon fiber
Players who want the CX11 Quad Power at 7.8 oz rather than 8.5 oz.
$79.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 09:45 UTCVerdict
Same series as #2: the same CX11 Quad Power at 7.8 oz.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Gearbox.
Gearbox sells the 7.8 oz CX11 Quad Power as its own product, with the same shape, 11 mm SST core, face, handle and grip options as #2; only the weight and colour differ. Its description matches #2’s pitch: “Built with Gearbox’s patented SST ribbed core, the CX11 Quad Power returns energy to the ball with incredible velocity”. Gearbox gives no swing weight for either. It shares #2’s USA Pickleball entry.
Specs (Gearbox CX11Q Power, 7.8 oz, 3 15/16 in grip)
- Weight: 7.8 oz (Gearbox)
- Core: 11 mm Toray T-700 carbon fiber, “Patented Carbon Fiber Chambers” (SST) (Gearbox)
- Face: 3K woven carbon fiber, ribbed (Gearbox)
- Size: 15 7/8 x 8 in; handle 4 3/4 in; grip 3 15/16 in (Gearbox’s 3 5/8 in version was sold out on November 10)
- Warranty: 1 year limited (Gearbox)
- Approval: “CX11 Q Power”, no date added shown
Pros
- The CX11 Quad Power’s 11 mm SST core and quad shape at 7.8 oz
Cons
- Same series as #2, differing only in weight; no independent test
Who should buy it
Players who want the CX11 Quad Power at 7.8 oz rather than 8.5 oz.
Gearbox GBX Power Elongated, Gen-3 Honeycomb
Upper-intermediate and advanced power players who like a stiff, firm feel.
$149.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 09:45 UTCVerdict
A 16 mm Gen-3 honeycomb Gearbox that Pickleheads found powerful and stiff.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleheads: GBX Power, elongated.
Pickleheads reviewed the GBX Power in May 2026: “I played with the elongated model but it also comes in a hybrid shape.” It scored power 9.5/10 and control 7/10, and wrote: “even for a Gearbox, this is stiff”. It recommends it “as an upper intermediate paddle or advanced pickleball paddle (4.0 skill level and above) if you’re a power-forward player.” An owner’s first-impressions post in August 2026 calls it “a crisp feeling power paddle” that “will take some work at the kitchen”. Gearbox says the shape is “especially comfortable for players coming from tennis” (more: our picks for tennis players).
Specs (Gearbox GBX Power Elongated)
- Weight: 8.0 oz (Gearbox)
- Core: 16 mm Gen-3 suspended PPE honeycomb (Gearbox)
- Face: raw unidirectional carbon fiber; low-profile edge guard (Gearbox)
- Size: 16 1/2 x 7 3/8 in; handle 5 1/2 in; grip 4 in (Gearbox)
- Warranty: 6 months, plus 6 more on registration (Gearbox GBX Power page: “6 Month with additional 6 months upon registration”); Gearbox’s FAQ gives 1 year for pickleball paddles
- Approval: “GBX Power Elongated 16mm”, added 2025-10-15
Pros
- Gen-3 honeycomb elongated paddle that Pickleheads scored 9.5/10 for power
Cons
- Pickleheads scored control and forgiveness 7/10 and calls it stiff
Who should buy it
Upper-intermediate and advanced power players who like a stiff, firm feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which Gearbox paddle is considered the best?
Sources differ, and Gearbox’s newer premium lines are not on Amazon. Pickleheads called the CX14E Ultimate Power “hands down the best paddle Gearbox has ever made” in 2023, before the GX2 and Pressure X lines came out, and titles its later GX2 Power review “the Best Gearbox Paddle Yet”. PickleBALLER’s 5 Best Gearbox Pickleball Paddles (June 2025) puts the GX2 Integra XL first. Neither the GX2 Power nor the GX2 Integra XL was a usable Amazon listing on November 9.
Q. Does Gearbox make good pickleball paddles?
Reviewers and owners split on the firm SST feel; the brand section above quotes both sides.
Q. Which pickleball paddle is better, Gearbox or Selkirk?
No source we read tests the two brands against each other, so we do not rank them. Our paddle brands roundup sets one paddle from each of several makers side by side, and our single-brand guides cover Paddletek and Onix.
Q. What is the number one rated pickleball paddle?
Ratings vary by reviewer; our roundup of the best pickleball paddles compares picks from many makers by playing style.
Q. Which Gearbox paddle suits beginners?
Gearbox’s pages for these four do not pitch them at beginners. Gearbox writes of its G2 Elongated, a pick in our USA Pickleball approved paddle guide: “Whether you’re a beginner or advancing player, the G2 Elongated is designed to be your reliable partner on the court for years to come.” Pickleheads advises beginners to pass on the CX14E, and recommends the GBX Power from the 4.0 level up for power-forward players. Other brands: our beginner paddle guide.
Q. What about the Gearbox G11?
The USA Pickleball list shows “Gearbox G11”, added 2016-02-01, but the G11 is not in Gearbox’s current paddle collection, so it is not a pick.
Final Verdict
The four split by core: SST solid core in the CX14E (#1) and the two CX11Q Power weights (#2, #3), Gen-3 PPE honeycomb in the GBX Power (#4). Use the finder above, or see our hub for pickleball paddles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
