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Company Info: GatorStrike is a pickleball company started in 2024 and based out of Michigan. They have a wide range of products, from paddles, to apparel and even accessories. They’ve recently dropped their signature line in that of the Vincimus series. They have a revamped website at www.gatorstrike.com. Their goal is to bring premier pickleball gear to market.
Product Info: Today we will be taking a closer look at the flagship paddles from GatorStrike in that of the Vincimus Air Crusher (T800), Air Cruiser (T700) and Air Controller (T600). We’ve also got the Quick Strike 40 pickleballs!
Description: All paddles feature a unibody design that integrates the handle and paddle face. Additionally, all the paddles are 16MM. Each paddle features a black, textured grip, with “GATORSTRIKE” in bold white letters across. The texture on the grip is actually created with an indentation of the GatorStrike “G” logo. The rubber grip cap is black with the GatorStrike wording and Logo in white. The logo is also present in white on the handle cap. All paddles feature a black edge guard with the additional branding, in white, down each side and on the top. All paddles are primarily black in color, yet they each come in a variety of colors as far as the graphics are concerned.
Air Crusher (T800): The Air Crusher paddle we have is the dark purple graphics. It features the GatorStrike logo outline oversized across the middle of the paddle face. The “Vincimus: AIR CRUSHER” is present at the base of the paddle face, just above the USA Pickleball Approval logo. The wording “Raw Carbon Friction Grit T800-5.5IN” is in small letters following the G logo. RCFG is vertical down the top left and 16MM is in small letters at the top right. The GatorStrike logo is present at the top of the paddle face. All these graphics are in the dark purple color.
Air Cruiser (T700): The Air Cruiser paddle we have is the Blue color. The graphics are in a vibrant blue color across the paddle face. The “Vincimus: AIR CRUISER” is present at the base of the paddle face, just above the USA Pickleball Approval logo. A thin blue line goes around the entire paddle face, just inside the edge guard. Vertically down the left hand side, it states “Raw Carbon Friction Grit T700-5.5in 16MM.” The GatorStrike wording and logo is present at the top with RCFG in large letters down the right hand side. In the middle of the paddle face, the GatorStrike logo is present very large in a shiny black outline to contrast the paddle face.
Air Controller (T600): The Air Controller we have features the gray graphics. The “Vincimus: AIR CONTROLLER” is present at the base of the paddle face, just above the USA Pickleball Approval logo. VINCIMUS is present vertically down the right side of the paddle face in bold shiny black letters. The paddle features a swirl graphic in thin lines from the top of the paddle to the bottom left, giving a dynamic feel. The GatorStrike Logo is present at the top of the paddle face.
Quick Strike 40 Pickleballs: The balls come in 4 different colors, hot green, yellow, orange and fuchsia. They are created as one piece and are USA Pickleball Approved.
Price: The paddles are available on their website as follows: Air Crusher (T800) - $199.99, Air Cruiser (T700) - $169.99, and Air Controller (T600) - $149.99. The pickleballs are $25 for a 12 pack.
Play Feel: All paddles feature the Raw Carbon Fiber Grit, but the main difference being type. The Crusher (T800) has the most premium raw carbon fiber grit.
I am actually a big fan of the grip that comes on these paddles as it has just enough texture and tackiness that I don’t believe you would need an overgrip.
I found the paddles to feature a large sweet spot and play very consistent. The quality from all the paddles is very evident. The paddles feel sturdy in strong shots and blocks (unibody design).
The paddles have good texture on the face, but it’s not overbearing. It allows for a great deal of spin to be placed on the ball.
Quick Strike 40 Pickleballs: The pickleballs held up very well during our testing and were consistent in their bounce. I did not notice any soft spots after testing in the FL heat. The Quick Strike 40 held their vibrant color as well.
All items held up well and we saw no signs of unexpected or major wear and tear during our testing period.
Recommendation:
Air Crusher (T800) – This is the premier paddle from GatorStrike and I would recommend this for advanced players.
Air Cruiser (T700) – The Air Cruiser is a great “all around” paddle and I would recommend this for just about anybody. It is set at the midpoint in regards to pricing of the Vincimus series.
Air Controller (T600)- The Air Controller paddle is ideal for those just starting or those just advancing and looking for a more quality paddle.
I thought the pickleballs played very well and held up great as well. The durability is the key thing I look for in a pickleball.
I think for the price, I would like to see a paddle cover come with the paddle, for added protection of these high end paddles.
I think GatorStrike has a paddle for everyone and I think the 3 options are great. I think the designs are striking and I am a big fan of how they have branded throughout the paddle (from the grip to the edge guard, etc.) as I feel this elevates the overall experience.
I’m thoroughly impressed by these offerings from GatorStrike and will stay tuned for their new paddle drops and merch!
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