Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Volair CTRL 2 Forza | Volair Mach 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Touch players | 8.5 | 8.6 |
| Power hitters | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Spin players | 7.9 | 8.2 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is spin: the Volair Mach 2 rates 8 to the Volair CTRL 2 Forza’s 7.
- The Volair CTRL 2 Forza also leads on power, 8 to 7.5.
- On sweet spot, the Volair CTRL 2 Forza is ahead: 10 vs 9.5.
- They tie on control (8.5).
- Core thickness: 16 mm for the Volair CTRL 2 Forza against 14 mm (16 mm version currently sold out) for the Volair Mach 2. The thinner Volair Mach 2 should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Price: the Volair Mach 2 costs less right now (see the prices above).
The Verdict
Go with the Volair CTRL 2 Forza if you want more power and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner.
Choose the Volair Mach 2 if you want more spin and a lower price, especially if you’re a spin player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Volair CTRL 2 Forza | Volair Mach 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 oz average | 7.8 oz average (16 mm: 8.1 oz) |
| Shape | Wide-body | Wide-body |
| Length | 15.88 in | 15.88 in |
| Width | 8.12 in | 8.12 in |
| Core thickness | 16 mm | 14 mm (16 mm version currently sold out) |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | Aramid fiber | Toray T700 carbon fiber |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.15 in | 4.25 in (16 mm: 4.3 in) |
| Price | $139.99 | $69.99 (list $89.99) |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes | Yes |
Specs as published by each manufacturer. Prices are checked daily on each brand’s own store; the checkout price is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the Volair CTRL 2 Forza or the Volair Mach 2?
On our spec-based scale they tie at 8.4. By player type, the Volair CTRL 2 Forza suits beginners better, while the Volair Mach 2 suits spin players better.
Which has more power, the Volair CTRL 2 Forza or the Volair Mach 2?
The Volair CTRL 2 Forza rates higher for power on our scale (8 vs 7.5).
Which is better for beginners, the Volair CTRL 2 Forza or the Volair Mach 2?
The Volair CTRL 2 Forza scores higher for beginners (8.9 vs 8.7), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Volair CTRL 2 Forza and Volair Mach 2 approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.