Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Volair Mach 2 Forza | Volair SHIFT EL |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Touch players | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Power hitters | 8.6 | 9.2 |
| Spin players | 8.5 | 8.8 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is power: the Volair SHIFT EL rates 10 to the Volair Mach 2 Forza’s 8.
- The Volair Mach 2 Forza also leads on control, 9.5 to 8.
- Sweet spot goes to the Volair Mach 2 Forza (10 vs 9).
- Spin goes to the Volair SHIFT EL (8.5 vs 8).
- Different shapes: the Volair Mach 2 Forza is wide-body and the Volair SHIFT EL is elongated.
- Core thickness: 16 mm (14 mm version also available) for the Volair Mach 2 Forza against 14 mm for the Volair SHIFT EL. The thinner Volair SHIFT EL should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the Volair SHIFT EL is the heavier of the two, by about 0.3 oz on average.
- Price: the Volair SHIFT EL costs less at each brand’s own store.
The Verdict
Go with the Volair Mach 2 Forza if you want more control, a bigger sweet spot and a lighter feel, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Pick the Volair SHIFT EL if you want more power, more spin and more weight behind the ball, especially if you’re a power hitter or a spin player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Volair Mach 2 Forza | Volair SHIFT EL |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.0 oz average (14 mm: 7.7 oz) | 8.2 oz average |
| Shape | Wide-body | Elongated |
| Length | 15.88 in | 16.5 in |
| Width | 8.12 in | 7.5 in |
| Core thickness | 16 mm (14 mm version also available) | 14 mm |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb with foam-injected edge walls | Full-foam floating core with flex channels, EVA perimeter and carbon-infused edge foam |
| Face | Toray T700 carbon fiber | T700 carbon fiber (four layers) |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.6 in |
| Grip size | 4.15 in | 4.125 in |
| Price | $119.99 | $99.99 |
| 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 Mach 2 Forza or the Volair SHIFT EL?
On our spec-based scale they tie at 8.9. By player type, the Volair Mach 2 Forza suits beginners and touch players better, while the Volair SHIFT EL suits power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the Volair Mach 2 Forza or the Volair SHIFT EL?
The Volair SHIFT EL rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 8).
Which is better for beginners, the Volair Mach 2 Forza or the Volair SHIFT EL?
The Volair Mach 2 Forza scores higher for beginners (9.3 vs 8.8), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Volair Mach 2 Forza and Volair SHIFT EL 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.