Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Volair Mach 2 | Volair SHIFT WB |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.7 | 9.3 |
| Touch players | 8.6 | 8.9 |
| Power hitters | 8.2 | 9.4 |
| Spin players | 8.2 | 8.8 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is power: the Volair SHIFT WB rates 10 to the Volair Mach 2’s 7.5.
- On sweet spot, the Volair SHIFT WB is ahead: 10 vs 9.5.
- They tie on control (8.5) and spin (8).
- Price: the Volair Mach 2 costs less right now (see the prices above).
The Verdict
Pick the Volair Mach 2 if you want a lower price.
Choose the Volair SHIFT WB if you want more power and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Volair Mach 2 | Volair SHIFT WB |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8 oz average (16 mm: 8.1 oz) | 8.1 oz average |
| Shape | Wide-body | Wide-body |
| Length | 15.88 in | 15.88 in |
| Width | 8.12 in | 8.12 in |
| Core thickness | 14 mm (16 mm version currently sold out) | 14 mm |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb | 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 | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.25 in (16 mm: 4.3 in) | 4.125 in |
| Price | $69.99 (list $89.99) | $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 or the Volair SHIFT WB?
On our spec-based scale the Volair SHIFT WB scores higher (9.1 vs 8.4). By player type, the Volair SHIFT WB suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the Volair Mach 2 or the Volair SHIFT WB?
The Volair SHIFT WB rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 7.5).
Which is better for beginners, the Volair Mach 2 or the Volair SHIFT WB?
The Volair SHIFT WB scores higher for beginners (9.3 vs 8.7), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Volair Mach 2 and Volair SHIFT WB approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Compare More Paddles
Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.