Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Volair Pro 2 | Volair SHIFT WB |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.9 | 9.3 |
| Touch players | 8.5 | 8.9 |
| Power hitters | 8.3 | 9.4 |
| Spin players | 7.9 | 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 Pro 2’s 8.
- Spin goes to the Volair SHIFT WB (8 vs 7).
- They tie on control (8.5) and sweet spot (10).
- Core thickness: 16 mm (14 mm version also available) for the Volair Pro 2 against 14 mm for the Volair SHIFT WB. The thinner Volair SHIFT WB should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the Volair SHIFT WB is the heavier of the two, by about 0.3 oz on average.
- Price: the Volair Pro 2 costs less at each brand’s own store.
The Verdict
Go with the Volair Pro 2 if you want a lighter feel and a lower price.
Go with the Volair SHIFT WB if you want more power, more spin and more weight behind the ball, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Volair Pro 2 | Volair SHIFT WB |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.0 oz average (14 mm: 7.7 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 | 16 mm (14 mm version also available) | 14 mm |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb | Full-foam floating core with flex channels, EVA perimeter and carbon-infused edge foam |
| Face | Fiberglass | T700 carbon fiber (four layers) |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.3 in (14 mm: 4.25 in) | 4.125 in |
| Price | $69.99 | $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 Pro 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 Pro 2 or the Volair SHIFT WB?
The Volair SHIFT WB rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 8).
Which is better for beginners, the Volair Pro 2 or the Volair SHIFT WB?
The Volair SHIFT WB scores higher for beginners (9.3 vs 8.9), mainly from its overall balance.
Are the Volair Pro 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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Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.