Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Volair SHIFT EL | Volair SHIFT WB |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Touch players | 8.6 | 8.9 |
| Power hitters | 9.2 | 9.4 |
| Spin players | 8.8 | 8.8 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is sweet spot: the Volair SHIFT WB rates 10 to the Volair SHIFT EL’s 9.
- Control goes to the Volair SHIFT WB (8.5 vs 8).
- On spin, the Volair SHIFT EL is ahead: 8.5 vs 8.
- They tie on power (10).
- Different shapes: the Volair SHIFT EL is elongated and the Volair SHIFT WB is wide-body.
The Verdict
Go with the Volair SHIFT EL if you want more spin.
Pick the Volair SHIFT WB if you want more control and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Volair SHIFT EL | Volair SHIFT WB |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.2 oz average | 8.1 oz average |
| Shape | Elongated | Wide-body |
| Length | 16.5 in | 15.88 in |
| Width | 7.5 in | 8.12 in |
| Core thickness | 14 mm | 14 mm |
| Core | Full-foam floating core with flex channels, EVA perimeter and carbon-infused edge foam | Full-foam floating core with flex channels, EVA perimeter and carbon-infused edge foam |
| Face | T700 carbon fiber (four layers) | T700 carbon fiber (four layers) |
| Handle length | 5.6 in | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.125 in | 4.125 in |
| Price | $99.99 | $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 SHIFT EL or the Volair SHIFT WB?
On our spec-based scale the Volair SHIFT WB scores higher (9.1 vs 8.9). By player type, the Volair SHIFT WB suits beginners, touch players and power hitters better.
Which has more power, the Volair SHIFT EL or the Volair SHIFT WB?
They rate the same for power on our scale (10).
Which is better for beginners, the Volair SHIFT EL or the Volair SHIFT WB?
The Volair SHIFT WB scores higher for beginners (9.3 vs 8.8), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Volair SHIFT EL 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.