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1 / 3Image: Volair

Volair Mach 2 Pickleball Paddle Review

See all Volair paddles

The original, non-thermoformed version of Volair's widebody: 15.88 x 8.12 in with a Toray T700 carbon face over a honeycomb core. Only the 14 mm version is in stock, so we rate that one.

$69.99List price $89.99 · 22% offChecked October 16, 2026. Prices change often; the checkout price is final.
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Edited by DanPublished How we research

Quick Verdict

A carbon widebody with quick handling and a big sweet spot at a budget price.

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Key Specifications

Brand
Volair
Weight
7.8 oz average (16 mm: 8.1 oz)
Shape
Wide-body
Length
15.88 in
Width
8.12 in
Core thickness
14 mm (16 mm version currently sold out)
Grip length
5.5 in
Grip circumference
4.25 in (16 mm: 4.3 in)
Core material
Polypropylene honeycomb
Surface material
Toray T700 carbon fiber
Balance
Swing weight 105; twist weight 6.88 (per Volair, 14 mm)
USA Pickleball status
Approved: the Mach 2 14 mm and 16 mm are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list (checked 2026-10-02).

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Carbon face and widebody shape for $69.99
  • Lowest swing weight (105) of the Volair paddles we review
  • 20+ buyer reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5
  • On the USA Pickleball approved list in 14 mm and 16 mm

Cons

  • Lowest power rating (7.5) of the Volair paddles we review
  • No thermoformed or foam-wall construction
  • The 16 mm version is currently sold out
  • Shorter widebody shape gives up reach

Performance Review

Our 1–10 ratings, built from the maker’s published specs and scored the same way for every brand. How we score

Power7.5
Control8.5
Spin8
Sweet spot9.5

Scores by Player Type

Beginners8.7/10Best fit
Touch players8.6/10
Power hitters8.2/10
Spin players8.2/10

Calculated from our four ratings, weighted for each kind of player. How these are weighted

Power

7.5/10

Why it scores 7.5 for power

On our spec-based scale it rates 7.5 for power: the 14 mm core adds some power, while the shorter widebody shape and lack of thermoformed construction keep it a control paddle. Volair's chart lists both thicknesses as control paddles.

The specs behind the rating

Core thickness
14 mm (16 mm version currently sold out)
Core type
Polypropylene honeycomb
Weight
7.8 oz average (16 mm: 8.1 oz)
Shape
Wide-body
Face
Toray T700 carbon fiber

How our power rating works

Every paddle starts at 7. Points are added or taken away for each feature it has, using the maker’s published specs. Ratings never go above 10 or below 1.

  • Core 13 mm or thinner+1.5
  • Core 14–15 mm+0.75
  • Core 17 mm or thicker−1
  • Weighs 8.3 oz or more+0.75
  • Weighs 7.9–8.2 oz+0.25
  • Weighs under 7.5 oz−0.5
  • Elongated shape+1
  • Hybrid shape+0.5
  • Fiberglass face+0.75
  • Hybrid (mixed) face+0.5
  • Foam core+1.5
  • Heat-sealed or one-piece build+0.75
See the full rating scale

Control

8.5/10

Why it scores 8.5 for control

A 14 mm core, T700 carbon face and widebody shape give it a control rating of 8.5. The 16 mm version would rate higher for control on our scale but is currently sold out.

The specs behind the rating

Core thickness
14 mm (16 mm version currently sold out)
Weight
7.8 oz average (16 mm: 8.1 oz)
Shape
Wide-body
Face
Toray T700 carbon fiber

How our control rating works

Every paddle starts at 7. Points are added or taken away for each feature it has, using the maker’s published specs. Ratings never go above 10 or below 1.

  • Core 17 mm or thicker+1.5
  • Core 16 mm+1
  • Core 14–15 mm+0.25
  • Core 13 mm or thinner−0.5
  • Weighs 7.5–8.2 oz+0.25
  • Standard shape+0.5
  • Hybrid shape+0.25
  • Carbon face+0.75
  • Hybrid (mixed) face+0.25
  • Fiberglass face−0.25
See the full rating scale

Spin

8/10

Why it scores 8 for spin

Its T700 carbon face gives it a spin rating of 8.0, the same as the Mach 2 Forza. Volair rates its spin as high but doesn't describe a surface texture.

The specs behind the rating

Face and texture
Toray T700 carbon fiber
Shape
Wide-body
Length
15.88 in

How our spin rating works

Every paddle starts at 7. Points are added or taken away for each feature it has, using the maker’s published specs. Ratings never go above 10 or below 1.

  • Carbon face+1
  • Hybrid (mixed) face+0.75
  • Fiberglass face+0.25
  • Long-lasting grippy texture (grit coating or peel-ply)+1.5
  • Basic texture+0.75
  • Elongated shape+0.75
  • Hybrid shape+0.5
See the full rating scale

Sweet Spot

9.5/10

Why it scores 9.5 for sweet spot

An 8.12 in face and 14 mm core give it a sweet-spot rating of 9.5.

The specs behind the rating

Width
8.12 in
Core thickness
14 mm (16 mm version currently sold out)
Weight
7.8 oz average (16 mm: 8.1 oz)
Length
15.88 in

How our sweet spot rating works

Every paddle starts at 7. Points are added or taken away for each feature it has, using the maker’s published specs. Ratings never go above 10 or below 1.

  • 8.0 in wide or wider+2
  • 7.75–7.99 in wide+1.25
  • 7.5–7.74 in wide+0.5
  • Core 16 mm or thicker+1
  • Core 14–15 mm+0.5
  • Heat-sealed, one-piece or extra edge weight+0.75
  • Weighs 8.0 oz or more+0.25
See the full rating scale

In-Depth Review

Each section is our analysis of the manufacturer’s published specs unless it says otherwise.

Maneuverability

Manufacturer data

Weight7.8 oz average
BalanceSwing weight 105; twist weight 6.88

Volair publishes a swing weight of 105 for the 14 mm (107 for the 16 mm), the lowest of the Volair paddles we review.

Handle & comfort

Volair lists a 5.5 in handle: long enough for most players who hit two-handed backhands. The grip circumference is 4.25 in, thicker than most paddles, which favors larger hands; it can't easily be made slimmer. At about 7.95 oz, it is in the mid-weight range most paddles fall into. Comfort is personal: grip size, handle length and weight are the published specs that affect it most.

Stability

Manufacturer data

Weight7.8 oz average
Width8.12 in

A published twist weight of 6.88 for the 14 mm (6.93 for the 16 mm), below the thermoformed Mach 2 Forza (7.37).

Build quality

Manufacturer information

The original Mach 2 has a Toray T700 carbon fiber face over a polypropylene honeycomb core in Volair's widebody shape. Unlike the Forza versions, Volair's comparison chart lists no thermoformed or foam-wall construction. Bought from volair.com, it comes with a neoprene paddle cover. Volair's warranty and returns pages describe a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser from volair.com (it excludes normal wear, abuse and modifications), although Volair's FAQ still says 180 days, so confirm the term before you buy. Paddles bought on volair.com can be returned within 15 days of delivery if unused or lightly used; you pay return shipping plus a $20 processing fee per paddle.

Feel

Manufacturer description and buyer feedback

Volair doesn't describe the feel beyond its comparison chart, which lists it as a control paddle. As of October 2026, Volair's site shows an average of 4.6 out of 5 from 20+ buyer reviews. In those reviews, buyers most often mention its control, followed by spin. As of October 2026, only three ratings were below three stars: one buyer returned it because the shape didn't suit their play, and another felt it didn't work with their game. These reports don't add up to a consistent pattern the specifications don't already show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Volair paddle should I choose?

Volair's comparison chart groups its range into the fiberglass Pro 1 and Pro 2 and the carbon Mach 2 (its least expensive paddles), the thermoformed carbon Mach 1 Forza and Mach 2 Forza, and the aramid-faced CTRL 1 and CTRL 2 Forza. Its 14 mm full-foam SHIFT paddles and the CMD HYB are newer. Volair recommends the Mach 2 Forza 16 mm for most players.

What is the difference between Volair's 1 and 2 paddles?

Volair's 1 paddles (Pro 1, Mach 1 Forza, CTRL 1 Forza) use its hybrid shape, 16.35 x 7.5 in, while the 2 paddles (Pro 2, Mach 2, Mach 2 Forza, CTRL 2 Forza) use its patented widebody shape, 15.88 x 8.12 in, which trades reach for a wider face and a higher twist weight.

Is the Volair Mach 2 tournament legal?

Approved: the Mach 2 14 mm and 16 mm are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list (checked 2026-10-02).

Where to Buy

Ready to Play with More Control?

See today’s price and availability for the Volair Mach 2 at Volair. We link to Volair, the brand's own store, so you buy new and the manufacturer's warranty and return policy apply. It is on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.

Buy at Volair

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Sources and How We Researched This Review

  • Specifications and product details: the manufacturer's published information, labelled "Manufacturer data" in the review.
  • Ratings: calculated from those specifications on our published rating scale, the same for every brand, and labelled "Our analysis".
  • Buyer feedback: 20+ buyer ratings on Volair.com, summarized in the Feel section and labelled "buyer feedback".
  • Hands-on testing: we haven't play-tested this paddle. Everything here comes from the sources listed and our analysis of them.
Volair Mach 2Research score 8.4/10 · Volair$69.99at Volair
$69.99at VolairBuy at Volair