Quick Take
The Zen S+ surprised me. Pickleball Apes isn't a brand you see everywhere, but after drilling and playing with this hybrid, it's clear they know what they're doing. This paddle earns its spot in your bag.
Hybrid | 16mm | 7.98 oz | $189.99
Performance Snapshot
How the Zen S+ measures against 172+ paddles in our database.
Swing Weight
Head-LightHead-light and fast through the air — great for hand battles and quick reactions, less plow-through on drives.
Twist Weight
EliteExceptional sweet spot — virtually any contact stays stable; ideal for high-speed exchanges and beginner forgiveness.
Static Weight
AverageAverage weight — versatile across the court and easy to control for most players.
Balance Point
How heavy the paddle feels and where the mass sits.
Head-Light
22.0 cm
(typical range)
Head-Heavy
25.5 cm
(typical range)
AVERAGE
Sits in the typical balance band — versatile across the court.
23.5 cm(+2.5)
AVERAGE
Specs at a Glance
- Shape: Hybrid
- Thickness: 16mm
- Weight: 7.98 oz
- Swing Weight: 114.83
- Twist Weight: 6.62
- Price: $189.99 — use code PLAYBOOK for 10% off
On-Court Performance
The Zen S+ sits at SW 114.83 and TW 6.62 — a well-balanced hybrid profile that makes every shot type feel comfortable. It's not the heaviest swinging hybrid, which keeps hand speed high in transition, but it carries enough mass for authoritative drives. The 16mm core produces a soft, connected feel on touch shots and resets that was unexpected given the paddle's slightly firmer exterior feel. Spin generation was solid and consistent throughout testing. The 'S+' refinements over the standard Zen are noticeable — this is a more polished, more complete paddle.
Who Should Buy the Zen S+?
- Hybrid players who want a balanced, surprise-performing paddle
- Players open to exploring smaller brands with genuine quality
- All-court players who value quick hands and comfortable feel
- Intermediate to advanced players looking under $190
Verdict
The Pickleball Apes Zen S+ is a genuine surprise — a well-balanced hybrid that performs above expectations at $189.99. Use code PLAYBOOK for 10% off and discover what this brand is capable of.
