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Paddle Comparison

Gearbox GBX Power vs Pickleball Apes Zen S+

A side-by-side spec, value, and use-case comparison of two of the most-searched pickleball paddles. Below: the attributes each paddle wins, a full spec table, and a clear recommendation for who should buy which.

Who wins on what

Power

Gearbox GBX Power

Higher Swing Weight (power) (113.44 vs 109.15, +4.29)

Hand Speed

Pickleball Apes Zen S+

Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (113.44 vs 109.15)

Sweet Spot / Forgiveness

Pickleball Apes Zen S+

Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (6.5 vs 7.03, +0.53)

Value

Gearbox GBX Power

Lower effective price ($161.99 vs $169.99, with PLAYBOOK)

Side-by-side specs

Brand

Gearbox
Pickleball Apes

Model

GBX Power
Zen S+

Shape

Hybrid
Hybrid

Thickness

16mm
16mm

Weight

7.8 oz
7.87 oz

Swing Weight

113.44
109.15

Twist Weight

6.5
7.03

Play Style

power
power

Retail Price

$179.99
$188.88

Discount

10% (PLAYBOOK)
10% (PLAYBOOK)

Effective Price

$161.99
$169.99

Gearbox

GBX Power

$161.99 (was $179.99)

Pickleball Apes

Zen S+

$169.99 (was $188.88)

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Which paddle should you buy?

Pick the Gearbox GBX Power if…

  • You want more power — SW 113.44 is 4.29 points higher.
  • You're price-conscious — about $8 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.

Pick the Pickleball Apes Zen S+ if…

  • You want faster hands — lower SW (109.15 vs 113.44) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
  • You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 7.03 is more forgiving on off-center hits.

Compare other paddles in our database