HybridControl
Hybrid16mmControl
Austin's Take
Austin Hardy
APL has quietly positioned itself as a go-to brand for players who want strong specs without the marketing-driven markups. The Starion and Ascend share remarkably similar swing weights — 116.40 and 116.85 respectively — but take completely different approaches to shape and price.
Read full reviewWeight & Balance
How this paddle compares to 105+ paddles in our database.
Swing Weight116.85
96.66avg 113.92124.18
Near average
Twist Weight5.65
2.36avg 6.187.41
Below average
Static Weight8.2 oz
7.5 ozavg 7.97 oz9.1 oz
Near average
Play StyleControl
Specifications
Dimensions
Core Thickness16mm
ShapeHybrid
Weight8.2 oz
Swing Weight116.85
Twist Weight5.65
Classification
BrandAPL
Play StyleControl
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Who Ascend Is For
Buy if
- You prioritize control, resets, and touch at the kitchen
- You want a balanced sweet spot with decent reach
- Medium swing weight (116.85) offers a good balance of power and maneuverability
- You prefer the soft, forgiving feel of a 16mm core
Skip if
- Low twist weight (5.65) means off-center hits lose more pace
- You want maximum pop — thinner cores are snappier
- You want to overpower opponents with pace
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Buy at APLGear We Recommend
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The grip we use on every paddle. Exceptional tack, comfort, and durability.
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How Ascend Compares
Paddles in the same category and price range.
HybridControl
HybridControl
ElongatedControl
Playing Feel
ControlThe APL Ascend is a 16mm hybrid paddle weighing 8.2 oz with a swing weight of 116.85 and twist weight of 5.65. Expect a soft, controlled feel that shines at the kitchen line. Dinks and resets feel plush, with excellent touch on drop shots.
Swing Weight116.85
96.66avg 113.92124.18
Near average
Twist Weight5.65
2.36avg 6.187.41
Below average
16mm CoreHybrid8.2 oz
Written Review
APL Starion & Ascend Review: Two Power Paddles Built for Different Budgets
APL has quietly positioned itself as a go-to brand for players who want strong specs without the marketing-driven markups. The Starion and Ascend share remarkably similar swing weights — 116.40 and 116.85 respectively — but take completely different approaches to shape and price.
Specs at a Glance
- Starion Elongated — SW: 116.40, TW: 5.93, 8.0 oz, 16mm, $179.99
- Ascend Hybrid — SW: 116.85, TW: 5.65, 8.2 oz, 16mm, $129.99
Starion: Elongated Reach and Power
The Starion's elongated shape gives you extra reach for poaching and a longer lever arm on drives. SW 116.40 delivers solid power, and the 16mm core keeps enough touch for kitchen play. At $179.99 it's competitively priced for an elongated power paddle with these specs.
Ascend: Hybrid Value Play
The Ascend is the surprise here — a SW of 116.85 in a hybrid shape at just $129.99 is outstanding value. The 8.2 oz weight contributes to that high swing weight, which means it drives hard. The TW of 5.65 is on the lower side, so off-center shots will be less forgiving than wider-faced paddles.
Who Should Buy?
- Power players who want strong SW numbers without spending $200+
- Players who want elongated reach — go Starion
- Budget-conscious players who want hybrid maneuverability with real power — go Ascend
- Intermediate players stepping up to a serious power paddle for the first time
Verdict
APL delivers two legitimate power paddles at honest prices. The Starion is the more refined option; the Ascend is the better value. Both pack swing weights that compete with paddles costing significantly more.
Discussion
Have questions or thoughts about the APL Ascend? Join the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the swing weight of the APL Ascend?
The APL Ascend has a swing weight of 116.85, which is above the catalog average of 113.92.
Who should buy the APL Ascend?
The APL Ascend is a hybrid 16mm paddle best suited for control-focused players who want touch and precision at the kitchen.
Is there a discount code for the APL Ascend?
Check Pickleball Playbook regularly for the latest deals and discount codes for the APL Ascend.
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Ascend
APL