ElongatedPower
Elongated16mmPower
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 Weight116.4
96.66avg 113.92124.18
Near average
Twist Weight5.93
2.36avg 6.187.41
Near average
Static Weight8 oz
7.5 ozavg 7.97 oz9.1 oz
Near average
Play StylePower
Specifications
Dimensions
Core Thickness16mm
ShapeElongated
Weight8.0 oz
Swing Weight116.4
Twist Weight5.93
Classification
BrandAPL
Play StylePower
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Who Starion Is For
Buy if
- You want raw power and pop on drives and serves
- You like extra reach and leverage on groundstrokes
- Medium swing weight (116.4) offers a good balance of power and maneuverability
- You prefer the soft, forgiving feel of a 16mm core
Skip if
- You prefer a wider face for easier contact on fast exchanges
- You want maximum pop — thinner cores are snappier
- You're a touch-first player who rarely drives
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Buy at APLGear We Recommend
All Gear20% OffVKTRY Carbon Fiber Insoles
Carbon fiber insoles that boost performance and reduce fatigue on the court.
$149.00
15-Day TrialPicklr
Find courts, book lessons, and connect with players near you.
$30.00/mo
Free ShippingFORWRD Court Ranger V2
Premium pickleball footwear engineered for lateral support and court grip.
$149.00
How Starion Compares
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Weight
8.2 oz
Twist Wt
6.1
Thickness
16mm
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ElongatedPower
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$199.99$179.99
Weight
7.9 oz
Twist Wt
6.22
Thickness
16mm
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Playing Feel
PowerThe APL Starion is a 16mm elongated paddle weighing 8.0 oz with a swing weight of 116.4 and twist weight of 5.93. Expect a firm, powerful feel with pop on drives and serves. The higher swing weight delivers momentum through contact, rewarding full swings.
Swing Weight116.4
96.66avg 113.92124.18
Near average
Twist Weight5.93
2.36avg 6.187.41
Near average
16mm CoreElongated8.0 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the swing weight of the APL Starion?
The APL Starion has a swing weight of 116.4, which is above the catalog average of 113.92.
Who should buy the APL Starion?
The APL Starion is a elongated 16mm paddle best suited for power-oriented players who want pop and drive on their shots.
Is there a discount code for the APL Starion?
Check Pickleball Playbook regularly for the latest deals and discount codes for the APL Starion.
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Starion
APL