Elongated16mmPower
Tested by Austin Hardy
PPR Certified Coach · Pro Player · 12+ years coaching
APL
Starion Elongated 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review
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Retail Price
$179.99
Promo Code
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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 131+ paddles in our database.
Swing Weight
Average116.4avg 113.97
96.66124.18
Average swing weight — neither sluggish at the kitchen nor underpowered on drives. The all-court sweet spot.
Twist Weight
Forgiving5.93avg 6.2
2.367.87
Solid sweet spot for most players — handles normal off-center contact predictably.
Static Weight
Average8ozavg 7.96 oz
7.5 oz9.1 oz
Average weight — versatile across the court and easy to control for most players.
Play StylePower
Balance Point
How heavy the paddle feels and where the mass sits.
23.9 cm
Center
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.
23.9 cm(+2.9)
AVERAGE
Specifications
Dimensions
ShapeElongated
Core Thickness16mm
Categories
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
Ready to buy? Use our link to support Playbook Reviews.
Buy at APLGear We Recommend
All Gear10% OffSlyce Slydr Paddle Weights
Adjustable clamp-on paddle weights. Fine-tune your swing weight in seconds.
$29.95
20% 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
Methodology
How we tested the APL Starion
Every paddle on this site goes through the same five-step protocol — lab measurement first, then structured on-court drills with a partner. No shortcuts, no guessing, no relying on the brand's spec sheet.
- Lab-measured specs. Static weight, swing weight, and twist weight measured on calibrated equipment — not pulled from the brand's claim sheet.
- 10-minute break-in. Drives, dinks, drops, and resets to let the face settle in before any verdict is recorded.
- Baseline power & spin. Drives, topspin patterns, and serves with a drilling partner to evaluate raw power and ball pocketing.
- Kitchen touch & control. Dinking, third-shot drops, and resets to evaluate dwell time, plushness, and mishit forgiveness.
- Transition firepower. Mid-court exchanges and hand-speed battles where shape and twist weight separate the great from the average.
How Starion Compares
Paddles in the same category and price range.
Compare APL Starion Head-to-Head
Side-by-side spec breakdowns against the closest alternatives — drill into specs, price, feel, and who each one is for.
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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 Weight
Average116.4avg 113.97
96.66124.18
Near average.
Twist Weight
Average5.93avg 6.2
2.367.87
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
Have questions or thoughts about the APL Starion? Join the conversation.
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 113.97.
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