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Regripped My Gherkin Draco

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And now it feels so much better! I applied an overgrip right after getting the Gherkin Draco and always didn’t enjoy the feel of the handle. I thought it was the handle size or shape that just didn’t agree with me. So while it’s a solid paddle, I just wasn’t a fan of the feel and so wouldn’t play it too often.

Then I regripped it using the Gamma Supreme overgrip, and it feels like a totally different paddle. The previous overgrip was either thicker or I wound it with too much overlap, creating a thicker grip. The feel of the grip was dry but not soft or tacky.

Will add the Draco to the rotation, but yeah, I’m liking it much better with a smaller, tackier grip.

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My First Luzz Lab Paddle

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I mentioned the new Luzz Lab experimental concept previously but missed out on the big saving, crowd source tiers. Still though at $99, I decided to see how this Lab experience went and ordered a Tornazo 2 on March 19, 2026.

All paddles have to clear the crowd source minimums before going to production, and this paddle did that. On April 7, I got an email update saying that the paddle would not ship until June. I agreed with this timeline and was rewarded with small Luzz accessories as compensation.

The paddle arrived on June 15, 2026, and the Tornazo 2 product page describes the paddle as:

Built for players who want precision and feel in an elongated shape, the Luzz Tornazo 2 delivers a dense, grounded response that puts the ball exactly where you intend it. Longer dwell time, linear output, and just the right amount of stiffness make it the perfect weapon for surgical resets, buttery drops, wicked spin, and consistent drives.

So more of a control or all court paddle, not a power paddle. Honestly, I was frustrated playing with this paddle for only two games, changing back to my Enhance Turbo MPP. I definitely need more playing time to get a better feel, but to me, it does seem a little harder to rotate and turn the Tornazo. The denseness of the paddle does feel different, but that doesn’t seem to be a differentiator for me.

More to come!

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Enhance Turbo MPP Hybrid Paddle Pic

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Sorry to disappoint, but this post is just a picture of the new hybrid shape of the Enhance Turbo MPP. No review, no comparisons, just a pic of the paddle that arrived for a family member.

Hopefully, I can test it out later and compare this shape with the Enhance Turbo MPP elongated and widebody (not in hand yet).

The Enhance pickleball paddle line up now covers all bases in the MPP foam category. For $99 (with code KailuaPB), it’s hard to beat the value and performance.

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Limited Play with the Luzz Cannon

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I got to play one game with a Luzz Cannon compared to just hitting around with it previously. Yep, it’s definitely head heavy compared to the Enhance Turbo MPP or BnB Loco, and the plow through feeling is definitely there. The smaller handle does make the paddle seem more maneuverable, but I was late with the paddle face on several shots. The heavy head took a more noticeable effort to turn compared to the Turbo.

I can’t say I felt more connected with my shots with this Gen 3 paddle. It’s not a bad paddle for the low cost of $109, but I think I’ll stick with my Turbo MPP. I prefer the weight balance of the Turbo, and it is a tad cheaper (before shipping).

Get the Enhance Turbo for $99.

Although I do admit that I am a fan of the Luzz Lab concept, prototyping and crowdfunding experimental paddles. I managed to purchase the upcoming Tornazo 2 which is a different feel from what I’m used to but am curious about its control focused play style.

Enhance Turbo MPP Hybrid Launching May 16

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On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Enhance Pickleball is launching the hybrid shape of its popular Turbo MPP paddle. This particular hybrid does not have the long handle of the current EPP version.

Here are the details and specs.

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So if you are looking for the Turbo MPP performance in a traditional hybrid shape, be ready on May 16 at 7pm EST (or 1pm HST).

Be sure to use the discount code, KailuaPB, in order to save $20 on your order!

https://www.enhancepickleball.com/KailuaPB

Yuki Don’t Pickle

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Well that didn’t take long, but I’ve learned that Yuki don’t pickle. More specifically, the Yuki Kawamura signature Asics shoes, the Swiftace, don’t hold up well on outdoor pickleball courts.

I love these basketball shoes for pickleball, favoring them over the Asics Resolution X. The Swiftace is more comfortable, grippy, and move well, but they are costly. The Resolution X is much more durable, showing less wear even with many more hours of play. At this rate, while I love the Swiftace, its high cost and low durability aren’t something I want to deal with every few months.

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I doubt I’ve even played ten times in the Swiftace and some spots of the sole is already wearing through.

It’s YOUR Balls

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Don’t blame your confidence, the weather, fatigue, hydration, your vision, or even yourself. Your improvement in pickleball is being curtailed by your balls. Yes, your pickle balls. Now that the Life Time balls have been officially adopted by the PPA, it’s time you started training with the LT Pro 48 balls.

I’ve been using the ubiquitous Franklin X-40 balls and don’t mind them at all. But the LT balls do play different. I’d describe the LT ball as more active. They bounce higher and therefore, move faster. But they are supposed to be more consistent over the lifespan of the ball and also last longer. I do admit that some of my older Franklin X-40 balls don’t bounce much and sometimes, skid across the court instead of naturally bouncing.

But now, I’m seeing reports that the harder LT ball is actually damaging paddles. Will have to watch if this happens. But yeah, if you want to up your pickleball performance, maybe it’s time to change balls.

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It’s YOUR Vision

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Of course! It’s so obvious that success on the pickleball court has to be related to your vision. I mean you can’t hit what you can’t see so any advantage to see the ball better is a must do.

Hence these Oakley Flax 2.0 (low bridge version) with the dark golf lenses. Supposedly the prizm jade lenses are recommended for pickleball and tennis, but I thought they were too dark. Despite the name, the dark golf lens isn’t just for golf and isn’t that dark.

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Although I haven’t yet played with these prescription glasses, I do notice that green colors stand out more through these lenses. Hopefully, this translates to seeing a pickleball better.

See how the street sign stands out more from the background.
See how the street sign stands out more from the background.

It’s YOUR Hydration

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Okay, so proficiency in pickleball is not due to:

The main factor must be your hydration! Yes, replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes must be the secret sauce. I brought some Grillo’s Pickles Liquid IV to a hot and sunny play session, and it must have upped my game. I want to say that I hit my first backhand flick at the kitchen line instinctively since I don’t even remember the actual shot. In a later match, I hit a semblance of a two-handed backhand counter. All possible due to pickled hydration!

Seriously though, having more fluids besides water did seem to help reduce fatigue. Yes, the drink does smell like the briny pickle juice, just a water-based version. The taste is okay, nothing mouthwatering but not sweet at all. It may be gimmicky, but I believe it works to keep you hydrated while you pickle.

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Spam x Olukai Slippers Available NOW

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The Spam Jam in Waikiki is later today, and Olukai is launching their collaboration slippers with Spam at the event. But, the three color ways are now online only via their mobile app.

The Nori/Dark Coral is men’s and women’s sizing. Ocean blue (dark blue) is men’s only. Bold blue (bright blue) is women’s sizing only. $80 each for the Ohana model.

These collabs are also available in store and assuming any leftovers online at a later time.

As with other collaborations, I’m guessing that once these are sold out, they are gone for good. I need a restock of these Zippys bangers!

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How to Hydrate While You Pickle?

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It’s starting to get hot, real hot while playing pickleball during the daylight hours. Morning or afternoon, there’s heat, humidity, and the sun rays to contend with, all while trying to hit a 3-in colorful ball drilled with holes.

So I’m going to try this – Grillo’s Pickles Hydration Multiplier from LiquidIV. I have no clue or idea how this is but was lucky enough to buy some of this limited edition flavor. Will the “savory fusion of vinegar, cucumber, dill, and a touch of sweetness” make me pucker on the court? Can’t wait to see if this pickle drink will keep me hydrated as I pickle.

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