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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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enhance-turbo-mpp-hybrid2

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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LT-ball1
LT-ball-Franklin

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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It’s YOUR Fatigue

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I started a pickle session with the Boomstik since someone wanted to demo my Enhance Turbo MPP. The Boomstik was comfortable from the start, not needing a lot of time to readjust.

But in hour two after a rest, I noticed a lot more unforced errors. Balls were going long with my paddle inclined upwards. Shots to the sides were going way out, and I felt the paddle twist in my hand a fe times. Guessing from the fatigue, my body mechanics were no longer in tune with Boomstik’s characteristics.

I switched to the Enhance Turbo and could feel the different weight distribution with the Turbo feeling more head heavy. I was concerned that a heavier paddle would introduce other issues, but gladly, it did not. I managed to keep more balls in play with the heavier head resisting any twisting.

Although I don’t like changing paddles during a single play session, this experience helped me understand the differences in paddles and how my fatigued factored in.

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Boomstik or “Boostick?”

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A regular came out to play wielding a new paddle that looked familiar… but different. His Boomstik looked more like a Boostik.

Boostik
Boostik
The MOI weights were MIA
The MOI weights were MIA
Authentic Selkirk Boomstik
Authentic Selkirk Boomstik
The MOI weights are added on, not painted on.
The MOI weights are added on, not painted on.

Visually from across the net, you couldn’t really spot the differences, but side by side, you’ll notice what doesn’t match up with an authentic Selkirk Boomstik.

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