CPX ULTRA Review
Quick Verdict
The CPX ULTRA is a "heavy hitter" in every sense of the word. Positioning itself as a premium power paddle ($199.97), it delivers a level of stability and ball-crushing force that few paddles can match. However, that power comes from a slightly heavier swing weight (8.2-8.5oz), meaning it demands a strong arm and clean technique. It's an elite weapon for those who can handle it, but a "lazy" kitchen game will be punished by its lack of natural maneuverability.
Specs That Matter
| SurfaceAdvanced Composite w/ Carbon | The face is incredibly stiff, leading to explosive "pop" off the baseline. It feels more resilient than standard T700 carbon faces. |
| Weight8.3oz (Average) | This is not a "speed" paddle. The weight is balanced toward the head to facilitate massive power transfer on drives. |
| CoreHigh-Impact Polymer | Engineered for vibration dampening, ensuring that even at high speeds, your hand isn't buzzing after a smash. |
On-Court Performance
Drives & Serves (10/10)
This is where the CPX ULTRA shines. If you like to dominate from the baseline, this paddle is your best friend. Serves come off the face with significant speed, and the head-heavy balance makes third-shot drives feel effortless. It creates "heavy" balls that are difficult for opponents to reset.
The Kitchen Line (7.5/10)
The trade-off for all that power is a slower "reset" time. If you're caught in a fast-paced "firefight" at the net, you might find the ULTRA a millisecond slower to get into position compared to a lightweight control paddle. It requires soft hands and intentional technique to drop the ball effectively.
Stability & Sweet Spot
Surprisingly for a power paddle, the sweet spot is quite large. The reinforced composite face prevents the "dead" feeling you often get on off-center hits with cheaper power paddles. This stability is a key reason for its high 4.5 rating.
The Trade-Offs
Pros
- Class-leading power and stability
- Exceptional vibration dampening
- USAPA Approved for tournament play
- Premium build quality that lasts
Cons
- Heavier swing weight leads to faster arm fatigue
- "Numb" feel for players who prefer max touch
- Premium price point ($199)
Who Is This For?
Avoid the CPX ULTRA if you are a "soft" player who wins on dinks and lobs alone. You will find the paddle too "stiff" for your liking. However, if you are a "banger" or a singles player who needs to end points quickly with deep drives and overheads, the ULTRA is arguably the best tool in the CPX lineup.
Final Verdict
The CPX ULTRA is a specialized tool for a specialized player. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It identifies as a power paddle and executes that mission with 4.5-rated excellence. It's expensive, it's heavy, and it's fast. If you're ready to graduate to a "big boy" paddle, this is it.