CPX Max Series Review
Quick Verdict
The CPX Max Series is the big brother to the Pro Series, and it shows. It trades some of the easy-going nature of the Pro for raw aggression. This is a thermoformed, raw carbon fiber weapon designed to end points efficiently. It feels remarkably similar to the legacy CRBN or Joola Perseus paddles but costs $100 less. If you have the hands to handle the pop, this is a verified "flagship killer."
Specs That Matter
This is where the "Max" earns its name-premium materials everywhere.
| SurfaceT700 Raw Carbon Fiber | Industry-standard T700 Raw Carbon. This is the good stuff that generates 2000+ RPM spin. |
| ConstructionThermoformed Edge Sealing | Thermoformed edges mean the foam is injected around the perimeter. This increases stability but adds "pop." |
| ShapeElongated (Reach & Power) | Elongated shape gives you extra reach and leverage on serves and overheads. |
On-Court Performance
Power & Pop
The ball rockets off this face. Unlike the Pro Series which absorbs energy, the Max Series returns it. Serves feel heavier, and drives stay low and fast. If you struggle to put away overheads, this paddle will fix that problem immediately.
Spin Potential
The raw carbon surface is gritty and grabs the ball incredibly well. You can shape your shots with ease, dipping topspin drives at your opponent's feet or carving sharp slices. It competes with the best spin paddles on the market.
The Trade-off: Control
With great power comes... a harder time resetting. The "pop" that helps you crush drives can hurt you when you're trying to soft-block a hard drive into the kitchen. You need "soft hands" to tame this paddle. It is not an auto-pilot control paddle; it demands player input.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Elite Power Output (Hits harder than the Pro Series)
- Premium T700 Raw Carbon Surface (Great Spin)
- Thermoformed edges for stability (expanded sweet spot)
- High-end aesthetics and build quality
Cons
- Stiffer feel might not suit pure 'control' players
- Pop can be uncontrollable at the kitchen line for beginners
- Heavier swing weight than the Pro Series
CPX Max vs. The Titans
Vs. Joola Ben Johns Perseus: The Perseus is slightly more plush/soft, but the CPX Max matches it on power and spin for significantly less money.
Vs. CRBN 1X: Very similar play feel. The CRBN might have a slightly larger sweet spot, but the difference is marginal for most amateur players.
Who Should Buy This?
The competitive 4.0+ player. You know how to reset the ball, you have developed strokes, and now you want a paddle that amplifies your offense.
Who Should Avoid This?
Beginners who are still learning to control the ball. The pop off this face will send your dinks high and your resets long until you learn to control it.
Why 4.4/5?
It is an absolute beast of a paddle. It loses a fraction of a point because the stiffness adds a learning curve that user-friendly paddles don't have. But for pure performance-per-dollar, it is a 5/5.
Final Verdict
The CPX Max Series is a serious piece of equipment for serious players. It delivers the tiered power and spin of $250 paddles at a much more accessible price point. If you are ready to upgrade from a starter paddle to a "weapon," this is it.