Wolfe Eliminator (Gen 2) Review
Quick Verdict
The Wolfe Eliminator is a unicorn in the pickleball world because of one number: 20mm. Most "control" paddles max out at 16mm. This extra thickness creates a pillowy, vibration-free feel that is unmatched for resetting the ball. If you suffer from tennis elbow or simply love to dink, this is a must-try. However, the thick beam does make it feel a bit clunky compared to modern edgeless aero paddles.
Specs That Matter
It's all about the core.
| Core Thickness20mm Polymer Honeycomb | This is massive. 20mm means the ball sinks deep into the paddle, giving you milliseconds more dwell time to direct your shot. |
| SurfaceFiberglass Composite | Fiberglass provides the necessary "exit velocity" to counter the soft core. Without it, the paddle would feel dead. |
| Weight7.8 - 8.2 oz | Standard weight, but the distribution feels slightly different due to the thick edge guard. |
On-Court Performance
Control & Touch
Plush. That is the only word for it. Blocking hard drives feels effortless because the core absorbs so much energy. You don't have to have "soft hands" because the paddle provides them for you. It is exceptionally forgiving on dinks.
Power
Surprisingly adequate. Usually, thick cores kill power, but the fiberglass face acts as a trampoline. It's not a cannon, but you can put the ball away from the baseline with a full swing.
Maneuverability
This is where it struggles slightly. A 20mm paddle pushes more air than a 14mm one. It's not "heavy," but it can feel a bit sluggish in rapid-fire hand battles at the kitchen line compared to thinner, aerodynamic frames.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Massive 20mm core offers incredible shock absorption
- Zero vibration-tennis elbow friendly
- Fiberglass face provides surprising pop despite the thick core
- Comes with a padded cover (rare at this price)
Cons
- Thick edge guard can lead to mishits if you aren't used to it
- Heavier swing weight due to thickness
- Paint/graphic durability is average
Wolfe Eliminator vs. The Competition
Vs. The Diadem Warrior (19mm): The Warrior is the closest competitor. The Wolfe feels slightly softer and less stiff than the Warrior, but the Warrior offers more spin.
Vs. Standard 16mm Paddles (Joola/CRBN): The Wolfe dampens vibration significantly better than any 16mm paddle. If comfort is your #1 priority, Wolfe wins. If hand speed is #1, go with the 16mm.
Who Should Buy This?
Players with tennis elbow, seniors who want a soft feel, or bangers who need a paddle to tame their power and keep the ball in the court.
Who Should Avoid This?
Technical spin players or fast-hands specialists who need the most aerodynamic paddle possible.
Why 4.3/5?
It is a specialized tool. It does one thing (vibration dampening/control) better than almost anything else, but lacks the versatility and spin potential of top-tier 4.8 rated paddles.
Final Verdict
The Wolfe Eliminator Gen 2 is a comfort king. It proves that you don't need carbon fiber to have a high-performance paddle. If you want to feel zero vibration when you hit the ball, this is your paddle.