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Gone are the days when scoring a quality paddle requires taking out a bank loan. The market is healing. The scales are tipping back to neutral. More and more brands are putting out high-tech options for $100 or less. And we are here for it.

To help you find your perfect match, we pulled together some solid budget options from top brands that we’d be happy to play with any day. You’re welcome.

In This Issue:
— One pro point in stunning slow-mo
— The truth about consistency
— New pro docuseries promises drama

Away we go.

This slow-mo footage of an insane point between two top mixed teams proves one thing outright: a ball traveling at 60 mph across a 20-by-44-foot court doesn't give you much time to react. Unless you’re Gabe Tardio. See it to believe it.

Here’s a good question from Reddit: When hitting a drop shot, should you aim where you want it to clear the net, or where you want it to land? The answers are varied… and might surprise you.

Paddle branding has come a long way in the last few years — fewer neons, more restraint. But for those among us who prefer a more minimalist look, try this list of killer all-black paddles.

April is National Pickleball Month. Why? Because USA Pickleball says so, that’s why. If you’re wondering how to celebrate beyond just playing more pickle, they’re hosting a bunch of fun events around the country. See the schedule.

When coaches or partners say "be consistent," most players nod and move on.

But consistency in pickleball isn't about playing timid or never attacking. It's about choosing shots you can repeat even when you're tired, nervous, or under pressure in a tournament.

Consistency is probably the most overused word in pickleball, and it's also the most misunderstood fundamental of the sport. Most players think it means playing it safe. But that's backwards.

Consistency is what creates opportunities.

The real definition goes something like this: attacking the right balls, getting to the ball on time, and hitting shots that feel natural instead of forcing creativity on shots you never practice.

To improve in this critical category, try applying a few rules to your game:

If you want to level up and start playing better, more consistent pickleball:

🚫 Stop asking, “Can I hit this shot?”
✅ Start asking, “Can I hit this shot every time?"

That shift in mindset is everything.

➡️ Watch and learn.

“More power.”
“More control.”
“Bigger sweet spot.”

At this point, it’s the same script.

Then you hit with something like RPM’s Q2 series—and it feels different immediately.

Full-foam construction = a more consistent, predictable response across the face.
No weird hot spots. No guessing on contact.

Just a paddle you can actually trust, whether you’re speeding up or resetting.

Built for what they call “controlled aggression”—and for once, it actually shows up in play.

And the first wave is shipping soon. So if you’ve been eyeing it, this is your window to get in early.

Check out RPM’s Q2 Series lineup and use code THEDINK for 15% off.

A juicy new series is about to become must-watch TV for anyone who's ever been curious about what really goes down on the PPA Tour.

The new unscripted six-part reality docuseries, called Partners, premieres May 5 on Prime Video, following a cast of top players including Anna Leigh Waters, Anna Bright, Parris Todd, Ben Johns, Hunter Johnson, Christian Alson, and many more.

The trailer dropped on YouTube yesterday, and describes it like this:

“From intense match-day battles to off-court drama, severed relationships, high stakes business decisions and rising tensions, this is life on the Carvana PPA Tour—where the prize money is real, the stakes are rising, and the relationships are anything but simple.”

Whoa.

PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe is involved, as expected, as is MLP Commissioner Samin Odhwani.

Other surprise inclusions: Duc Duong, father of Quang Duong (who’s currently banned from the PPA Tour), and Parris Todd's neon green Lamborghini Urus.

We’re all in, obviously. What can we say? We’re suckers for pro drama. And this series seems to be dialing that up to 11.

The world’s best players don’t just compete against each other.
They train together. Travel together. Date each other.
And when they step on the court, it’s all on the line.

➡️ Watch the trailer.

The Hanoi recap turned into something bigger.

Zane and Nico dive into the most talked-about moment of last weekend — that line call — and why it sparked way more than just one bad call.

From there, it gets interesting.

Is the U.S. already losing its edge in singles? Is Nam actually top 5? And how close are we to pickleball becoming a legit global circuit?

Plus: rankings shakeups, matchup breakdowns, and a few takes that feel… debatable (in a good way).

If you’ve been trying to make sense of what just happened in Hanoi, this is the one.

➡️ Watch the episode here.

We're not throwing any shade at higher-priced paddles; some of them are legitimately worth it. But more and more, the financial barrier to entry to a high-quality pickleball paddle is coming down. And that’s a good thing.

It wasn't long ago when anything under $100 was considered a cheap imitation to the real thing – not something any serious player would ever consider bringing into battle.

But now?

Believe it or not, there are a bunch of really great paddles on the market for around $100 or less. From highly reputable brands, no less. You just need to know where to look.

Here's a very good place to start:

We’ve rounded them all up in one place and included a few discount codes to help you save even more at checkout.

➡️ Get yours now.

A review from the Dink Fam...

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