DinkStart

Facolos

Facolos Nexx 16mm

The emerging-brand spin monster — 2292 RPM, aerodynamic frame, big power for an attacking game at ~US$195. Genuinely gritty and well-rated, but the firm feel sends real vibration to the wrist.

HK$2,000·US$195.00 list·Updated 15 Jul 2026
Facolos Nexx 16mm
The DinkStart verdictRecommended

Who it's for: Spin-first attackers who can live with a firm, vibration-heavy feel.

Buy if

  • Elite spin — 2292 RPM, 'illegally gritty' in the community's words
  • Aerodynamic Air Tube frame gives speed and pop for an attacking style
  • Strong value at ~US$195 from a well-rated emerging brand (~8.5/10)

Pass if

  • Firm, vibration-y feel — reviewers flag wrist discomfort at the kitchen
  • Emerging brand with thinner long-term data than the majors

Performance profile

5-axis
  • Control
    7/10
  • Power
    9/10
  • Spin
    9/10
  • Comfort
    7/10
  • Durability
    8/10
Value: Fair at HK$2,000 · checked Jul 2026Research review: 2 independent sources.

Specs

Weight
8.18 oz
Shape
Elongated
Core
Elastic PP honeycomb + Air Tube System
Thickness
16 mm
Surface
Raw carbon fiber
Grip size
4 1/4"

Shape of play

The silhouette shows where this paddle departs from the reviewed field.

Performance profile: control 7.0, power 8.5, spin 8.5, comfort 6.5, durability 7.5, each out of 10, compared with the category average.
Category averageThis paddleBelow averageInner ring = 4 · outer = 10

What we like

  • Elite spin — 2292 RPM, 'illegally gritty' in the community's words
  • Aerodynamic Air Tube frame gives speed and pop for an attacking style
  • Strong value at ~US$195 from a well-rated emerging brand (~8.5/10)
  • Local at SmashPoint

Where it falls short

  • Firm, vibration-y feel — reviewers flag wrist discomfort at the kitchen
  • Emerging brand with thinner long-term data than the majors
  • Power-and-spin focus means limited soft-touch feel

Full review

What it is

The Facolos Nexx is the flagship of Facolos, an emerging brand (Canadian-designed, Asia-built) that's been drawing attention for high-spin performance paddles. The Nexx is elongated, 8.18 oz, 16mm, built on an Elastic PP honeycomb core wrapped in Facolos's Air Tube System (carbon air tubes around the body and handle) for an aerodynamic, spin-focused frame. ~US$195.

How it plays

Spin is the standout — the Nexx measures around 2292 RPM, which is why the community bluntly calls it "illegally gritty." Pair that with a fast, aerodynamic frame and you get a paddle built for an attacking, drive-and-crash style: strong power, heavy spin, and speed through the air. It rewards aggressive players who want to dictate with pace and shape.

The catch — read this

The firm, spin-first construction has a cost: vibration. Reviewers and owners note the Nexx transmits real impact vibration, with at least one flagging wrist discomfort during kitchen play. Adding weight helps stabilise and dampen it, but if you're sensitive to harsh feel or have arm issues, this isn't the paddle. It's also an emerging brand, so long-term durability and QC data are thinner than for an established name, which is why we track it at a measured confidence.

HK reality

SmashPoint lists this otherwise hard-to-find brand in Hong Kong; check current stock and price with the seller. The vibration remains a real preference risk, and the SmashPoint discount applies on the local route.

Bottom line

Situational — a legitimately excellent spin-and-power paddle at a keen price, held back for general recommendation by its firm, vibration-y feel and emerging-brand data. If you love gritty spin and a firm hit, it punches above US$195. If you want comfort or a proven name, look at a foam paddle like CRBN or Vatic instead.

What players are saying

Player feedback curated from active pickleball communities, ranked by how many other players agreed. No cherry-picking.

EliteX an old paddle. Try the nexx it's 'illegally' gritty if that's your thing.
2 agreed

Buying it in Hong Kong

Listed by SmashPoint in Hong Kong — check current stock and price with the seller.

Check current price at SmashPoint ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Final verdict

Recommended

The emerging-brand spin monster — 2292 RPM, aerodynamic frame, big power for an attacking game at ~US$195. Genuinely gritty and well-rated, but the firm feel sends real vibration to the wrist.

If this isn't quite right

Try one of these instead.

Cheaper alternative

Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mmCheaper alternative

Vatic Pro

Est. HK$780

Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm

A forgiving first serious paddle with standout value.

Trade-off: Power players may outgrow its ceiling.

Imports to Hong Kong via Amazon

More control

CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage 14mmMore control

CRBN

Est. HK$2,200

CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage 14mm

Premium foam construction for spin-heavy tournament all-court play.

Trade-off: Smaller sweet spot and flagship pricing.

Imports to Hong Kong via CRBN

10% off with code DINKSTART

More power

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mmMore power

JOOLA

Est. HK$1,780

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm

Advanced all-court players who want the pros' tournament paddle and can drive it.

Imports to Hong Kong via Amazon

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Recommended · HK$2,000

Facolos Nexx 16mm

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