Gearbox
Gearbox GX2 Power Elongated 16mm
Gearbox's solid-core power flagship — huge pop with more dwell and touch than a power paddle has any right to, and near-indestructible build. For competitive players who've cracked thermoformed paddles and want something structurally different.
The DinkStart verdictTop PickWho it's for: Hard hitters who keep cracking thermoformed paddles and want something structurally tougher.
Buy if
- Elite durability — the suspended solid CarbonRibCore is famously hard to kill
- Big power with unusual dwell time for control and spin
- Long 5.5" handle and reach suit an aggressive two-handed backhand
Pass if
- Needs a break-in period — feels underwhelming out of the wrapper
- Solid-core feel is polarizing; not for players chasing soft kitchen touch
Performance profile
5-axis- Control8/10
- Power9/10
- Spin8/10
- Comfort8/10
- Durability9/10
Specs
- Weight
- 8.0 oz
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core
- SST 2.0 CarbonRibCore (solid)
- Thickness
- 16 mm
- Surface
- 3K woven raw carbon (T700)
- Grip size
- 4"
Shape of play
The silhouette shows where this paddle departs from the reviewed field.
What we like
- Elite durability — the suspended solid CarbonRibCore is famously hard to kill
- Big power with unusual dwell time for control and spin
- Long 5.5" handle and reach suit an aggressive two-handed backhand
- Listed by SmashPoint in Hong Kong — check current stock and price with the seller
Where it falls short
- Needs a break-in period — feels underwhelming out of the wrapper
- Solid-core feel is polarizing; not for players chasing soft kitchen touch
- ~US$280 and demanding — a 3.5+ paddle, not a first buy
Full review
What it is
The Gearbox GX2 Power Elongated is Gearbox's 2026 solid-core power paddle — built on the patented SST 2.0 CarbonRibCore, a fully suspended solid carbon core separated from the frame so it stores and releases energy on contact. 3K woven raw carbon T700 face, 16mm, 16.5" length, 5.5" handle, 8.0 oz, ~US$280. It's a genuinely different construction from the thermoformed honeycomb paddles that dominate the market.
How it plays
The GX2 Power's trick is combining big pop with real dwell. The suspended core makes heavy topspin drives and punch volleys explode off the face, but the extended ball contact also gives you more touch, spin and placement than power paddles usually allow, which is why reviewers describe it as a "smarter, softer" power paddle. The elongated shape adds reach and leverage for an aggressive baseline game. Two things to know: it rewards a developed, brushy swing, and it needs a break-in period, owners are consistent that it feels underwhelming new and wakes up after some play.
Build and durability
This is the headline. Gearbox's solid construction is the most durable in the category, the community line is blunt: "super similar core to basically all their pro paddles so durability is 100%." Where thermoformed paddles core-crush and go dead, Gearbox solid cores keep going. If you're a heavy hitter who's killed a honeycomb paddle or two, this is the structural answer.
HK reality
Listed by SmashPoint in Hong Kong; check current stock and price with the seller. The solid-core feel is genuinely unlike honeycomb, some players love it and some bounce off, and the SmashPoint discount applies on the local route.
Bottom line
Recommended for the 3.5+ power player who wants pop, spin and near-indestructible build in one paddle, and doesn't mind a break-in or a firmer feel. Skip it if you want soft kitchen touch or you're a beginner. If the elongated reach is too much, the GX2 Power Hybrid is the more forgiving shape; for softer foam power, look at a CRBN or Vatic foam paddle.
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
Top PickGearbox's solid-core power flagship — huge pop with more dwell and touch than a power paddle has any right to, and near-indestructible build. For competitive players who've cracked thermoformed paddles and want something structurally different.
If this isn't quite right
Try one of these instead.
Cheaper alternative
Cheaper alternativeGearbox
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Power players who want Gen-3 honeycomb consistency at a mid-tier price.
Available from SmashPoint
5% off with code DINKSTART
More control
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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
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Advanced all-court players who want the pros' tournament paddle and can drive it.
Imports to Hong Kong via Amazon
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