Here go the Bros with our Marlin Apex Paddle Review. The latest and greatest paddle from those purveyors of fine paddles, Melbourne’s own Pikpok Pickle. The Marlin Apex is the most responsive and powerful PikPok paddle yet. This next gen paddle does it all. Designed for players that want next-level accuracy, power and control and are willing to invest in a next gen paddle.
In this paddle review, the Bros spent some time with the Marlin Apex on courts across Melbourne. And we fell in LOVE with this paddle, and and we are super excited to tell you guys all about it. Let’s jump in and with our verdict, before we go deep on the paddle details.
Marlin Apex: The Verdict: BRO RATING (4.8 Out of 5)
The Marlin Apex is the best Pikpok paddle yet, with superior control, responsiveness and power. This paddle is next level and is literally, the apex of Aussie paddles.
It’s a must play paddle for serious pickleballers who want a super responsive paddle that is seriously cool and high in playability.
And beginners that want an awesome paddle to grow into can’t go wrong with the Marlin Apex.
PROS
- The responsiveness of the paddle is fantastic
- We love the classic paddle shape
- Control, Power, Feel – it has it all
- USAPA Approved
CONS
- The cost of next gen paddles is not cheap
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Any player that wants to try a Pikpok Pickle paddle including the Marlin Apex, can use the special code AUSPICKLEBRO10 to get 10% off the Marlin Apex, or any Pikpok Pickle paddle.
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Marlin Apex – Full Review
The Bros enjoy trying out new paddles and we have played with all of the Pikpok paddles. And it is unbelievable to us that this Melbourne paddle maker just keep making amazing paddles. We reviewed the Viper Shadow and Josh, our resident tennis guy loved it, we reviewed the Panther Fury, and it was a classic shaped paddle. Both had their unique benefits.
But the Marlin Apex has gone next level. It has taken what we loved about those paddles, merged it, and turned up the volume to 11. And the result is the ultimate Pikpok paddle.
When playing with the Marlin Apex, we always cycle back and compare the paddle to our older favourites, like the Panther Fury and Viper Shadow. And that was when we felt the difference in this next gen paddle, the responsiveness was unbelievable. We were just placing the ball where it needed to go. It felt so good playing with the paddle. All of the paddles are unique, but we really loved the feel of the Marlin Apex.
At $329, this is great value for an Aussie next gen paddle. This paddle is designed for serious competitors. Unfortunately, it may price out the casual player who wants a cheap paddle. Luckily, Pikpok have other paddles for those looking for a supreme paddle at a lower price.
Let’s take a closer look at the Marlin Apex
Marlin Apex: Paddle Specs
The Marlin Apex is very similar to the Panther Fury in basic shape and size. They both share the “classic paddle” shape but the Marlin Apex is slightly lighter, which we appreciate.
The paddle face has an interesting texture, which you can see in the images. Designed for “extreme spin” using Electroplated Polyester Weave and Carbon Fibre Hybrid. All the latest tech to ensure some severe paddle firepower on the court.
And the Marlin Apex comes with the standard, super comfy Pikpok grip. The handle is 5 centimetres longer then the Panther Fury, but not as long as the Viper Shadow (15.2cm). We love a longer handle and the Marlin Apex feels great with lots of room to hold this baby.
And the paddle brings it all together into what the Bros believe is the most subtle, but unique Pikpok paddle yet.
Let’s take a look at the specs.
- Paddle Core Material: Octane-H6 Polymer Honeycomb
- Face Material: Electroplated Polyester Weave & Carbon Fibre Hybrid
- Paddle Size: 41.9 cm/16.5 inches (L) x 18.8 cm/7.4 inches (W)
- Grip Length: 14.5 cm/ 5.7 inches
- Paddle Face: T700 Raw Carbon
- Core Thickness: 16mm
- Paddle Weight: 8.1oz (230g)
- Price: $329 AUD
Paddle Design: Look & Feel
The Bros are HUGE fans of the PikPok paddle design, their paddles always POP and we love the colour schemes. The Marlin Apex has changed stream with a more subtle color scheme. And it works with the thematics of the paddle and the name. The greys almost give this precision paddle the vibe of a military instrument ready for Pickleball battle. It is really cool, and of course, Pikpok have released another colour since the initial release (Hot Pink is pretty awesome too).
Only Pikpok dream up these high concept paddles with animal themes. The Marlin Apex, being an Apex predator has the Pikpok crew going next level. The Bros love the shimmering, scale effect of the paddle face, it looks amazing when playing and the light hits the paddle. And the minor splashes of color break up the subtle tones.
And we love (what we presume is) the Marlin bill, innocently displayed on the paddle face. But the bill is used to kill out in the oceans, and maybe even on the pickleball court with this paddle. And we don’t condone violence, but we do enjoy a paddle that threatens metaphorical violence on the pickleball court.
Such a cool design, we don’t think there is a paddle that looks like it on the market. It is yet another beautifully designed paddle by Pikpok Pickle. And The Bros always appreciate the “Designed in Melbourne” displayed on every one of their paddles.
Ok, so the paddle is obviously super cool to look at, but how does it play on the court? Let’s take a look.
Paddle Impressions: On the Court
The Marlin Apex plays like a dream. Seriously.
It’s always a nervous moment trying out a new paddle by a top shelf paddle maker, and you wonder if they can improve on their last paddle.
Only by playing with our other faves (Panther Fury and Viper Shadow) and going back to the Marlin Apex can we really say, holy Moly, this new paddle is awesome. And for Gonz especially, the Marlin Apex is the best paddle yet from Pikpok Pickle.
the Bros aren’t the most technical paddle guys, we understand the Marlin Apex is using the latest in paddle tech. But you can seriously feel the difference in your shots. The paddle shape is great and the power and precision are spot on. The Marlin Apex just makes hitting those great shots easier to do.
Spin shots, power drives, any shot you like, they all came off so beautifully. The control is amazing, and it felt like more shots were going in. Is this an advantage for players? maybe it is. We are sure there is a design or scientific reason for that, but the paddle just played like a dream.
And like in a dream, it’s hard to explain exactly why or how, it just happens. It’s hard to explain but it just feels amazing playing with this paddle.
The Panther and Viper are both stone-cold classic paddles we enjoy using, but we REALLY enjoyed the Marlin Apex. It’s a next level paddle, BUT we do have to mention that next-level capability does come with a decent investment.
Overall, the Marlin Apex is the best PikPok paddle yet. All serious pickleballers need to get their hands on one and just try it out, and see what the next level of paddle feels like. It’s an unbelievable paddle and you better believe the Bros will play with this paddle for a loooooong time.
Marlin Apex: is this Paddle for You?
The Marlin Apex is a next gen carbon paddle. The precision and power of this paddle is pretty amazing and will be noticed by more experienced players. Or by players that have tried many paddles in their time.
Matt, our most inexperienced Bros enjoyed the Marlin Apex, but he had to get used to it because he isn’t as adaptable when it comes to trying out new paddles. As usual, Gonz loves the classic shape and really loved the way this paddle feels and plays. And Josh our tennis Bro enjoyed it too, but he’s addicted to the shape and feel of the Viper Shadow and won’t give that paddle up anytime soon.
Ultimately, we had so much fun with the Marlin Apex and continue to use it today. The Marlin Apex is the best and the Bros really loved playing with it.
The Bros recommend the Marlin Apex for players that want an ultra top-shelf premium paddle. And they have the ability to pay any price for the best paddle in town. Seriously, check this one out. PikPok Pickle keep creating these amazing paddles, and the scary thing is their paddles keep getting better!
How is that possible? We mere mortals don’t know, but you should support your local paddle makers and Rock the latest from PikPok.
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Final Wrap: Marlin Apex
The Bros have runout of nice things to say about the Marlin Apex. The paddle rules! Pikpok are storming the world with their paddles, and when you play with one, you will understand why. The latest and greatest in pickleball tech has been crammed into this paddle. A paddle you must have, and it’s a paddle the Bros cherish, it is so cool. And seriously, it is a dream to play.
Check out the Marlin Apex and tell them the Bros sent you!
We hope you enjoyed our Marlin Apex paddle review. Did we miss anything? Does anyone out there have the hot Pink version (jealous!) Who else loves these PikPok paddles? Let us know! We can be friends!
Pickle on!
The Aussie Pickleball Bros.