Franklin X-44 vs LT Pro-48: The Lab Result We Did Not Expect | KewCast 123
The new Franklin X-44 and LT Pro-48 started remarkably close, then both lost about 18% of their pop during the first 100 impacts. Nearly all of that change happened in the first 50. We break down what the lab data says about how quickly a new pickleball becomes a broken-in ball. Also in KewCast Episode 123, we cover the latest movement in JOOLA's propulsion-core patent litigation, including Friday's settlement and what remains unresolved. Then we look at several new paddles, including the Volair Mach 1 Forza CMD Hybrid with licensed HexGrit, the Wika QD Fire 2, Wika Next, Wika Verica, and the Ronbus Quanta Pro. The ball comparison used two brand-new balls, 100 impacts per ball, and the same cannon on the same afternoon. Out of the box, the X-44 and LT Pro-48 measured only about 2% apart in COR, and both were roughly 20% more powerful than the Franklin X-40 in this test. The key finding was not which ball won. It was how quickly both changed. Chapters/Timestamps:
0:00 Franklin X-44 vs LT Pro-48 preview
1:20 Latest News/ Gear Gossip: JOOLA Patent Updates
8:24 Paddles of the Week: Wika QD Fire 2 17:55 Wika Next X
24:04 Ronbus Quanta Pro
28:30 Volair CMD HYB with HexGrit
36:57 Gear of the Week: Franklin X-44 balls
42:56 Lab Comparison: LT Pro 48 versus Franklin X-44
49:21 Kew & A: Should durability tiers account for absolute spin, not just spin retention?
50:50 What are your impressions of the RPM Jade?
51:43 When do we get updated results for bad batch paddles like the PAKLE Fuse?
52:57 Does greater power create a larger sweet spot, or merely hide performance loss outside it?
55:44 Is Firepower accurate across the database? Why is the Luzz Cannon classified as All-Court?
57:20 Should more brands license HexGrit instead of developing less durable alternatives? Products mentioned on podcast:
🔹Volair CMD-HYB - save 10% with code JOHNKEW (pre-order): https://volair.com/collections/cmd-collection/products/volair-cmd-hyb-pickleball-paddle-16mm-dylan-frazier?rfsn=7599845.416c48&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7599845.416c48
🔹Ronbus Quanta Pro - save $20 with code JOHNKEW: https://ronbus.com/collections/quanta-series Use code JOHNKEW where available to support the channel and receive the listed discount. Affiliate links may generate a commission at no additional cost to you. Brands do not pay for reviews or control our conclusions. Subscribe for independent paddle testing, accelerated spin-durability results, KewCOR measurements, high-speed camera analysis, and weekly pickleball gear discussion.
