Pickleball Apes

Pickleball Apes Zen S+ — Hybrid · 16 mm

Name: Pickleball Apes Zen S+
Brand: Pickleball Apes
Price: 188.88 USD
Availability: InStock

Play categoryHigh Power

Serve Power8.4Spin9.0Fast HandsSW 107.0Fan Fave

ImpactTune public noteThis paddle has a unique core design that feels different than other paddles. Do not expect this to feel like other paddles. This paddle is very well liked and many consider this to be in the running for "paddle of the year for 2026", but some state that it takes a little time to break in and get used to the feel. It hits hard when you put effort in and soft shots stay soft. It is fast in hand (very light swingweight) and very stable on off center shots. As there is a full frame and the foam in the handle extends around the entire paddle face, there is a very good connection to the ball that most will like, but those who like a muted feel will not. A great paddle for intermediate players that like to hit hard when they want to, but want a very controllable soft game. There have been some reports of quality control issues regarding the grit that is supposed to be resolved in November 2026.

Compare verified construction, feel, power, pop, spin, swingweight, twistweight, balance, and handling to understand how this paddle may help improve your game.

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Pickleball Apes Zen S+ pickleball paddle

Performance, handling, and feel

What this paddle gives you

How it playsStandardized estimate

Serve power: 8.4/10Power
Ultra high
Drive power: 7.9/10
High
Pop: 6.5/10
Moderate
Spin: 9.0/10
Excellent

Kitchen playFastCompact-stroke response from Pop

Soft
Moderate
Fast
Extreme

Weight in hand: Moderate7.70 oz · BP 23.9 cm
Hand speed: QuickSW 107.0 · BP 23.9 cm
Stability: Above AvgTW 7.00 · Already stable; tuning adds weight
Feel: NeutralSoft ↔ neutral ↔ stiff
Sound: HollowDense ↔ neutral ↔ hollow

The provisional Calmer Kitchen Play badge appears when the lower of Serve and Drive Power exceeds Pop by at least 1.5 points. It identifies separation between full-swing output and compact-stroke response; it is not a laboratory control score. A true passive-block measurement will appear only after ImpactTune completes its own controlled stationary-paddle testing.

Who this paddle may suit

Good fit if

You prefer a descending power profile—more response on serves and drives, with less pop near the kitchen.
Spin is a major part of your game.
You want fast hands during kitchen exchanges.

Specifications

Shape: Hybrid · Aero top
Static wt.: 7.7 oz
SW: 107
TW: 7
BP: 23.9 cm
Length: 16.2 in
Core: MPP core
Face layup: Unknown / Pending Review surface layup
Generation: Gen 4
Width: 7.75 in

Specifications

Shape: Hybrid · Aero top
Length: 16.2 in
Width: 7.75 in
Handle length: 5.5 in
Grip circumference: 4.25 in
Core material: MPP core
Core thickness: 16 mm
Face layup: Unknown / Pending Review surface layup
Surface finish: Grit-Infused Peel Ply

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Pickleball Apes Zen S+ — Hybrid · 16 mm

What this paddle gives you

Who this paddle may suit

✓ Good fit if

Specifications

Good fit if