The pickleball community is buzzing, and the new Spartus Apollo is at the center of it all. This paddle is sparking serious conversation with its unique features and bold performance claims. But is it just hype? In this comprehensive Spartus Apollo review, we’re cutting through the noise. I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Spartus Apollo pickleball paddle, from its feel on the court to the tech behind its design. We’ll find out if this new Spartus paddle truly lives up to the excitement.
Is the Spartus Apollo Pickleball Paddle for You?
- Players are praising the Apollo for its pop and wide sweet spot, making it enticing for performance seekers.
- However, some users are experiencing quality control issues with early batches of the paddle.
- Order delays are a common theme, with players eagerly awaiting their own Apollo paddles.
- Comparisons to other kevlar paddles like the Gladius and Ballista V2 are surfacing, creating discussions on paddle preferences.
Who is This Paddle Best For?
The Control-Oriented Player
If your pickleball strategy revolves around precision and placement over raw power, the Spartus Apollo could be a fantastic match for you. This paddle is designed for players who want to dictate the pace of the game with accurate shots. Think of it as a tool for the strategist who enjoys outmaneuvering opponents with well-placed dinks and sharp angles. If you find more satisfaction in a perfectly executed third-shot drop than a blistering drive from the baseline, the Apollo’s design will likely complement your game. It helps you focus on the finer points of your technique, like mixing cut shots and topspins to keep your competition guessing and off-balance.
Players Excelling at the Net
The kitchen is where the Spartus Apollo truly shines. For those who thrive on playing close to the net, this paddle offers the responsiveness needed for quick exchanges and soft, controlled shots. It’s particularly effective for dinking—the soft, arcing shots that land in your opponent’s non-volley zone—and for fast-paced “hand battles” right at the net. The paddle’s feel allows for delicate touch, giving you the confidence to engage in prolonged dink rallies until you can create an opening for a put-away. If you’re a player who loves to control the net and force your opponents into making mistakes, the Apollo’s design is built to support that aggressive, yet tactical, style of play.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Power and Pop Limitations
While the Apollo excels in control, it may not satisfy players who rely on powerful drives from the back of the court. The trade-off for its precision and soft touch is a noticeable lack of overwhelming power or “pop.” This means you might have to generate more of your own pace on serves and baseline shots. Interestingly, player feedback on its pop is mixed. Some find it has “too much pop,” making soft shots harder to control, while others feel it’s lacking for aggressive attacks. This kind of debate highlights how personal paddle feel can be, much like the controversy over a time violation in tennis—what seems clear to one person is debatable to another.
How the Spartus Apollo Plays on the Court
One user, Jewshi, highlights the poppiness and generous sweet spot of the Apollo, noting its prowess in volleys and overhead shots.
Performance Metrics and Ratings
While personal accounts are valuable, the technical specifications of the Apollo really paint a picture of a paddle built for a specific style of play. The numbers behind its design focus heavily on speed and finesse, offering a unique combination that caters to players who value quick hands and strategic ball placement over raw, overwhelming power. It’s one thing to hear that a paddle feels “poppy,” but understanding the metrics like swingweight and twistweight gives you a clearer idea of how it will perform for your game. Let’s look at the key metrics that define how the Apollo feels and performs during a match.
Spin, Swingweight, and Forgiveness
The Apollo is engineered to deliver a fantastic blend of spin, quick swing speed, and a forgiving face. Its remarkably low swingweight of 108 is a standout feature, allowing you to whip the paddle through the air with incredible velocity. This speed is a major asset for offensive players who rely on quick rolls, sharp angles, and aggressive flicks at the net. When you can react faster and get the paddle into position, you can execute more advanced shots. This design philosophy supports players who excel at mixing up their shots with spin and precision to keep opponents off balance.
A Breakdown of Performance Scores
The performance ratings for the Apollo are telling, with exceptional scores in Control/Feel (95%), Forgiveness (94%), and Maneuverability (96%). These high marks confirm that the paddle is designed for players who want to command the court with accuracy. Its spin potential is also rated at a solid 91%. Interestingly, its power and pop scores are lower, at 77% and 75% respectively, which aligns with its identity as a control-oriented paddle. The magic behind its forgiving nature is its high twistweight of 7.56, which creates a massive sweet spot across almost the entire paddle face. This means you can hit consistent, quality shots even when you don’t make perfect contact.
A Closer Look at the Spartus Apollo’s Build Quality
Despite positive feedback, sillygats shares a concerning experience with delamination on the first day, hinting at possible quality control issues in early batches.
Groundbreaking Paddle Construction
Beyond the initial player feedback, the real story of the Apollo lies in its engineering. Spartus didn’t just create another paddle; they introduced some fascinating material choices and construction methods that are worth a closer look. The combination of a thermoformed body and a unique face material is what gives this paddle its distinct feel and performance characteristics on the court. Understanding how it’s built can help you decide if its design philosophy aligns with your playing style, whether you’re a power player or someone who relies on finesse and control at the net.
Thermoformed Body with Edgefoam Injection
At its core, the Apollo features a thermoformed unibody construction. In simple terms, this means the entire paddle is molded using heat and pressure to create a single, solid piece. This process is known for producing paddles that are more durable and have a consistent feel across the entire surface. To complement this, Spartus injects specialized foam around the perimeter, inside the edge guard. This edgefoam serves a dual purpose: it adds stability to the paddle, reducing twisting on off-center hits, and it effectively widens the sweet spot, making the paddle more forgiving on shots that don’t connect perfectly in the middle.
The First Widebody with a 100% Kevlar Face
What truly sets the Apollo apart is its face material. According to Spartus, it’s the first widebody paddle to use a 100% Aramid fiber face, more commonly known by its trademarked name, Kevlar. While other paddles blend carbon fiber with Kevlar, the Apollo’s pure Aramid face is designed to offer a unique combination of benefits. Kevlar is renowned for its incredible durability and impact resistance, but in a paddle, it provides a softer feel that enhances control and ball bite. This is a huge advantage for players who love to manipulate the ball with spin, as the textured surface can generate impressive rotation on cuts and topspin drives.
Key Specifications and Dimensions
While the materials tell part of the story, the numbers fill in the rest. A paddle’s weight, length, and thickness are the critical specs that determine how it will feel in your hand and perform during a match. These dimensions influence everything from swing speed and power to control and stability. The Spartus Apollo has a specific set of measurements that place it firmly in the “all-court” category, aiming to provide a balanced experience that appeals to a wide range of players. Let’s break down the key figures to see what they mean for your game.
Weight, Length, and Core Thickness
The Spartus Apollo has an average weight of 8.1 ounces, placing it in the midweight class, which is often preferred for its blend of power and maneuverability. The paddle measures 15.9 inches long by 8.1 inches wide, making it slightly shorter and wider than many elongated paddles. This widebody shape contributes to its generous sweet spot. The core is 16mm thick, a popular choice for players seeking control and a softer feel, as the thicker core helps absorb the ball’s impact and reduce vibrations. These specifications suggest a paddle that is stable, forgiving, and well-suited for a controlled game at the kitchen line.
Official Tournament Status
For players who compete in leagues, ladders, or sanctioned tournaments, one question stands above all others: is the paddle legal for play? New paddle technologies and designs are constantly being scrutinized to ensure they don’t provide an unfair advantage. A paddle’s official approval from the sport’s governing body is a critical stamp of legitimacy. It assures players that their investment is sound and that they can step onto any tournament court with confidence, knowing their equipment meets all the required standards for competition.
USA Pickleball (USAP) Approval
You can rest easy knowing the Spartus Apollo is fully approved for tournament play by USA Pickleball (USAP). This certification means the paddle has been tested and confirmed to meet all official regulations, including those for surface roughness, reflection, and core materials. Having the USAP-approved mark is essential for anyone looking to play competitively. It ensures that you can take the Apollo from casual rec play to a sanctioned event without any issues. This approval adds a layer of trust, especially for a newer brand making waves in the market.
How Does the Spartus Apollo Compare?
Ben237’s excitement for the Ballista V2 and 1hill2climb2’s delayed order showcase the mixed emotions surrounding the Apollo. brochaos also sparks a conversation on kevlar paddle comparisons.
The Spartus Apollo paddle is a hot topic in the pickleball community, with players eagerly anticipating its performance and longevity on the court. While initial feedback showcases its strengths, concerns over quality control and order delays raise caution among potential buyers. As players continue to share their experiences and comparisons with other paddles, the Spartus Apollo’s place in the pickleball scene remains a subject of avid discussion and intrigue.
Awards, Pricing, and Availability
For a paddle generating this much conversation, it’s also catching the eye of industry reviewers. The Spartus Apollo has already secured some impressive accolades that speak to its market position, particularly for players looking for value. It won the ‘Best Budget Paddle Award’ and was also a recipient of the ‘2025 Hot List Silver Award For Budget.’ These awards suggest that the Apollo delivers a high level of performance without the premium price tag often associated with advanced paddle technology. This combination of recognition and affordability is a key part of its appeal, making it a compelling option for a wide range of players who want to get the most out of their equipment budget.
Notable Awards and Recognition
The dual honors of the ‘Best Budget Paddle Award’ and the ‘2025 Hot List Silver Award’ position the Apollo as a standout choice for budget-conscious players. These awards aren’t just for show; they indicate that during testing and evaluation, the paddle performed exceptionally well against its peers in the same price category. For players who might be hesitant to invest in a newer brand, this type of industry recognition provides a layer of confidence. It validates the paddle’s design and performance claims, signaling that you’re getting a product that has been vetted and approved by experts in the sport.
Price Point and Included Accessories
The Spartus Apollo is listed at a competitive price of $129.99. This price point is noteworthy, especially given its kevlar face and thermoformed construction, features often found in more expensive paddles. For players looking to maximize value, there are often discount codes available that can lower the cost even further. This pricing strategy makes advanced paddle technology more accessible, allowing intermediate players to experience features that might have previously been out of their financial reach. It’s a smart move by Spartus to capture a segment of the market that desires performance without the hefty investment.
A Note for Canadian Buyers
If you’re a player based in Canada, it’s worth noting that ordering directly from some international sites can lead to unexpected costs. To help you avoid high tariffs and international shipping fees, Spartus has partnered with an authorized reseller. Canadian customers are encouraged to visit RACKETS & RUNNERS to purchase the Apollo paddle, ensuring a smoother and more cost-effective transaction without any surprise duties or delivery charges.
Reported User Experiences and Concerns
While awards and specs tell one story, the real test of a paddle is how it performs in the hands of everyday players. The feedback on the Spartus Apollo has been largely positive, with many users on platforms like Reddit calling it a “great” or “very good” paddle. Players are particularly impressed with its “poppy” nature, which adds significant power to shots like drives and overheads. This responsiveness makes the paddle feel lively and powerful on the court. However, as with any new product, some players have reported issues that are worth considering before you make a purchase, ranging from durability questions to customer service experiences.
Feedback on Performance and Durability
The consensus among many early adopters is that the Apollo offers a fantastic blend of power and touch. One player specifically mentioned that it helped their “soft game,” meaning it provides enough feel for delicate dinks and drops at the net, despite its powerful core. This balance is often the holy grail for paddle designers. The combination of a powerful response for aggressive shots and a gentle touch for more strategic plays makes the Apollo a versatile tool. Most users seem satisfied with its on-court performance, finding that it enhances their natural strengths and supports a well-rounded game.
Surface Grit Longevity
One of the most specific concerns raised by a user relates to the paddle’s surface texture. The grit on a paddle face is crucial for generating spin, but one player reported that it smoothed out after only two days of play. A rapid loss of grit can significantly impact your ability to execute effective topspin serves and cuts. While this appears to be an isolated report so far, it’s a critical point for players who rely heavily on spin in their game. Durability of the playing surface is a key factor in a paddle’s long-term value.
Unexpected Pop and Control Issues
The “pop” that many players love can also be a double-edged sword. A few users found that the Apollo had “too much pop,” which made it difficult to control the ball, especially on softer shots or resets. When a paddle is overly responsive, it can cause the ball to fly off the face unexpectedly, leading to unforced errors. This feedback suggests that the Apollo may be better suited for players who already have solid mechanics and can handle a high-powered paddle, while beginners or those who prefer a more forgiving feel might face a steeper learning curve.
Customer Service and Review Moderation Claims
Beyond the paddle’s physical characteristics, a couple of concerns have surfaced regarding the company itself. One user mentioned an inability to get a response from a Spartus representative on Reddit, raising questions about the brand’s accessibility and customer support. More seriously, a claim was made that Spartus might be removing negative reviews from its own website. While this is an unverified allegation, the suggestion of moderating feedback is a significant concern for potential buyers who rely on transparent, unbiased user reviews to make informed decisions about their gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Spartus Apollo a good choice for a beginner? This paddle can be a bit of a mixed bag for new players. On one hand, its massive sweet spot is incredibly forgiving, which helps when you’re still learning to make consistent contact. On the other hand, some players find it has a lot of pop, which can make the ball fly off the face if your mechanics aren’t solid yet. If you’re a beginner who naturally has a softer touch, you might find the learning curve a little steep.
What’s the big deal with the 100% Kevlar face? Most paddles that use Kevlar actually blend it with carbon fiber. The Apollo is unique because it uses a pure Aramid fiber (Kevlar) face on a widebody frame. This material gives the paddle a distinctively soft feel that helps grip the ball. For you, this means more potential for spin and a greater sense of control over your dinks and drop shots, as the ball feels like it stays on the paddle face just a little longer.
I’ve seen some comments about quality problems. Should I be worried? It’s smart to be aware of the feedback. Some of the very first players to get the Apollo reported issues like the surface grit wearing down quickly. This can sometimes happen with the initial production run of a new product as a company works out its process. The best approach is to purchase from an authorized dealer that has a clear warranty and return policy. This way, you’re protected if you happen to receive a paddle with any defects.
The review mentions both control and pop. Which is it better for? Think of the Apollo as a control paddle that has a surprising amount of power on tap. Its design, from the thick core to the Kevlar face, is engineered for precision, feel, and maneuverability at the net. However, many players are pleased to find it also has a lively, “poppy” response that adds some punch to volleys and overheads. It’s not a raw power paddle, but it offers more than enough feedback for aggressive, all-court play.
Is this paddle really worth the price? For the features it offers, the Apollo presents a strong value. You’re getting advanced construction like thermoforming and a full Kevlar face, which are typically found in much more expensive paddles. Its awards for being a top budget-friendly option confirm that it performs well for its price point. If you’re a player who values control and wants to try modern paddle technology without a huge financial commitment, it’s a very compelling option.
Key Takeaways
- Excel with Finesse, Not Force: The Apollo is engineered for players who win with precision, spin, and quick net play. Its Kevlar face and maneuverable design support a strategic game over one based on pure power.
- Get Premium Features Without the Premium Price: This paddle packs high-end technology, like a thermoformed body and Aramid fiber face, into a budget-friendly package, making advanced performance more accessible.
- Weigh Performance Against Potential Quality Issues: While many players love the feel, be aware of early reports concerning durability and grit loss. It’s a high-performing paddle, but some initial quality control concerns are worth considering.