Six Zero, a fresh face in the pickleball world, made a major splash in 2023 with its innovative paddles. Originating in Australia, the brand quickly gained a devoted following, first domestically and now internationally.
Unlike many newer brands that simply repackage older designs, Six Zero is truly pushing the envelope in paddle technology. They're leading the charge with "Gen. 2" raw carbon fiber paddles, featuring cutting-edge innovations like unibody thermoforming, edge foam technology, and high-spin carbon fiber surfaces.
Price: $180
Type: Control/All-court
Shape: Hybrid
Core Thickness: 14mm
Face Material: Toray 700 Raw carbon fiber
Average Weight: 8.1 oz
Grip Length: 5.3”
Swing Weight: 111
Grip Size: 4.25”
Core: 8mm Honeycomb polymer
Length: 16.3”
Width: 7.5” - 7.7”
Warranty: 6 months for defects
I’ve always appreciated the added pop and hand speed offered by 14mm paddles, but these paddles often come with compromises in terms of stability and sweet spot size. Enter the Double Black Diamond 14mm, which brings remarkable improvements in these areas. With the addition of thermoforming and edge foam, this paddle offers more stability and a larger sweet spot than previous 14mm paddles. Notably, the DBD 14mm is one of the few thermoformed paddles designed primarily for control.
All in all, the DBD 14mm offers more forgiveness than any other 14mm paddle I’ve played with, and it also delivers an impressive amount of spin. Combine that with its lightweight, hybrid-shaped design (which enhances hand speed), and this paddle becomes a formidable tool for skilled players.
Power Summary
Although the DBD is marketed as a control paddle, don’t be fooled—it packs quite a punch. The new unibody thermoforming technology gives it a stiffness and pop that outperforms earlier “Gen 1” carbon fiber paddles. The DBD 14mm generates more power than most control paddles, and I’ve found it to be more powerful than the Joola Hyperion CFS and Vision CGS.
The lightweight nature of the 14mm DBD means it doesn’t have the same plow-through as its 16mm counterpart, but it still delivers a significant amount of power. The 14mm offers a quick, hard pop off the face, whereas the 16mm has more dwell time, providing more plow-through.
Adding weight to the DBD 14mm, via lead tape or an overgrip, can enhance its plow-through and power.
Control Summary
Though control-focused, the 14mm DBD is not your typical control paddle. It feels dense and somewhat stiff initially but loosens up after around five hours of play. Once broken in, your drives, resets, and dinks will feel much more manageable.
What truly stands out is the paddle’s speed. I’ve never experienced such a light, fast paddle that maintains a good sweet spot and stability. You’d really have to hit the far edges for a total mishit, as even the throat of the paddle responds well to off-center shots.
Compared to 16mm paddles, the 14mm version sacrifices some control but compensates with increased hand speed. If you desire even more control, you can always add weight to the paddle to suit your playstyle.
Spin Summary
The DBD 14mm excels at generating spin, and it’s earned a spot on my best paddles for spin list. Whether you’re focusing on topspin or backspin, this paddle delivers. Slices feel smooth, and while the paddle surface may seem slick at first, it relies more on friction than grit for spin generation.
Interestingly, spin performance improves after a few weeks of use, as the paddle surface seems to “break in,” grabbing the ball better for more precise control.
Durability Summary
Gen. 2 thermoformed paddles, like the DBD, are built for durability. The unibody thermoforming process makes the paddle incredibly solid, so you won’t have to worry about handle snapping or edge deterioration.
However, early versions of this technology faced issues with delamination and core crush, where the paddle face would separate from the polypropylene core or the core itself would become compromised. Six Zero has worked hard to address these issues by reinforcing the paddle’s structure and improving quality control.
The newer batches of the Double Black Diamond, which shipped in March, have shown fewer of these problems, indicating a successful effort to improve reliability.
Value Summary
Pickleball paddles are getting pricier, but the Six Zero DBD is a great value. Priced at $180, and just $162 with a discount code, it offers high-end performance at a price below many of its competitors.
Should You Buy the Double Black Diamond 14mm Paddle?
If you’re a fan of 14mm paddles that blend power with control, the DBD is an excellent choice. Its combination of speed, spin, stability, and performance puts it among the top paddles for intermediate and advanced players in 2023.
While the 14mm DBD demands a higher skill level due to its faster speed and smaller sweet spot, it offers quick net play and solid power without sacrificing too much control. If you prefer a more forgiving paddle, the 16mm DBD may be more your style, but for those with developed skills, the 14mm offers a distinct advantage.
For an even faster option, consider the Vatic Pro Flash 14mm, and if power is your top priority, the Black Diamond Power model could be the one for you.
Lastly, keep in mind that the DBD’s grip can become slippery in hot weather, so consider adding an overgrip for better handling.
