Six Zero is launching a new performance entry-level paddle called the Quartz. For the past year and a half, the Vatic Pro Prism paddles have dominated this market segment. With the release of the Quartz, along with the recently introduced Jelly Bean by 11SIX24, I see these three paddles as the leading contenders in the performance budget paddle category. In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on how the Quartz performs and how it stacks up against these other notable options.
Paddle Stats & Tech
Quartz
- Static Weight: 7.9 oz avg
- Swingweight: 108 (very low)
- Twistweight: 6.4 (moderate)
- Spin RPMs: 1949 (high)
- Length x Width: 16″ x 7.9″ (standard)
- Face: T300 carbon fiber
- Grip Circumference: 4.25″
- Handle Length: 5″
- Core: 15mm Polypropylene Honeycomb
- Special Features: Classic gen 1 style paddle, not thermoformed, no perimeter foam
- Paddle Type: Control
- Price: $89.99 ($81 with code 10EFFECT)
- Warranty: Six month warranty for core crushing, one year warranty for everything else.
Design and Features of the Quartz Paddle
The Quartz paddle features a lower swing weight, making it feel light and easy to maneuver, which has both advantages and drawbacks that I’ll discuss in the Performance Summary. Its twist weight is also lower compared to other standard-shaped paddles, typically averaging above 6.8. This design results in a tighter sweet spot compared to similar paddles.
I was surprised to find that the Quartz doesn’t utilize perimeter foam injection, but its classic Gen 1 design contributes to a comfortable feel and a lower power output, which may have been intentional. Alternatively, it could have been a cost-saving decision. In my view, incorporating perimeter foam could have improved the twist weight and overall forgiveness of the paddle without compromising control, making its absence a missed opportunity. Additionally, the 15mm thickness is somewhat unique, as most paddles typically range from 14mm to 16mm. This choice likely aims to provide a slight power boost, aligning with the softer feel associated with Gen 1 paddles.
Performance Summary
The Quartz is very control-oriented, offering a soft and comfortable feel. This comfort, combined with its ability to absorb pace from the ball, enhances control and helps reduce errors and pop-ups. However, you’ll need to exert a bit more effort from the midcourt and baseline to get the ball over the net. Players who struggle to generate their own power may find it too control-oriented, though I believe this won’t be an issue for most.
The 15mm design adds a bit of pop and liveliness during dinks, but overall, it remains a pure control paddle. My power tests placed the Quartz in the 5th percentile for power and the 18th percentile for pop in my paddle database. The spin potential is solid, with an average of 1945 RPMs, comparable to other Six Zero paddles.
While the paddle’s 15mm core and classic design without perimeter foam reduce the sweet spot size, it remains forgiving. However, compared to other quality paddles like the Vatic Pro Prism Flash and 11SIX24 Jelly Bean, it isn’t as forgiving. Entry-level players likely won’t mind the sweet spot size, but it’s worth mentioning.
Offensively, the paddle is very light and easy to maneuver, making it beneficial during hand battles. However, this lightness can also lead to being pushed around by the ball, resulting in limited plow-through. Generating power on serves, drives, and overheads requires more effort, and even then, it doesn’t offer much assistance.
For new players with limited racket experience, the lighter weight and controllable nature of the Quartz are advantageous. Reducing unforced errors and mastering the soft game are often the biggest challenges for beginners, and this paddle can assist in those areas. Since new players usually compete against others at their skill level, power isn’t as crucial—placement is key, and the Quartz excels in this regard. However, I would only recommend this paddle for beginners; more advanced players may find it lacking in weight and performance.
Additionally, the Quartz stands out with its variety of color options. While many beginner paddles lack appealing designs, the Quartz combines fun colors with solid performance, making it an attractive choice.
Comparison to Other Performance Budget Paddles
While the Quartz performs well for its intended purpose and is priced competitively, it doesn’t quite match up against its main competitors: the Vatic Pro Prism paddles and the 11SIX24 Jelly Bean.
The Quartz is similar to the Vatic Pro Prism but features a slightly smaller sweet spot. The Prism paddles can achieve everything the Quartz does but offer greater forgiveness and come in multiple thicknesses and handle lengths to suit individual preferences.
If you’re looking for a paddle that provides more power, I would recommend the Jelly Bean over both the Quartz and the Vatic Pro Prism.
The primary reason to choose the Quartz over the others would be its fun designs and color options. The Quartz offers a more vibrant look, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetics.
My Recommendation
Six Zero clearly targets entry-level players with the Quartz, and it serves that purpose effectively. It’s affordable, provides good spin, helps improve the soft game, and has an above-average sweet spot—though not oversized. This is a significant advantage over many $80 paddles from larger brands like Selkirk or JOOLA. The variety of colors also adds to its appeal for new players.
However, as a reviewer, I prioritize performance over appearance. I believe better-performing options exist in the Vatic Pro Prism series and 11SIX24 Jelly Bean, both only $10 more than the Quartz. I would confidently recommend the Prism paddles and Jelly Bean to both entry-level and more experienced players, but I would reserve my recommendation of the Quartz for beginners only.