Vatic Pro Saga 16MM

The Vatic Pro Saga stands out with its sleek samurai design, but its real strength lies in its balanced blend of power, control, and forgiveness. Built with a larger-cell polypropylene core, a proprietary multi-layer composite face, and edge foam, it delivers above-average power on full swings while maintaining a controlled, muted response at the net. Ideal for all-court players, the Saga offers a stability with solid spin, though it lacks the explosive pop of true power paddles.

Reviewer Rating:
Worth Trying

Overview

Manufacturer: Vatic Pro
Model: Saga
Technology: A generation 1.5 paddle, partially thermoformed
Available Shapes:

Flash SH (Standard Handle)

  • Shape: Hybrid
  • Length: 16.3 inches
  • Width: 7.7 inches
  • Thickness: 16mm
  • Handle length: 5.3 inches

Flash LH (Long Handle)

  • Shape: Elongated Hybrid
  • Length: 16.5 inches
  • Width: 7.5 inches
  • Thickness: 16mm
  • Handle length: 5.6 inches

V7 SH (Standard Handle)

  • Shape: Elongated
  • Length: 16.5 inches
  • Width: 7.5 inches
  • Thickness: 16mm
  • Handle length: 5.3 inches

V7 LH (Long Handle)

  • Shape: Elongated
  • Length: 16.5 inches
  • Width: 7.5 inches
  • Thickness: 16mm
  • Handle length: 5.6 inches

Trial & Warranty:

  • 1-year warranty on core-related issues
  • 180-day warranty against manufacturing defects
  • 30-day return policy with 20% restocking fee for items not in resalable condition
  • $6 fee will be deducted from each return for a return label

Price: $149.99 ($139.99 with code SPEAK)


John Kew

⚖️ Rating: Worth Trying
💰Discount code: JOHNKEW for $10 off
👉 John Kew Stat Database

Pro's

  • Good combination of decent power at the baseline and muted pop at the net
  • Comfortable using it at tournaments or high-pressure environments due to small likelihood of popups
  • Performs like the popular Prism with added offensive capabilities
  • Eye-catching design
  • Great performance for the price

Con's

  • Not a power paddle - nowhere near Gearbox Pro Power, Joola MOD, or Ronbus Ripple
  • Low pop gives less offensive options at the net
  • Some models (especially V7 LH) have higher swing weights

Performance Summary

Power & Pop

  • More power than the Vatic Prism, but not an elite power paddle
  • Stronger on full swings—not effortless pop like Gearbox Pro Power or Ronbus Ripple
  • More muted pop on shorter swings
  • Great for players who generate their own power but want an extra boost on drives and serves

Spin

  • Strong spin performance, allowing for shaped shots and extra control
  • More dwell time than standard thermoformed paddles, helping with ball manipulation

Control & Feel

  • Larger cell size gives a more hollow feel
  • Dense, slightly muted, and plush feel—more controlled than stiff, reactive paddles
  • Balances power and finesse, making it easy to transition from baseline to net play
  • More control-oriented than pop-heavy, making it ideal for players who rely on placement and resets
  • Handle uses polyurithane palletes that feels very high-quality with nice pronounced bevels

Sweet Spot & Forgiveness

  • Wider sweet spot than previous Vatic models, thanks to the edge foam and large-cell core
  • More stability on off-center shots compared to traditional Gen 1 paddles
  • Slight dead spot near the lower face, but minimal impact on overall performance

Weight & Maneuverability

  • Balanced swing weight across models:
    • Flash SH – Best maneuverability, easier hand speed.
    • Flash LH & V7 SH – Moderate swing weight, offering a mix of stability and speed.
    • V7 LH – Higher swing weight (124), better for plow-through but slower hands.
  • Does not require weight customization—plays well stock, though added tungsten can increase stability.

Durability

  • X-ray analysis shows a healthy core, with only minor signs of compression.
  • Not 100% immune to core crushing but significantly more durable than most Gen 2 paddles.
  • One-year warranty—upgraded from Vatic’s standard six-month coverage, signaling confidence in longevity.

Final Thoughts

  • Great for: all-court players who want balanced power, spin, and control.
  • Not ideal for: those expecting an instant power paddle or ultra-fast maneuverability.

Pickleball Studio

⚖️ Rating: Recommend
💰Discount code: PBSTUDIO for $10 off
👉 Pickleball Studio Stat Database

Performance Summary

Power & pop

  • More power than the Prism but not in the "elite power paddle" category.
  • Requires a full swing to unlock power—not effortless pop like Gearbox Pro Power or Joola MOD.
  • Ideal for players who generate their own power but want a noticeable boost.
  • Lower pop than many modern power paddles, making it easier to control in the transition zone.

Spin

  • Strong spin performance, making it great for aggressive topspin and slice shots.
  • More dwell time than traditional paddles, allowing for extra ball manipulation.

Control & Feel

  • Dense, plush, and slightly muted feel—not stiff or overly reactive.
  • More control-oriented than power-heavy, making it great for resets and soft play.
  • At the net, it plays like a control paddle, despite offering extra power from the baseline.

Sweet Spot & Forgiveness

  • Average sweet spot—not oversized but not small, performs well for its shape.
  • More stable than most Gen 1 paddles, thanks to the edge foam.
  • Slight dead spot near the lower face but minimal impact on overall playability.

Weight & Maneuverability

  • Flash SH (113 SW) & LH (120 SW) offer better maneuverability, making them ideal for quick hands.
  • V7 LH (124 SW) has a noticeably heavier swing weight—better for players who like extra plow-through.
  • Out of the box, the paddle plays well—does not require extra weight, though adding tungsten can increase stability.

Durability

  • One-year warranty (upgraded from six months)—indicates increased confidence in build quality.
  • X-ray analysis shows a very healthy core, though minor signs of compression were detected.
  • Not 100% immune to core crushing but far more durable than most Gen 2 paddles.
  • No heating or delamination issues observed during extended testing.

Who Should Use the Vatic Pro Saga?

✔️ Players who like all-court paddles but want a touch more power than a traditional control paddle.
✔️ Fans of the Vatic Prism looking for an upgrade with more power and pop.
✔️ Players who generate their own power but want a balanced mix of spin, control, and plow-through.
✔️ Singles players—strong power on groundstrokes makes it effective for baseline-heavy play.

Who Might Not Like It?

❌ Players who want effortless power—not as powerful as Joola MOD, Gearbox Pro Power, or Ronbus Ripple.
❌ Anyone who prefers a super fast, lightweight paddle—some models (especially V7 LH) have higher swing weights.
❌ Fans of stiff, poppy paddles—plays more plush and controlled, not overly reactive.

Final Thoughts

  • Great for: all-court players looking for a little more power
  • Not ideal for: players looking for high-end of power or ultra-fast hand speed paddles.

Pickleball Effect

⚖️ Rating: Worth Trying
💰Discount code: 10EFFECT for $10 off
👉 Pickleball Effect Stat Database

Performance Summary

Power & Pop

  • Above-average power on full swings—comparable to the Paddletek Bantam TKO 14.3.
  • Low to medium pop, making it easier to control counters and resets.
  • Drives, serves, and overheads carry plenty of pace, but the muted pop means it won’t feel overly reactive.

Spin

  • Good spin potential (mid-to-high 1900 RPMs)—effective for shaped shots and adding deception.
  • Consistent spin performance across different shot types.

Control & Feel

  • Muted, solid feel with minimal unwanted vibrations—offers good touch on soft shots.
  • Absorbs pace well, making it easier to execute resets, dinks, and drop shots.
  • Not overly plush but comfortable to play with.

Sweet Spot & Forgiveness

  • More forgiving than the Paddletek Bantam TKO 14.3, especially near the throat and top of the paddle.
  • Side-to-side sweet spot is average, meaning off-center hits may have some drop in power.
  • Larger sweet spot than traditional Gen 1 paddles, but not as exaggerated as some thermoformed designs.

Weight & Maneuverability

  • Flash SH (113 SW) is the most maneuverable—best for quick hands at the net.
  • Flash LH & V7 SH (120 SW) offer more plow-through but are still manageable for most players.
  • V7 LH (125 SW) is the heaviest option—provides maximum stability and power but may feel slower in hand battles.
  • Plays well stock—does not require additional weight, though tungsten can improve stability.

Durability

  • Large-cell polypropylene core provides better long-term durability than foam-enhanced or traditional honeycomb cores.
  • Not fully thermoformed, reducing risks of performance changes over time.
  • Edge foam and carbon wrap help with stability and longevity.
  • No immediate durability concerns observed in testing.

Who Should Use the Vatic Pro Saga?

✔️ Control players who want a power boost without sacrificing touch.
✔️ Intermediate players looking for a balanced paddle that helps with drives and put aways while still being forgiving on soft shots.
✔️ Players who want more power on serves, drives, and overheads but don’t want an overly reactive pop.
✔️ Singles players—the paddle’s power potential on full swings makes it effective from the baseline.

Who Might Not Like It?

❌ High-level players who rely on fast counters—lower pop means it’s not as aggressive in speed-ups.
❌ Players who prefer ultra-light paddles—all models except Flash SH are mid-to-high swing weight.
❌ Fans of stiff, ultra-responsive paddles—plays with a muted, controlled feel rather than stiff explosiveness.

Final Thoughts

  • Great for: control-oriented players who want a power boost without excessive pop.
  • Not ideal for: players seeking a pop-heavy or ultra-lightweight paddle.