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.