GAMMA
GAMMA Obsidian
The GAMMA Obsidian is a 16mm raw-carbon paddle built around control, spin, and quick handling. It suits players who value soft shots and maneuverability more than heavy pop.
Character from the specs · Balanced
Worked out from core thickness, weight, face and shape using general rules of thumb — not from a play test.
Is this paddle right for you?
4 quick questions, scored from the specs
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Overview
The Obsidian combines a 16mm polymer core with a Toray T700 raw carbon face. Its listed weight is 8.3 ounces, and the 17-inch length favors extra reach. The molded foam handle is designed to improve comfort and reduce vibration. It is also USA Pickleball approved.
Reviews describe a maneuverable paddle with a stiff, confidence-inspiring build. The raw carbon face provides useful spin, while the thicker core favors a softer response. However, evaluations differ on forgiveness and power. Some reviewers found the sweet spot generous, while others reported dead areas near the edges and throat.
Play style
This paddle fits a control-first game at the kitchen. Reviewers found drops, dinks, and resets easy to manage, with enough spin for shaped shots and controlled placement. The long profile also helps when you need extra reach or prefer two-handed shots.
Its lighter swing feel makes quick volleys and fast hand exchanges easier. It is less convincing for players who rely on explosive drives or want strong pop without adding weight. One review called it flat and weak, while another found plenty of baseline power and spin.
Best for
- Players who prioritize dinks, drops, and resets
- Players who want a maneuverable paddle for quick exchanges
- Two-handed players who value extra handle and paddle reach
- Players moving to a raw-carbon face for more spin
- Players who prefer control over maximum pop
Look elsewhere if
- Players who build points around powerful drives
- Players who want a consistently large forgiving sweet spot
- Players seeking strong pop on quick shots
- Players who dislike a softer overall response
Strengths
- The 16mm core supports a softer, control-oriented feel
- The raw carbon face offers useful spin for shaped shots
- The listed 8.3-ounce weight supports a manageable, maneuverable swing
- The 17-inch length provides extra reach
- Reviewers praised its solid construction and comfortable handle feel
Things to consider
- Reviewers disagreed about the sweet spot, with one finding dead zones near the edges and throat
- The paddle may feel underpowered if you want easy pop on drives and volleys
- Its softer response may not suit players who prefer a crisp, forceful feel
- The longer shape can trade some compactness for reach
- Check the exact version and listed dimensions because published specifications vary
Specs
| Brand | GAMMA |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.3 oz |
| Core thickness | 16 mm |
| Core material | 16mm polymer honeycomb core |
| Face | Carbon fiber |
| Face material | Toray T700 raw carbon fiber |
| Length | 17 in |
| Handle | Molded foam handle |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: shape, width, handle length, grip circumference.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.