KOZI Athletics
KOZI Athletics Novice
The KOZI Athletics Novice is a beginner-friendly paddle with a balanced mix of pop, power, and control. Its moderate weight and long shape suit first-time players building confidence from the baseline to the kitchen.
Character from the specs · Power
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 Novice weighs approximately 7.76 ounces, with a 9.8 mm honeycomb core and a composite face made from T700 carbon fiber and fiberglass. That weight should feel manageable during quick exchanges while still giving your swings useful momentum. The 16.1-inch length adds reach, while the 7.48-inch width keeps the shape relatively slim.
Its 5.12-inch handle and 4.25-inch textured grip fit the standard grip size Kozi lists for its paddles. The longer handle gives you room for a two-handed backhand, though the narrower face may offer less side-to-side margin than a widebody paddle. Kozi recommends the Novice for new players, and a verified buyer specifically praises its pop and power for family and recreational games.
Play style
This paddle suits you if you want easy pace without moving straight to a heavier setup. At approximately 7.76 ounces, it should remain manageable for quick hand movements, while the composite face and thin 9.8 mm core are positioned toward a lively response. That combination makes sense for baseline drives and getting the ball deep when you are still developing your swing.
The 16.1-inch length helps with reach at the kitchen and on wide balls. The standard 4.25-inch grip and textured surface should support a secure hold during resets and volleys. The available buyer opinion emphasizes pop and power, but the paddle's narrower 7.48-inch face gives you less width than a widebody design. Look elsewhere if your priority is maximum forgiveness or a broad sweet spot over reach and a slimmer profile.
Best for
- A new player choosing a first full-size paddle
- Players who want manageable weight with useful pop
- Baseline players developing deeper drives
- Players who value extra reach from a 16.1-inch paddle
- Family or recreational players who want a USA Pickleball-approved paddle
Look elsewhere if
- Players who want the widest possible sweet spot
- Players seeking a very heavy power paddle
- Advanced players looking for a specialized control or finesse setup
- Players who prefer a shorter paddle with a wider face
Strengths
- Moderate 7.76-ounce weight balances maneuverability with swing momentum
- 16.1-inch length provides useful reach at the kitchen and on wide shots
- T700 carbon fiber and fiberglass composite face supports a lively response
- A verified buyer specifically praises the paddle's pop and power
- USA Pickleball approval makes it suitable for approved tournament play
Things to consider
- The 7.48-inch width gives you less lateral coverage than a widebody paddle
- The 9.8 mm core may appeal less if you want a thicker, softer-feeling setup
- The standard 4.25-inch grip may not suit players with unusually small or large hands
- The available buyer feedback emphasizes pop and power more than soft-game performance
Specs
| Brand | KOZI Athletics |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8 oz |
| Core thickness | 9.8 mm |
| Core material | Honeycomb core |
| Face | Composite |
| Face material | T700 carbon fiber and fiberglass composite |
| Length | 16.1 in |
| Width | 7.48 in |
| Handle length | 5.12 in |
| Grip circumference | 4.25 in |
| Handle | Textured grip with a 5.12-inch handle |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: shape.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.