Vulcan
Vulcan Sugar Skull XL
The Vulcan Sugar Skull XL is an elongated, midweight paddle with a fiberglass face and 13mm polypropylene core. It suits players who want extra reach, two-handed leverage, and a balanced mix of power and control.
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
This paddle weighs 8.2-8.6 ounces, with a listed weight of 8.4 ounces. Its elongated shape and 5.5-inch handle give you more reach and room for a second hand. That setup can help on serves, drives, and extended two-handed backhands. The 13mm polypropylene honeycomb core keeps it thinner than control-focused thick-core paddles, while the fiberglass face is aimed at a lively response.
The seller describes it as well balanced and light in play despite its midweight range. A review praises its grip, control, maneuverability, and spin, but also calls it unforgiving on off-center shots. Another retailer describes a soft, balanced feel and a controlled sweet spot, while listing a carbon-fiber surface instead. The seller lists fiberglass, so check the exact version before buying.
Play style
The Sugar Skull XL fits a player who likes taking full swings from the baseline but still wants enough control for placement. Its elongated shape adds reach, and the long handle supports two-handed drives and backhands. At 8.4 ounces, it should offer more stability than a very light paddle without entering an especially heavy range.
The available review describes good control and spin, while retailer copy emphasizes power, feel, and a controlled sweet spot. Those descriptions point to a balanced attacking paddle rather than a soft-game specialist. If your priority is forgiving resets and gentle kitchen play, the thinner 13mm core and reported off-center harshness deserve attention.
Best for
- Players who use two-handed backhands or want extra handle room
- Baseline players who hit large serves and drives
- Players who want added reach from an elongated shape
- Buyers seeking a distinctive design with a midweight feel
Look elsewhere if
- Players who need the most forgiving response on mishits
- Players focused mainly on soft resets and kitchen touch
- Players who prefer a short handle or standard paddle shape
- Beginners seeking the easiest, most forgiving first paddle
Strengths
- The 5.5-inch elongated handle supports two-handed shots and added leverage
- The elongated shape provides extra reach for drives and defensive plays
- The 8.2-8.6-ounce weight range offers a stable midweight option
- A reviewer reports good control, maneuverability, spin, and grip comfort
- The paddle is listed as USA Pickleball approved
Things to consider
- A review describes the paddle as unforgiving on off-center shots
- The 13mm core may provide less soft-game cushioning than a thicker core
- The long shape and handle may feel less natural if you prefer compact swings
- Retailer descriptions disagree about the face material, listing fiberglass versus carbon fiber
- The paddle may feel too demanding for players prioritizing maximum forgiveness
Specs
| Brand | Vulcan |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.4 oz |
| Core thickness | 13 mm |
| Core material | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | Fiberglass |
| Face material | Fiberglass |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Handle length | 5.5 in |
| Handle | Elongated 5.5-inch handle |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: length, width, grip circumference.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.
Sources
- Vulcan Candy Sugar Skull XL Pickleball Paddle
- Paddle Candy Sugar Skull By Vulcan Review Review | The Skilled Pickle
- Paddle Candy "Sugar Skull" Pickleball Paddle Review - Vulcan Pickleball
- Team Vulcan Pro Daniel De La Rosa uses the Paddle Candy ...
- Vulcan Paddle Candy Sugar Skull Pickleball Paddle | HockeyMonkey