In the high-speed world of competitive pickleball, control is king—and the Gearbox Pro Control Elongated paddle is built for players who thrive on strategic finesse, ball placement, and smooth resets. If you’re searching for a paddle that offers elite-level touch, consistency, and extended reach, this deep-dive review will walk you through why the Pro Control Elongated deserves a top spot in your gear lineup.
Why the Gearbox Pro Control Elongated Deserves Your Attention
The average pickleball player today isn’t just looking to hit hard—they want to control the tempo of the game, dominate the kitchen, and execute perfect resets under pressure. That’s exactly where the Gearbox Pro Control Elongated paddle shines. Engineered with advanced SST Core technology, a longer reach, and a finely textured face, this paddle provides unmatched touch without sacrificing power when needed.
This review is crafted for players searching for control paddle reviews, elongated pickleball paddles with touch, or even Gearbox vs. CRBN paddle comparisons—we cover it all.
Key Features of the Gearbox Pro Control Elongated
SST Core Technology (Solid Span Core)
Gearbox’s patented SST Core is built with T700 carbon fiber chambers that provide:
-
An incredibly soft, consistent feel
-
Precise ball feedback on every shot
-
Durability that outlasts polymer cores by miles
The SST Core is fully molded, meaning fewer seams, improved balance, and less vibration over time.
Elongated Shape for Extra Reach
The elongated frame isn’t just a design feature—it’s a performance enhancer. With more length, you get:
-
Greater reach at the net and baseline
-
Enhanced leverage for controlled drives
-
A higher sweet spot for better volleys and flicks
This makes the paddle ideal for players who love positioning and court coverage.
Textured Carbon Fiber Face
The face is made from Toray T700 carbon fiber and features Gearbox’s Pro Control Surface Technology, enabling:
-
Subtle yet effective spin
-
Consistent ball bite for drops, resets, and dinks
-
Natural control without the need for excessive swing speed
Gearbox Pro Control Elongated Performance Breakdown
Control – 10/10
As the name suggests, this paddle excels in precision and touch. Whether you’re softening the pace with a kitchen drop or executing a cross-court dink, the feedback and feel are elite.
Spin – 8/10
While not as gritty as raw carbon surfaces like CRBN, the textured carbon face still delivers quality spin for those who understand mechanics and placement.
Power – 7/10
This is not a power paddle—and that’s by design. However, the SST Core still offers enough pop for fast-paced exchanges and put-aways when you need them.
Maneuverability – 9/10
Weighing around 7.8 oz in the Control model, it’s exceptionally quick in hand. Perfect for net battles and counter-punching.
Ideal Player Profile
Choose the Gearbox Pro Control Elongated if you are:
-
A control-focused player who dominates with dinks, resets, and placements
-
A doubles player who values soft hands and net presence
-
A competitor looking for a low-vibration, arm-friendly paddle that performs over the long haul
Avoid if:
-
You need a powerful drive-heavy paddle
-
You’re new to pickleball and still learning soft-touch techniques
Expert Tip: Pairing With the Right Gear
To fully benefit from this paddle:
-
Use a premium soft ball (like the Franklin X-40) to enhance feel
-
Consider wearing a tacky glove to maintain grip during long rallies
-
Watch Gearbox-sponsored pro players on YouTube for technique tips
Adding infographics to show the core structure and side-by-side visuals with Power or Ultimate versions can help readers understand the tech and shape differences.
Final Thoughts: Is the Gearbox Pro Control Elongated Worth It?
If you’re a player who values strategy over brute strength, and you want a paddle that can help you win with precise placement, calculated dinks, and flawless resets, the Gearbox Pro Control Elongated is absolutely worth it.
It’s built for long rallies, intense doubles play, and players who know that sometimes, less power means more wins.