Gearbox GX2 Hyper vs NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature)

    Gearbox GX2 Hyper 8oz 16mm pickleball paddle — 3K woven raw carbon face

    Gearbox

    GX2 Hyper

    $169.99

    Shop Gearbox →
    NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) 16mm pickleball paddle — Raw carbon fiber face

    NOX

    X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature)

    $249.95

    Shop on Amazon →

    Pickle's 5-axis score

    Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.

    Gearbox GX2 HyperNOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature)
    Power — spec data unavailable
    4.5 vs —
    Hand speed — spec data unavailable
    6.5 vs —
    Forgiveness — even
    6.6 vs 7.0
    Touch — even
    9.9 vs 9.9
    Spin — even
    6.8 vs 6.8

    The value vs. premium matchup

    Gearbox GX2 Hyper is the value pick at $169.99. NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) is the premium option at $249.95 — you're paying for the Raw carbon fiber. Gearbox GX2 Hyper (Hybrid) and NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) (Standard) differ in head shape, so hand-speed and reach will

    Side-by-side specs

    Weight

    8–8 oz—

    Shape

    HybridStandard

    Core thickness

    16mm16mm

    Core material

    Toray T-700 carbon fiber coreGen 4 X-FOAM (vibration-dampening foam core)

    Face material

    3K woven raw carbonRaw carbon fiber

    Handle length

    5.25"—

    Price

    $169.99$249.95

    What the spec differences mean

    • Length and width. Gearbox GX2 Hyper measures 16" × 8"; NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) measures 16.25" × 7.75" (hybrid vs standard). The NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) is 0.25" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
    • Face material. Gearbox GX2 Hyper lists its face as 3K woven raw carbon; NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) lists Raw carbon fiber. Paddle face materials explained
    • Core material. Gearbox GX2 Hyper lists its core as Toray T-700 carbon fiber core; NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) lists Gen 4 X-FOAM. Paddle core materials explained

    Who each paddle is for

    Gearbox GX2 Hyper

    Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The hybrid shape splits the difference between reach and forgiveness, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.

    Playing style: balanced

    NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature)

    Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The standard shape rewards clean contact, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.

    Pickle's verdict

    Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.

    Pick the Gearbox GX2 Hyper if…

    • ✓you prize control on resets and dinks

    Pick the NOX X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) if…

    • ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
    Shop Gearbox GX2 Hyper →Shop on Amazon X-FOAM JMA 16mm (Jhonnathan Medina Signature) →

    More matchups with the Gearbox GX2 Hyper

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