If you're shopping the upper mid tier, the SWORD & STONE J3 is HONOLULU PICKLEBALL COMPANY's answer for competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape.
Build at a glance
- Core thickness16mm
- Face materialTORAY T700 raw carbon fibre
- ConstructionPolypropylene honeycomb core
- Skill levelIntermediate · Pro
- Play styleControl · Power
What this paddle does well
TORAY T700 carbon is the modern competitive standard — same weave grade you find on paddles £80 more expensive. The face grips the ball for proper spin generation without flexing unpredictably under impact.
The 16mm core is the modern club-paddle thickness sweet spot. Enough plush for soft hands at the kitchen, enough density for a meaningful third-shot drive when you need it.
Who it's for
This paddle is designed with competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape in mind. If you've moved past entry-tier paddles and want to feel the difference at every contact, the spec is here.
The honest trade-offs
You give up a small amount of raw pop compared to thinner-core paddles — most players don't notice it, but power-first hitters might.
How it sits in the range
Browse HONOLULU PICKLEBALL COMPANY's full UK line to compare against the brand's other models, or the wider paddle range to compare against equivalents from other brands at this tier.
Frequently asked
What's the face made of?
The face is TORAY T700 raw carbon fibre. TORAY T700 is the modern competitive grade — known for consistent spin generation and stiffness across the face.
Does this paddle come with a cover?
Cover inclusion varies by model and batch. Where HONOLULU PICKLEBALL COMPANY bundles a cover, we mention it explicitly in the listing. Otherwise, paddle covers are sold separately and we recommend one for any paddle £100+.
What core thickness is the SWORD & STONE J3?
The SWORD & STONE J3 uses a 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core. A 16mm core is the modern control-first standard — more dwell time, better for kitchen play.
How long will this paddle last?
1–2 seasons of regular weekly play before noticeable dead-spot creep. Thermoformed unibody paddles tend toward the longer end of that range; sandwich-construction paddles toward the shorter.
How does the SWORD & STONE J3 compare to other paddles in this price band?
At this price you're competing against the equivalent tier from Selkirk SLK, JOOLA, Head Radical, and Vatic Pro. The differences come down to face grit, edge guard quality, and brand-specific feel — best to read the spec sheet, not just the badge.
Is the SWORD & STONE J3 USAPA approved?
Most current paddles from HONOLULU PICKLEBALL COMPANY are USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play. Check the listing tags or contact us if you need confirmation for a specific event.