Customer Reviews
I got my HX at 7.8 oz with a swingweight of 108 and a twist weight of 6.35. In stock form, it was very quick in hand battles, but it wanted to twist on off-center contact, so there was a little less plow through on drives. The ball came off the face on a lower, flatter line, which helped keep shots from floating, but the face could wobble when I was late.
I added lead tape, 4 g split at 4 and 8 o’clock, and 2 g split at 2 and 10 o’clock. After the tape, it measured 114 swingweight and 6.84 twist weight. The change calmed the face without killing hand speed. Resets got easier, counters held their line even when I was behind the ball, shoulder-high volleys stopped drifting, and the sweet spot felt bigger. The extra swingweight added just enough plow on drives and overheads, and the higher twist weight trimmed the wobble on mishits. The lower launch angle now works in my favor. The ball leaves flatter and more direct, so drives stay low and on a rope.
With this setup, my serve jumped a level, deeper and heavier. Passes skid through the court, and I can thread low lines without the ball sailing. After a couple of sessions, the face and foam relaxed a bit, the feel turned a touch plusher, roll volleys grabbed better, and dinks traced a tighter arc while keeping that same low flight window.
This is probably one of the best 14 mm true hybrids right now, when it comes down to stability (especially after adding lead tape) without giving up speed. The flat top head shape spreads weight out toward the corners, which keeps the face from twisting when you miss the center. The hybrid shape gives you reach and forgiveness in one package. The 14 mm core keeps the launch angle low, so shots stay on a flatter path that is easier to control in fast exchanges. Add the full foam perimeter and internal weighting, and you get a paddle that feels solid on counters and blocks while still swinging fast enough for quick hands.
Bottom line, the stock is fast and lively, tuned to about 114 swingweight and 6.84 twist weight, it becomes a steadier and more surgical version of itself. If you want quick hands, heavier serves, and counters that do not flinch, this build hits a sweet spot between power and control.
The Phoenix HX is USAP-approved right now. Starting in May 2026, USAP will require PBCoR scores of 0.43 or below for sanctioned play, almost 9 months from now. Chorus plans a 0.43-stamped HX that plays like this one well before that change, and they say current buyers will get a code for a massive discount on the updated version, at least 70 percent off, so you are effectively getting two Phoenix HX paddles for about 225.
-- This review is based of of the EX version, but the HX should be fairly similar, just released sooner than the other 2 shapes.
I was fortunate enough to get a hold of a Phoenix EX before release date to test it out. As a fan of Chorus' previous power paddle, the Fire, the Phoenix is a complete upgrade over it. It is softer, more forgiving, yet it has easily has as much power and pop of its predecessor. It has more dwell time than both Fire and Supercourt, and the sweetspot/consistency cross the face is better as well. Serves and drives feel accurate, overhead finishers were easy, manuverable and fast enough for hand battles with enough pop to put away balls during volleys, drops and resets were easy to dial in, and plenty enough spin to hit fast dropping drips. My paddle came in at 7.95oz stock, and it has been weight up to 8.15oz to my preference.
Overall, the Pheonix is an excellent, well-rounded power paddle. It isn't the most powerful or poppy paddle on the market, but it has ample of both to be a power paddle without sacrificing much control when compared to a good all-court paddle like the Supercourt, making it a good paddle for most players. It won't automatically take your serves and drives to Jack Sock level, but it won't sabatoge you with unexpected responses either -- your output is always consistent with your input, and that consistency with all the firepower you need makes this an incredible paddle. It is by far, my absolute favorite Chorus paddle. If you are looking for a reasonable power paddle that raises your abilities without being a burden, definitely give the Chorus Phoenix a try!
Hit the new production Phoenix alongside a few other paddles like the J2NF and Vapor Power. Gotta say the Phoenix 🐦🔥 is my clear favorite.
I’d say in general it plays really nicely with great but controllable power and pop. Solid dwell allows for a good amount of spin/ shaping, while snappy power/ pop make for some fantastic put aways and serves. It’s rare for me to enjoy the feel of a paddle so much. Phoenix 🐦🔥 is as much fun as I have with the ESQ-C 12.7mm but with way way more forgiveness, a touch more power, and a very pleasant gen3 feel. I did a few rounds of switching back and forth to make comparisons. But then I just wanted to hit the 🐦🔥. The power and pop aren’t quite as high as the Ripple V2, but with the forgiveness and spin it feels very controllable. I love being able to take full swing and full power serves and not have to worry about out balls. Feels so good I hit a dozen or so before leaving the courts today just for fun.
Here’s a few general comparison:
Overall preference:
Ripple V2 < J2NF~Vapor Power < 🐦🔥
Power (noticeable differences):
Vapor power < J2NF< 🐦🔥< Ripple V2
Pop (closer than power):
Vapor power < J2NF< 🐦🔥< Ripple V2
Spin/ Shaping (close one):
Ripple V2 < J2NF~Vapor Power < 🐦🔥
Feel (worlds apart):
J2NF< Ripple V2 < Vapor Power< 🐦🔥
Forgiveness (closer except Ripple)
Ripple V2 < Vapor Power~🐦🔥 < J2NF
For my first power paddle this thing is awesome. My serves have been more powerful then ever. What's crazy is my drops are supper consistent. Just be careful this thing is poppy so if you hit dead center of the sweet spot and don't have topspin the ball is going out. This paddle is very controllable as long as you have good mechanics.
