Customer Reviews
-- 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.
