Pulpconnection

It’s Not You and It’s Not Your Paddle

Gee Why — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000

It’s not you, and it’s not your paddle. It’s actually the weather that causes your erratic pickleball play! Or so it seems anyway.

Oddly, I couldn’t get comfortable with my Turbo MPP. The UDRIPPIN grip just felt extra tacky almost like tape or a weak adhesive. Maybe it’s the unusual Kona Low weather condition causing this feel. I only had my Draco as a backup so used that the rest of the session. Took a short bit to get adjusted but played more consistently with the Gherkin before an eventual rainout.

Can You Pickle in Pikachu Pumas?

Gee Why — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Sadly, the answer will remain unknown for me. Puma released a Pokemon collaboration, pairing the popular Pikachu with the All Pro Nitro 2 basketball shoes. This particular basketball model has gotten positive praise on the court so assuming that could translate to the pickleball court.

But alas, these Puma Pikachus are too svelte for my feet. My regular size 10 was very snug while a size 10.5 added length, but the forefoot was still uncomfortably narrow. So I don’t know if you can pickle in Pikachu Pumas.

And oh by the way, I got a newer, easier to remember discount code at Enhance Pickleball. So if you’re looking at any of the Turbos or Duos, start at:

https://www.enhancepickleball.com/KailuaPB

New Enhance Pickleball Referral Code

Gee Why — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:45:00 +0000

As a fan of the Turbo MPP paddle from Enhance Pickleball, I also got a referral code for discounts on their site.

My original code was hard to remember, so I got a new one that’s hopefully easier to remember (and use). The updated code for $20 off the Turbo (or any Enhance paddles) is now:

KailuaPB

You can apply the code at checkout to receive a discount or enter the store using this affiliate link:

https://www.enhancepickleball.com/KailuaPB

Thanks for the support!

Here are some posts about the Turbo.

The Collaboration I Didn’t Know I Needed

Gee Why — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Of course I did not see this one coming, but now that it’s been announced, I do believe I need one.

Zippy’s

Kahala aloha shirt

Together. Available starting mid April.

It’s YOU, Not Your Paddle

Gee Why — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000

So in my experimentation with my pickleball paddle rotation, I realized something after a rough session going from my Enhance Turbo MPP to my weighted up Loco. Things just didn’t feel right playing with the Loco.

I had used the Turbo MPP days before, but since it wasn’t available, I grabbed my Loco in a recent session. My swings just felt odd as if the paddle were hinging where the PickleClips were. I removed the weights, and the Loco felt more balanced but still off. After that game, I switched to the Boomstik which surprisingly felt more comfortable.

The thing is I had been playing with these paddles the week prior and never had such detrimental results. So what was the difference?

ME, not the paddles. Somewhere between then and now, my body mechanics weren’t the same. Maybe it’s fatigue, maybe it’s old age, but certainly, it’s me, not the paddles.

Restocking UDRIPPIN Over Grips

Gee Why — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000

So far, my preferred overgrip comes from UDRIPPIN. I haven’t tried a lot of other brands, maybe 4 or 5, but I like the combination of feel, price, and appearance of the overgrips from UD.

The Comfort Tour Grips would seem like the safest bet to use (and the burnt orange color really matches the color scheme of the BnB Loco). But I’m kinda liking the Pro Tour Grips a little more.

The Comfort Tour feels like it absorbs sweat, getting slippery. Maybe it’s just time to replace the overgrip (but there’s only neon orange available on UDRIPPIN.com). The Pro Tour grip, on the other hand, feels drier over the entire playing session although it’s not quite as soft as the Comfort Tour.

Either way, I need to restock on UDRIPPING overgrips.

Turbo MPP to Loco to Boomstik

Gee Why — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000

I don’t know why, but I like to mix up my paddle play. Recently, I talked about going from the Enhance Turbo MPP back to my BnB Loco and how I weighted up my Loco using PickleClips.

After the Loco, I brought out the Selkirk Boomstik, and oddly, I found it easier to adjust to. Usually, I find the Boomstik difficult to control but going from the weighted up Loco to the Boomstik wasn’t too much of an adjustment in feel. In my next play session, I gotta see how the Gherkin Draco fits in.

Weighted Up with PickleClips

Gee Why — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

I’ve been alternating between different pickleball paddles to get a better feel and understanding of how they are different and what aspects I prefer. I can tell they all play differently, but I can’t explain the different feel.

Most recently, I had been using the excellent (and budget friendly) Enhance Turbo MPP, so much so that I guess my swing mechanics got used to its feel. So when I switched back to my BnB Loco, it felt way different – bothersome different. The Loco just felt too light and was getting pushed around. I don’t know why since I was playing against the same rec players as usual.

But that’s when I remembered I bought a bundle of PickleClips after watching a review from Matthew K. Pickleball. Figured this was a good time to try them out. The PickleClips are surprisingly easy to attach (and remove) but when hitting, they are totally secure. I started with the 2-gram weights at 3 and 9 and moved them up and down the paddle sides throughout the games. My swing felt more natural but still a little off, so I changed to the 3-gram weights, again slightly repositioning the clips over time.

The current placement right below 3 and 9 feels better although the top to bottom balance of the paddle doesn’t feel like a smooth transition. But the swing itself feels right, not too heavy and not too weak with solid hits. Hmm, maybe two 2-gram weights slightly separated on each side?

I think it’s really weird how I now perceive a different feel even though I thought the paddle was just fine not too long ago.

Making a Melin Collection

Gee Why — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

And… we’re off! A collection of Melin hats is now building, starting with this Odysea Hydro from the Yellow Jacket collection. Since this is a collaboration, the cost of the hat is $10 higher, but Hawaii residents are in luck.

If you shop at a Melin store in Waikiki, Maui, or Kauai, Hawaii residents get a kamaaina discount of 10%. Looks like I’ll be frequenting Waikiki a little more often now…

Melin Supports Hawaii

Gee Why — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Melin definitely has some love for Hawaii. On a bigger scale, they’re supporting relief efforts from recent flooding with direct donations and also proceeds of sales from the Islands Collection.

On a smaller, personal scale, the local Melin stores offer kamaaina discounts of 10%. Since prices online and in-store are the same, this is a solid discount if you can make it to one of the locations in Waikiki, Maui, or Kauai.

Melin Limited Islands Collection

Gee Why — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:11:42 +0000

Melin has publicly released their Islands Collection hats in the sand camo color way. This limited edition collection is in support of Hawaii communities affected by the recent erratic Kona Low weather conditions that led to flooding across the state. A portion of each sale from the Islands Collection will go to the Lahui Foundation and Hawai’i Foodbank.

With the Limited lines, once the inventory is gone, that’s it. Usually, there won’t be any restocks or reprints so get yours today!

Keep an Eye on Luzz Lab

Gee Why — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:22:52 +0000

I just learned about the “Luzz Lab” and seemingly was too late to capitalize. Luzz Pickleball is experimenting with new paddles and is crowdsourcing small production batches. If you are one of the first buyers/backers, you can get the paddle for free or at a deep discount (I’m a little confused about this part).

Paddles fall into three possible categories of:

Recreational
Tech
R&D

And from the first set of offerings, prices range between $99 and $179. So the goal is to be one of the first 50 buyers, getting discounts of 20%, 30%, or 50%.

Now, what’s the best way to know when new Luzz Lab paddles are released?

Help Send UH Pickleball to the 2026 Collegiate Nationals

Gee Why — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:23:16 +0000

The Pickleball Club at the University of Hawaii has qualified to play at the 2026 Collegiate National Championships in Georgia but needs your help. This is a school club, not an officially sanctioned (and funded) team so all expenses are out of the players’ own pockets.

To help with the costs, fans can donate to their GoFund me asking for $8000.

https://gofund.me/20c4b814b

BnB Loco and Enhance Turbo Size Comparison

Gee Why — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:30:01 +0000

Nothing scientific or precise and not more commentary about performance of either of these excellent paddles. Just some pictures comparing the size differences in the profiles of the Bread and Butter Loco hybrid and the Enhanced Turbo MPP elongated.

As expected, the elongated Turbo is longer than the Lcoo from buttcap to top. But the hybrid Loco is wider.

Here’s how the top shape of both paddles compares. The elongated is longer… but not by much.

A closer look at how much more reach the elongated Turbo will get over the hybrid Loco. Not sure if I could tell on the courts.

The width of the Loco is more perceivable but still within half an inch of the Turbo.

Both handles feel on the smaller side (which I prefer). Paddles are over-gripped with Udrippin, orange is comfort tour while turquoise is pro tour. Both handles and overgrows are great!

Again, if you’re interested in the Enhance Turbo, use this link to save $20 off the $119 retail price.

https://www.enhancepickleball.com/KailuaPB

HECO Oahu Outage Map

Gee Why — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:27:34 +0000

This is the definition of “bruh.”

My Best Recent Investment

Gee Why — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 01:23:35 +0000

No, it’s not the Enhance Turbo MPP pickleball paddle, but a Tesla PowerWall system that’s been my best recent investment. We’ve been plagued with short-term and medium-term power outages quite frequently over the years, but 2025 and so far, 2026 has been even worse. The power outages typically have been lasting hours.

But all of this anxiety is now alleviated with a PowerWall battery system. Our refrigerator stays cool and the basic electrical necessities are taken care of. And this Storm Watch mode that charges the battery ahead of bad weather is a very smart feature.

The Enhance Turbo MPP Is So Good

Gee Why — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

The Enhance Turbo MPP paddle continues to impress with its solid performance. In a recent play session, it dawned upon me that every hit felt good. Sure, I had shanks near the edge of the paddle but otherwise, each hit felt solid and controlled. I guess that means the sweet spot is huge? I’m using a stock Turbo MPP with no weight customizations.

The Turbo keeps on keeping on, and that is the understated advantage of this paddle – you don’t have to adjust to it. It just does. Fast, slow, hard, soft, low, high – it does as expected, and that’s such a reassurance to know you’ll get what you intended. And all for $99 (after discount code).

Yeah, if you’re getting more serious about your game and are looking to upgrade from starter paddles, this is the one.

Optimizing the Enhance Turbo Cost to Hawaii

Gee Why — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:27:14 +0000

So yes, the Enhance Turbo MPP is a must have paddle for the price. But like I mentioned before, that cost for Hawaii is higher due to $30 shipping. Discount codes will knock the Turbo price down from $119.99 to $99.99 with free shipping in the continental US. But Hawaii being Hawaii, getting goods here simply costs more.

However, if you order multiple Turbos (MPP or EPP models), it looks like the shipping is still $30 for the entire order. However, the $20 code discount applies only once, not to each paddle.

Here’s a quick cost breakdown of ordering various quantities of paddles. Regardless, even at this cost, these paddles are so worth it!

Qty	Cost	Shipping	Total Cost	Cost Per Paddle
1	99.99	29.99	129.98	$129.98
2	219.98	29.99	249.97	$124.99
3	339.97	29.99	369.96	$123.32
4	459.96	29.99	489.95	$122.49
5	579.95	29.99	609.94	$121.99

The Enhance Turbo Elongated MPP Is a Must Have

Gee Why — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Wow, just wow. Played my first few games using the new Enhance Turbo MPP in the elongated shape (the only MPP shape currently available) and while the paddle felt familiar, the overall feel and gameplay was impressively excellent.

More controllable than the Selkirk Boomstik.

More comfortable than the Gherkin Draco.

Cheaper than the Bread and Butter Loco but feels the most like the Loco.

The Enhance Turbo MPP at $99 is a must have, especially for those looking to upgrade from their starter paddles. Many of the characteristics of top paddles available in a $99 package just can’t be ignored.

More play testing is needed for sure, but kitchen play was very comfortable (maybe even effortless) and I didn’t feel like I had to adjust anything.

Be sure to use this link to get $20 off your order, knocking the Turbo down to $99.

https://www.enhancepickleball.com/KailuaPB

Sorry, but for Hawaii orders, can’t do anything about the $30 shipping charge. If you order two Turbos, you’ll get a single $20 discount but the $30 shipping covers both paddles, so there’s a slight savings when ordering two ($130 vs $125).

The Enhance Turbo MPP Feels Familiar

Gee Why — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:03:38 +0000

Today was my first hits with the recently released Enhance Turbo, MPP version. This was only an abbreviated session with no real game play (unfortunately), but I must say that hitting with the Turbo MPP felt very familiar. Nothing out of the realm of the BnB Loco, Gherkin Draco, or Selkirk Boomstik, but that’s excellent company to be with at a much lower price point.

I didn’t really try drives or hard serves, but the feel of drops and resets felt soft like the Loco. Pop at the kitchen line is probably less than the Boomstik, Loco, and Draco, but it’s still very good. The grit and spin seems average but will have to try some drives for more testing.

The handle feels good as well, more of a roundish shape like the Loco, not so squared off like the Draco. At $99 (after code), this paddle is an excellent buy, seemingly keeping pace with paddles twice its cost (unfortunately, shipping to Hawaii is costly at $30, but it is what it is).

If you want to try any Enhance paddle, you can get a $20 discount using my code linked below:

https://www.enhancepickleball.com/KailuaPB