Julian Arnold, one of the fastest and most aggressive pickleball players in the world, uses the Volair Mach 1 as his signature paddle. The Mach 1 is a lightweight control paddle that strikes a balance between power and spin, making it a cost-effective choice compared to many high-end paddles.

I was eager to see if the 14mm version truly delivers on performance and value. After extensive playtesting, here’s my honest, firsthand review.

Buy or pass?

Buy if:
✅ You want a top control paddle with some power: Rated 10/10 for control, it still delivers enough power for aggressive play.
✅ You prefer an elongated paddle that isn’t too heavy: At 7.5 oz, the 14mm Mach 1 feels lighter than most heavy-headed elongated paddles.
✅ You’re an advancing intermediate to pro player: Ideal for intermediate to professional levels, but less suited for beginners.

Pass if:
❌ You want a heavier paddle – If you prefer a weightier paddle, this may feel too light.
❌ You like a poppy paddle face – This paddle has a softer feel. For more built-in power, consider the CRBN-2X.
❌ You’re a beginner – A better entry-level option is the PCKL Launch Series, which is both budget-friendly and high quality

Attribute	Specification
Paddle Weight	7.5 oz (14 mm paddle) or 7.9 oz (16 mm paddle)
Paddle Length	16 ½”
Paddle Width	7 ½”
Handle Length	5 ½”
Grip Circumference	4 ⅓” (14 mm paddle) or 4 ½” (16 mm paddle)
Paddle Face Material	Raw T700 carbon fiber
Core Material	Polypropylene honeycomb
Core Thickness	14 mm or 16 mm (0.55″ or 0.63″)
Sweet Spot	Large

Review Summary Volair Mach 1

Volair markets the Mach 1 as a balance between spin and control, with the 14mm model providing more power than the 16mm. My testing confirms this claim

The raw carbon fiber face generated exceptional spin, allowing for impressive side spin and topspin shots. Touch and control on drops and resets were outstanding. At 7.5 oz, it felt light in hand, and quick exchanges at the net were effortless.

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Pros	Cons
Enhances control, offering excellent accuracy for dinks, blocks, resets, and returns	Requires strong swings to generate power, which may not suit all players
Ideal for aggressive playstyles, delivering solid power with forceful swings	Mishits can occur due to dead zones outside the sweet spot
Significant spin is produced by the raw carbon fiber face.

Features

Top professional player Julian Arnold co-founded Volair with the goal of creating a paddle that strikes a balance between control, touch, spin, and power. To find out if the Mach 1 fulfills that ambition, let’s explore its outstanding features.

Raw T700 Carbon Fiber Face

The raw carbon fiber face of the Volair Mach 1 offers superior ball grip and roughness. This raw carbon fiber construction guarantees long-lasting grit, in contrast to certain paddles that rely on a sprayed finish for texture, which erodes over time. This results in steady shot control and remarkable spin potential.

Premium Grip & Elongated Handle

During play, the soft yet firm grip provides a sense of safty. This paddle’s 5 ½” lengthened handle, which offers more reach and flexibility, makes it a great option for players who prefer a two-handed backhand.

Edge Guard

A standard edge guard is included with the paddle for increased protection and durability. There aren’t many specifics about how it was made, but throughout testing, I didn’t run into any durability problems.

Performance Attribute	Rating
Power	10/10
Control	9/10
Spin	9/10
Forgiveness	10/10
Weighting	9/10
Grip	8/10
Durability	10/10
Aerodynamics	10/10

Performance Ratings

Power: 8/10

For a control-focused paddle, the 14mm Mach 1 delivers solid power. I found it packed enough punch for my game, though I naturally take aggressive swings. If you rely more on the paddle for power, you might find it a bit soft.
Since generating power required some extra effort, I’m rating it 8/10. I haven’t tested the 16mm version, but it would likely have even less pop than the 14mm.

Control: 10/10

Control is where the Mach 1 truly shines. Julian Arnold designed this paddle to excel in resets, mid-range play, and transition-zone battles and it delivers.
My resets felt both cushioned and firm, making it a pleasure to play in the transition zone. The paddle’s precision and consistency make it a top-tier choice for players who prioritize control.

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Spin: 9/10

The raw T700 carbon fiber face provides excellent grit, allowing for impressive spin. While I’m not a heavy topspin player, I rely on under spin and side spin, and the Mach 1 let me shape shots beautifully. The ball curved and bit the court just as I intended.

Forgiveness: 9/10

Despite some dead spots near the edges, the Mach 1 has a generous sweet spot that makes it a forgiving paddle. My accuracy in fast kitchen exchanges was excellent.
The soft, cushioned feel allowed for good control, even on off-center hits. Unlike some thermoformed paddles, mishits didn’t cause the ball to pop up unpredictably.

Weighting: 10/10

At just 7.5 oz, the 14mm Volair Mach 1 is exceptionally lightweight for an elongated paddle. This made it easy to maneuver, react quickly at the net, and take aggressive swings on serves and drives.
If you thrive in fast-paced hand battles in the kitchen, this paddle is definitely worth considering.

Grip: 9/10

The grip is one of the most noticeable aspects of the Mach 1. While listed at 4 ⅓”, the 14mm version felt thicker than expected.
Some players might find it too large, but if you typically use an overgrip, you’ll likely appreciate the extra thickness.

Durability: 8/10

Since this isn’t a thermoformed or unibody paddle, its long-term durability is uncertain. Honeycomb paddles like this tend to wear out faster than their thermoformed counterparts.
That said, the edge guard feels solid, and the raw carbon fiber surface should retain its grit for a long time. Time will tell how well it holds up under heavy play.

Aerodynamics: 10/10

The Mach 1 felt incredibly fast in my hands. While Volair hasn’t detailed any specific aerodynamic design features beyond its lightweight build, whatever they’ve done works exceptionally well. The paddle moves effortlessly, making quick reactions and fast exchanges at the net feel smooth and natural.

Pricing

At $159.99, the Volair Mach 1 is priced well below many premium paddles, which often exceed $200. This raises the question: does it offer elite performance at a bargain, or is there a catch?

Comparison with Other Paddles

Paddle	Best For	Price
Volair Mach 1 (14mm)	Control & spin with moderate power	$159.99
Paddletek Tempest Wave II	Budget-friendly control	~$130
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16	Power & spin	$220+
Gearbox CX14E	Elite-level control & durability	$200+

Value for Money

In my opinion, the Volair Mach 1 is well worth the cost. I just tested the 14mm model, so I can’t comment on the 16mm model, however it fits my play style flawlessly.

I had thought that it would have cost more than $200 given its performance. Because many high-end paddles are currently selling for $220 or more, the Mach 1 is a fantastic value at $159.99.

Julian Arnold is making waves in the world of professional pickleball with this exact paddle. This is a unique opportunity to use the same gear as a top pro if you’re an intermediate player trying to level up.

However, the Paddletek Tempest Wave II is a good option if you’re searching for a less expensive control paddle. If you’re in charge of priority, consider the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 for an explosive playing experience.

Professional Use

Who uses the Volair Mach 1?

Julian Arnold’s hallmark paddle is the Volair Mach 1. With 14 medals under his belt, he is among the world’s best players and has complete faith in this paddle. He won MVP at the 2023 Major League Pickleball event in Mesa with Mach 1.

Bottom Line

But I really liked the 14mm Volair Mach 1, your playing style will determine whether it’s a good fit for you. This paddle will greatly improve your touch game and excel in control. Its lightweight form kept me quick and responsive in quick exchanges, and its elongated shape gave me more reach at the kitchen line. Although some players might find it insufficient, the power was adequate for my style of play because I prefer to swing hard. Although it wasn’t quite as good as the Gearbox CX14E, spin generation was still outstanding. The Volair Mach 1 is an excellent option for intermediate paddlers seeking a control-focused paddle with strong spin and excellent flexibility.

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