Gearbox CEO Explains Why Cold-Press Beats Thermoformed | GBX Power Review

Gearbox GBX Power review — an in-depth look at the $180 cold-pressed Gen 3 honeycomb paddle engineered to solve core crushing. I tested both the elongated 16mm and hybrid 16mm for months, then sat down with Gearbox CEO Rafael Filippelli to understand the engineering choices behind this paddle. Use code MPB to save 10% at checkout. 0:00 – Intro: Is Gen 3 Worth It in 2026? 0:50 – Gen 3 Terminology Clarification 1:09 – The Core Crushing Problem 1:39 – Cold-Press vs Thermoformed Explained 2:35 – Tech Breakdown: Suspended Core Design 3:59 – Perimeter Foam & Tapered Plies 5:06 – Engineering Intent Summary 5:41 – Interview: Rafael Filippelli (Gearbox CEO) 6:33 – Why Build Gen 3 When Foam Dominates? 9:04 – Durability & Value Proposition 12:18 – Performance vs Competitors 14:28 – Manufacturing Process Deep Dive 16:42 – EVA Foam Problems & Heat Exposure 19:25 – Cold-Bond Process Explained 21:50 – Core Crush: The Root Cause 23:37 – Durability Testing & Real-World Results 26:09 – Warranty Strategy & Return Rates 28:34 – Quality Control Philosophy 30:59 – Construction: 7mm Honeycomb Core 32:01 – Surface Layer Philosophy (FAW Explained) 36:25 – Tapered Plies: Non-Uniform Face Design 41:14 – Energy Return & Spring Mechanics 45:00 – R&D Philosophy & Player Evolution 46:05 – The 4.85 Twist Weight Paddle Demo 50:28 – How Low Twist Weight Can Feel Stable 55:32 – Foam Paddle Evolution 58:40 – Foam vs Honeycomb Durability 1:01:25 – Generational Preferences Discussion 1:06:40 – Innovation vs Market Adoption 1:13:01 – Edgeless Design Philosophy 1:19:00 – Young Players & Maneuverable Paddles 1:24:18 – Review Philosophy & Creator Responsibility 1:31:31 – Return from Interview: On-Court Testing 1:32:01 – Specs: Firepower & Control Scores 1:33:01 – Playtest: Elongated vs Hybrid 1:35:15 – Weight Optimization & Customization 1:36:06 – Market Positioning & Alternatives 1:37:26 – Final Verdict & Recommendations This video covers the GBX Power's suspended core design, cold-bond manufacturing process, tapered surface plies, and how it compares to thermoformed Gen 3 paddles. We discuss why cold-pressed honeycomb lasts longer, the tradeoffs between the elongated and hybrid shapes, and whether a Gen 3 paddle makes sense in 2026 when foam cores dominate the market. The hybrid 16mm delivers balanced performance with a Control Score of 63 and exceptional forgiveness. The elongated 16mm prioritizes full-swing power with extended reach. Both feature molded handles, resin chambers, and raw unidirectional carbon fiber surfaces designed for durability without the $230+ price tag. Retail price is $180. Use code MPB for 10% off when GBX Power launches in March. Special thanks to ‪@ChipsPickleball‬ for the use of their awesome meeting space! Full paddle data, measurements, and performance breakdowns available at mattspickleball.com #pickleball #pickleballpaddle #gearbox #gbxpower #pickleballreview #gen3 #honeycombpaddle #paddlereview #mattspickleball ‪@GearboxPickleball‬ ‪@ChipsPickleball‬