Expert review: New Proton Project Coyote is powerful but also very predictable
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Proton Pickleball just released what we think is the company’s best paddle to date.
The all-new Project Coyote is a 15mm elongated model that balances high power with a stable and connected feel.
It uses a “Gen 3” construction with reinforced foam around the perimeter and a carbon fiber surface. The Project Coyote also introduces a new shape for Proton — a more traditional elongated shape with a modified throat taper, which provides a smoother transition from the handle to the face and is something that a lot of Proton players had asked for over the years.
Proton Project Coyote
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Proton Project Coyote specs
Length: 16.5 inches
Width: 7.5 inches
Swing weight: 115
Twist weight: 6.1
Read next: The Kitchen’s Top 13 paddles on the market + in-depth reviews for each one
How it plays
The Project Coyote offers a generous sweet spot and good stability, but the biggest benefit with this paddle is the power you get on drives, serves and overheads while maintaining a connected feel that provides clear feedback on contact. The response off the face is powerful but also very predictable rather than overly explosive.
It’s also quite light for an elongated paddle, so there’s plenty of room for customization with weighted tape, and the new tapered shape helps the paddle feel quick and maneuverable in fast exchanges at the net.
Ultimately this is a great option for players who want a power-oriented paddle without sacrificing feel or control. It’s a well-executed, balanced paddle that avoids gimmicks in favor of reliable performance.
Watch the full video above for more details.
Our testing process
Our paddle reviewers (all 5.0+ players) work with other high-level players in their area to test paddles on a variety of shots. This testing involves several hours of drills and 5.0+ games in an effort to determine how the paddle impacts performance in real-world scenarios.
We use the Life Time LT Pro 48 pickleball for our testing.
