Pickleball Apes Zen S+
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 10% off
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- USAP
- Price
- $188.88
Our take on the Zen S+
The new Pickleball Apes Zen S+ uses a “Triple Density Frame” with the brand’s “Diced-Core Technology.” It produces high power and pop, and it also uses a unique grit surface that functions as a thin protective layer bonded over the face, like a screen protector for your paddle.
Is the Zen S+ worth $188.88?
Yes. At $188.88 it sits in the mid price range, and you get high power and pop in a hybrid shape with a low 107 swing weight. The grit surface works like a thin protective layer bonded over the face, like a screen protector.
Who should buy the Zen S+?
Players who want power and pop from a hybrid that stays quick in the hands. A high 7.0 twist weight adds forgiveness on off-center hits, and it is USA Pickleball approved. If you want extra reach, an elongated shape will give more.
Buy it if
- You want a hybrid shape with high power
- You want a quick, low swing weight
- You use a two-handed backhand
- You want a protected grit surface
Skip it if
- You want a plush, low-power control paddle
- You want an elongated reach shape
- You prefer a high swing weight to plow through
How does the Zen S+ play?
Power and pop are high, helped by the Triple Density Frame and Diced-Core Technology in the 16mm foam core. The long handle suits two-handed backhands, and the hybrid shape balances maneuverability with a forgiving sweet spot.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Zen S+?
Its biggest edge is high power in a quick, forgiving hybrid at a mid price. The main cost is a low swing weight that gives less plow-through mass than heavier paddles.
Strengths
- High power and pop from a hybrid shape
- Low 107 swing weight for quick hands
- Grit surface bonded like a screen protector
- Triple Density Frame with diced foam core
Trade-offs
- USAP approved only, not UPA-A
- Less plow-through mass than heavier paddles
- Hybrid reach trails elongated shapes
Closest match we’ve tested
Pickleball Apes Zen S+ vs Gherkin Draco
Same hybrid shape, same 16mm Gen 4 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 7.8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 107
- Twist Weight
- 7
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- USAP
10% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 113
- Twist Weight
- 6.7
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
10% off with code KITCHEN
10% off with KITCHEN
10% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Pickleball Apes Zen S+ against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Zen S+
What is the Pickleball Apes Zen S+?
A hybrid power paddle with a 16mm MPP foam core and a long handle. It has a low 107 swing weight and a high 7.0 twist weight.
How much does the Pickleball Apes Zen S+ cost?
$188.88, which puts it in the mid price range for pickleball paddles.
What is Pickleball Apes?
A US paddle brand launched in 2023 making USAP-approved paddles with carbon fiber, Kevlar and aramid faces.
Is the Pickleball Apes Zen S+ USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
What are some Pickleball Apes Zen S+ alternatives?
Gearbox GBX Power Hybrid
Power 83Spin 77
16mm Gen 3 · Swing weight 111
How we test every paddle
Why trust our ratings? Every paddle is played by Team Kitchen, our team of expert paddle reviewers, and measured on the same scale before we rate it.
- Expert reviewers. All 5.0+ players, testing alongside other high-level players in their area.
- Hours of drills and games. Every kind of shot, in real points, to see how a paddle plays in a match and not just on paper.
- Measured on the same scale. Power, spin, swing weight and twist weight for every paddle, so any two compare fairly. The Zen S+ measured power 92, spin 91, swing weight 107 and twist weight 7.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.