Proton Project Coyote
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 15% off
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 15mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $195.00
Our take on the Project Coyote
The Proton Project Coyote was released this month and has already generated a lot of buzz among paddle reviewers and players. It’s a “Gen 3” build that delivers great power and a predictable response off the paddle face, making it a good option for a wide variety of play styles.
It has a relatively low swingweight compared to other elongated paddles on the market, so it’s very maneuverable in fast exchanges, and Proton also introduced a slightly different throat taper with the Project Coyote, which is something a lot of Proton players had been asking for. We think this is the best Proton paddle yet and could still move up our list as we spend more time with it.
Check out our full review of the Proton Project Coyote here.
Is the Project Coyote worth $195?
Yes. At $195 it sits in the high price range, and it pairs high power with a steady, connected feel. It also brings the smoother, more traditional throat taper that many Proton players had requested.
Who should buy the Project Coyote?
Players who want a power-oriented paddle that still gives them feel and control. A generous sweet spot and good stability make it work for many play styles, and it suits anyone who prefers reliable, no-gimmick performance to a specialty paddle.
Buy it if
- You want power with clear feedback on contact
- You value a predictable response off the face
- You like tuning with weighted tape
- You want a quick elongated paddle at the net
Skip it if
- You want an explosive, super-charged response
- You need a widebody shape
- You want a heavier paddle without adding tape
How does the Project Coyote play?
Power shows up on drives, serves and overheads without the ball feeling wild off the face. The Gen 3 build, with reinforced foam around the perimeter and a carbon fiber surface, gives clear feedback on contact. With a 113 swing weight and a tapered throat, it stays quick in fast exchanges at the net.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Project Coyote?
Its biggest edge is high power paired with a predictable, connected feel. The main cost is a response that is controlled rather than explosive.
Strengths
- High power on drives, serves and overheads
- Clear, connected feedback on contact
- Quick in fast exchanges at the net
- Room to customize with weighted tape
Trade-offs
- Response is controlled, not explosive
- Light stock weight may need tape for plow-through
- Not a specialist power or control paddle
Closest match we’ve tested
Proton Project Coyote vs JOOLA 3S Dual
Same elongated shape, same Gen 3 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 15mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 7.8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 113
- Twist Weight
- 6.1
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 121
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- UPA-A
15% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Proton Project Coyote against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Project Coyote
Is the Proton Project Coyote worth $195?
Yes. It balances high power with a stable, connected feel and the smoother throat taper players had asked for.
Who should buy the Proton Project Coyote?
Players who want power without sacrificing feel or control. It has a generous sweet spot and good stability, and it fits a wide variety of play styles.
Is the Proton Project Coyote a power paddle or a control paddle?
It's a power paddle, especially on drives, serves and overheads. The response off the face stays predictable rather than explosive, with clear feedback on contact.
What is the swing weight of the Proton Project Coyote?
113, with a 6.1 twist weight, which is relatively low for an elongated paddle. It feels quick in fast exchanges and leaves room to add weighted tape.
Is the Proton Project Coyote USAP approved?
Yes, it's approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, so it's legal in any sanctioned tournament.
What are some Proton Project Coyote alternatives?
Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit
Power 95Spin 99
16mm Gen 4 · Swing weight 118
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 Project Coyote measured power 84, spin 79, swing weight 113 and twist weight 6.1.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.