Proton Project Flamingo
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 15% off
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 15mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Short
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $175.00
Our take on the Project Flamingo
The updated Series Three model from Proton features a more powerful core and a very gritty hitting surface for great pop and spin. The Flamingo, released in January 2025, has been used by several top pros this year and the 15mm “Velocity Core” has earned this paddle a reputation as one of the most aggressive on the market.
Find our full review of the Project Flamingo here.
Is the Project Flamingo worth $175?
Yes. At $175 it sits in the mid price range, and its power and spin are elite without costing you much on resets or dinks. Few paddles add this much attacking ability while giving up so little.
Who should buy the Project Flamingo?
Aggressive players who load heavy topspin on serves and third-shot drives. It rewards hard swings, and the extra dip lets you aim higher over the net with confidence. It also makes topspin rolls on drops and dinks easy.
Buy it if
- You hit heavy topspin serves and drives
- You want elite power and spin together
- You like attacking out of the air
- You want a stable feel on resets
Skip it if
- You want a soft, plush feel
- You prefer a low swing weight
- You want a milder power level
How does the Project Flamingo play?
The roughened carbon face and high-density foam add dwell time, so spin is the headline on serves, drives and drops. It feels sturdy and stable rather than soft, which makes resets and dinks easy to adjust to. On counters and overheads, power sits near the top end of approved paddles.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Project Flamingo?
Its biggest edge is elite spin and power without a weak spot on resets. The main cost is a firm, stable feel that is not soft.
Strengths
- Elite spin from a very gritty carbon face
- Big power on drives, counters and overheads
- Consistent, stable feel on resets and dinks
- Strong in hands battles even off-center
Trade-offs
- Firm, not soft, feel on contact
- 121 swing weight is not the quickest
- Rewards aggressive swings more than soft ones
Closest match we’ve tested
Proton Project Flamingo vs JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm
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
- 8.2 oz
- Swing Weight
- 121
- Twist Weight
- 6.8
- Handle Length
- Short
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8.2 oz
- Swing Weight
- 118
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Proton Project Flamingo against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Project Flamingo
Is the Proton Project Flamingo worth $175?
Yes. It delivers elite power and spin while staying solid on resets and dinks, so you gain a lot without really sacrificing anything.
Who should buy the Proton Project Flamingo?
Aggressive players who hit heavy topspin serves and third-shot drives. The harder you drive with it, the better it plays, and the spin lets you clear the net comfortably.
How much power does the Proton Project Flamingo have?
A lot. Its stability and big sweet spot make it strong on counters and overheads, near the top end of paddles approved under the new USAP and UPA-A rules.
Should I get the 13mm or 15mm Proton Project Flamingo?
The 13mm for more pop and maneuverability at the kitchen line, or the 15mm for a more plush feel. Both come in elongated and widebody shapes.
Is the Proton Project Flamingo 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 Flamingo alternatives?
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 Flamingo measured power 88, spin 66, swing weight 121 and twist weight 6.8.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.