Six Zero Black Opal
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 10% off
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 14mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $250.00
Our take on the Black Opal
This paddle is definitely geared toward advanced players (4.5 or 5.0+), but it has an extremely high ceiling if you’re willing to invest the time to get the touch dialed in.
It’s a true power paddle that also offers great shot-shaping ability — particularly for players with shorter, whippy strokes. The 14mm foam core feels very satisfying when you connect with the center of the paddle, but if there is a knock on this paddle, it’s that the sweet spot isn’t as big as the paddles ahead of it on this list. But it definitely has top-tier potential when in the hands of a good player.
Check out our in-depth review of the Six Zero Opal here.
Is the Black Opal worth $250?
Yes, for advanced players willing to put in time on their touch. At $250 it sits in the premium price range, and it is a true power paddle with elite pop in hands battles, though the sweet spot is smaller than on some premium paddles.
Who should buy the Black Opal?
Advanced players at about 4.5 and up, especially those with short, whippy strokes who want shot-shaping ability. It has a very high ceiling if you invest the time, and it is not meant for 3.0 to 3.5 players, who will struggle to harness its power and spin.
Buy it if
- You are a 4.5 or higher player
- You use short, whippy strokes
- You want top-tier pop in hands battles
- You like a lively, springy feel
Skip it if
- You are a 3.0 to 3.5 player
- You want a big, generous sweet spot
- You depend on resets in transition
- You want a steady, forgiving paddle
How does the Black Opal play?
The 14mm foam core feels satisfying on center contact, with a lively, springy response that shapes both hard and soft shots. The hybrid shape and 114 swing weight keep it maneuverable on flicks out of the air, and good dwell time makes them controllable. Dinks can be touchy at first.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Black Opal?
Its biggest edge is top-tier pop with excellent shot shaping. The main cost is transition play, where a smaller sweet spot makes resets difficult even with tungsten tape.
Strengths
- Top-tier pop and putaway power
- Excellent shot shaping on hard and soft shots
- Maneuverable hybrid shape for flicks
- Good dwell time for controlled attacks
Trade-offs
- Smaller sweet spot than other premium paddles
- Resets are its weak spot
- Dinks can feel touchy
- Needs a shorter, higher-aimed drive swing
Closest match we’ve tested
Six Zero Black Opal vs Pickleball Apes Zen S+
Same hybrid shape, same Gen 4 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 14mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8.1 oz
- Swing Weight
- 114
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
10% off with code KITCHEN
- 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
10% off with KITCHEN
10% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Six Zero Black Opal against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Black Opal
Is the Six Zero Black Opal worth $250?
Yes, for advanced players willing to spend time dialing in their touch. It's a true power paddle with top-tier pop in hands battles, though its sweet spot is smaller than some premium paddles.
Is the Six Zero Black Opal good for beginners?
No. We'd recommend it for players around 4.5 and up, since its power, pop and spin are hard to harness at the 3.0 to 3.5 level.
Six Zero Black Opal vs Six Zero Coral: which is better?
The Black Opal has the higher ceiling, while the Coral is steadier. The Coral is more stable on resets and dinks with a bigger sweet spot, but gives up noticeable pop and power.
Does the Six Zero Black Opal need lead or tungsten tape?
Tape helps but isn't a cure-all. A strip of tungsten tape at the throat and bottom corners makes it more stable on resets, but transition play is still its weak spot.
Is the Six Zero Black Opal 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 Six Zero Black Opal alternatives?
Pickleball Apes Zen S+
Power 92Spin 91
16mm Gen 4 · Swing weight 107
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 Black Opal measured power 96, spin 75, swing weight 114 and twist weight 6.3.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.