Thrive Ignite
Our take on the Ignite
The Ignite is Thrive’s first full-foam paddle, built with an EPP foam core, a TPE foam perimeter ring and strategically placed tungsten perimeter weighting so it performs at a high level straight out of the box. Thrive’s new Clear Fusion Grit delivers big spin with durability that won’t wear down after extended play, and every paddle is hand-weighed so you can pick your exact swing weight when you order.
Ignite
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 15mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
- Price
- $219.99
Is the Ignite worth $219.99?
Yes, if you want foam power that is dialed in from day one. At $219.99 it sits in the high price range, and the price includes perimeter tungsten weighting most players would otherwise add themselves, plus a durable grit face.
Who should buy the Ignite?
Power-focused players who like the feel of Gen 3 paddles but want foam durability. It suits anyone who doesn’t add their own weight, since the Ignite is balanced out of the box. If you want a quicker, lighter swing, the hybrid version is the one to look at.
Buy it if
- You want Gen 3 feel with foam durability
- You want a paddle balanced out of the box
- You want spin that holds up
- You want to pick your exact swing weight
Skip it if
- You need a UPA-A approved paddle
- You want the lowest possible swing weight
- You want a widebody sweet spot
How does the Ignite play?
Power is high and spin sits near the top of the scale. The EPP core and TPE perimeter ring aim for a Gen 3-style feel in a full-foam build, and the tungsten weighting enlarges the sweet spot without you adding tape. The 116 swing weight gives the elongated shape solid plow-through.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Ignite?
Its biggest edge is out-of-the-box balance with durable spin. The main cost is a medium 6.3 twist weight compared with wider shapes.
Strengths
- Perimeter tungsten weighting from the factory
- Clear Fusion Grit for lasting spin
- Gen 3-like feel from a full-foam core
- Choose your exact swing weight
Trade-offs
- USAP approved only, not UPA-A
- Medium twist weight versus wider shapes
- Priced in the high range
Ignite vs Loco 2
Power
Thrive Ignite
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 15mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
Additional details
- Brand
- Thrive
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 7.9 oz
- Swing Weight
- 116
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
Power
Bread & Butter Loco 2
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
Additional details
- Brand
- Bread & Butter
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 118
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
Not sure yet? Compare it against any paddle
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Questions people ask about the Ignite
How much does the Thrive Ignite cost?
$219.99, which puts it in the high price range for pickleball paddles.
Is the Thrive Ignite USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
What is the swing weight of the Thrive Ignite?
116, which is medium, with a 6.3 twist weight. Thrive measures every paddle and lets you choose your exact swing weight when you order.
What shapes does the Thrive Ignite come in?
Three: a hybrid with a lower swing weight, an arc elongated with a curved top for a whippy feel, and a flat-top elongated with more stability. The hybrid also comes with a thinner handle option.
Is the Thrive Ignite a Gen 3 or Gen 4 paddle?
Gen 4. It's a full-foam paddle, but Thrive tuned it to feel as close as possible to a Gen 3 honeycomb paddle while keeping foam's durability.
Does the Thrive Ignite have good spin?
Yes. Its Clear Fusion Grit surface spins the ball very well and is built to keep its texture through extended play.
What are some Thrive Ignite alternatives?
How We Tested
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 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.