Babolat BALLR+ 16 vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Babolat BALLR+ 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Babolat BALLR+ 16 wins this matchup for most players: it takes value on Paddle DNA against the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, which costs $170.
Power
Too close to call
75 vs 73
Spin
Too close to call
90 vs 90
Control
Too close to call
94 vs 94
Forgiveness
Too close to call
76 vs 73
Hand speed
Too close to call
105 vs 105 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$120 at IQ 80.9 vs $170 at IQ 78
Overall pick: Babolat BALLR+ 16 · $120 · IQ 80.9
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 75Power73
- 94Control94
- 90Spin90
- 76Forgiveness73
- 75Sweet spot71
- 77Stability68
- 86Maneuverability89
- 70Pop70
- 92Touch92
- 82Consistency78
- 58Swing weight58
- 65Twist weight53
- 46Launch angle46
- 70Plow through67
- 90Softness90
Babolat BALLR+ 16 vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Babolat BALLR+ 16 | Gearbox GX2 Integra XL |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $120 — better | $170 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 80.9 — better | 78 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.3 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 105 | 105 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.1 — better | 5.7 |
| Shape | hybrid | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.2 | 16.375 |
| Face width(in) | 7.6 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4 | 4 |
| Surface | Biaxial 3K Woven Carbon Fiber w/RPM Max Grit | TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) |
| Core material | X5™ Polypropylene Honeycomb | 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber |
Babolat BALLR+ 16 verdict
Babolat brings its RPM tennis grit to pickleball on a 16 mm hybrid. The face texture is the story — it spins like a raw carbon paddle without the chalky wear pattern.
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL verdict
Gearbox's solid-span construction removes the traditional honeycomb core, which is why the GX2 feels dense and quiet where thermoformed rivals feel hollow and loud.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is twist weight: Babolat BALLR+ 16 scores 65 against 53 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL — a 12-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, maneuverability, plow through, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Babolat BALLR+ 16 is $50 cheaper at $120.
Twist weight
Babolat BALLR+ 16 leads by 12 points (65 vs 53).
Stability
Babolat BALLR+ 16 leads by 9 points (77 vs 68).
Sweet spot
Babolat BALLR+ 16 leads by 4 points (75 vs 71).
Consistency
Babolat BALLR+ 16 leads by 4 points (82 vs 78).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Babolat BALLR+ 16
Babolat BALLR+ 16 is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 65 vs 53, stability 77 vs 68, sweet spot 75 vs 71. Twist weight 6.1 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Sweet spot
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.8 vs 85.3 on the weighted index). Take Babolat BALLR+ 16 and keep the $50.
- Forgiveness
- Consistency
- Power
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (83.9 vs 83.3 on the weighted index). Take Babolat BALLR+ 16 and keep the $50.
- Plow through
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Babolat BALLR+ 16
Babolat BALLR+ 16 is a narrow pick at this level — twist weight 65 vs 53, forgiveness 76 vs 73. Its 16 mm X5™ Polypropylene Honeycomb core at 8.3 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Babolat BALLR+ 16
Take Babolat BALLR+ 16 if you want twist weight (+12), stability (+9), sweet spot (+4). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Babolat BALLR+ 16 review →Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL if you prefer a 16 mm 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber core — it gives up nothing measurable to Babolat BALLR+ 16.
Read the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL review →Babolat BALLR+ 16 vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL FAQ
- Which is better, the Babolat BALLR+ 16 or the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- Babolat BALLR+ 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (80.9 vs 78), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — twist weight — Babolat BALLR+ 16 leads by 12 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both swing at 105 kg·cm², and swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Babolat BALLR+ 16 or the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- Babolat BALLR+ 16 scores 75 for power against 73 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. That comes from a 16 mm X5™ Polypropylene Honeycomb core swinging at 105 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 94 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 90 for spin.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Babolat BALLR+ 16, with the higher forgiveness score (76 vs 73). Its 6.1 twist weight against 5.7 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Babolat BALLR+ 16 costs $120, $50 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Babolat BALLR+ 16: 16 mm X5™ Polypropylene Honeycomb core with a Biaxial 3K Woven Carbon Fiber w/RPM Max Grit face. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL: 16 mm 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber core with a TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both run a 5.5 in handle, long enough that neither forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Babolat BALLR+ 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 76 and sweet spot 75 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 8 oz against 8.3 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight is identical at 105 kg·cm², so they will feel the same mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL to the Babolat BALLR+ 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Babolat BALLR+ 16 leads on twist weight by 12 points; everything else is within 9 points. At $120 vs $170, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Guides featuring these paddles
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Read the full reviews: Babolat BALLR+ 16 and Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.