Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL wins this matchup for most players: it takes spin, control, hand speed and value on Paddle DNA against the Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power, which costs $250.
Power
92 vs 73
Spin
90 vs 82
Control
94 vs 78
Forgiveness
Too close to call
73 vs 70
Hand speed
105 vs 114 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$170 at IQ 78 vs $250 at IQ 77.6
Overall pick: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL · $170 · IQ 78
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 92Power73
- 78Control94
- 82Spin90
- 70Forgiveness73
- 72Sweet spot71
- 78Stability68
- 76Maneuverability89
- 90Pop70
- 72Touch92
- 76Consistency78
- 74Swing weight58
- 68Twist weight53
- 60Launch angle46
- 88Plow through67
- 54Softness90
Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power 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 | Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power | Gearbox GX2 Integra XL |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $250 | $170 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 77.6 | 78 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 14 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 114 | 105 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.9 — better | 5.7 |
| Shape | hybrid | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16 | 16.375 |
| Face width(in) | 7.6 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.375 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 3.5 | 4 |
| Surface | Solid-span carbon fiber | TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) |
| Core material | Gearbox solid-core (no honeycomb) | 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber |
Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power verdict
Nothing else feels like a Gearbox. The solid-span core has no honeycomb at all, so energy return is immediate and the paddle rewards a clean, compact swing.
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 softness: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL scores 90 against 54 for Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power — a 36-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, consistency, sweet spot, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is $80 cheaper at $170.
Softness
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads by 36 points (90 vs 54).
Plow through
Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power leads by 21 points (88 vs 67).
Pop
Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power leads by 20 points (90 vs 70).
Touch
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads by 20 points (92 vs 72).
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
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (72.9 vs 71.1 on the weighted index). Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and keep the $80.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Sweet spot
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is the clearer pick at this level — control 94 vs 78, touch 92 vs 72, maneuverability 89 vs 76. At 105 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Control
- Touch
- Maneuverability
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (82.2 vs 83.3 on the weighted index). Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and keep the $80.
- Touch
- Control
- Spin
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is the clearer pick at this level — softness 90 vs 54, forgiveness 73 vs 70. Its 16 mm 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber core at 8 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power
Take Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power if you want plow through (+21), pop (+20), power (+19). Its swing weight of 114 kg·cm² and 14 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power review →Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL if you want softness (+36), touch (+20), control (+16). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL review →Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL FAQ
- Which is better, the Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power or the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (78 vs 77.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — softness — Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads by 36 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 114 for Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power or the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power scores 92 for power against 73 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. That comes from a 14 mm Gearbox solid-core (no honeycomb) core swinging at 114 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 94 versus 78. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL scores 90 for spin off its TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face, against 82 for the Solid-span carbon fiber face on Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power. In practice an 8-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, with the higher forgiveness score (73 vs 70). Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power actually carries the higher twist weight (5.9 vs 5.7), but Gearbox GX2 Integra XL makes it back on sweet spot (71) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL costs $170, $80 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?
- Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power: 14 mm Gearbox solid-core (no honeycomb) core with a Solid-span carbon fiber 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?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.375 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Gearbox GX2 Integra XL avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 73 and sweet spot 71 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both are listed at 8 oz, though swing weight differs (114 vs 105) and that is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power to the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads on softness by 36 points; everything else is within 21 points. At $250 vs $170, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Related comparisons
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- CX14H Ultimate Power vs GX2 Power Elongated
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Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power and Gearbox GX2 Integra XL in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Gearbox CX14H Ultimate Power and Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.