Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 73Power85
- 94Control88
- 90Spin95
- 73Forgiveness82
- 71Sweet spot84
- 68Stability83
- 89Maneuverability84
- 70Pop82
- 92Touch86
- 78Consistency88
- 58Swing weight68
- 53Twist weight82
- 46Launch angle57
- 67Plow through78
- 90Softness80
Specs
| $170 | Price | $175 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 15 mm |
| 8 oz | Weight | 7.9 oz |
| 105 | Swing weight | 110 |
| 5.7 | Twist weight | 6.3 |
| hybrid | Shape | elongated |
| TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) | Surface | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave |
| 5.5 in | Handle | 5.375 in |
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.
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) verdict
The exposed Kevlar weave is the story: it grips the ball like a fresh grit face but, unlike sprayed textures, it is the material itself, so the spin number does not decay over a season.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is twist weight: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 82 against 53 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL — a 29-point gap. Price is close enough ($170 vs $175) that it should not break the tie.
Twist weight
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 29 points (82 vs 53).
Stability
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 15 points (83 vs 68).
Sweet spot
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 13 points (84 vs 71).
Power
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 12 points (85 vs 73).
Which one should you buy?
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL if you want softness (+10), control (+6), touch (+6). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want twist weight (+29), stability (+15), sweet spot (+13). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 15 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) review →Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) FAQ
- Which is better, the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.6 vs 78), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — twist weight — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 29 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 110 for Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) measures 85 on power against 73 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. That comes from a 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core swinging at 110 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 94 versus 88. 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?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 95 for spin off its Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face, against 90 for the TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face on Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. In practice a 5-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), with 6.3 twist weight against 5.7. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) carries the higher forgiveness score (82) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $5 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and 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. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner): 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core with a Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave 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?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 82 and sweet spot 84 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) at 7.9 oz against 8 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 105) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL to the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on twist weight by 29 points; everything else is within 15 points. At $170 vs $175, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- GX2 Integra XL vs Hyperion C2 CFS 16
- GX2 Integra XL vs BALLR+ 16
- GX2 Integra XL vs Perseus 14
- GX2 Integra XL vs Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Hybrid
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs V-Sol Pro 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs SLK Halo XL Control
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs V7 Hybrid
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby
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Read the full reviews: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.