Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Proton Series One Project Black
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Proton Series One Project Black 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 control, hand speed and value on Paddle DNA against the Proton Series One Project Black, which costs $200.
Power
Proton Series One Project Black
86 vs 73
Spin
Too close to call
90 vs 90
Control
94 vs 86
Forgiveness
Proton Series One Project Black
80 vs 73
Hand speed
105 vs 117 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$170 at IQ 78 vs $200 at IQ 83.8
Overall pick: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL · $170 · IQ 78
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 73Power86
- 94Control86
- 90Spin90
- 73Forgiveness80
- 71Sweet spot82
- 68Stability86
- 89Maneuverability72
- 70Pop82
- 92Touch82
- 78Consistency84
- 58Swing weight76
- 53Twist weight86
- 46Launch angle54
- 67Plow through86
- 90Softness68
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Proton Series One Project Black specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Gearbox GX2 Integra XL | Proton Series One Project Black |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 — better | $200 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 78 | 83.8 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 8.3 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 105 | 117 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.7 | 7 — better |
| Shape | hybrid | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.375 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.5 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4 | 4.25 |
| Surface | TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) | Raw carbon fiber |
| Core material | 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber | Thermoformed unibody with foam walls |
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 One Project Black verdict
A thermoformed unibody built around stability. The foam walls push twist weight to the top of our scored range, which is why off-center drives still land deep.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is twist weight: Proton Series One Project Black scores 86 against 53 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL — a 33-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is $30 cheaper at $170.
Twist weight
Proton Series One Project Black leads by 33 points (86 vs 53).
Softness
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads by 22 points (90 vs 68).
Plow through
Proton Series One Project Black leads by 19 points (86 vs 67).
Stability
Proton Series One Project Black leads by 18 points (86 vs 68).
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
Proton Series One Project Black
Proton Series One Project Black is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 86 vs 53, stability 86 vs 68, sweet spot 82 vs 71. Twist weight 7 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- 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 a narrow pick at this level — maneuverability 89 vs 72, control 94 vs 86, touch 92 vs 82. At 105 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Maneuverability
- Control
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (83.3 vs 84.4 on the weighted index). Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and keep the $30.
- Plow through
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is a narrow pick at this level — softness 90 vs 68. 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
Which one should you buy?
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL if you want softness (+22), maneuverability (+17), touch (+10). 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 One Project Black
Take Proton Series One Project Black if you want twist weight (+33), plow through (+19), stability (+18). Its swing weight of 117 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series One Project Black review →Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Proton Series One Project Black FAQ
- Which is better, the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL or the Proton Series One Project Black?
- Proton Series One Project Black carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (83.8 vs 78), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — twist weight — Proton Series One Project Black leads by 33 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 117 for Proton Series One Project Black. 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 One Project Black?
- Proton Series One Project Black scores 86 for power against 73 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed unibody with foam walls core swinging at 117 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 94 versus 86. 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?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 90 for spin.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Proton Series One Project Black, with the higher forgiveness score (80 vs 73). Its 7 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?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL costs $170, $30 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 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 One Project Black: 16 mm Thermoformed unibody with foam walls core with a Raw 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?
- Proton Series One Project Black is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 80 and sweet spot 82 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 (105 vs 117) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL to the Proton Series One Project Black?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series One Project Black leads on twist weight by 33 points; everything else is within 22 points. At $170 vs $200, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Related comparisons
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- GX2 Integra XL vs Vanguard Control Air Invikta
- GX2 Integra XL vs Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Hybrid
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- Series One Project Black vs Ruby
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Top alternatives to both
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Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and Proton Series One Project Black in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and Proton Series One Project Black. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.