Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 vs Six Zero Quartz Control
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Six Zero Quartz Control takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Six Zero Quartz Control wins this matchup for most players: it takes power, spin and forgiveness on Paddle DNA against the Paddletek Tempest Wave V3, which costs $150.
Power
78 vs 72
Spin
90 vs 80
Control
Too close to call
93 vs 92
Forgiveness
91 vs 86
Hand speed
Too close to call
108 vs 110 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$150 at IQ 82.9 vs $190 at IQ 88
Overall pick: Six Zero Quartz Control · $190 · IQ 88
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 72Power78
- 92Control93
- 80Spin90
- 86Forgiveness91
- 87Sweet spot92
- 82Stability90
- 81Maneuverability82
- 68Pop72
- 91Touch92
- 89Consistency91
- 56Swing weight68
- 76Twist weight90
- 58Launch angle50
- 66Plow through72
- 88Softness89
Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 vs Six Zero Quartz Control specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 | Six Zero Quartz Control |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $150 — better | $190 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 82.9 | 88 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 110 | 108 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.1 | 7.2 — better |
| Shape | standard | standard |
| Face length(in) | 16 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.25 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Textured carbon | Raw carbon friction |
| Core material | Tempest control core | Thermoformed polymer |
Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 verdict
The reference control paddle for players who do not want the weight of a 20 mm build. Touch scores trail only the Luxx.
Six Zero Quartz Control verdict
A control build in the Double Black Diamond tradition, only lighter and quicker. Twist weight and sweet spot are the standouts; power is deliberately mid-pack.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is twist weight: Six Zero Quartz Control scores 90 against 76 for Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 — a 14-point gap. They are effectively level on consistency, control, maneuverability, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 is $40 cheaper at $150.
Twist weight
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 14 points (90 vs 76).
Swing weight
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 12 points (68 vs 56).
Spin
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 10 points (90 vs 80).
Stability
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 8 points (90 vs 82).
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
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 90 vs 76, stability 90 vs 82, forgiveness 91 vs 86. Twist weight 7.2 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Forgiveness
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is a narrow pick at this level — spin 90 vs 80, power 78 vs 72, forgiveness 91 vs 86. At 108 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Spin
- Power
- Forgiveness
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is a narrow pick at this level — spin 90 vs 80, power 78 vs 72, plow through 72 vs 66. Swing weight 108 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Spin
- Power
- Plow through
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is a narrow pick at this level — twist weight 90 vs 76, forgiveness 91 vs 86, softness 89 vs 88. Its 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core at 7.9 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
- Softness
Which one should you buy?
Paddletek Tempest Wave V3
Take Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 if you want launch angle (+8). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 review →Six Zero Quartz Control
Take Six Zero Quartz Control if you want twist weight (+14), swing weight (+12), spin (+10). Its swing weight of 108 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Quartz Control review →Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 vs Six Zero Quartz Control FAQ
- Which is better, the Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 or the Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Six Zero Quartz Control carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (88 vs 82.9), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — twist weight — Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 14 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Six Zero Quartz Control, at 108 kg·cm² swing weight against 110 for Paddletek Tempest Wave V3. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 or the Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Six Zero Quartz Control scores 78 for power against 72 for Paddletek Tempest Wave V3. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core swinging at 108 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Six Zero Quartz Control at 93 versus 92. 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?
- Six Zero Quartz Control scores 90 for spin off its Raw carbon friction face, against 80 for the Textured carbon face on Paddletek Tempest Wave V3. In practice a 10-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Six Zero Quartz Control, with the higher forgiveness score (91 vs 86). Its 7.2 twist weight against 6.1 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 costs $150, $40 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?
- Paddletek Tempest Wave V3: 16 mm Tempest control core with a Textured carbon face. Six Zero Quartz Control: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core with a Raw carbon friction face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both run a 5.25 in handle.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Six Zero Quartz Control is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 91 and sweet spot 92 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 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 7.9 oz, though swing weight differs (110 vs 108) and that is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 to the Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Six Zero Quartz Control leads on twist weight by 14 points; everything else is within 12 points. At $150 vs $190, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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