Proton Series Two Project Flash

Who should buy the Series Two Project Flash?

Series Two Project Flash head-to-head comparisons

The matchups people actually cross-shop, each with a full 15-trait breakdown.

• Series Two Project Flash vs Magnus 3S 16Premium step up
• Series Two Project Flash vs Coral Hybrid 16Cross-shopped at the same price
• Series Two Project Flash vs Mod TA-15 3S 16Premium step up
• Series Two Project Flash vs Series Four (Project Roadrunner)Same brand, more power
• Series Two Project Flash vs Edge 18K V2Cross-shopped at the same price
• Series Two Project Flash vs Series One Project BlackSame brand, more power
• Series Two Project Flash vs Ruby Hybrid 16$30 cheaper
• Series Two Project Flash vs Coral Pro Hybrid UPA-ACross-shopped at the same price
• Series Two Project Flash vs CRBN-3X Power Series$30 cheaper

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the Series Two Project Flash

Our similarity engine ranks the whole database by average DNA deviation. Tighten or widen the band to see how far you have to travel to save money or gain a trait.

Paddle DNA™ match

Match tolerance

±3%±5%±8%±12%

Only show cheaper paddles

Proton Series Two Project Flash

IQ 85.3 · $200

8 paddles within 5% of the Series Two Project Flash

Ranked by DNA deviation

1. #1Six Zero Ruby Hybrid 16$170 (-30) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98.7%86
   +4 forgiveness-2 power-2 spin+2 sweet spot

   Saves $30 versus the Series Two Project Flash · +4 forgiveness · Higher IQ score (85.7 vs 85.3)

   CompareFull DNA
2. #2Holbrook Pickleball Crush Control 16$160 (-40) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98.7%84
   -6 spin-4 power-4 pop+2 forgiveness

   Saves $40 versus the Series Two Project Flash · -6 spin

   CompareFull DNA
3. #3Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0$230 (+30) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match98.6%84
   -4 maneuverability-4 pop-3 spin-2 power

   -4 maneuverability

   CompareFull DNA
4. #4Ronbus R3 Pulsar$150 (-50) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98.4%85
   -4 spin-4 softness-2 control+2 forgiveness

   Saves $50 versus the Series Two Project Flash · -4 spin

   CompareFull DNA
5. #5Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control$100 (-100) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match98.3%84
   +5 launch angle-4 power-4 plow through-3 spin

   Saves $100 versus the Series Two Project Flash · +5 launch angle · -4 power

   CompareFull DNA
6. #6Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16$99 (-101) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98.1%86
   +5 launch angle-4 plow through+4 softness-3 spin

   Saves $101 versus the Series Two Project Flash · +5 launch angle · -4 plow through · Higher IQ score (85.8 vs 85.3)

   CompareFull DNA
7. #7Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)$175 (-25) · 15 mm · elongatedDNA match98.1%86
   +7 launch angle+4 maneuverability+3 spin-2 forgiveness

   Saves $25 versus the Series Two Project Flash · +7 launch angle · Higher IQ score (85.6 vs 85.3)

   CompareFull DNA
8. #8Vatic Pro Prism Flash V2 16$120 (-80) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match98.1%84
   -4 spin-2 power-2 control+2 forgiveness

   Saves $80 versus the Series Two Project Flash · -4 spin

   CompareFull DNA

Best alternatives to the Series Two Project Flash

Each pick beats the Series Two Project Flash on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

• Series Two Project Flash vs V-Sol Pro 16
• Series Two Project Flash vs Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
• Series Two Project Flash vs Perseus Pro V 16
• Series Two Project Flash vs Quartz Control

Series Two Project Flash — frequently asked questions

Is the Proton Series Two Project Flash good for beginners?

Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 84/100 and the paddle is tuned for intermediate/advanced/pro play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.

Is the Proton Series Two Project Flash worth the price?

At $200 it sits in the 56th percentile of the database for cost and the 68th for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 at $99 is the value alternative we point people to.

How does the Series Two Project Flash compare to the Ruby Hybrid 16?

They are close on DNA. The Series Two Project Flash reads power 84 / control 88 / spin 92 against 82 / 88 / 90 for the Ruby Hybrid 16, at $200 versus $170. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.

Is the 16 mm better than the 14 mm version?

A 16 mm core has longer dwell time, which is what produces softer resets and more repeatable placement. The 14 mm build trades that dwell for a faster, poppier response off the face. Control players take 16 mm; players who want the ball gone quickly take 14 mm.

Is the Proton Series Two Project Flash approved for tournament play?

Sanctioned play requires the model to appear on USA Pickleball's official approved-equipment list. Proton submits its retail models for approval, but approval is per model and configuration, so check the current USAP list for the exact Series Two Project Flash build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.

Does the Series Two Project Flash have good spin?

Spin measures 92/100 — the 83th percentile of our database — off a Gritted raw carbon face. That is top-tier: enough bite for heavy topspin drives and rolls.

Is the Series Two Project Flash head heavy?

Swing weight is 111 kg·cm² and twist weight 6.7. That is light and fast through the swing path, which favours hands battles over plow-through. Static weight is 8 oz.

Does the Series Two Project Flash benefit from lead tape?

Yes — at 111 kg·cm² there is room to add. Tape at 3 and 9 o'clock raises twist weight and stability with the smallest hit to hand speed; tape at 12 adds power and plow-through but slows the paddle noticeably. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.

What is the best overgrip for the Series Two Project Flash?

The stock handle is 5.4 in long with a 4.25 in circumference. A thin tacky overgrip adds roughly 1/16 in of circumference and a few grams above the balance point — the cheapest way to fine-tune fit. If your hand is larger than the 4.25 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.

What should I replace the Series Two Project Flash with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Series Two Project Flash; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 88) and the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 adds power (95 vs 84).

Who is the Series Two Project Flash best for?

Spin-first all-court players. Skill levels we would put on it: intermediate, advanced, pro. Handle length of 5.4 in supports a two-handed backhand.

What shape and size is the Series Two Project Flash?

hybrid shape, 16.3 in long by 7.6 in wide, 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core, Gritted raw carbon face, 8 oz. Released 2026.

Is the Series Two Project Flash good for two-handed backhands?

Yes — the 5.4 in handle gives your top hand a full grip rather than riding the throat.

Series Two Project Flash or Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?

Both are Proton. The Series Two Project Flash reads IQ 85.3 at $200; the Series Four (Project Roadrunner) reads IQ 85.6 at $175. The clearest split is power (84 vs 85).

How does PickleballLookup score the Series Two Project Flash?

The IQ score of 85.3 is a weighted composite of the 15 Paddle DNA traits, normalized across every paddle in the database so the number means the same thing on any page. Performance traits carry the most weight; descriptive traits like swing weight carry none. Full methodology is published.