Rally Flare Graphite

In depth

Rally Flare Graphite — the long answer

The Rally Flare puts a carbon fibre face on an 11 mm core at $50. It is a starter paddle with a real texture, which is rare at this price.

Who should buy the Flare Graphite?

Most compared with the Flare Graphite

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

• Rally Flare Graphite vs JOOLA Essentials 16In depthIn-depth head-to-head
• Rally Flare Graphite vs Rally Meister WoodIn depthIn-depth head-to-head
• Flare Graphite vs SLK Evo Hybrid 2.0Premium step up
• Flare Graphite vs Ben Johns Signature ProCross-shopped at the same price
• Flare Graphite vs Z5 GraphiteCross-shopped at the same price
• Flare Graphite vs Radical Tour Ultra 16Premium step up
• Flare Graphite vs Signature 16 CompositeCross-shopped at the same price
• Flare Graphite vs Signature Carbon STRPremium step up
• Flare Graphite vs Obsidian 16Premium step up

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the Flare Graphite

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

Rally Flare Graphite

IQ 75.7 · $50

3 paddles within 5% of the Flare Graphite

Ranked by DNA deviation

1. #1ONIX Z5 Graphite$70 (+20) · 11 mm · widebodyDNA match97.5%74
   -10 spin-6 pop-4 touch-4 twist weight

   -10 spin

   CompareFull DNA
2. #2Franklin Ben Johns Signature Pro$60 (+10) · 13 mm · standardDNA match97%75
   -12 pop-6 spin-4 power+4 stability

   +4 stability · -12 pop

   CompareFull DNA
3. #3Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid 2.0$80 (+30) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match95%78
   +10 plow through+9 stability-8 maneuverability+8 softness

   +10 plow through · -8 maneuverability · Higher IQ score (78.4 vs 75.7)

   CompareFull DNA

Best alternatives to the Flare Graphite

Each pick beats the Flare Graphite on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

• Flare Graphite vs Strike 4F
• Flare Graphite vs Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
• Flare Graphite vs Perseus Pro V 16
• Flare Graphite vs Quartz Control

Flare Graphite — frequently asked questions

Is the Rally Flare good for beginners?

Yes. Light, wide, forgiving and carbon-faced at $50 is a strong first-paddle package.

Is 11 mm too thin?

For a beginner, no — it adds pop where you need it. For soft-game control, yes; 16 mm cores are the standard for a reason.

Flare or a $100 paddle?

If you are certain you will keep playing, skip to a 16 mm carbon paddle like the SLK Halo XL and save the upgrade cycle.

Is the Rally Flare Graphite good for beginners?

Yes. Forgiveness scores 84/100 and the sweet spot 84/100, both high enough that off-centre contact still produces a playable ball. At $50 it is more paddle than most beginners need, but it will not hold you back.

Is the Rally Flare Graphite worth the price?

At $50 it sits in the 2nd percentile of the database for cost and the 4th for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the VERSIX Strike 4F at $15 is the value alternative we point people to.

How does the Flare Graphite compare to the Z5 Graphite?

They are close on DNA. The Flare Graphite reads power 74 / control 76 / spin 72 against 73 / 76 / 62 for the Z5 Graphite, at $50 versus $70. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.

Is the 11 mm better than the 16 mm version?

A 14 mm core returns energy faster, so drives and speed-ups come off harder with less effort. The 16 mm build gives up some of that pop for dwell time and softer hands. Pick 14 mm for pace, 16 mm for touch.

Is the Rally Flare Graphite approved for tournament play?

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

Does the Flare Graphite have good spin?

Spin scores 72/100 — the 5th percentile of our database (among the lower values in the database) — off a Carbon fiber with peel-ply texture face. Spin is not this paddle's strength — several paddles in the same price band score meaningfully higher.

Is the Flare Graphite head heavy?

Swing weight is 100 kg·cm² and twist weight 5.8. That is light and fast through the swing path, which favours hands battles over plow-through. Static weight is 7.5 oz.

Does the Flare Graphite benefit from lead tape?

Yes — at 100 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 Flare Graphite?

The stock handle is 5.3 in long with a 4.135 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 4.135 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.

What should I replace the Flare Graphite with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Flare Graphite; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 76) and the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 adds power (95 vs 74).

Who is the Flare Graphite best for?

First paddle for a new player. Skill levels we would put on it: beginner. Handle length of 5.3 in supports a two-handed backhand.

What shape and size is the Flare Graphite?

standard shape, 16 in long by 7.8 in wide, 11 mm Polymer honeycomb core, Carbon fiber with peel-ply texture face, 7.5 oz. Released 2025.