2024 Hot List Gold Award

The Thrive AZUL boasts a 16mm thickness, hybrid shape, thermoformed construction, and a blue kevlar facing material. Despite its specifications suggesting otherwise, it is indeed a power paddle. While it may not be the most powerful option in its category, it stands out as one of the more forgiving choices available. These two qualities—being moderately powerful and offering good forgiveness—make it an accessible power paddle for individuals seeking offensive assistance without compromising on the smaller sweet spot typically associated with power paddles. This is precisely why it was awarded our Hot List Gold. The paddle offers a stiffer, responsive feel and delivers solid spin. Being on the lower end of power paddles within its category, it also excels in terms of ease of control compared to the other power paddles in our list.

Additionally, Thrive does this really cool thing where you can pick the exact swingweight you want when you purchase the paddle. They are the only brand that let’s you do this and I’m all about it. Because paddles come in a wide weight range, say 7.8-8.2 ounces or something like that, you don’t always get the exact weight you want. This is annoying and if ever buy a second paddle of the exact same thing you may get a different weight than what your first one was so it’ll play a little differently. So I love that they offer this and wish more brands would follow suit. If you’re not sure what swingweight select, I’d recommend 116, that’s a good middle ground.

The bottom line: An approachable power paddle that appeals to a wider range of players seeking help offensively.