GAMMA
GAMMA Obsidian
GAMMA is the established but underexposed name on this list. The Compass is mid-pack on every spec but a strong value pick for buyers who want a well-built paddle without paying for the latest thermoformed tech.
Overall score
Research reviewSpecs
- Weight
- 7.9 oz
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core
- Polymer honeycomb
- Thickness
- 16 mm
- Surface
- Carbon fiber
- Grip size
- 4 1/8"
Score breakdown
v4 · 6 axes- Control7/10
- Value7/10
- Comfort7/10
- Spin7/10
- Power7/10
- Durability7/10
What we like
- Mature manufacturing, GAMMA has been making racquet sports gear for decades
- Solid all-around spec sheet at sub-HK$1.2k
- Reliable Amazon US fulfillment to HK
Where it falls short
- Conservative tech, no thermoforming, no raw carbon top tier
- Brand recognition in HK is low
- Spin numbers lag the modern competitors
Full review
What it is
The GAMMA Obsidian (listed here as Compass after a brand-side rename) is a mid-tier carbon-face paddle from a racquet brand that's been making tennis gear for decades. 16mm polymer core, hybrid shape, 7.9 oz, 4 1/8" grip. Spec sheet reads like a conservative all-court paddle from 2023, and that's basically what it is, a well-built but generation-behind option that lands in 2026's competitive landscape without a real edge.
How it plays
The Obsidian's calling card is feel. Players who've used one consistently describe it as the softest paddle they've ever hit, long dwell time on the ball, generous control around the kitchen, low-vibration even on off-center contact. That softness is the paddle's whole personality. If you're a touch player who hates the springy pop of thermoformed Gen 3/4 paddles, this is one of the few mid-tier options that still feels like it absorbs the ball instead of catapulting it.
The trade-off is everywhere else. Spin numbers lag raw-carbon competitors. Power is mid-pack. There's no thermoformed edge, no foam-core trampoline, none of the tech that the sub-HK$1,200 bracket now expects.
Who should actually buy this
Former tennis players who want a soft, controllable paddle and don't care about chasing 2026 spin specs. The long-handle version specifically gets praised by tennis-style drivers who want that lever feel. Everyone else is better served by a Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro at the same money, more pop, more spin, larger sweet spot, current tech.
Bottom line
Niche pick. Not bad, just outdated. If softness and dwell time matter more to you than spin numbers, this is one of the few mid-tier paddles still optimized for that feel. If you're cross-shopping on specs, the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro or any current thermoformed paddle in the same price bracket wins on every measurable axis.
What players are saying
Player feedback curated from active pickleball communities, ranked by how many other players agreed. No cherry-picking.
Since no one else has mentioned it, try the Gamma Compass if you can. I demo-ed one for a couple days and once I got used to it, I liked it a lot.
Gamma Obsidian 16 mm. Absolutely the softest paddle I've ever hit. You can feel the dwell time of the ball. Huge increase in control especially at the kitchen.
Softest paddle I've ever played with is the Gamma Obsidian. Hudef is great but will still feel a little poppy.
Are you a former tennis player? Try the paddle I use. Gamma Compass LH (long handle). I am a pro and love the shape for drives. Plus it has good pop and control.
Buying it in Hong Kong
Imports to Hong Kong via Amazon. Expect 1–3 weeks shipping. Total landed cost usually HK$950–1,200 including duty.
Check current price at Amazon →Final verdict
Score: 70/100 · Niche
GAMMA is the established but underexposed name on this list. The Compass is mid-pack on every spec but a strong value pick for buyers who want a well-built paddle without paying for the latest thermoformed tech.
If this isn't quite right
Try one of these instead.
Cheaper alternative
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JOOLA
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More control
Selkirk
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