Vatic Pro Alchemy First Look
Today we are taking a first look at the new Vatic Pro Alchemy which is Spencer Smith’s signature paddle.
Vatic has been on a huge run the last few months with new paddles that have been really popular. Can they continue that run with the Alchemy?
Specs:
Price: $179.99
Thickness: 16mm & 13.5mm
Weight range:
16mm: 8.5-8.7oz (8.2-8.4oz without bumper)
13.5mm: 8.3-8.5oz (8.0-8.3oz without bumper)
Shape: Elongated
Handle length: 5.5”
Grip circumference: 4.25”
Face: Raw carbon fiber
Core: Polymer
Swing weight:
16mm: 121
13.5mm: 113
Twist weight:
16mm: 6.38
13.5mm: 6.04
Spin: 1700 RPM
Warranty: 3 months
The handle
I wanted to make a quick note on the handle. It’s listed as 5.5”, but when looking closer, it’s the same length and neck taper as the previous Vatic paddles.
Vatic Pro Flash (Left) Vatic Pro Alchemy (Right)
I bring this up, because if you’ve seen or used 5.5” paddles like the CRBN1X, or Joola Hyperion, you might expect this handle to be as long as those.
It isn’t unfortunately.
This isn’t necessarily because the Alchemy measures incorrectly, it’s because most companies in the industry measure poorly. The usable area of a CRBN1X or Joola Hyperion is closer to 5.75” or 6.0”. In the pictures below you’ll clearly see the difference.
CRBN1X (left) Vatic Pro Alchemy (right)
If you’re used to the handle lengths of previous Vatics, you’ll be perfectly fine It’s only an issue if you rely on those longer handles for a better two-handed backhand.
The hole
One of the interesting aspects of the Alchemy is the hole. Having a hole is not a novel concept anymore. In fact, in some ways I’d argue having a hole in the paddle didn’t do what we thought it might.
I’m sure there are still great ways it can be utilized, I’m just not sure we’ve gotten to the point where it’s being used in a way that adds great benefit. In my opinion, it just influences the feel of the paddle, but not much else.
What makes the Alchemy version more interesting is the fact that you can remove the bumper from the hole. If you do this, it will reduce the swing weight about 2 points. Not a massive difference, but it it is something.
What you’ll notice after removing the bumper is that there are a lot of cosmetic imperfections in the hole, and that’s why the bumper exists in the first place. My understanding is that at the moment it’s very difficult to make a raw carbon fiber paddle with a hole that doesn’t have these imperfections.
So, Vatic gives you the option to look at the imperfections and reduce weight, or you can keep it in and not see those.
In my play testing, I didn’t notice a huge difference with or without the bumper. The paddles were slightly faster and offered slightly different feedback with and without, but nothing so substantial that I could tell someone that you’re better off one way or another. It’ll be personal preference and it isn’t something to lose sleep over.
16mm Alchemy
I found the 16mm to be more control oriented than the original thermoformed line of paddles from Vatic Pro. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t have power, just that it was a much more controllable power. I found that on resets, dinks, and blocks it felt very natural, but then on big full swings like drives and overheads I was still getting great power.
I think this is largely due to the higher swing weight of the 16mm.
I found it slightly lacking at the net for hand battles because I couldn’t generate the speed on counters that I’m used to. Keep in mind, this probably has a lot to do wit the fact that I prefer paddles in the 110-115 swing weight range. The 16mm Alchemy is quite a bit outside that range.
My brother also tested the paddles with me and he MUCH preferred the 16mm over the 13.5mm. He also didn’t have issues with hand speed. He’s used to using paddles in the swing weight range of 120-125.
Resets on the 16mm felt really easy and stable. The paddle feels very dense in a good way.
13.5mm Alchemy
I much preferred the 13.5mm Alchemy in my testing. The swing weight was within my ideal range and I really enjoyed getting more pop from the face.
It felt more lively and less muted which I really enjoyed.
Something that both paddles have in common is a very distinct feedback when hitting the ball. It reminds me of a Power Air but significantly more subdued.
Don’t expect it to feel like a Power Air, there’s just something about how the face feels that gives me small Power Air vibes but not in a bad way. The 16mm has it less so, but I definitely noticed it more on the 13.5mm.
You give up some stability on the 13.5mm, but nothing that was drastic. The twist weight numbers only differ by 0.34 between the 13.5mm and 16mm which shouldn’t be enough to make one feel significantly worse or better.
Closing thoughts
The Alchemy’s don’t strike me as a paddle that everyone needs to rush out and buy. I think it has some unique characteristics that some may find appealing, but if you already have a v7, Prism, or even another thermoformed paddle, I don’t think this will feel like a big upgrade.
The biggest change is the difference in feedback. Which for some, might be exactly what they are looking for.
I really enjoyed the 13.5mm. I would feel confident taking it to a tournament to compete with. However, for myself, there are several other paddles I would choose before it if I have the choice.
I find these to be an in between line of paddles for Vatic. You have the original thermoformed paddles as the power paddles, the Prisms as the soft control paddles, and finally the Alchemy which sits somewhere in the middle.
I do think they lean closer to the original thermoformed paddles in terms of power/control though. Because of this, it makes it harder for me to pin point exactly who should buy these. Below I will try to outline it for you.
Who should buy it:
People who like to experiment with paddles and money doesn’t matter
If you like to stand out with your paddle choice
You like the distinct feedback of a Power Air, but wanted it significantly reduced
Who shouldn’t buy it:
If you already have a thermoformed paddle that you are content with
If you don’t like high swing weight paddles (16mm Alchemy)
You don’t like power paddles
It’s really hard for me to pin point down exactly who this is and isn’t for. I don’t think the Alchemy is distinct enough from the original Vatic line for me to come to a clear conclusion.
They are great paddles, I just don’t know that they have a specific audience like the Prism and original Vatics do.