body helix FLiK F1 Elongated Paddle with TerraCore XC
Over the last several years, pickleball paddles have evolved into true powerhouses. Some players even argue they’ve become too powerful. According to USA Pickleball (USAP), a paddle crosses the line when its Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) exceeds .43. Put simply, if a pickleball is flying at 50 MPH, a paddle with a PBCoR of .40 would return it at 20 MPH (50 x .40). Paddle manufacturers pushing the limits of performance aim for that magic .43 mark—without going over.
Enter the Body Helix F1 Elongated Paddle, featuring the innovative TerraCore XC core. This paddle clocks in at a PBCoR of .43, the maximum power allowed by USAP. But the real question is: does it feel as powerful on the court as it does in the test lab? The answer: absolutely! The patent-pending EPP core, reinforced with fiberglass patches, delivers amazing power on serves, groundstrokes, overheads, and volleys. In my 12+ years of playing, the F1 Elongated is hands down the most powerful paddle I’ve ever used. But as every competitive player knows, power without control is a recipe for frustration.
I kicked off my test by hitting about a hundred serves. My first couple sailed long, but after tweaking my stance and adding more topspin, I started hammering serves that landed deep near the baseline and kicked up high, forcing opponents back, making their returns more difficult. It was immediately clear—the F1 added serious heat to my serve game.
Next, I fed over a hundred balls through my ball machine, working on groundstrokes, overheads, and punch volleys. The four layers of Toray Carbon gave me the spin I needed to keep shots in play, but I struggled at first with precision on targets and soft-touch shots like drops, resets, and dinks. With its 7.9 oz. static weight, I suspected a little customization might help. After adding 6 grams of lead tape to each side of the lower half of the paddle, the F1 instantly felt more stable and forgiving. My control improved dramatically while the paddle’s explosive power stayed intact.
Finally, it was game time. Playing live, I loved the added power, though I still sent a few too many balls sailing long. As I adjusted my footwork and leaned into topspin, the paddle became easier to tame. I also had several clubmates try it, and every single one commented on its unbelievable power.
Bottom line: The Body Helix F1 Elongated is a beast of a paddle designed for intermediate and advanced players hungry for extra pop. It delivers max-legal power from day one, but you may need a little time to fully harness its potential. If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, the F1 belongs in your bag.