Spartus Olympus Pickleball Paddle Review

Spartus Olympus Pickleball Paddle Review: Balanced Power?

The Spartus Olympus paddle is $200 but with code MADNESS10 you can get 10% off and make it $180.

Click here to apply the code and be taken to the Spartus website.

In a year of high power pickleball paddles, the Spartus Olympus comes out swinging with a different approach. It’s not about maximum pop, but balanced power. But does this approach justify the premium price tag?

The Ascension Core

The feature of the Olympus is the Ascension Core, a polymer foam core engineered for durability and performance. Unlike traditional foam cores that have been criticized for breaking and having “dead spots”, the Ascension Core has foam filled honeycomb cells. Spartus claims this construction prevents expansion and ensures consistent performance over time, no break in period like with foam core paddles.

I tested the Olympus extensively, playing with different styles and conditions. I also did some informal “stress tests” with heat to see how the core would hold up. Through all this testing, the paddle showed no signs of degradation or performance drop off. These tests aren’t scientific but they do give some preliminary evidence of the durability and consistency of the Ascension Core.

Specs and Design: The Details

The Olympus has:

• Shape: Hybrid (16.35” x 7.65”)
• Thickness: 14mm
• Core: Polymer (Ascension Core)
• Face: Raw Carbon Fiber + Fiberglass
• Handle: 5.5” (feels shorter due to neck taper)
• Grip: 4.25”
• Static Weight: 8 oz
• Swing Weight: 109-112
• Twist Weight: 6.21
• Warranty: 90 day

The hybrid shape, a combination of elongated and widebody, is designed to give you reach, sweet spot size and maneuverability. The 14mm thickness, thinner than many power paddles, gives the paddle control and response.

On Court Performance: Power and Precision

The Olympus isn’t about maximum power like some of the 2024 paddles. It’s in a category of its own, balanced power and control. The Ascension Core gives you plenty of pop for aggressive shots, the thinner profile and hybrid shape gives you maneuverability and precision.

This makes the Olympus suitable for intermediate to advanced players. If you’re used to control paddles you may need to adjust a bit, especially with soft shots and dinks. But the paddle really comes alive in drives, volleys and fast exchanges at the net.

 

Sweet Spot and Customization: Fine Tune Your Game

The sweet spot of the Olympus is good for a 14mm paddle but it’s not perfect. It’s larger than many thinner paddles but not as big as the oversized sweet spots on some thicker paddles. Off center hits will result in a loss of power and feedback.

The Olympus is good right out of the box but can be further customized. Adding weight to the perimeter with lead tape or tungsten tape will give you more stability and plow through. Adjusting the grip with overgrips or grip tape will give you more feel and comfort.

Review: Worth It

The Spartus Olympus is a good paddle that stands out with its foam core technology and balanced power and control. It has a unique feel, good durability (based on my testing) and a sweet spot bigger than many 14mm paddles.

Pros:

• Durable core
• Balanced power and control
• Good feel and sweet spot for a 14mm paddle
• Intermediate to advanced player

Cons:

• Not for players who want maximum power

Recommendation:

The Spartus Olympus is a good option for players who want a paddle that’s good in both power and control. But the short warranty is a con to consider. If you want a longer warranty or a paddle designed for maximum power you may want to look elsewhere. But if you like the unique feel and balanced performance of the Olympus, it’s worth it.