Black Opal 14mm

Great power!
I like a lot this paddle and im still learning how to control it. Definitely the more time you spend using it the more you will like it.

Already have the Six Zero Double Black Diamond and thought, now that I play better, I needed a bit more pop. Just received and have been playing with the Black Opal. Was not disappointed. More pop but same spin and feel. Six Zero has a customer for life.

It shows a visible bulge/buble in the sweet spot within 3 weeks after I purchase

Grit is amazing, spin and power is off the charts.

I got a bubble in my paddle, sent a request for a replacement with the video proof of purchase and everything, the chat went cold and I never heard back.

I initially purchased one of the pre-production models about 4 months before it went public and I loved the feel of the paddle. I used the Black Opal in a couple tournaments and finished on the podium in all of them. After about 4 weeks I saw a one inch dent near the top off the paddle, and I saw some other people post about the same issue, but it didn't affect play. After a couple months, that portion of the paddle started to deteriorate. I sent it back to Six-Zero and they sent me a new paddle within 10 days. The new paddle feels even more solid than the initial one I received. I do use lead on the throat of the paddle and I really love the balance of touch near the kitchen paired with power at the baseline. After using the Double Black Diamond for about 18 months, I would highly recommend switching to the Black Opal.

I own all of the “Next Gem” paddles. I can honestly say that the Black Opal is the finest paddle on the market in the right hands. This paddle is for advanced players who can consistently make contact in the center of the paddle and can impart multiple types of spin. Right now my main paddle is the Coral Hybrid and my tournament paddle is the Coral Elongated. Once the Black Opal comes out with an elongated version, this will change the Black Opal Hybrid/Black Opal Elongated.

I’ve got the Coral but wanted something with a bit more punch when playing singles I bought the black Opal and balanced it up to what I like and found that it was an easy transition from the coral to the Black opal when playing singles
It gave me the little bit more punch. I needed on my drives and the result was a gold medal in a state open competition. Can’t read it highly enough.😁

As a player with a weaker backhand this paddle is really transforming my game. The extra power that the Opal gives enables me to do a decent singlehanded backhand from the back of the court. Love it!

The most unique paddle I have played with thus far . Power whenever you need it, that has actually helped my backhand for some reason I am unaware of, but fine with me. Like I said its unique, and you will need to warm up to it. Once you do it becomes your sword.

Superior feel on soft shots and tons of power when you need it. Best paddle I’ve played with.

Diligence is required to scrub the paddle after every one game or two, if you enjoy delivering high spin outputs.
General physics; the better the grip on the playing surface is, the more pickleball "dust" is created by the playing surface and retained on it.

I am able to hit excellent spin outputs with the Black Opal; the trajectory of the ball makes you wonder if I am playing pickleball, tennis or table tennis. (With local witnesses)

Power output is at least above average.
A reasonable consideration would be: Is the difference is price worth the additional performance in power when compared to the output of a UPA approved paddle that is priced at the 100 dollar range. There is no definitive answer.
Hands-on would be the best guage of this. Personally, I have yet to try smashing a rocket with more than 75% of my strength. That being said, the power output is good and I feel that the power output may actually be great.

Please take the declared control value of any paddle (by any brand) with a pinch of salt.
Control is exercise by the athlete/user. Generally, everyone has different level of inherent talent, sensory perception and life experience. A simple question would be asking yourself if you can consistently hit the ball within the sweet spot of the paddle and angle your paddle appropriately to deliver the return as you intended.

Hand feel: the Black Opal paddle feels slightly heavy. But is forgiving towards the wrist when you did not hit the ball in the sweet spot or executed an awkward backhand swing.
When returning/responding to heavy hits from the opponents, impact and vibration are reduced.

Regarding executing light drops from your kitchen area to the opponent's kitchen area; it is fairly easy to do so. Diagonal drop shots can be done without much difficulty too. Also, chop blocks and wrist flicks can be performed.

In closing:
Was I happy playing; is it fun - Yes
Did it surpass my expectation on spins - Definitely
Time required for adaption - Yes. Within 15mins.

As someone who’s not exactly a total newbie but definitely a casual player, this paddle was a game-changer for me. It’s comfortable enough for all-day play and gives you that little boost of confidence to level up your game. Definitely worth a try if you’re looking to step things up a notch!

Best paddle I played with ever. Great power, good spin and soft feeling on touch shots. The launch angle is higher than most paddles making it super predictable on return of serve and drives.

One B.A. Paddle! Love love love it!!!!

I upgraded from the 6.0 DBD and I really enjoy playing with it as an intermediate player. More power and more control. The paddle is beautifully designed. Just a slight unevenness to the edge, probably some manufacturing hitch but otherwise great paddle.

insane paddle，it's tuff

I spin the ball a lot, but I reckon I can get and extra 2 feet of movement with the Opal.

I struggled with power and it gives a truer hit with more effortless power.

It is easier on my wrist, arm and elbow.

All round has improved my game.

Absolute game changer for Six Zero! Along with the Ruby Pro Six Zero now has an amazing line up of power paddles!

From the first contact I made with the ball with the BO I knew it was special. So perfectly balanced!! The combination of power and precision in ball placement is unmatched. This will be a tough paddle to beat. A must have in your bag! Six Zero nailed it

The paddle has great spin, great control and loads of power. Feels really premium to use.

Amazing power! Plenty of grit and spin. Nice feel. Probably better for advanced players - missing the sweet spot is far less forgiving with this paddle. Takes a few reps to adjust to the pop and power but worth it.

I purchased a new Black Opal 14mm, but when it arrived it looked used. I contacted customer service, and they told me that the condition was normal. I was disappointed because a new paddle should arrive looking brand new, not like it had already been used. Based on this experience, I wouldn’t purchase another paddle from them.