Doo Doo Overgrips
Gotta hand it to Bodhi Performance for naming this overgrip color Doodoo. I feel like trying these just because.
It’s YOUR Vision
Of course! It’s so obvious that success on the pickleball court has to be related to your vision. I mean you can’t hit what you can’t see so any advantage to see the ball better is a must do.
Hence these Oakley Flax 2.0 (low bridge version) with the dark golf lenses. Supposedly the prizm jade lenses are recommended for pickleball and tennis, but I thought they were too dark. Despite the name, the dark golf lens isn’t just for golf and isn’t that dark.
Although I haven’t yet played with these prescription glasses, I do notice that green colors stand out more through these lenses. Hopefully, this translates to seeing a pickleball better.
See how the street sign stands out more from the background.
It’s YOUR Hydration
Okay, so proficiency in pickleball is not due to:
The main factor must be your hydration! Yes, replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes must be the secret sauce. I brought some Grillo’s Pickles Liquid IV to a hot and sunny play session, and it must have upped my game. I want to say that I hit my first backhand flick at the kitchen line instinctively since I don’t even remember the actual shot. In a later match, I hit a semblance of a two-handed backhand counter. All possible due to pickled hydration!
Seriously though, having more fluids besides water did seem to help reduce fatigue. Yes, the drink does smell like the briny pickle juice, just a water-based version. The taste is okay, nothing mouthwatering but not sweet at all. It may be gimmicky, but I believe it works to keep you hydrated while you pickle.
Spam x Olukai Slippers Available NOW
The Spam Jam in Waikiki is later today, and Olukai is launching their collaboration slippers with Spam at the event. But, the three color ways are now online only via their mobile app.
The Nori/Dark Coral is men’s and women’s sizing. Ocean blue (dark blue) is men’s only. Bold blue (bright blue) is women’s sizing only. $80 each for the Ohana model.
These collabs are also available in store and assuming any leftovers online at a later time.
As with other collaborations, I’m guessing that once these are sold out, they are gone for good. I need a restock of these Zippys bangers!
How to Hydrate While You Pickle?
It’s starting to get hot, real hot while playing pickleball during the daylight hours. Morning or afternoon, there’s heat, humidity, and the sun rays to contend with, all while trying to hit a 3-in colorful ball drilled with holes.
So I’m going to try this – Grillo’s Pickles Hydration Multiplier from LiquidIV. I have no clue or idea how this is but was lucky enough to buy some of this limited edition flavor. Will the “savory fusion of vinegar, cucumber, dill, and a touch of sweetness” make me pucker on the court? Can’t wait to see if this pickle drink will keep me hydrated as I pickle.
It’s YOUR Fatigue
I started a pickle session with the Boomstik since someone wanted to demo my Enhance Turbo MPP. The Boomstik was comfortable from the start, not needing a lot of time to readjust.
But in hour two after a rest, I noticed a lot more unforced errors. Balls were going long with my paddle inclined upwards. Shots to the sides were going way out, and I felt the paddle twist in my hand a fe times. Guessing from the fatigue, my body mechanics were no longer in tune with Boomstik’s characteristics.
I switched to the Enhance Turbo and could feel the different weight distribution with the Turbo feeling more head heavy. I was concerned that a heavier paddle would introduce other issues, but gladly, it did not. I managed to keep more balls in play with the heavier head resisting any twisting.
Although I don’t like changing paddles during a single play session, this experience helped me understand the differences in paddles and how my fatigued factored in.
Boomstik or “Boostick?”
A regular came out to play wielding a new paddle that looked familiar… but different. His Boomstik looked more like a Boostik.
Boostik
The MOI weights were MIA
Authentic Selkirk Boomstik
The MOI weights are added on, not painted on.
Visually from across the net, you couldn’t really spot the differences, but side by side, you’ll notice what doesn’t match up with an authentic Selkirk Boomstik.
Durable Crystal Grit?
That is the promise of Honolulu Pickleball’s latest paddle technology called the Crystal Blue Endurance Surface. It looks like this.
This J2CR Crystal Blue Endurance Surface isn’t mine, so I can’t provide my impressions. But it does look good!
Enhance Turbo MPP Widebody Now Available
To go along with the excellent and excellently affordable elongated version, Enhance has released the Turbo MPP paddle in a widebody shape.
The paddle costs $119.99 before code, but if you apply code KAILUAPB at checkout, you’ll get $20 the total order. For Hawaii residents, shipping will cost about $30 unfortunately, but if you order multiple paddles from Enhance, the shipping remains $30.
Start shopping now by following this affiliate link:
It’s Not You and It’s Not Your Paddle
It’s not you, and it’s not your paddle. It’s actually the weather that causes your erratic pickleball play! Or so it seems anyway.
Oddly, I couldn’t get comfortable with my Turbo MPP. The UDRIPPIN grip just felt extra tacky almost like tape or a weak adhesive. Maybe it’s the unusual Kona Low weather condition causing this feel. I only had my Draco as a backup so used that the rest of the session. Took a short bit to get adjusted but played more consistently with the Gherkin before an eventual rainout.
Can You Pickle in Pikachu Pumas?
Sadly, the answer will remain unknown for me. Puma released a Pokemon collaboration, pairing the popular Pikachu with the All Pro Nitro 2 basketball shoes. This particular basketball model has gotten positive praise on the court so assuming that could translate to the pickleball court.
But alas, these Puma Pikachus are too svelte for my feet. My regular size 10 was very snug while a size 10.5 added length, but the forefoot was still uncomfortably narrow. So I don’t know if you can pickle in Pikachu Pumas.
And oh by the way, I got a newer, easier to remember discount code at Enhance Pickleball. So if you’re looking at any of the Turbos or Duos, start at:
New Enhance Pickleball Referral Code
As a fan of the Turbo MPP paddle from Enhance Pickleball, I also got a referral code for discounts on their site.
My original code was hard to remember, so I got a new one that’s hopefully easier to remember (and use). The updated code for $20 off the Turbo (or any Enhance paddles) is now:
KailuaPB
You can apply the code at checkout to receive a discount or enter the store using this affiliate link:
https://www.enhancepickleball.com/KailuaPB
Thanks for the support!
Here are some posts about the Turbo.