Gearbox GX2 Integra XL review

If you're looking for an all-court paddle with lots of spin, check out the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. With its 100% carbon fiber rib core, it aims to be more durable than paddles with honeycomb and foam cores. So, how does it compare with the competition?

I've put the Gearbox through rigorous tests of power, control, spin, forgiveness, and more to see if it's really worth the $269.99 price tag.

The Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is a uniquely shaped paddle with great spin and a good balance of power and control. It should last longer than some previous Gearbox paddles. Just make sure you're ready for the unique Gearbox feel, as there's an adjustment period while you break this paddle in.

The first thing you'll notice is the stiff feel. This paddle lacks dwell time, so soft shots are a bit tricky and clunky at first. If you're patient, it softens up and starts to feel more natural and comfortable for all-court play.

Check out my first thoughts on the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL:

This paddle is slightly more maneuverable than the Elongated version, but the head-heavy balance is still noticeable. Also, while forgiveness is better here, it still lacks some consistency and power, especially when you hit off-center shots near the throat or edges.

The Integra XL shines on spin. Compared to the Elongated model, the Integra's more compact shape makes it slightly easier to manipulate spin on touch shots at the net.

On power, it's not as explosive as the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated, but it's close to the Pro Control Elongated for driving strength – once the core breaks in. The shorter length keeps it controlled without losing too much power. There's also enough pop to be effective in fast exchanges and counter-attacks.

Overall, I like this paddle, but unfortunately, it only excels in spin. Even then, some of the best spin paddles are more impressive all-around. If it were cheaper, I'd recommend it more, but it's a serious investment at $270. That said, if it lasts four times longer than traditional honeycomb core paddles (as Gearbox claims), it's a great long-term investment. Only time will tell.

The Integra XL has a sharp, clean design with a carbon fiber shine that stands out. Unlike some other raw carbon paddles, it doesn't pick up dust easily, and it looks high-end.

Gearbox's trademark carbon fiber SST core has been updated with a ribbed build, meant to give the paddle better stability and durability. While the initial stiffness takes some getting used to, the power and consistency improve once you break in the paddle.

Gearbox claims that this new core is four times stronger than traditional honeycomb cores and two times stronger than foam cores. Gearbox paddles have a reputation for delaminating, so I'm excited to see if this new core fixes that.

The textured 3K carbon face boosts spin and control, gripping the ball well for topspin and slices. It's lightweight and responsive, like the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated, but less grippy out of the box.

It doesn't have the same grit as the metal-infused Bread & Butter Invader, but I can still generate plenty of spin and dip on shots like my third-shot drops.

Gearbox claims that the unibody design helps the paddle feel ready to play with no break-in period. It's also meant to give consistent power and control, all while limiting vibration to your hand and wrist.

I'll admit that this paddle does have a consistent bounce and the vibration is limited, even when you hit the ball hard. However, it definitely still has a break-in period.

Naturally, the Integra delivers slightly less power than the Elongated version, but it's still strong for a shorter paddle. I can rip baseline drives with pace that push my opponents back. My serves have enough zip to score points – maybe two or three a game – off their backhands.

The pop at the net is strong, though not quite effortless like some of the best power paddles. Still, I can redirect pace effectively at the kitchen line, as the ball jumps off the paddle well when I need to put pressure on my opponents.

Once the paddle breaks in, control is good, though it's not the easiest paddle for soft shots. I can drop balls into the kitchen and dink decently, but it takes more work to keep my shots low compared to a soft paddle like the Selkirk LABS Project 008.

Two-handed backhand dinks are okay, but they are harder to shape than with paddles like the Six Zero DBD Control. Overall, it's solid for touch shots, but it doesn't stand out with the best control paddles.

Spin is on par with the best spin paddles, especially after the paddle softens. My 50% power drops dip hard with topspin, catching opponents off guard, and my sliced resets stay low and skiddy.

Serves land deep with a dipping spin that works well. I'd even put spin alongside the Proton Series One, though the early stiffness makes it less grippy until adjusted.

The Integra XL has a slightly larger sweet spot than the Elongated model, but it still isn't the most forgiving paddle. I've have mishits that cost me.

Off-center shots (especially near the edges) lose power and control, like resets that fall short. It gets better after breaking in, but it's not as forgiving as the Engage Pro1 6.0 Widebody. I recommend adding tape to the throat and sides to fix the inconsistency.

The head-heavy feel strains my wrist and elbow more than expected for an 8-oz paddle. Some players might like this heaviness for drives, but I'd adjust the paddle with tape for comfort. It's balanced enough, but I do find it tiring on quick swings.

Gearbox grips are some of the only ones we've scored 10/10, alongside the Selkirk LUXX Control. This one is comfortable and secure. It stays dry and never feels slippery. I personally like the thin 4" circumference for my hands.

This paddle feels solid, with an edge guard that takes hits without damage. The CarbonRibCore™ is showing no delamination after over 10 hours of use, stabilizing after the break-in, unlike some Gearbox paddles I've seen degrade.

The shorter length helps a little versus the Elongated model, but it's still not the quickest. It's a bit sluggish in the air, especially at the kitchen. In quick hand battles, it feels slow to react, and the head-heavy design doesn't help against speed-ups.

If you want more speed, check out the Paddletek Bantam paddles, the JOOLA Agassi Pro, or the Selkirk Labs Project 007 14 mm Epic.

At $269.99, the GX2 Integra XL is in the same price range as Gearbox's other pro-level paddles. While it is a decent all-court paddle, with driving power, spin, and pop that are solid, I think you're better off with the Gearbox Pro Control for touch or the Pro Ultimate Power for more punch.

It doesn't really offer amazing value on a performance level. The hybrid-shaped Six Zero DBD Control is a better all-rounder for almost $100 less.

If you're shopping in the $250 range, you can get better performance-to-value from a Paddletek Bantam paddle, JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, or JOOLA Agassi Pro. New players might prefer to save money on a beginner pickleball paddle instead.

Otherwise, if you want a balanced all-court paddle and you want to invest in one that offers you long-term durability, the GX2 could turn out to be a wise choice. If its SST 2.0 CarbonRibCore™ is really as durable as Gearbox claims, this one could last a long time.

If the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL isn't right for you, here are some alternative paddles I recommend:

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