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If you’ve watched any top-tier pickleball matches in 2025, you’ve likely seen the Proton Series Three – Project Flamingo paddle making headlines. From highlight-reel winners by pros like Andrei Daescu to enthusiastic buzz in rec play, the Proton Flamingo is drawing attention for its blend of power, control, and next-level spin. Whether you’re a rising amateur or a serious pickler, understanding what this new Proton Pickleball release really delivers can help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
This review breaks down the design, specs, court performance, and real feedback so you get the full story—no hype, just straight facts on where the Flamingo shines, any trade-offs, and who it’s really built for.
Proton Pickleball aims to satisfy modern players with the Flamingo’s mix of power and control, setting it up as a logical step forward from traditional carbon paddles. The backbone is its proprietary Velocity Core—a 15mm polypropylene honeycomb structure surrounded by injected foam along the edges.
The paddle’s face uses aerospace-grade, rough-textured carbon fiber. Grit stays durable, maintaining spin-producing roughness much longer than some earlier models where surface wear was a headache. Additional features include:
Compared with other paddles in its weight class, the Flamingo stands out for its aggressive spin capability, lasting grit layer, and a construction method that softens mishits thanks to the foam edge technology. Professionals and high-level amateurs looking for every advantage in spin, baseline power, and touch have found it ticks boxes that standard paddles miss.
The Flamingo comes in at:
The slightly head-heavy balance supports big serves and groundstrokes, while the core and dimensions favor a steady mix of reach and control at the kitchen. With a handle on the shorter side, players who use a two-handed backhand might want to tape up or adjust grip length, but one-handed and hybrid grips feel secure.
Proton’s Velocity Core is the engine delivering that rare mix of “pop” and control. By shifting to 6mm core cells (smaller than industry-standard 8mm), Proton has made the paddle responsive for both aggressive drives and delicate resets. The perimeter’s foam injection not only widens the effective sweet spot but also absorbs vibration, so quick hands exchanges feel solid—less sting, more stability.
On-court, the effect is noticeable. Defensive blocks retain placement, but when you want to unload on a drive, the paddle responds with deep, heavy shots that carry without overhitting.
The Flamingo’s carbon fiber face is rough enough to grip the ball and create massive spin. If your game centers on heavy topspin rolls, nasty slices, or aggressive serves, you’ll immediately feel the benefit. Players report RPM gains especially on baseline drives and drops, while net game gets a boost from the paddle’s ability to put late-breaking action on dinks or rolls.
Compared to many paddles that lose their texturing within months, the Flamingo’s grit stays sharp, so your spin-heavy style doesn’t fade after hard play.
Does all this tech add up to on-court difference? Testing by high-level players and rising pros says yes. From winning streaks on the PPA Tour to medal runs across US and Australian events, the Flamingo has been the go-to for athletes who rely on both brawn and finesse.
Here’s how it performs in the real world based on hundreds of play sessions, tournament experience, and user reports online.
The best paddles don’t just hit hard—they let you hit hard with confidence. The Flamingo stands out for making power easily accessible, especially from the baseline. Thanks to the Velocity Core and foam edge, you don’t need to swing out of your shoes to drive deep shots or hit passing winners.
What really separates the Flamingo is how it reins in this power. Even at full stretch or in the transition zone, you keep control of ball placement—more than many power paddles in this price bracket. For example, Andrei Daescu’s string of doubles medals in 2025 highlights just how playable this stick is under pressure.
Few paddles can match the Flamingo’s RPM potential. The rough, textured surface bites into the ball, helping you send dipping topspin or slicing, skidding shots that keep opponents guessing. Whether you’re serving, driving, rolling from the kitchen, or resetting a tough volley, the paddle gives you the tools to mix up your attack.
The sweet spot is larger than many competitors in the same class, and the foam edge minimizes dead spots. Soft shots, dinks, and blocks come off the face with consistent feedback—meaning you can switch from aggressive to tactical play in a split second.
While performance wins praise, the Flamingo isn’t perfect for everyone. The standard Proton grip can get slick if your hands sweat, but this is quickly fixed with an overgrip for added tack and cushion.
The paddle skews slightly head-heavy by design, making it a hammer for drives but requiring adjustment if you favor wristy flicks or ultra-quick volley exchanges. If you enjoy customizing balance, adding a bit of lead tape can create the exact feel you want.
Some players with bigger hands or a preference for longer grip handles (think two-handed backhands) might find the 5.375-inch handle on the short side. Customizing the grip, or looking at alternate models, can help here.
The Proton Pickleball flamingo isn’t just another paddle with a catchy name—it’s a true performer for players looking to maximize power, spin, and confident control in the 2025 competitive season.
Is it worth the premium price? For advanced players, singles specialists, or doubles teams who base their game on heavy shots and creative spin, it’s a top-tier investment. The tech delivers as promised: the Velocity Core boosts pop without losing control, and the ultra-durable carbon surface keeps your spin game sharp over time.
Best suited for: Advanced and spin-focused players seeking a stable, powerful paddle with an edge in tournament play.
Less ideal if you want feather-light quickness, or if you rely heavily on two-handed moves unless you’re ready to tweak the grip.
You can buy the Proton Flamingo exclusively at Pickleball Central, where perks like risk-free test drives and loyalty rewards add extra value to your purchase.
Bottom line: The Proton Pickleball Flamingo lives up to the buzz—if you’re ready for high-level paddle performance that keeps up with the modern, aggressive style of play, it’s one of the best choices in 2025.