In my latest review, I took a deep dive into the Hudef Apex Pro 2, a paddle that genuinely surprised me with its unique construction and consistent performance. This isn’t just your standard honeycomb core paddle; what sets the Apex Pro 2 apart is a layer of supercritical foam sandwiched between the polypropylene core and the face. This foam—the same durable, lightweight material you find in high-end athletic shoes—adds a bit of weight (about 0.1 to 0.2 ounces), giving the paddle a slightly head-heavy feel. However, that extra mass translates into a solid, stable sensation without making the paddle feel slow in hand.
One of the first things I noticed was the handle circumference. At 4 and 1/8 inches, it’s slightly smaller than the 4 and 1/4 inch industry standard. If you prefer a thinner grip or want more room to customize with overgrips, this is a major plus. The handle length is a bit shorter at 5.1 inches, which might make two-handed backhands a little tighter, but for my style, it felt manageable.
On the court, the performance was impressive across the board. During drives and serves, I found I could generate significant top-spin and power. Unlike many standard-shaped paddles that lack “put-away” power compared to elongated hybrids, the Apex Pro 2 held its own. When I needed to rip a drive from the baseline or punish a high ball at mid-court, the paddle delivered exactly what I put into it.
The “soft game” is where this paddle really shines. Transitioning to the kitchen felt incredibly natural. Even though the feel is somewhat muted and soft, I was surprised by how effectively I could execute cross-court drops from the baseline. Reseting the ball from mid-court felt stable and controlled; I never felt like the paddle was twisting or that I was losing command during heavy exchanges. At the kitchen line, dinks felt “buttery smooth.” The face isn’t overly poppy, which allowed me to be much more strategic and precise with my placement without the fear of accidentally popping the ball up.
To combat the slight head-heaviness during fast “firefights” at the net, I’d recommend adding an overgrip or perhaps some lead tape to the throat or end cap to balance the weight toward the handle. This small adjustment makes the paddle feel even faster for those quick reaction volleys.
Specifications
- Face: Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
- Shape: Wide Body
- Weight: 8.2 oz±0.2oz
- Swing Weight: 109
- Twist Weight: 7
- Core Material: Supercritical Foam Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
- Length: 15.9″
- Width: 7.95″
- Thickness: 16mm
- Grip Length: 5.1″
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/8″
Final Thoughts
In terms of build quality and value, Hudef has a winner here. The graphics are unique and stylish without being loud, and the paddle has proven to be remarkably durable even after several “paddle clashes” during testing. At a price point that sits well under $150 (especially with a discount code), and backed by a one-year warranty, it’s a fantastic value. I’d recommend the Apex Pro 2 to anyone from a beginner to an advanced player looking for a consistent, high-quality “daily driver” that they can trust every time they step on the court.