Facolos EliteX v2.0 Gabe Tardio Edition Pickleball Paddle

Overview

Summary

The Gabe Tardio Edition takes the EliteX v2.0 platform and tailors it to the playing style of a professional known for fast hands and sharp counters. The most visible change is the shape. Facolos widened the face and moved the sweet spot closer to the handle, which makes the paddle react quickly in fast doubles exchanges, especially on flicks, counters and hand battles at the kitchen line.

Four mass inserts are built into the frame. Two near the head of the paddle increase hitting power and widen the sweet spot, while two on the sides increase twist weight and stop the face rotating on off-centre contact. A Toray T700 carbon face with the TrueGrit rough surface adds friction for topspin, slice and deep spinning drives, and still gives a clear sense of where the ball is on the face.

The Elastic Foam core is built to hold the ball for a little longer. This extra dwell time helps players steer the ball with more accuracy, and it supports dinks, drops and resets. A damping foam layer absorbs vibration, which makes the paddle feel solid and settled during defensive blocks and quick counter-attacks.

The edition is a 16mm build in neon green and pink neon colourways, finishes designed to stand out.

Strengths

• Quick, reactive shape. The sweet spot is closer to the handle for faster reactions.
• Stable frame. Side inserts raise twist weight and reduce rotation.
• Strong spin surface. TrueGrit T700 supports heavy topspin and slice.
• Better dwell for control. Elastic Foam helps with direction and touch shots.
• Vibration control. Damping foam smooths out hard contact.

Weaknesses

• Specialised shape. Players who like a high sweet spot may need to adjust their contact point.
• Limited colours. Only two bright colourways are listed.
• Signature price. Signature editions often cost a little more than the base paddle.

Who it is for

Intermediate and advanced doubles players who rely on fast hands, counters and flicks at the net, and fans of Gabe Tardio who want the same paddle character. It also suits players who find standard elongated shapes slow.

Care and buying tips

Keep the paddle in a cover and wipe the face with a damp cloth after play. Because the sweet spot is positioned closer to the handle, try a few sessions before judging the feel. If you stock this edition, keep both colours available since neon finishes sell quickly.

Specifications

Looking for more? Browse our Facolos pickleball paddles or the full range of pickleball paddles.