Warping Point Ascent Review: Carbon Fiber Paddle Under $100

Warping Point sent us some of their affordable carbon fiber paddles to review. For those who aren't yet acquainted with Warping Point, they are a new brand in the pickleball world and have quickly earned recognition by sponsoring pro player Tina Pisnik. Here's a look at these low-price paddles that are perfect for beginner to intermediate players. We'll look at what makes these models interesting and why they could be a smart pick if you're moving up from entry-level gear or just getting started. If you’re shopping for a carbon fiber pickleball paddle and don’t want to drop over $200, Warping Point’s Ascent Red and Ascent Green 16mm paddles might be the most compelling performance-for-price options around. Although these paddles use older technology compared to some of the flashier models on the market, they’re still fantastic for casual play and ideal for beginners who don’t need all the advanced features. The price point is perfect for players who want a solid, dependable paddle without emptying their wallet or investing in gear they wouldn’t fully take advantage of.

Let’s break them down.

🔴 Ascent Red 16mm – Power Paddle Overview

• Core: 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Face: Toray T300 3K Carbon Fiber
• Weight: About 7.8 oz
• Handle: 5.5 inches long, 4.25 inches circumference
• Swing Feel: Fast, stiff, snappy
• Ideal For: Aggressive players who love driving the ball from the baseline

Key Features:

• High spin potential from the gritty carbon surface
• Aero throat design helps generate faster swings by reducing drag
• Foam-injected perimeter stabilizes off-center hits and enlarges the sweet spot
• Thermoformed unibody build adds both durability and power
• Price: $99.99

🟢 Ascent Green 16mm – Control Paddle Overview

• Core: 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Face: Same Toray T300 3K Carbon Fiber as the Red
• Weight: Similar, about 7.8 oz
• Handle: Identical to Red
• Swing Feel: Smooth, soft, forgiving
• Ideal For: Players who value resets, drops, and touch at the net

Key Features:

• Enhanced control thanks to a softer core feel
• Gritty carbon face still delivers plenty of spin
• Thicker build softens vibration and improves touch
• Aero throat aids maneuverability at the kitchen
• Price: $99.99

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Performance Notes

In play, the Ascent Red feels crisp and lively, making it a natural fit for driving forehands and speed-ups, while the Ascent Green tones everything down a notch, giving you more time on contact and a plush feel that excels in the soft game. It's also worth noting the shape difference: the Ascent Green is slightly wider and shorter than the Ascent Red, which is elongated, making the Green easier to maneuver in the kitchen and giving it a different balance. The grit on both these paddles is excellent, with a very grippy face that bites the ball well and makes spin easy to generate on serves and third shots. Both paddles share the same carbon face and foam perimeter, but the difference in core feel creates a noticeable contrast in power and touch. I found the paddles to be a little too light with the stock weight, so I ended up adding lead tape all around the face and tucked some into the handle to increase swing weight and stability. The light stock weight leaves plenty of room to experiment with adding lead exactly where you want it, whether you prefer more plow-through on drives, a head-heavy feel for extra power, or a handle-loaded setup for quicker reaction time. This level of customization makes the Ascent series especially appealing if you like dialing in your paddle to match your playing style perfectly.

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Unboxing

These paddles arrived in an attractive, well-designed box that felt more premium than the price point suggests. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the package included a thoughtful bundle of accessories: a small carbon grit eraser for maintaining the paddle's surface texture, an extra overgrip to customize handle feel, and a branded keychain for a bit of flair. It also came with a robust faux leather case that zips securely around the paddle to protect it from scratches and dings during transport. Altogether, the presentation makes the Ascent series feel like a complete pickleball starter kit rather than just a paddle purchase, which is a nice touch for beginner and intermediate players. 

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Balls

Warping Point also sent us some of their pickleball balls, the Ascent 40s. These balls feel noticeably faster off the paddle than traditional Franklin X-40s and have a lively bounce that complements the Ascent paddles well. They are designed for outdoor play and feature a durable, seamless construction that holds up during extended games. For players who want consistent flight and a little extra speed, the Ascent 40 balls are a solid choice to complete your pickleball setup.

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Final Verdict

Both Ascent models punch far above their price tag.

• The Red is for players who want fast swings, clean contact, and aggressive spin.
• The Green is for those who prefer control, softness, and finesse at the net.

If you want a thermoformed, spin-friendly carbon fiber paddle without paying a premium, Warping Point deserves a serious look. Both the Ascent Red and Ascent Green retail for $99.99, making them some of the most affordable thermoformed carbon paddles available.

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