Friday Fever 102 Widebody Pickleball Paddle Review – Forgiveness Meets Power

Main Points

The Friday Fever paddle now comes in two shapes: elongated and widebody.
The widebody model is about ½–¾ inch shorter but also wider.
Core material changed from 8mm cells (tighter and more powerful) to 10mm cells (more forgiving).
A rubber gasket around the edge enhances power and feel.
The widebody design offers a larger sweet spot, ideal for net play and volleys.
The elongated version suits ex-tennis players or those who prefer long, topspin drives.
Both paddles are the same price and color options.
Recommended for players who spend most of their time at the non-volley zone.

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Summary

This video introduces the new Friday Fever 102 Widebody pickleball paddle, an updated version of the original elongated Friday Fever. While the original model emphasized reach and pop, the widebody design brings a new dimension of forgiveness and control to the lineup. Measuring slightly shorter but noticeably wider, it caters to players who value precision and stability near the non-volley zone.

One of the biggest differences between the two paddles lies in the core construction. The elongated Friday Fever used an 8mm honeycomb core, which delivered strong pop and quick responsiveness. The new widebody model uses a 10mm core, featuring larger cells that soften the feel and expand the paddle’s sweet spot. To retain that signature power, the paddle includes a rubber gasket around the edge, enhancing both pop and durability.

In play, the widebody design offers a larger surface area that makes blocking, dinking, and punch volleys easier—especially for players who like to dominate at the kitchen line. Players coming from a tennis background may still prefer the elongated version for its extra reach and topspin potential. However, for most pickleball players—especially those focused on control and consistency—the widebody model is likely the better fit.

Both paddles share the same price point and color schemes, making it easy for players to choose based on their play style rather than cost. The reviewer suggests that current owners of the elongated Fever might want to try the widebody as a backup or secondary paddle, as many may find themselves preferring it for its balanced combination of power, forgiveness, and versatility on court.