Generation 1 Paddles: Sandwich Style, Cold Pressed

If we think of wood paddles as Gen 0, the next generation of paddles can be classified as cold layered or sandwich-style paddles or Gen 1. Typically Gen 1 paddles have a 14mm or 16mm polypropylene (PP, essentially plastic) core that has a honeycomb pattern. Then two layers of material, typically carbon fiber, fiberglass, or graphite, are sandwiched on both sides of the core and pressed together. An edge guard is usually wrapped around the layers in order to protect it, although some people for edgeless paddles. This type of paddle construction is possible the most popular for good reason--this tried and true method makes the paddles highly durable and it was the standard for many years. One thing that Gen 1 paddles usually lack is pop, or high exit velocity off the face of the paddle.