Every year a handful of paddles get players talking, and in 2026 one of the loudest names has been Spartus. The Spartus Spitfire Elongated was named Pickleball Pursuit's 2026 Paddle of the Year, and it is now in stock at Love Pickle ProShop. Here is what makes it stand out, who it suits and how to set it up for your game.
Who is Spartus?
Spartus is a performance pickleball brand built on in house research and development, with one clear goal: tour level performance without the premium price tag. Rather than chasing gimmicks, Spartus focuses on three things players feel straight away: durable grit, modern foam cores and carefully tuned weights. You can see the brand story and range on our Spartus page.
What makes the Spitfire different
Generation 4 Turbo Foam core
At the heart of the Spitfire is a 16mm Generation 4 Turbo Foam core. Spartus designed it to give the explosive pop players associate with MPP foam while keeping the benefits of EPP. In practice that means effortless pace on drives and counters without the harsh, overly stiff feel some power paddles have.
QuadFiber carbon layup
The face uses four layers of carbon fibre in a proprietary arrangement Spartus calls QuadFiber. The aim is more dwell time, so the ball stays on the face a fraction longer for better touch on dinks, drops and resets. It is the reason the Spitfire feels softer at the kitchen than its power numbers suggest.
PermaGritNano surface
Spin is where the Spitfire really earns its reputation. PermaGritNano is the latest version of Spartus PermaGrit, a durable grit surface built to keep its texture far longer than painted or sprayed grit. Spartus rate it at over 2,100 RPM, and the PermaGrit technology was ranked a Tier 1 durable grit by Pickleball Effect. If you want to understand why grit type matters, read our guide to paddle grit and long lasting spin.
Elongated reach with quick hands
Elongated paddles usually trade hand speed for reach. The Spitfire is different. At 16.5 inches long with a 7.85 oz average weight and a low 116 swing weight, it gives you elongated leverage while handling more like a hybrid in fast exchanges at the net. That combination is a big part of why it has won over so many attacking players.
Key specs at a glance
- Core: Generation 4 Turbo Foam, 16mm
- Face: QuadFiber carbon with PermaGritNano surface
- Length and width: 16.5 x 7.5 inches
- Grip: 5.5 inch length, 4.125 inch circumference
- Average weight: 7.85 oz
- Swing weight 116, twist weight 6.2
- USAP approved for tournament play
- Neoprene paddle cover included
- 180 day limited warranty
Who the Spitfire Elongated suits
- Attacking players who want reach and power on drives, speed ups and putaways
- Spin players who want a durable grit that keeps working session after session
- Players with two handed backhands who like the extra length
- Intermediate players stepping up to foam core power without losing feel
If you are not sure an elongated shape is right for you, our elongated vs widebody guide walks through the trade offs, and our best paddles for power in 2026 list shows how it compares with other power options.
Getting the most from your Spitfire
Keep that PermaGritNano surface working by cleaning the face regularly with a paddle eraser; our guide on how to clean your pickleball paddle shows you how. Many players also add a tacky overgrip such as Bodhi PROtack to build up the handle slightly and stay locked on in hot conditions.
Shop the Spartus Spitfire Elongated
The Spartus Spitfire Elongated is in stock now at Love Pickle ProShop, with a complimentary neoprene cover in the box. See the full Spitfire range on our Spartus page.
Every paddle is shipped worldwide from Love Pickle ProShop.