Enhance Pickleball Gen 4.5 Full Foam Paddle Review 2025

The Enhance Pickleball Gen 4.5 Full Foam paddle is part of the growing trend toward full-foam paddle construction, designed to offer improved stability, a larger sweet spot, and a more solid overall feel. After spending time with the paddle on court, it became clear that this model brings a unique combination of control, forgiveness, and lively response that will appeal to a specific type of player.

Build & First Impressions

Right away, the Gen 4.5 feels solid in hand. The full foam construction eliminates the hollow sensation found in some paddles and creates a more connected feel at contact. Off-center hits still feel relatively stable, which points to a well-distributed core and consistent face response. Overall, the paddle gives the impression of durability and thoughtful design.

On-Court Feel & Stability

On court, the Gen 4.5 stands out most for its stability. Blocks, resets, and defensive shots feel dependable, even when contact isn't perfectly centered. The foam construction does a good job absorbing vibration, resulting in a comfortable and arm-friendly experience during longer play sessions.

The paddle performs especially well in soft-game situations. Dinks and drops come off the face cleanly, with predictable depth and trajectory. Players who value consistency and confidence at the kitchen line will appreciate how controlled the paddle feels in these moments.

Pop & Power

The Gen 4.5 does have noticeable pop, particularly compared to more traditional control paddles. This pop takes some adjustment time, as the paddle can feel lively during quick exchanges and hands battles. Even after getting used to it, the response remains energetic, which may require extra touch on soft shots.

Power is present, but it leans more toward controlled power rather than raw explosiveness. Drives and put aways are effective without feeling uncontrollable, making the paddle suitable for players who prefer placement and consistency over sheer pace.

Spin & Control

Spin production is solid, falling into an above-average category. While it may not generate elite-level spin, it provides enough bite to shape shots and apply pressure when needed. Control remains a strong point, particularly when guiding the ball during drops, resets, and third-shot scenarios.

Who This Paddle Is For

The Enhance Gen 4.5 Full Foam paddle is well-suited for players who:

• Value stability and forgiveness
• Prefer a solid, vibration-dampened feel
• Rely on control and consistency in their game
• Are comfortable adjusting to a livelier paddle response

Players who prioritize touch, placement, and defensive reliability will likely enjoy what this paddle offers.

Final Thoughts

The Enhance Pickleball Gen 4.5 Full Foam paddle delivers a stable, comfortable playing experience with a lively response that adds character to the paddle. While the pop takes some time to dial in, the overall control, forgiveness, and solid feel make it a compelling option in the full-foam paddle category.

For players looking to explore modern foam construction without sacrificing consistency, the Gen 4.5 is a paddle worth considering.

— Salt n Pepper Pickleball

Want to see more paddle reviews? Check out MyPickleList to see community ratings and reviews from 100+ real players.