The Horizon III Gen3S represents a major step forward in pickleball paddle technology from Obelisk Pickleball. This paddle builds on the success of the previous Gen3 model while adding new features that appeal to serious players.
The Horizon III Gen3S uses enhanced swingweight and Obelisk Control Power Core Technology to deliver extra power that elite players need. The paddle shifts weight toward the top of the paddle head while using a softened polypropylene core design. This combination creates a unique playing experience that balances power with control.
The paddle recently earned USAP approval for sanctioned tournaments, making it legal for competitive play. Players looking for a power-focused paddle with tournament eligibility will find the Gen3S offers advanced core technology in a refined package.
Key Takeaways
- The Horizon III Gen3S features enhanced swingweight and Control Power Core Technology for increased power output
- The paddle is USAP-approved and legal for use in sanctioned pickleball tournaments
- Strategic weight distribution toward the paddle head provides elite players with the extra power they demand
What Is the Horizon III Gen3s?
The Horizon III Gen3s is the latest advancement in Obelisk Control Power Core Technology, featuring enhanced swingweight and increased power delivery. This USAP-approved pickleball paddle builds upon the proven Gen3 design with strategic improvements for elite players.
Key Features of the Gen3s Model
The Gen3s model delivers enhanced swingweight that provides extra power for competitive players. The paddle achieves this through strategic weight distribution that shifts mass toward the top of the paddle.
This design change creates more momentum during swings. Players can generate additional power without sacrificing control during gameplay.
The Gen3s receives USAP approval for sanctioned tournaments. This certification allows players to use the paddle in official competition settings.
The paddle maintains the same core technology as its predecessor while adding power-focused enhancements. These improvements target players who need more aggressive shot capabilities.
Obelisk Control Power Core Technology
The Obelisk Control Power Core serves as the foundation of the Gen3s design. This technology balances stability with responsiveness across different shot types.
The core structure uses materials that provide consistent ball response. Players experience predictable paddle behavior during both soft touches and powerful drives.
This technology maintains control during delicate shots like drops and dinks. The core design prevents power enhancements from compromising precision gameplay.
The polypropylene construction receives specific modifications in the Gen3s version. These changes support the enhanced swingweight while preserving the paddle’s responsive characteristics.
Differences From Previous Generations
The primary difference between the Gen3s and Gen3 models involves swingweight distribution. The Gen3s shifts more weight toward the paddle head for increased power generation.
The Gen3s builds upon the proven core design of the previous Gen3 model rather than replacing it entirely. This approach maintains successful elements while adding power-focused improvements.
Weight positioning changes how the paddle feels during swings. The Gen3s requires slightly more effort to maneuver but delivers greater ball speed on contact.
The polypropylene core receives softening modifications in the Gen3s version. This adjustment works with the weight changes to optimize power output while maintaining ball control.
USAP Approval and Tournament Eligibility
The Horizon III Gen3s received official USAP approval on October 28, 2025, making it tournament-legal for competitive play. This certification allows players to use the paddle in sanctioned tournaments and official competitions.
Latest USAP-Approved Certifications
The USA Pickleball approved paddle list officially added the Horizon III Gen3s on October 28, 2025. This recent approval places the paddle among the newest certified options available to tournament players.
Players can verify the paddle’s status through the official USA Pickleball approved equipment database. The certification confirms the paddle meets all USAP technical specifications for competitive play.
The timing of this approval is significant for competitive players. The certification came just weeks before major tournament events, giving players access to the latest paddle technology.
Obelisk Pickleball successfully submitted the Gen3s model through the official USAP testing process. The paddle passed all required performance and construction standards.
Implications for Competitive Play
Tournament players now have access to the Gen3s for sanctioned competition. The USAP approval removes any eligibility concerns for official matches and league play.
The paddle’s enhanced swingweight technology can now be used in competitive settings. Players who prefer power-oriented gameplay have a new certified option that meets tournament requirements.
Competitive players should verify paddle approval status before tournaments. Using non-approved paddles can result in disqualification from sanctioned events.
The Gen3s joins other approved Obelisk models on the official list. This gives players multiple certified options within the same brand family for tournament play.
Technical Specifications and Design
The Horizon III Gen3S features enhanced swingweight and advanced core technology that builds on proven design elements. Key specifications include strategic weight distribution and refined surface materials for competitive play.
Paddle Thickness Options
The Horizon III Gen3S maintains standard thickness specifications typical of high-performance pickleball paddles. Most models feature a 16mm core thickness that provides the optimal balance between power and control.
This thickness allows for maximum energy transfer during ball contact. The core design incorporates the Obelisk Control Power Core technology for consistent performance.
Players benefit from the standardized thickness that meets USAP regulations. The uniform core depth ensures predictable ball response across the entire paddle face.
Carbon Surface Materials
The paddle surface utilizes advanced carbon fiber construction for durability and performance. Carbon fiber faces provide excellent ball grip and spin generation capabilities.
The textured surface helps players achieve better ball control during serves and volleys. Carbon materials offer superior strength-to-weight ratios compared to traditional paddle surfaces.
Surface texture remains consistent throughout extended play sessions. The carbon construction resists wear from repeated ball contact and maintains playing characteristics over time.
Handle Length and Shape
Standard handle length measures approximately 5.25 inches for comfortable grip positioning. The handle shape features a traditional octagonal cross-section that prevents rotation during play.
Grip circumference typically measures 4.25 inches around for most hand sizes. The handle design allows for both one-handed and two-handed shot execution.
Players can add overgrips to customize handle thickness based on personal preferences. The handle construction uses materials that absorb moisture during competitive play.
Performance Benefits for Players
The Horizon III Gen3S pickleball paddle delivers measurable improvements in power generation and shot precision through its enhanced core technology. Players experience better control and reduced fatigue during extended play sessions.
Swingweight and Power Output
The Horizon III Gen3S features enhanced swingweight distribution that increases power generation. Weight shifts strategically toward the paddle head create more momentum through the swing.
This design change allows players to generate 20-30% more power on drives and overhead shots. The extra mass at the top of the paddle creates a longer lever arm during contact.
Elite players benefit most from this power increase during aggressive baseline rallies. The added swingweight helps penetrate through opponents’ defensive shots more effectively.
Players can maintain their normal swing speed while achieving greater ball velocity. This efficiency reduces the physical effort needed for power shots during tournaments.
Precision and Shot Control
Shot placement accuracy improves through the paddle’s balanced weight distribution. The Gen3S maintains the proven core design from previous models while adding controlled power.
Players can execute drop shots, dinks, and soft volleys with consistent spin rates. The paddle face provides predictable ball response across different shot types.
Third shot drops land in the kitchen more reliably due to enhanced feel through impact. Players report better touch on delicate shots around the net.
The paddle responds well to wrist adjustments during rapid exchanges. Quick direction changes remain smooth without sacrificing control or accuracy.
Vibration Absorption and Comfort
The softened polypropylene core reduces vibration transmission to players’ arms and shoulders. This dampening effect minimizes fatigue during long practice sessions.
Players with elbow sensitivity experience less discomfort after extended play. The improved shock absorption protects joints from repetitive impact stress.
Grip comfort remains consistent throughout matches due to reduced vibration feedback. Players maintain better handle control even when hitting off-center shots.
The paddle’s dampening properties allow for longer training sessions without arm fatigue. Tournament players can compete at full intensity for extended periods.
Horizon III Gen3s in the Pickleball Market
The Horizon III Gen3S represents the latest advancement in Obelisk’s paddle technology, positioning itself as a premium option for elite players. This pickleball paddle competes directly with other high-performance models through enhanced power capabilities and strategic pricing.
Competitive Positioning and Pricing
The Horizon III Gen3S targets serious players who demand extra power without sacrificing control. Obelisk positions this paddle as an upgrade from the standard Gen3 model.
The paddle features enhanced swingweight technology that shifts weight toward the paddle head. This design choice appeals to players who want more aggressive shots.
The Gen3S builds on proven core technology from previous models. Players get familiar performance characteristics with added power benefits.
Obelisk markets the paddle as elite-level equipment. The company emphasizes the paddle’s ability to deliver power that competitive players need.
The enhanced polypropylene core provides better energy transfer. This technical improvement justifies the paddle’s premium market position.
Comparison With Other Popular Paddles
The Horizon III Gen3S differentiates itself through specific weight distribution changes. Most competing paddles focus on overall weight rather than strategic placement.
The paddle’s power-focused design contrasts with control-oriented competitors. Players choosing between paddles must decide their priority between power and precision.
Obelisk’s core technology sets the Gen3S apart from standard carbon fiber paddles. The enhanced structure provides different feel characteristics than traditional designs.
The Gen3S offers more power than the standard Gen3 model while maintaining similar control features. This combination appeals to players who want both attributes.
Weight distribution becomes the key differentiator when players compare popular paddle options. The Gen3S emphasizes head-heavy balance for increased swing momentum.
Broader Context: The Horizon Name in Sports and Gaming
The Horizon name appears across multiple gaming franchises, creating potential confusion for consumers. Aloy’s journey through the post-apocalyptic world has helped distinguish the PlayStation exclusive series from other titles sharing similar branding.
Distinction From Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon 3
The word “horizon” frequently appears in video game titles across different genres and platforms. Marketing challenges exist due to the common use of “horizon” in gaming, including Pokemon Horizon, Animal Crossing titles, and Forza Horizon racing games.
This naming overlap creates brand recognition challenges. Players must specify “Horizon Zero Dawn” or “Horizon Forbidden West” to distinguish from racing or other game genres.
Key Franchise Differentiators:
- Setting: Post-apocalyptic world with robotic creatures
- Platform: PlayStation exclusives (later PC releases)
- Genre: Action RPG with hunting mechanics
- Protagonist: Female lead character Aloy
Horizon 3 development continues with a targeted 2027 release window. The third installment will likely maintain the series’ distinctive identity despite shared naming conventions with other franchises.
The Role of Aloy and Horizon in Gaming Culture
Aloy represents a significant female protagonist in gaming culture. Her character design and story arc helped establish the Horizon series as a flagship PlayStation property.
The franchise has sold over 30 million copies since 2017. This commercial success demonstrates how strong character development can differentiate similarly named gaming properties.
Cultural Impact Elements:
- Representation: Strong female lead in action gaming
- Visual Design: Distinctive tribal-meets-technology aesthetic
- Narrative Depth: Complex world-building and lore
- Technical Achievement: Impressive graphics and animation
The series continues expanding beyond games with a live-action movie adaptation in development. Aloy’s character recognition helps maintain brand distinction in crowded gaming markets.
Gaming communities consistently praise the series’ storytelling and visual presentation. These elements create lasting impressions that separate Horizon from other franchises using similar names.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Horizon III Gen3S pickleball paddle features enhanced swingweight and Obelisk Control Power Core Technology for elite players. This USAP-approved paddle builds upon the proven Gen3 design with strategic weight distribution improvements.
What are the key features of the Horizon III Gen3s?
The Horizon III Gen3S incorporates Obelisk Control Power Core Technology as its primary innovation. This core design provides enhanced swingweight compared to previous models.
The paddle includes strategic weight distribution that shifts mass toward the top of the paddle head. This design change delivers extra power that elite players require during competitive play.
The Gen3S maintains USAP approval for tournament use. The paddle also features softened polypropylene construction elements that complement the enhanced core technology.
How does the Horizon III Gen3s performance compare to previous models?
The Gen3S builds upon the proven core design of the previous Gen3 model while adding performance enhancements. The primary improvement focuses on increased swingweight capabilities.
Players experience more power generation compared to the standard Gen3 version. The enhanced swingweight allows for greater ball velocity and improved shot penetration.
The Gen3S maintains the control characteristics of its predecessor. The core stability and responsiveness remain consistent while adding the power improvements.
Can the Horizon III Gen3s be customized or upgraded post-purchase?
The Horizon III Gen3S arrives as a complete paddle system with integrated core technology. The Obelisk Control Power Core cannot be modified or replaced after manufacturing.
Players can add grip tape or overwraps to adjust handle size and texture. These modifications do not affect the paddle’s USAP approval status.
Weight adjustments through lead tape application are possible but may alter the intended balance point. Such modifications could impact the designed swingweight characteristics.
What are the power efficiency metrics of the Horizon III Gen3s?
The Gen3S delivers enhanced power through its strategic weight distribution system. The top-heavy design increases momentum transfer during ball contact.
Specific power output measurements vary based on individual playing style and swing mechanics. The enhanced swingweight provides measurable improvements over the standard Gen3 model.
The polypropylene core softening contributes to energy transfer efficiency. This design element works alongside the weight distribution to optimize power delivery.
What warranty and customer support options are available for the Horizon III Gen3s?
Obelisk provides manufacturer warranty coverage for the Horizon III Gen3S paddle. Specific warranty terms and duration details are available through authorized retailers.
Customer support includes technical assistance for paddle specifications and performance questions. Support channels typically include phone, email, and online resources.
Warranty coverage generally includes manufacturing defects and material failures. Normal wear from regular play and user modifications may not qualify for warranty service.
Are there any known issues or recalls for the Horizon III Gen3s model?
No widespread recalls have been reported for the Horizon III Gen3S model. The paddle maintains its USAP approval status without regulatory concerns.
Some players may experience adjustment periods when transitioning from lighter paddles. The enhanced swingweight requires adaptation to the increased mass distribution.
Quality control standards maintain consistency across production runs. Individual paddle variations fall within normal manufacturing tolerances for core density and weight distribution.
