I got this paddle to supplement/replace my Alchemy paddle which I've had for a couple years now. It still plays well, but I thought I'd try something new. So far, so good. The Saga V7 doesn't seem to have the same pop, but perhaps a little more control. Although not a huge difference, I do like the longer handle. I was alternating paddles for a while, but am now pretty much playing it most of the time. I'm probably about a 3.25-3.5 player, 77 years young. I play 5-6 times a week.