I had a $300 dollar Joola paddle break, so my friend let me borrow his Vatic. Immediately the ball was going where I wanted it, touches were just right - everything felt like a perfect fit. I ordered the bloom as I love widebody paddles, the construction is top notch - super tough, great control, and the shorthops - OMG, they should rename it "The Shorthopper" - I can't remember the last time I missed one with this gem of a paddle. I'm terrified they'll 'move on' and stop making it, so I'm going to be getting quite a few to last the next few years at least. 10/10