Nova Venom Pickleball Paddle Review: A Quebec-Born All-Court Weapon

Pickleball has seen a surge of innovation in recent years, with new paddle technologies and brands pushing performance to new heights. Among them, Nova, a Quebec-based company founded by professional player Anne-Sophie Courteau, is making waves with its latest release: the Nova Venom. Courteau, who competes in both the CNPL and the PPA Challenger Tour, brings first-hand pro-level experience into the design, and it shows.

First Impressions: Sleek and Serious

Out of the box, the Nova Venom immediately impresses with its all-black minimalist design. It’s understated yet modern—exactly the kind of paddle that signals performance without shouting for attention. In the hand, the paddle feels solid and professional, built to cater to intermediate and advanced players who demand consistency and precision.

Specs and Build

The Venom is an all-court, thermoformed paddle with a 16mm core thickness, a configuration that balances control, stability, and enough pop to finish points. Nova chose a T700 raw carbon surface, a trusted material among serious players, known for its ability to generate spin and maintain durability.

On first hits, the paddle can feel a little stiff, a common trait in thermoformed paddles, but after a short break-in period, the sweet spot opens up beautifully. Once settled, the paddle offers a crisp and satisfying response, especially on drives and counterpunches.

On-Court Performance

If you’ve ever played with the Six Zero Double Black Diamond, the Venom will feel familiar. It offers that same blend of spin-friendly surface and solid, stable feedback. Groundstrokes benefit from the grippy carbon face, allowing you to shape the ball with topspin or slice effectively. At the net, the 16mm thickness provides stability on blocks and resets, giving you confidence against heavy hitters.

While it may not be the most forgiving paddle for complete beginners, players with solid fundamentals will find the Venom a reliable partner across the court. It’s equally comfortable driving from the baseline, defending in the transition zone, and finishing points up front.

Who Is It For?

The Nova Venom is clearly built with intermediate to advanced players in mind. If you’re looking for:

• A thermoformed paddle with spin-friendly raw carbon

• A balanced all-court option

• A sleek, minimalist look

• A design with pro-level input from a Canadian player

…the Venom deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Final Verdict

The Nova Venom isn’t just another paddle—it’s a statement that Canadian innovation belongs in the global pickleball conversation. With its grippy T700 surface, thermoformed 16mm construction, and sleek black design, it offers a professional-grade playing experience at a competitive level.

For players ready to take their game beyond the basics, the Nova Venom brings both style and substance.