Thanks to the community feedback, we have redesigned the pickleball adapter for Quest 3 / 3S. Here is what has been changed between v2.1 and v2.3:
Better strength
3D prints have the best strength along the layer lines, and the weakest strength across the layers. We have now redesigned the model, so that the adapter can mostly be printed “flat”. This way the maximum strength is achieved. The adapter will be more rigid, and last longer.
Removable top board
Now the top board is installed securely using two thumb screws. Players can remove the top board themselves. This is useful when they want to play in a small room or when there are many objects around. It’s possible to purchase the two parts separately as well.
The pickleball adapter works for all games that supports free positioning of the paddle, including but not limited to:
- Eleven Pickleball
- Racket Club
- Pickleball One
- Pickleball
- First Person Tennis
It can be found here: https://solidslime.net/product/solidslime-pickleball-adapter-for-meta-quest-3/
Below is the installation video:
Just received my Solid Slime Pickleball adapter for the Quest 3. I got the v2.3 and was excited to see what it could do for my game. Always trying to find ways to create an experience similar to IRL. I’ve been playing Pickleball One for nearly a year and making some good progress and recently upgraded from a Quest 2 to v3 and that seemed to help me win more Singles sets against the VR players. But playing in a IRL league there were some adjustments so I hoped by getting you racquet adapter that the transition would be easier. My first comment was the lack of any instructions was disappointing. I had seen the install video but was wondering if the top board was reversible and a few other items, nothing.
After installing the adapter and for first few games I was hitting the net often because of the racquet weight and the extra effort needed to hit the ball. I ended up removing the board and even then the weight seems heavier than my present racquet but closer than the Quest controller alone. In Pickleball One I went in and selected the configuration for the Solid Slime adapter and started playing. I played for about 90 minutes and didn’t win a single set, unlike the day before where I won 3. I sure much of the problem was just adjusting to the new adapter weight and all but there was one aspect that somewhat bothered me, there were several volleys that I swung for the ball and simply missed like the racquet was shorter suddenly. I mean in 90 minutes of play I would guess that I missed between 10 and 20 balls that came at me. That was a new and unsettling feeling. Any suggestions?
Hi Chuck, thanks for your message.
I’ll make sure to include more instructions in the future, including the note that the top board can be removed.
For the second part, it always takes some time to get used to the new adapter. If you are already used to playing without any adapter, it can take as long as a week or even more.
The muscle needs to adjust and more importantly, and the technique will need to adjust to be closer to the real life sport. In particular, players that are used to controller tend to over use their wrist to hit the ball, while in real life you need to use the body weight transition, and more muscles on the shoulder and arm.
I need to mention that this adapter is designed to accurately mimic the swing weight of the real paddle. Removing the top board will make the swing weight significantly lower than the target value. This might not be a good idea if your goal is to have a smooth transition between VR and real life.
For the missed balls, the tracking should be no problem with the adapter as long as it is held correctly. My suggestions are 1. keep get used to the weight. 2. make sure you are holding the paddle in a way that the black button plate of the controller is facing towards you, i.e. don’t turn it 180 degrees.
Thanks for the quick reply!
I do understand the need to adapt to the new system, it was just a bit bizarre swinging and looking up to watch the ball and realize, I totally missed it.
The other question I have is how is the top board supposed to be mounted? ‘Hollow’ side facing forward or back? If forward can it be reversed for less drag?
Hi, thanks for understanding! For the direction of the top board, either side is fine. You can see the default direction via the pictures in this post. The direction doesn’t affect the drag enough to be noticeable.