All my serious use handguns are paddle mag release, so that's what I'm used to and what I know.I too have a customized PPQ that I absolutely love, but I place myself squarely in the Pro-PDP camp. Why?
My lovely custom PPQ M2 5" that will soon have a brawny PDP stable mate:
- I have always avoided firearms that require me to learn a new manual of arms to operate, which is why I waited until the m2 version of the PPQ came to the market. As superior as paddle releases may be, if they are different than everything else I own, then why risk it for high stress situations?
- The slide's aggressive serrations work for me. I like the look, and you can see where the slide's metal comes inward wherever it lacks these serrations. This simply means a more solid purchase on the slide with gloves or even wet hands. The new slide is also lighter than the PPQ slide even though it appears beefier.
- I don't think that anyone would need to explain why the new grip texture is light years ahead of the PPQ. Anyone who has owned a PPQ knows that the grip feels just like textured bar of soap when the hands get sweaty.
- I am really digging the new aesthetics and it is clear that Walther is aiming to grab more LEO and military contracts with the PDP. If I had to characterize the PPQ and the PDP i would express it like this: The PPQ is like a wealthy German sipping brandy from a crystal snifter by the fireplace, whereas the PDP is like a German blue-collar worker sitting down at the local beer-hall drinking from his 1 liter beer stein after work. (If you don't think the PPQ is like the snooty German, just look at the Black Tie versions. I know which one will get the attention of the military and LEO buyers.)
I just don't like the beefed up slide for the same reason I dislike glocks. It feels like a 2x4 in your waist band. The PPQ struck a perfect balance with its taper making it extremely comfortable. And since this is what I carry year around every single day, I'd rather it be more comfortable even if it's less grippy.
The grip changes are great though, but in all honesty I haven't had problems with the normal PPQ texture. Glock's RTF2 will always be the gold standard for grip texture and I don't see anyone ever doing that again.