As a pickleball junkie who’s spent countless hours on the court, from sweaty summer leagues to chilly winter showdowns, I’ve swung my fair share of paddles. But the CRBN TruFoam Genesis series? It’s like finding the perfect playlist for a road trip—every note hits just right, and you’re hooked for the long haul. This Gen-4 lineup, with its four distinct shapes—CRBN 1 Elongated, CRBN 2 Square, CRBN 3 Elongated Hybrid, and CRBN 4 Hybrid—has elevated my game in ways I didn’t expect. After weeks of testing all four, I’m here to share why this series is a must for any player ready to level up with spin, control, and a dash of swagger. Buckle up; this paddle family is a ride worth taking.
The TruFoam Core: A Universal Win Across All Shapes
Let’s start with the heart of the Genesis series: that glorious TruFoam Core. Unlike the honeycomb cores I’ve battled with in the past (you know, the ones that sometimes feel like they’re plotting against you with every hard hit), this 14mm high-density foam is a revelation. Across all four paddles, it delivers a plush, consistent feel that’s ready to roll from the first swing—no break-in period needed. Whether I’m dropping a delicate dink or unleashing a forehand drive, the core’s seamless construction gives me confidence that every shot will land true. It’s like the paddle’s saying, “You got this,” every time I step up to the baseline.
The 14mm thickness strikes a perfect balance, blending power for aggressive plays with a soft touch for finesse. I’ve found this core shines in long rallies, where consistency is king. No matter the shape, the foam’s durability means I’m not worrying about core crush or fading performance after a season of heavy use. It’s a reliable partner, whether I’m battling in a tournament or just vibing with friends at the local court.
CRBN 1 TruFoam Genesis Elongated: Reach for the Stars
First up, the CRBN 1 Elongated (16.5” x 7.35”, 8.0 oz) is a beast for players like me who love to dictate from the backcourt. Its long, lean frame and extended 5.5-inch handle feel like an extension of my arm, especially for two-handed backhands that borrow from my tennis days. The extra reach is a game-changer for snagging wide serves or stretching for a cross-court lob, letting me control the game’s tempo with surgical precision. I’ve been dropping third-shot drives that zip past opponents before they can blink, and the T700 carbon fiber face with its fiberglass layer adds a spin factor that makes my shots dance.
The paddle’s 118-120 swing weight and 246mm balance point give it a stable, grounded feel, perfect for baseline brawlers who want to mix power with placement. I’ve found it ideal for singles play or doubles when I’m anchoring the backcourt. The 5.5-inch handle is a dream for two-handers, offering leverage for powerful swings without sacrificing grip comfort. This one’s for players who want to stretch the court and own the rally with strategic shot-making.
CRBN 2 TruFoam Genesis Square: The Precision Powerhouse
Switching to the CRBN 2 Square (16” x 7.85”, 8.1 oz), I was blown away by its wider sweet spot and rock-solid stability. This paddle’s broader 7.85-inch width feels like a safety net, forgiving those off-center hits during frantic net exchanges. It’s become my go-to for doubles, where quick reactions and pinpoint dinks are non-negotiable. The carbon fiber face delivers the same spin-tastic performance as the CRBN 1, letting me carve out low, skidding shots that keep opponents guessing. I’ve been serving up slice-heavy dinks that hug the net, and the paddle’s texture holds up, maintaining grip even after hours of play.
Weighing 8.1 oz with a lighter 112-114 swing weight and 237mm balance point, the CRBN 2 feels nimbler, making it a dream for fast hands at the kitchen line. The 5.25-inch handle is slightly shorter than the CRBN 1’s, but the 4.125-inch grip circumference still locks in perfectly for quick volleys. This shape shines for players who prioritize control and thrive in defensive scenarios, effortlessly resetting rallies or blocking power shots. If you’re the type who loves owning the net with surgical precision, this paddle’s your new best friend.
CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis Elongated Hybrid: The All-Court Maestro
The CRBN 3 Elongated Hybrid (16.5” x 7.5”, 8.1 oz) is the Goldilocks of the bunch—not too long, not too wide, but just right for players who want it all. Its 7.5-inch width broadens the sweet spot compared to the CRBN 1, while the 16.5-inch length retains that elongated reach for deep shots. I’ve found this paddle excels in versatile playstyles, letting me switch from baseline drives to net dinks without missing a beat. The TruFoam Core delivers that same plush, reliable feel, and the carbon fiber-fiberglass face spins the ball like nobody’s business—I’ve been dropping topspin rollers that opponents can’t dig out.
With a 118-120 swing weight and 245mm balance point, the CRBN 3 feels steady yet responsive, perfect for all-court players who bounce between offense and defense. The 5.25-inch handle supports quick adjustments, and the 4.125-inch grip fits like a glove for rapid-fire volleys. This paddle’s my pick for mixed doubles or players who want one tool that handles every scenario with finesse. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife on the court—ready for anything.
CRBN 4 TruFoam Genesis Hybrid: The Agile All-Star
Rounding out the series, the CRBN 4 Hybrid (16.2” x 7.8”, 8.1 oz) is a streamlined dream for players who crave agility without sacrificing punch. Its slightly shorter 16.2-inch length and 7.8-inch width make it feel like a sports car—quick, responsive, and built for tight corners. I’ve been loving this one for fast-paced doubles, where its aerodynamic profile lets me whip through volleys and speed-ups with ease. The CRBN paddles’ signature foam core and carbon fiber face deliver the same spin and consistency, letting me flick wristy shots that catch opponents off-guard.
The 8.1 oz weight, paired with a balanced swing and 5.25-inch handle, makes the CRBN 4 a breeze to maneuver, especially in close-quarters kitchen battles. Its 4.125-inch grip circumference ensures a secure hold for rapid transitions. This shape’s ideal for players who love quick hands and aggressive net play, offering just enough pop for power shots while keeping the touch for soft drops. It’s the paddle I grab when I want to dart around the court and keep the pressure on.
Why the Genesis Series Shines Bright
Across all four shapes, the Genesis series shares a few universal strengths that make it a standout. The USAPA-approved design and UPA-A certification (PBCoR .43) mean these paddles are tournament-ready, whether you’re chasing local bragging rights or PPA glory. The T700 carbon fiber face with fiberglass reinforcement is a spin lover’s dream, mimicking the flex of tennis strings for prolonged ball control—my dinks have never been sneakier. The edge guard on each model adds durability, and the CRBN Feel-Tec grip keeps my hand locked in, even during sweaty summer sessions.
Differences come down to playstyle. The CRBN 1’s long handle and reach favor baseline strategists and two-handed swingers. The CRBN 2’s wider face is a control freak’s delight, perfect for net-centric defenders. The CRBN 3 blends both worlds for all-court versatility, while the CRBN 4’s compact agility suits fast movers who live for quick exchanges. All four weigh around 8.0-8.1 oz, striking a balanced feel that’s neither too heavy nor featherlight, and the 4.125-inch grip circumference fits most hands like it was custom-made.
The NFC chip in the handle is a fun bonus—tap your phone, and CRBN Connect unlocks tips and content that feel like a coach in your pocket. The black-and-white aesthetic? Sleek enough to turn heads without screaming for attention. Whether I’m drilling with buddies or battling in a bracket, these paddles have me grinning like I just nailed a perfect third-shot drop.
Final Swing: A Series That Delivers
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis series isn’t just a set of paddles—it’s a toolkit for unlocking your best game. From the CRBN 1’s commanding reach to the CRBN 2’s steady precision, the CRBN 3’s all-around brilliance, and the CRBN 4’s nimble flair, there’s a shape for every player ready to elevate their play. The TruFoam Core’s consistency, paired with that spin-happy carbon fiber face, makes every swing feel like a conversation with the ball—responsive, reliable, and ready to dazzle. If you’re hunting for a paddle series that blends power, control, and a whole lot of fun, the Genesis lineup is your ticket to pickleball paradise. Grab one, hit the court, and let the good times rally.
