If you’ve been hearing whispers about “Gen-4” pickleball paddles at your local court or scrolling past terms like “foam core” on social media, you’re probably wondering: what’s the big deal? Maybe you’ve caught wind of brands like CRBN, Selkirk, or Joola touting their latest paddles, but the details feel like a mystery. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Gen-4 paddles are the newest wave in pickleball tech, and they’re all about one thing: foam. Not the squishy stuff you’re picturing, but a high-tech version that’s shaking up the game. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can get a grip on what this foam frenzy is all about.
What’s a Gen-4 Paddle, Anyway?
Picture your typical pickleball paddle: lightweight, solid, with a core that’s usually made of a plastic honeycomb material called polypropylene. That’s been the standard for years, from basic beginner paddles (Gen-1) to fancier heat-molded ones (Gen-2) and even some with foam added for extra oomph (Gen-3). Gen-4 paddles flip the script entirely. Instead of plastic, their core is 100% foam—no honeycomb, no hybrids, just foam designed from scratch to make your shots better. It’s a total rethink of what a paddle can be, and brands are betting big that it’s the future.
Take CRBN’s TruFoam Genesis, for example. They spent over a year tweaking it, tossing out 200+ prototypes to land on a foam core that’s plush yet punchy. Selkirk’s PureFoam, debuted in their LABS Project 008, uses a dense foam that stays tough over time. Joola’s Tech Flex Power, powering paddles like the Magnus IV, mixes foam inside and out for a unique twist. Each brand has its own recipe, but the core idea—pun intended—is the same: foam rules.
Why Foam? It’s Not What You Think
When you hear “foam,” you might imagine something soft and flimsy, like pool noodles or couch cushions. Gen-4 foam is different. It’s specially crafted to be strong, bouncy, and long-lasting. Here’s why that matters: old-school plastic cores wear out. They crush or dent after lots of hard hits, changing how the paddle feels—sometimes getting too wild or losing their zip. Foam fixes that. It springs back to shape, keeping the paddle steady no matter how much you play.
Think of it like a good mattress: it supports you without collapsing. CRBN says their TruFoam lasts way beyond a typical paddle’s life, while Selkirk’s PureFoam fights off the dents that mess up plastic cores. Joola adds foam around the edges (their “hyper-foam edge wall”) to make it even tougher. This means your paddle won’t surprise you mid-game—it stays the same, hit after hit.
How Does It Play? Power, Feel, and Spin
Okay, so it’s foam—but what’s it like to swing? Gen-4 paddles bring a mix of power and finesse that’s got players buzzing. The foam gives a soft, cushiony feel when you hit the ball, soaking up some of the shock so your arm doesn’t feel it as much. But don’t let “soft” fool you—it packs a punch. Joola’s Propulsion Core, for instance, turns that foam into serious speed for smashes and drives. CRBN’s TruFoam hits hard too, with a quiet thwack that’s sneaky powerful.
It’s not just about power, though. The foam holds the ball a tiny bit longer—what pros call “dwell time”—letting you add spin or place shots exactly where you want. Selkirk pairs their PureFoam with a grippy carbon face to spin the ball like crazy, and CRBN says their foam feels like a tennis racket for extra control. Plus, the sweet spot—the part of the paddle that feels perfect—gets bigger with tricks like Joola’s edge foam or CRBN’s core cutouts, so even off-center hits still fly true.
Why’s It Called Gen-4?
You might be wondering where “Gen-4” comes from. It’s a way to track paddle evolution. Gen-1 was the basic plastic core stuff. Gen-2 made it stronger with heat. Gen-3 sprinkled in foam to spice things up. Gen-4 says, “Forget the plastic—foam’s the whole show.” It’s not that Gen-4 is always “better” than the others—it’s just a different way to build a paddle, and brands think it’s the next step up.
Will It Work for Me?
Here’s where it gets personal. Gen-4 paddles are built to last and stay consistent, which is great if you play a lot or hate when your paddle changes over time. They’re approved for tournaments—CRBN’s got USA Pickleball’s okay, Selkirk’s on board, and Joola’s keeping it legal—so they’re legit for serious games. If you like power, spin, or a softer feel, they’ve got you covered. CRBN’s TruFoam comes in 14mm thick for a solid grip, Selkirk offers shapes like Epic or Invikta, and Joola’s got options like the Scorpeus IV for all kinds of players.
But they’re not cheap—new tech costs more—and they might feel thicker or heavier than your super-light paddle. They’re awesome for folks who want a reliable, long-term buddy on the court, but if you’re happy with what you’ve got, you might not need the upgrade yet.
What’s the Catch?
No tech’s perfect. Gen-4 paddles are still new, so not every brand has one (though more are coming in 2025). They’re pricier because of all the research—like Selkirk’s two-year foam quest or CRBN’s prototype pile-up. And the feel? It’s different—soft but firm, quiet but strong. Some players might miss the sharp snap of plastic cores. The good news? They’re built to stick around, so that price could pay off over time.
So, What’s the Foam Fuss About?
In a nutshell, Gen-4 paddle foam tech is about making your game steadier, stronger, and more fun. It’s foam that doesn’t quit, wrapped in cool features like carbon faces or edge walls, designed to keep up with pickleball’s growing crowd. CRBN calls it “the future,” Selkirk says it’s a leap forward, and Joola’s mixing it up with power and flair. If you’re curious, chat with a player who’s tried one—or borrow one to feel it yourself. Gen-4 isn’t just a paddle—it’s a whole new vibe, and it’s here to shake things up, one foam-powered swing at a time.