Best CRBN Pickleball Paddles: Barrage, Genesis or X Series?

Our Top Picks

CRBN sells five paddle lines on crbnpickleball.com: three TruFoam lines with 100% foam cores (Barrage, Genesis and Waves) and the older X Series and Classic Series. Every pick below is shown on CRBN’s site and was sold new on Amazon on November 4, 2026, at or below CRBN’s regular price. Our paddle brands roundup picks the TruFoam Waves 2 (Square) for CRBN; this guide covers the rest of the range.

Compare the 8 CRBN paddles

Each row is the version we link. Figures are CRBN’s; “USA Pickleball” is the approved-list entry and the date it was added. Face material, size, handle and grip are in each review.

Is CRBN a Good Pickleball Paddle Brand?

Matt’s Pickleball, which measures paddles, answers its own “legit brand” question with “Legit.” and points to Genesis 3 and Waves 3 spin readings above 2,400 rpm; its criticism is the price of some models. Pickleheads writes: “CRBN has been leading the foam paddle revolution with their high-end TruFoam paddles.”

There is history. Pickleheads’ 2023 2X review recalls: “CRBN got some unwanted attention last year when their paddles were removed from USA Pickleball’s approved list.” The list has carried entries marked “serialized models only” for the Classic CRBN 1 and 2 since 2022-05-25, and every paddle picked here has its own entry, given in its review.

CRBN’s Lines and What the Shape Numbers Mean

Shape numbers. CRBN numbers shapes the same way in every line: 1 = elongated with a long handle, 2 = square, 3 = elongated, 4 = hybrid (AeroCurve) in the TruFoam lines. In the Barrage and Genesis charts the 1 and 3 share the 16.5 in length; the 1 is narrower (7.35 in against 7.5 in) with a 5.75 in handle against 5.5 in.

TruFoam lines. All three use a 100% foam core at one thickness, 14mm; CRBN’s Barrage page explains: “TruFoam™ technology removes the need to choose between thickness options.” CRBN’s comparison page names the cores: Genesis “Void Core”, Waves “Wave Core”, Barrage “Floating Core”. Barrage is the newest (approval entries from February and March 2026). Other makers: our foam paddle roundup; see also are foam paddles worth it.

X Series and Classic. Both come in 14 and 16 mm (plus a 12 mm Thomas Wilson 1X) with T700 carbon fiber faces. CRBN describes the Classic core as honeycomb polypropylene and calls the X Series core an “Upgraded Durable Core” with a “Foam Reinforced Perimeter”. The 2X, CRBN 1 and CRBN 2 showed “Sold Out” on CRBN’s site on November 4 while Amazon sellers had stock.

Warranty. CRBN’s warranty page gives registered paddles bought in the US or Canada a 1-year warranty “against manufacturer defects and workmanship”. Buyers from a third-party retailer “must register your gear within the first 14 days of purchase”, and items “must be purchased from an authorized CRBN retail partner”; CRBN publishes no partner list that we found. A warranty covers defects, not wear: see how long a paddle lasts.

Not picks. The Waves are on our other guides, and Matt’s heading on them reads “Highest Spin, but I Would Skip It”; the Waves 4 had no in-stock new offer on Amazon. Genesis 1 and 2, Barrage 1 and 3, and the 1X and 3X are picks on our other guides.

How the Eight CRBN Paddles Were Chosen

Each paddle had to

• Be shown on crbnpickleball.com as a current adult paddle, with CRBN’s own spec chart.
• Have its USA Pickleball approval checked on the approved list, with the date its entry was added.
• Be sold new on Amazon on 2026-11-04 at or below CRBN’s regular price; each review names the seller we saw.
• Not be a pick on our other guides, apart from the Barrage 2 and Barrage 4.

Sources and their ties

Sources and their ties

Figures are CRBN’s. Where CRBN’s Amazon listing prints different figures, the review says so; we use CRBN’s site chart. Pickleheads, Pickleball Effect, Matt’s Pickleball and Pickleball Studio post CRBN discount codes. Pickleball Effect’s 2022 CRBN 1 review says it carried the CRBN 1 16mm in its store, so we do not use that review as evidence.

Detailed Reviews

CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2, Square Barrage

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleheads: TruFoam Barrage 2 (square) and 4 (hybrid).

CRBN’s Barrage page lists this shape as best for “Defense & Resets” and says “Barrage is built for pop-based power”, from a floating foam core inside an EVA foam perimeter ring. Pickleheads played the square and hybrid and disagrees on the kind of power: it says the Barrage has “great dwell time” and tells players who “prefer poppy paddles” to pass. It also found “the hybrid shape (4) has a better sweet spot than the widebody/square (2)”. Matt’s measured a twist weight of 7.1 on this paddle and says: “Get the Barrage 2 for the most stability.” Other makers: our control paddle guide. Sold by CRBN Pickleball’s Amazon storefront on November 4.

Related guide: Best Pickleball Paddles for Seniors: Weight, Sweet Spot and Grip

Specs (CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2, Square, 14mm)

• Weight: 8.0 oz ± 0.2 average (CRBN)
• Core: 14 mm, 100% TruFoam Floating Core (CRBN)
• Face: T700 raw carbon fiber (CRBN)
• Size: 16 x 7.85 in; handle 5.5 in; grip circumference 4.125 in (CRBN)
• Warranty: 1 year, registered (CRBN)
• Approval: “Trufoam Barrage 2”, added 2026-02-10

CRBN TruFoam Barrage 4, Hybrid Barrage

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleheads: TruFoam Barrage 4 (hybrid) and 2 (square).

CRBN lists the hybrid as best for “Hand Speed & Attacks”, with a swing weight of 108-110 against 110-112 for the square. Pickleheads played it: “My favorite is the hybrid and it sliced through the air, giving me fast hands.” It rates the Barrage 9.5 of 10 for power and calls it “an advanced-level pickleball paddle”. Matt’s answers “Which CRBN paddle should I buy?” with the Barrage line and suggests “the Barrage 4 for hybrid reach”. Other makers: our power paddle guide. Sold by CRBN Pickleball’s Amazon storefront on November 4.

Specs (CRBN TruFoam Barrage 4, Hybrid AeroCurve, 14mm)

• Weight: 8.0 oz ± 0.2 average (CRBN)
• Core: 14 mm, 100% TruFoam Floating Core (CRBN)
• Face: T700 raw carbon fiber (CRBN)
• Size: 16.2 x 7.8 in; handle 5.5 in; grip circumference 4.125 in (CRBN)
• Warranty: 1 year, registered (CRBN)
• Approval: “Trufoam Barrage 4”, added 2026-02-10

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3, Elongated Genesis

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleheads: TruFoam Genesis 3.

The Genesis face is “T700 raw carbon fiber layup, enhanced with a layer of fiberglass” over a 100% foam core, per CRBN’s Genesis 3 page, which lists this shape as best for “Consistency & Forgiveness”. Pickleheads reviewed it among “all three paddles in this range” (the Genesis 4 came later). It calls the Genesis 3 “one of the best pickleball paddles for spin I’ve tested” (other makers: our spin paddle guide) but says “like most elongated paddles, the sweet spot is quite small” and that the higher swing weight “can slow you down a little”. Two figures differ by source: Pickleheads lists a 5.25 in handle against CRBN’s 5.5 in (measured to the top of the rubber band), and Matt’s measured 8.5 oz against CRBN’s 8.1 oz ± 0.2. Sold by CRBN Pickleball’s Amazon storefront on November 4.

Specs (CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3, Elongated, 14mm)

• Weight: 8.1 oz ± 0.2 average (CRBN)
• Core: 14 mm, 100% foam (CRBN)
• Face: T700 raw carbon fiber with a fiberglass layer (CRBN)
• Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; handle 5.5 in; grip circumference 4.125 in (CRBN)
• Warranty: 1 year, registered (CRBN)
• Approval: “TRUFOAM 3 GENESIS”, added 2024-08-12

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4, Hybrid Genesis

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleheads: TruFoam Genesis 4 (hybrid).

CRBN shows the Genesis 4 on its own page with the same fiberglass-layered T700 face and 14 mm foam core; its size and weights are in the Genesis chart on the Genesis 3 page. Pickleheads tested the line: “I’ve tested all of them now, and while each has something to offer, the hybrid-shaped TruFoam 4 stands out as the most well-rounded and playable of the group.” It found the sweet spot “tighter than some of its top-tier competitors” and that “the grip gets sweaty after a few games”, and would not recommend it to newer players. CRBN’s site showed it sold out on November 4; CRBN Pickleball’s Amazon storefront sold it that day.

Related guide: Best JOOLA Pickleball Paddles: Which Line Fits Your Game?

Specs (CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4, Hybrid AeroCurve, 14mm)

• Weight: 8.1 oz ± 0.2 average (CRBN Genesis chart)
• Core: 14 mm, 100% foam (CRBN)
• Face: T700 raw carbon fiber with a fiberglass layer (CRBN)
• Size: 16.2 x 7.8 in; handle 5.5 in; grip circumference 4.125 in (CRBN)
• Warranty: 1 year, registered (CRBN)
• Approval: “TRUFOAM 4 GENESIS”, added 2025-05-27

CRBN 2X 14mm, Square X Series, 14mm

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleball Studio: CRBN 2X 14mm (spin test) and 2X 16mm, 1X 14mm and 16mm.

The X Series has a unibody build with carbon fiber “from the face down through the handle” and a foam-reinforced edge, says CRBN’s 2X page; its Amazon listing calls the 14mm “Best for Power”. Pickleball Studio (January 2023) spin-tested this version (“CRBN2X 14mm: 1843 RPM”), then checked the face with its own roughness meter: “In my testing, the paddle was over the legal limit. Another independent source told me theirs failed as well.” Studio adds: “I spoke to CRBN and was told that my paddles were tested before shipment and passed using an even more accurate meter (the SR160 I have has a roughly 5% variance). So take all of this for what you will.” Studio found the 2X has “noticeably less power” than the elongated 1X, though “your hand speed will feel much faster”, and gives its overall view: “I wasn’t a big fan of the 2X, but that’s probably because of my bias toward elongated paddles.” Of the 2X handle it says: “It feels like a square in my hand.” Handle figures differ: CRBN’s chart says 5.0 in, while Studio, Pickleheads and the Amazon listing say 4.75 in; the listing’s spec line also says 16mm. CRBN does not name the core material; Studio calls it polymer. Other options: our budget paddle guide. Sold by CRBN Pickleball’s Amazon storefront on November 4.

Related guide: Best Diadem Pickleball Paddles: Edge, Warrior, Icon Compared

Specs (CRBN 2X X Series, 14mm)

• Weight: 7.8-8.1 oz (CRBN)
• Core: 14 mm; material not named (CRBN: “Upgraded Durable Core”)
• Face: T700 Toray carbon fiber (CRBN)
• Size: 15.75 x 8.0 in; handle 5.0 in (4.75 in on the Amazon listing); grip circumference 4.125 in (CRBN)
• Warranty: 1 year, registered (CRBN)
• Approval: “2X 14MM”, added 2022-11-13

CRBN 2X 16mm, Square X Series, 16mm

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleball Effect: CRBN 2X 16mm and 1X 16mm.

Same shape and chart as pick 5, in CRBN’s 16 mm option, which the Amazon listing calls “Best for Control”. Pickleball Effect played this version: “For this review, I played with the CRBN 1X and CRBN 2X 16mm versions.” It found a “bigger sweet spot” than the 1X, “really strong when blocking or countering drives”, and concluded: “It is on the shorter side though and the feel takes some getting used to.” CRBN says the carbon-reinforced handle is meant “to reduce vibration and increase hand and paddle speed at the net”; our vibration roundup compares brands. The Amazon listing’s spec line prints 16.5 x 7.5 in, 14mm and a 5.25 in handle, the 3X’s figures on CRBN’s chart; Pickleball Effect lists 15.75 x 8 in. Sold by CRBN Pickleball’s Amazon storefront on November 4.

Specs (CRBN 2X X Series, 16mm)

• Weight: 7.8-8.1 oz (CRBN)
• Core: 16 mm; material not named (CRBN: “Upgraded Durable Core”)
• Face: T700 Toray carbon fiber (CRBN)
• Size: 15.75 x 8.0 in; handle 5.0 in; grip circumference 4.125 in (CRBN)
• Warranty: 1 year, registered (CRBN)
• Approval: “2X 16MM”, added 2022-11-13

CRBN 1 14mm, Classic Elongated, 14mm

Evidence: No independent test; owner reports. Reddit r/Pickleball: CRBN 1 14mm.

CRBN’s CRBN¹ page describes “a raw T700 carbon fiber face with a honeycomb polypropylene core” and offers the thinner core “for those who love power”. On Reddit’s “CRBN1 14mm vs 16mm” thread, one owner wrote: “I got the CRBN1 14mm and I think it is perfect. Enough power when I need it and soft enough for the kitchen.” Pickleball Effect wrote that the Classic’s thinner 14mm and 13mm options “didn’t do the trick for most people. Yes, they gave you more pop, but with too much sacrifice in forgiveness and stability.” CRBN’s Amazon listing says the longer handle “allows just enough room for a two-handed backhand drive”; see our long-handle guide. The listing’s bullet still mentions 13mm and 16mm cores; its title and variant say 14mm. Sold and shipped by PaddlePro, a racquet-sports shop that also lists CRBN paddles on paddlepro.com, on November 4.

Specs (CRBN 1 Classic, 14mm, white logo)

• Weight: 7.8-8.1 oz (CRBN)
• Core: 14 mm polypropylene honeycomb (CRBN)
• Face: raw T700 carbon fiber (CRBN)
• Size: 16.5 x 7.25 in; handle 5.5 in; grip circumference 4.25 in (CRBN)
• Warranty: 1 year if bought from an authorized CRBN retail partner (CRBN publishes no partner list); register within 14 days if bought from a third-party seller (CRBN)
• Approval: “CRBN 1 14mm (serialized models only)”, added 2022-07-08

CRBN 2 14mm, Classic Square, 14mm

Evidence: Independently reviewed, previous generation. Pickleball Effect: CRBN 2 16 mm and 13 mm (2022, before serialized models).

CRBN’s CRBN² page gives it “the same T700 carbon fiber face as the CRBN¹ with a honeycomb polypropylene core”, in the 15.75 x 8.0 in shape. Pickleball Effect reviewed the 16 mm and 13 mm CRBN 2 in March 2022, before CRBN’s serialized paddles: “The 16 mm was softer, easier to control and stable. The 13 mm was more powerful, had a harder feeling and was less stable.” No test covers the 14mm. The handle differs by source: CRBN’s chart says 5.0 in, the Amazon listing 4.75 in, and Pickleball Effect measured its 2022 test paddles at a little under 5 in. Sold and shipped by PaddlePro on November 4.

Specs (CRBN 2 Classic, 14mm, white)

• Weight: 7.8-8.1 oz (CRBN)
• Core: 14 mm polypropylene honeycomb (CRBN)
• Face: raw T700 carbon fiber, the CRBN¹’s face (CRBN)
• Size: 15.75 x 8.0 in; handle 5.0 in; grip circumference 4.25 in (CRBN)
• Warranty: 1 year if bought from an authorized CRBN retail partner (CRBN publishes no partner list); register within 14 days if bought from a third-party seller (CRBN)
• Approval: “2 14MM”, added 2022-09-22

Frequently Asked Questions

Matt’s and Pickleheads pick the Barrage: Matt’s calls it “the best paddle CRBN makes”, and Pickleheads writes “This is CRBN’s best TruFoam paddle so far.” Pickleheads’ favourite shape is the hybrid, pick 2.

Ratings vary by reviewer; our best pickleball paddles roundup sorts picks from many makers by playing style.

Both are elongated. In CRBN’s Barrage and Genesis charts the 1 is narrower (7.35 in) with a 5.75 in handle; the 3 is 7.5 in wide with a 5.5 in handle. In the X Series the 1X is 16.5 x 7.25 in with a 5.5 in handle and the 3X 16.5 x 7.5 in with 5.25 in. More elongated paddles: our elongated roundup.

No source we used compares the two brands as a whole, but three compare CRBN’s X Series with JOOLA’s Hyperion CFS. Pickleball Studio (January 2, 2023) sums up the X Series: “The easiest way I can describe it to people is a more powerful Joola Hyperion CFS with better build quality and higher spin.” The same review also says: “I still believe that the Hyperion 16mm CFS is the best sweet spot on the market, but these aren’t far behind.” Studio’s spin figures carry its own caveat (pick 5). Pickleheads (July 28, 2023) writes of the 2X: “The handle-face joint won’t snap like the JOOLA Hyperion.” These compare single models, not the brands. Our paddle brands roundup puts one paddle from each side by side.

Matt’s names the Genesis 2 (on our other guides) and calls the Genesis 4 “the close second if you want faster hands”; Pickleheads would not recommend the Genesis 4 to newer players and calls the Barrage “an advanced-level pickleball paddle”. Other brands: our beginner paddle guide.

The superscript is the shape: CRBN² is the square version of a line, so the Barrage 2, 2X and CRBN 2 here are all square.

Final Verdict

For the newest foam build, take the Barrage 4 (hybrid) or Barrage 2 (square). The Genesis 4 is the all-round Genesis and the Genesis 3 the elongated spin option. The 2X 14mm and 2X 16mm are the lower-priced square X Series, and the CRBN 1 and CRBN 2 14mm are the Classic shapes. More: the paddles hub.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.