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After nearly every YouTube and social media ad (fun example below) was about CRBN TrueFoam’s exceptional core, I tested and reviewed the new CRBN TrueFoam Genesis paddle.
I guess ads work on me.
Now I did not read the Amazon reviews before trying this paddle, and I have around 75 pickleball paddles now, so I believe I know a good paddle when I use one.
I was honestly not impressed with the CRBN TrueFoam.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fine paddle. But, I expect a lot from the 5th most expensive pickleball paddle in the world.
Let’s discuss first impressions, playability, valid alternatives, and whether you purchase the CRBN Truefoam.
First Impressions
The first impressions of the CRBN TrueFoam were excellent. The new CRBN TrueFoam series has three models. I opted for the CRBN 2 model, which has a slightly wider body shape. I believe the CRBN 2 is the most popular, but there is also the CRBN 1, which is an elongated paddle, and the CRBN 3, which is a hybrid shape.
Here’s the side view:
First impressions only take you so far. Let’s talk about playability.
Playability
Reviewing a paddle, I discuss control, power, and spin.
Control
With an “elevated core”, I thought the CRBN TrueFoam paddle would have excellent control. Unfortunately, I could not get in the groove and see much control from this paddle.
In the first game, I practiced with this paddle and felt okay. Then I started the game, and I immediately went down 0-4. I switched back to my main paddle as I was playing singles.
In doubles, I won one game with the paddle 11-7, but then I lost the next game with the paddle 11-9.
Overall, I was competing this paddle against the Selkirk Invicta Luxx and Paddletek ALW paddle, and I thought this ranked 3rd even among those paddles.
Spin
This paddle had decent spin in terms of spin. I like to use a top spin on my serve, and the paddle was able to curve around the ball, and the grip was fine.
That said, I would expet more from a wide body paddle. In addition, this paddle is a very premium paddle, so I would expect more.
Power
Honestly, I felt that the CRBN 2 lacked overall paddle. I could just not get the power I would have liked to see or anything similar to the CRBN 1x. That said, I don’t think this paddles pitches itself as a power paddle.
When I weighed the paddle, it weighed 8.1 ounces, which is 1 ounce more than the best pickleball paddle for power.
Valid Alternatives
There are three excellent paddles that I would argue are new, valid alternatives to the CRBN TrueFoam Series.
The Holbrook Arma
The Holbrook Arma is an insane paddle. I cover much in my 1500-word review article, but here is a 2-paragraph summary.
Firstly, the paddle combines precision and power with innovative engineering. At the heart of the paddle is Holbrook’s patent-pending “Dual Density” core, merging high- and low-density honeycomb cells to amplify the sweet spot and deliver consistent power. This is surrounded by FLX-Foam (Gen 3) for added stability, and the unibody construction is wrapped in carbon fiber for durability.
With a gritty T700 carbon surface for superior spin, internal weight distribution for balance, and a redesigned grip, the Arma T offers players unmatched control, even during off-center hits. Though the paddle may take a moment to adjust to, once players get in sync, the performance speaks volumes, producing fast, clean drives with minimal effort.
From a design and brand standpoint, Holbrook keeps things sleek and minimal, with black aesthetics and thoughtful branding touches like a stamped leather-like grip. The paddle is 14 mm thick for added power and features a 5.5” handle, ideal for two-handed backhands. Its internal weighting replaces the need for lead tape and provides stability right out of the box.
In addition, the 15% discount code (bepickleballer) lowers the price of this paddle to around $220.
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
I believe the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is the best Gearbox pickleball paddle. I had my best dink rally ever with this paddle.
What really makes the GX2 stand out is its exceptional feel and responsiveness. The paddle delivers a satisfying pop that gives you a surprising level of control over your shots.
Whether you’re dropping the ball softly at the net or placing a delicate dink, the consistency and touch it offers are impressive. I noticed a clear improvement in my accuracy and overall play, and even my friends commented on how much sharper my game looked.
You can also get a 10% discount code using the code bepickleballer on JustPaddles, my favorite retailer.
Should You Purchase the CRBN TrueFoam?
Personally, I did not love my CRBN TrueFoam experience. The paddle had decent control, but I did not feel that either the spin or the control was amazing, given that this paddle was the wide-body shape.
I read one review that mentioned that they added weight to the paddle’s face, and that the paddle was awesome.
That said, I don’t feel that a brand should rely on you adding to the weight to the paddle to make it a top paddle.
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