CRBN4 TruFoam Genesis Review
Seven months after CRBN launched the original TruFoam Genesis line, they’ve finally released the CRBN4 hybrid shape. Which means quicker hands and more maneuverability.
On paper, it fixes a lot of the complaints people had with the original line being too heavy. But with strong competitors like Honolulu Pickleball stepping in, the big question is:
“Is CRBN too late?”
In this review, I’m hoping to answer that by breaking down how the CRBN4 performs, what’s changed from the earlier Genesis models, and how it stacks up against one of it’s biggest competitors in the full foam space right now, the Honolulu J2NF.
Table of Contents
Specs
The Small Changes in Performance & Feel
CRBN2 vs. CRBN4 (With Weight Set Ups)
CRBN4 Compared to the Honolulu J2NF
Where CRBN Still has the edge
Final Thoughts: Which Paddle Takes The “Full Foam Crown”?
Specs
General Info:
Price: $279.99 ($252 with code: PBSTUDIO)
Shape: Hybrid
Core Thickness: 14mm
Grip size: 4.125”
Warrant: 1 year
Handle Length: 5.5" (but feels closer to 5.3”)
Handle: Now uses hard pallets (no more squishy feel)
Performance:
Swing Weight: 111 (some units as low as 107)
Twist Weight: 6.28
RPM: 2157
The Small Changes in Performance & Feel
The CRBN4 isn’t a total overhaul. It plays a lot like the original Trufoams, just with a few tweaks that make a difference. Which, makes sense. This is just a shape update, afterall.
If you’re unfamiliar with the CRBN TruFoam paddle line, I’d recommend reading the full review here.
Otherwise, these are the main changes:
It’s faster
The first thing I noticed was the speed. It’s definitely quicker in hand, especially at the kitchen. If you liked the TruFoam Genesis but felt like it wan’t fast enough at the net, this one will feel much faster. In fact, the swing weight is lower than the CRBN2 which is a widebody paddle.
Less dense
Compared to the CRBN2, the CRBN4 has a lighter, less dense feel. That’s expected with the lower swing weight. It’s not a huge difference, but the CRBN2 still feels firmer. Depending on your style, that could be a plus or a minus.
Still an all-court paddle
Out of the box, it’s very much an all-court paddle. If you want to bring out more power, you’ll need to add lead tape. I ran a heavier setup on the CRBN4 than I did on my CRBN2, and even then, the CRBN2 still felt like it had more pop overall.
Better Handle
The soft, oddly sharp Genesis handles are gone. This one feels way better, though it’s a little square in the hand. Overall, I feel like it’s a solid upgrade compared to what they had before.
Rattle Issue
After about two or three hours of play, my CRBN4 developed a small rattle. It didn’t affect performance, and I’m pretty sure it’s just some epoxy that broke loose inside the paddle.
But still, at $280, I would expect better. It’s a minor issue, but worth mentioning.
CRBN2 vs. CRBN4 (With Weight Set Ups)
CRBN2 tungsten tape setup
To compare the CRBN4 (hybrid) with my CRBN2 (widebody), I tested both with lead tape.
On the CRBN2, I used 0.5g tungsten tape up the sides and into the bottom corners. This set up made a significant change in the performance and is a big reason why so many players prefer the CRBN2 shape in the TruFoam Genesis line up.
CRBN4 tungsten tape setup
For the CRBN4, I did a similar set up, but I went heavier at 1g per inch, and only an inch less up the sides
Here’s a quick comparison of the numbers I recorded:
CRBN4: Stock —> Modified
Swing weight: 111 —> 117
Twist weight: 6.28 —> 7.3
Static weight: 7.99 —> 8.37
CRBN2: Stock —> Modified
Swing weight: 112 —> 119
Twist weight: 6.68 —> 8.1
Static weight: 8.14 —> 8.51
If you’re after hand speed and quicker resets, the CRBN4 has the edge. But if you prefer a denser, more powerful paddle, the CRBN2 still comes out on top.
CRBN4 Compared to the Honolulu J2NF
Honolulu Pickleball recently dropped the J2NF and FC+. Like the CRBN4, these are full foam hybrid paddles. You can pick one up for about $175 with a discount code, which is roughly $70 cheaper than the CRBN4.
Where the J2NF stands out:
Larger sweet spot
Similar swing weight to the CRBN4
More power and pop out of the box
Lower price
Great out-of-the-box. No need to add lead tape.
That last point matters. The J2NF is a solid option right out of the box, especially for players who don’t want to mess with custom setups.
The tradeoff? It’s more poppy. That can be great for drives and putaways, but it might make control shots like dinks or resets a little trickier. The CRBN4 is more controlled in those situations, but it comes with a smaller sweet spot.
So which one’s better?
It really depends on your play style. If you struggle with control and want something more manageable at the net, the CRBN4 might suit you better. If you want more power and forgiveness, the J2NF could be the better pick.
Spin and feel
Spin is excellent on both. I didn’t find one that clearly outperformed the other — serves, rolls, and drives all felt dialed in.
In terms of feel:
CRBN4 has a springy center and a little flex near the throat. Some players will like that softer feel
J2NF is more rigid and stable across the whole face. On mishits, it gives better feedback
Personally, I love how the CRBN4 feels when you hit the sweet spot. It’s super satisfying. But overall, the J2NF feels more connected and consistent, especially when you’re not hitting dead center.
Where CRBN Still Has the Edge
There are two areas where I think CRBN still wins:
30-Day Test Drive: You can try the paddle and return it if it doesn’t work for your game. That’s not something Honolulu offers
Proven Durability: The Genesis line has been out for several months. Aside from a few rattle reports, the paddles have held up well. Honolulu’s paddles are still new, so we don’t know how they’ll last long term
Not everyone needs pure power: The Genesis in stock form still falls closer to the all court category, which is not a bad thing. Particularly when many brands are focusing on power paddles.
Which Paddle Takes the "Full Foam Crown"?
CRBN made some smart improvements with the CRBN4. It’s faster, lighter, and more comfortable. They fixed a lot of the things players didn’t like about the original Genesis line. In that sense, they did everything right.
But the paddle market moved fast and I think the competition just caught up.
At this point, I believe Honolulu has officially dethroned CRBN as the top full foam paddle option for most players. Their J2NF offers more value, plays great out of the box, and gives you more choices at a lower price.
If you already like your CRBN2, I don’t think you need to switch. If hand speed on the previous Genesis models has been holding you back and you know you love how they play, the CRBN4 could be worth trying.
But at this point, I don’t think most people need to spend $280+ to get a top tier full foam core paddle.
Use code: PBSTUDIO to save 10% at checkout