CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis

CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis Paddle Review

CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis: A New Era of Foam Core Paddle Technology

The CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis paddle marks a major leap forward in pickleball technology. Instead of relying on a traditional polymer honeycomb, this paddle features a solid foam core that promises improved durability, a more intuitive feel, and consistent performance without the dreaded “break-in” period. Targeted primarily at intermediate and advanced players seeking an aggressive all-court style, the Genesis gives you a chance to shape your shots with exceptional spin and still pack enough power to finish points decisively.

During my own test sessions, I found the feel unlike any previous paddles with honeycomb cores. There’s an almost “muted crispness” that’s pleasantly surprising. Despite its 14mm thickness, it played with a blend of soft control and pop that I’d normally only expect from a thicker, 16mm paddle. The paddle that I received weighed in around 8.9 oz after I added an edge guard, a Hesacore grip, and an overgrip. Even with that heft, the paddle felt maneuverable at the net and explosive on smashes.

CRBN markets the TruFoam Genesis as an “all-court paddle” that delivers power without sacrificing control. From my experience, that claim holds true. Whether it’s gentle resets in the midcourt or driving the ball from the baseline, the Genesis responds with balanced performance across the board.

Specifications

  • Weight: ~8.2 to 8.9 oz (8.2 oz avg stock; tested at 8.9 oz with additional grip/guard)
  • Dimensions: 16.5″ x 7.5″ (elongated widebody profile)
  • Thickness: 14 mm TruFoam core
  • Material: Carbon fiber outer layers with a hidden fiberglass activation sheet
  • Handle Length: 5.25″
  • Grip Circumference: 4.125″

Performance Analysis

  • Control/Feel: 9.5 – The TruFoam core provides a unique, comfortable impact feel that’s soft but still crisp.
  • Power: 9.0 – Not an extreme power paddle, yet plenty powerful to put pressure on opponents.
  • Spin: 10 – The combination of a raw carbon face, fiberglass layer, and foam core generates top tier spin.
  • Pop: 8.5 – There’s plenty of pop on put aways and counters, although not as jumpy as certain pure “power paddles.”
  • Forgiveness: 9.5 – Off-center hits remain surprisingly consistent, aided by the foam’s ability to mitigate mishits.
  • Maneuverability: 8.5 – Slightly higher swing weight than some 14mm paddles, but still good overall handling at net.

CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis In Depth Review

CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis

Design & Build Quality

CRBN has taken a radically different approach by using a proprietary foam core that is molded with cutouts (voids) to tailor the paddle’s performance. Rather than typical polymer honeycomb, the CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis uses solid foam with carefully placed shapes to control flex, power, and weight distribution. Layers of fiberglass and carbon fiber top off the core, bringing both pop and spin potential.

In terms of aesthetics, the Genesis maintains CRBN’s minimal branding style. A blacked out carbon face meets a slim edge guard, giving it a sleek, modern look. There are a few subtle flourishes, but it’s not overly flashy, most of its standout features lie beneath the surface.

CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis On Court Performance

From my first time hitting with the paddle, it’s innovative foam construction was immediately apparent. The impact felt smoother and less harsh than typical polymer cores. Dwell time was noticeable, especially on top spin drives. Yet, unlike some overpowered foam based paddles on the market, the Genesis never felt uncontrollable or “hot.” I could take a full swing without fear of launching the ball long.

Control

Thanks to the muted core and carbon-fiberglass blend, the Genesis excels in controlling the pace of play. Drops, resets, and dinks land with consistent depth. The feedback from the foam core is intuitive, so if you miss your contact point slightly, you still have a good sense of where the ball will go. The control is especially helpful when volley dinking or chasing fast exchanges at the Non Volley Zone.

Power

This paddle hits harder than many 14mm paddles I’ve tried, but it’s by no means a “blow-your-opponent-off-the-court” power stick. Instead, it’s what I’d call aggressive all-court, perfect for players who like to drive the ball from the baseline and counter at the net. It offers enough power to finish points without relying on raw explosiveness. One slight caution: if you come from a typical polymer core, you might need a few sessions to gauge exactly how much extra pop you get.

Spin

Spin stands out as perhaps the biggest performance highlight. The raw carbon face, combined with a hidden fiberglass layer, grabs the ball effectively. Meanwhile, the foam core’s longer dwell time allows you to shape and dip your shots with remarkable ease. Drives sail over the net with sharp topspin and drop shots dip quickly to force errors. Even though the face texture may wear over time, the foam’s dwell time will probably continue to produce excellent spin.

Pop

On quick punch volleys and counters, the Genesis has enough pop to put the ball away. It’s not as springy off the face as some of the more extreme power paddles, but that actually helps keep the short game more consistent. For many players, it’s the ideal middle ground, hot enough for crisp volleys yet not so bouncy that you lose that reassuring sense of control.

Forgiveness

For a 14mm paddle, the Genesis does a solid job of reducing mishits. The foam core design expands the sweet spot, making most contact points feel relatively consistent. While it might not reach the sweet spot size of certain 16mm polymer paddles, it stands among the top 14mm options for forgiveness. Off center hits rarely flutter or die, which was a pleasant surprise during mid court resets.

Maneuverability

Some 14mm paddles feel extremely light and whippy, but the CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis leans slightly heavier. This extra heft translates into improved stability, albeit sacrificing a little quickness in hand battles. If you thrive on fast exchanges, consider customizing the weight with tungsten tape in different areas to find your sweet spot. For my playtest, I found the stock feel perfectly manageable at the kitchen line.

CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Extremely high spin potential due to the raw carbon and foam synergy
  • Soft yet crisp feel that aids control in the short game
  • Durable foam core engineered to resist the “core crushing” seen in polymer paddles
  • Surprisingly large sweet spot for a 14mm build
  • Offers adjustable power with the right lead or tungsten tape placement

Cons

  • Heavier swingweight than many 14mm paddles, which may reduce hand speed
  • Premium price point could deter budget conscious players
  • Players accustomed to ultra power paddles might find it a step below “elite” power levels

CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis Player Feedback

During testing, real world feedback echoed many of my own observations:

“I loved how controlled my resets felt. It’s definitely not too hot, and the spin is outrageous for shaping the ball.” – Jay

“I was worried about foam being overly powerful, but this paddle hits that sweet spot of aggressive and controlled. Awesome at the net!” – Dave

Expert reviewers have also praised the TruFoam approach, particularly highlighting the improved reliability in durability and minimal break in period. The consensus is that the CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis offers an innovative playing experience that’s both accessible and capable of advanced shot making.

Where the CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis Fits in Your Arsenal

The Genesis is a testament to CRBN’s commitment to R&D, and its foam based design likely foreshadows the future of paddle cores. While it’s not an explosive power monster, it seamlessly merges moderate power with top tier spin and a uniquely plush feel. Players who value durability, especially those tired of polymer cores developing dead spots, should seriously consider this paddle.

Compared to the older CRBN X Series, you’ll find a more comfortable impact feel, higher spin potential, and a touch more pop. If you already have a developed soft game and want a slight boost in finishing power, the Genesis steps in without giving up precious control.

If you come from a CRBN 3X 14mm, the transition will be smooth but noticeable: more punch at the kitchen, easier topspin drives, and an expanded sweet spot. Just be ready for a brief period of adjusting to the additional pop on dinks and resets.

Comparable Paddles

  • Joola Hyperion 3 Series (14mm): Known for raw power and spin, though not quite as comfortable or durable as the TruFoam core.
  • Spartus Olympus: Delivers lively pop and spin but lacks the Genesis’s softer feel and potential core durability.
  • Paddle Tech Bantam Series: Powerful and popular with polymer fans, but may develop dead spots faster than the foam based Genesis.
  • CRBN X Series (16mm): Offers excellent control but less spin and pop. The foam core of the Genesis edges it out for an all-court style.

Each of these alternatives offers something special, yet none replicates the foam core technology that CRBN has pioneered. If you want a next generation approach to durability and a soft yet explosive feel, the CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis stands alone.

Q&A

  1. Is the CRBN 3 TruFoam Genesis considered a “power paddle”? It’s best described as an aggressive all-court paddle. It packs more punch than a typical control paddle, but it isn’t so hot that you’ll lose consistency. It’s a middle ground, enough power when you want it, and reliable soft play at the kitchen.
  2. Does the foam core really resist dead spots? Yes. The solid foam core is engineered to hold its shape better than polymer, minimizing the risk of “core crushing” that leads to dead spots. Early feedback and testing indicate the core remains lively much longer than conventional paddles.
  3. Should I add weight or lead tape? It depends on personal preference. Some players add tungsten tape at 3 and 9 o’clock to increase stability and pop. Others play it stock. Since the paddle already has a slightly higher swing weight, try it first before adding extra weight.
  4. How does the spin compare to other top-tier carbon paddles? Spin is one of the Genesis’s biggest strengths. The combination of raw carbon, fiberglass, and increased dwell time can produce some of the highest RPMs you’ll find in today’s market.
  5. Which discount code do I use? Use the code PICKLETIP at checkout to get 10% off your CRBN TruFoam Genesis purchase. That drops the price from $279.99 to $251.99. I believe that the innovative technology justifies the cost, since it should last much longer than previous paddle designs.

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