Crush Force 5G Pro Paddle Review

Crush Force 5G Overview

The Crush Force 5G promises to deliver a balanced blend of power, spin, and control, but does it live up to the hype? I’ve tested my fair share of new paddles, and I’ve learned that while many modern paddles perform well, not every option fits every player’s game. As the pickleball market expands, finding a paddle that complements your style is less about falling for bold claims and more about identifying what truly works for you.

Have you ever tried a new pickleball paddle and felt uncertain whether its hype was real or just marketing fluff? I certainly have. The pickleball world is full of new releases, bold claims, and enthusiastic endorsements. As the sport grows, it’s getting harder to find a truly “bad” paddle. Almost everything on the market now has at least some redeeming qualities, which means that choosing the perfect match for your style is often more about identifying your priorities than simply trusting the hype.

This in depth review of the Crush Force 5G (the Pro Force 5G) stems from my genuine curiosity and personal testing. I spent a good chunk of time drilling, playing casual games, and even hopping into higher-level matches just to see how this paddle handles real on-court scenarios. My goal is to share the positives and the negatives, so that you have an honest perspective on what to expect.

About Crush Pickleball

If you’re not familiar with Crush, they are a smaller brand that has made an impact with unique build techniques like unibody frames and thermoform edging. Their marketing highlights engineering such as T700 carbon, EVA-foam-injected handles, and “next generation” construction. That all sounds impressive, but does it actually result in better performance? In my experience, some aspects absolutely stand out, while others may not be the perfect match for every style of play.

We were sent the 16mm version for testing, but we also borrowed a 14mm from a friend to compare. I’m not here to push you toward buying the Crush Force 5G if it doesn’t align with your personal needs. In fact, I’ve always believed the key is finding a paddle that feels like an extension of your arm, rather than a tool you struggle to control. By the end of this review, you should have a clear idea of whether the Crush Force 5G can serve your preferences, or if you’d be better off exploring alternatives. Let’s dive in.

Crush Force 5G Specifications

• Weight: 8.4 – 8.6 oz (both 14 mm and 16 mm versions fall in this range)
• Dimensions: 16 in. x 7.85 in.
• Thickness: Offered in 14 mm (gold) and 16 mm (blue)
• Material: T700 raw carbon surface (at 45°), honeycomb core, thermoformed unibody frame
• Handle Length: 5.25 in.
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 in.

This data tells you a few key things. First, the weight range is fairly standard for paddles that aim to deliver a balance of power and control. The 14 mm model is thinner and typically geared toward players seeking faster swings and a bit more direct pop off the face. The 16 mm model is thicker and often suits those who value a softer, more controlled feel, though it does not necessarily lack power. Both share the same shape and handle specs, so the biggest difference is how the paddle’s thickness impacts performance.

Crush Force 5G Performance Analysis

Below is my quick hit summary of how the Crush Force 5G performs in major categories. Keep in mind that your experience may differ slightly based on your swing mechanics, grip pressure, and playing style. For example, a player with a more compact swing might find the 14 mm’s pop essential, whereas a long swing player might lean toward the 16 mm’s controlled dwell time.

• Control/Feel: Solid in both thicknesses, but the 16 mm is noticeably softer on contact.
• Power: More effortless power with the 14 mm; the 16 mm still has oomph but requires you to generate it.
• Spin: Impressive spin potential, courtesy of the T700 carbon at 45°.
• Pop: The 14 mm offers a more immediate response, while the 16 mm has a slightly muted yet still crisp pop.
• Forgiveness: Both have a forgiving sweet spot, enhanced by the unibody build and reinforced edges.
• Maneuverability: Fairly agile in both thicknesses; the 14 mm might feel a tad quicker for reaction volleys.

There’s nothing in these categories that left me disappointed, but I also want to caution that no single paddle is a magic bullet. The Force 5G might help you refine certain techniques if it aligns with your natural stroke production, but it won’t instantly solve footwork errors or inconsistent contact points.

Crush Force 5G In Depth Review

Design & Build Quality

Crush calls this a “next generation thermoform” paddle, featuring an injected frame and T700 carbon surface. The unibody build is meant to reduce the chances of the face delaminating (separating) over time. A problem that sometimes plagues raw carbon paddles. I did not see any immediate signs of wear or damage, even after a few unintended collisions with other paddles during quick scramble points, though only time will tell how it holds up over months or years.

The 45° carbon orientation is a fancy way of describing how the carbon layers are laid to create friction against the ball. In practical terms, it does seem to create a textured surface that grips the ball longer. While I can’t give you the exact friction coefficient, my anecdotal evidence shows that brushes and rolls felt more pronounced. If spin is important to you, it’s fair to say this design choice helps.

Although the build is touted as durable, a word of caution: the edges may still be susceptible to cosmetic scuffing. Thermoforming can reinforce structure, but it won’t make your paddle immune to scrapes on rough court surfaces. On the plus side, the EVA foam injected handle definitely does something to reduce vibration on miss hits. I found it surprisingly comfortable during lengthy hitting sessions. I didn’t experience the “zing” in my forearm that some stiffer paddles produce.

Crush Force 5G Paddle On Court Performance

I tested both thicknesses across various drills: serves, third shot drops, dinking, fast exchanges at the net, and power drives from the baseline. I also tried them in real match situations, including some intermediate to advanced level play. These were my observations:

• 14 mm (Gold): Very lively off the face. This translates to a noticeable advantage when I needed to drive the ball or create pace quickly. AJ appreciated this in singles when blasting forehand winners down the line or cross-court. However, with great power comes the need for more precision. In my experience, a few of my resets sailed longer than I intended, so it took me a bit to calibrate the “touch” portion of my game.

• 16 mm (Blue): A step closer to a control oriented tool. I found dinks and blocks extremely predictable, thanks to that extra thickness. It might require a more deliberate swing to generate high end power. Yet, once I got comfortable, I could still finish points off if my timing was good. The sweet spot felt slightly more generous than the thinner version, though the 14 mm is by no means cramped.

The net game with either thickness felt stable. I particularly enjoyed how the paddle absorbed pace on reflex volleys. Even if my contact wasn’t dead center, the unibody frame and reinforced edges minimized twisting in my hand. That gave me more confidence to counterattack or redirect.

Control

While raw carbon surfaces are typically associated with spin and power, the Crush Force 5G also holds its own in the control category. Much of this is credited to the honeycomb core’s internal structure. The ball seems to stay on the paddle face just a fraction longer than with other brands I’ve reviewed in the past. That dwell time can be particularly beneficial when trying to execute precise dinks or reset shots at the kitchen line.

When I was drilling soft shots with the 16 mm, I could reliably place the ball within a few inches of my intended target. The 14 mm made it slightly trickier to control super soft net play, but it was still workable once I adapted my stroke and reduced my swing speed. In short, both versions offer a strong balance of power and control. You must figure out which emphasis suits your style best.

Power

If you have a compact or semi-fast swing, the 14 mm model can help you produce surprising pace. It’s not extreme to the point of becoming unmanageable, but I immediately noticed an extra “kick” when I punched the ball. For singles, or if your doubles game leans on strong drives, the 14 mm is appealing. However, if you have a bigger tennis like swing, you might find yourself overshooting occasionally until you adjust.

The 16 mm’s power depends more on you actively swinging through the ball. If you bring your own heat, the results can be formidable. But if you rely on the paddle for free power, the thicker core might feel a tad dampened. Personally, I found that more reassuring for my net game because I often want just enough put-away force without risking overhitting.

Spin

Spin is frequently talked about with raw carbon faces, and the Force 5G does not disappoint in that department. I frequently test spin potential by applying the same technique across various paddles, like my forehand roll from near the baseline or tight cross-court dinks. The outcome: The Force 5G offered a noticeable grab on the ball. My spins dove down fast and gave me the flexibility to create angles.

This advantage isn’t exclusive to Crush, though. Many raw carbon paddles in today’s market provide above average spin. If you compare the Force 5G to, say, a Joola Perseus Pro 4 or a Pursuit Pro1 Innovation, I’d say it hangs right up there in terms of spin generation. If you’re a spin-heavy player, you’ll likely be satisfied with how well the surface grips the ball.

Pop

In typical pickleball parlance, “pop” refers to the lively, quick feedback you feel when the paddle contacts the ball. If you value that immediate crispness for reactive volleys, overhead smashes, or blocks, the Crush Force 5G has you covered. Though the 14 mm is certainly “poppier,” the 16 mm is not dull by any means.

Pop can be a double-edged sword, on one hand, it delivers easy blocks or flick winners; on the other, it can make delicate shots trickier. My personal preference is a tad less pop when I’m in a dink rally, so I gravitated toward the 16 mm. However, AJ who tried both with me, was enamored with the 14 mm’s pop for his aggressive style. That’s the beauty of having two thickness options: you can choose your sweet spot in the pop spectrum.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness relates to how well the paddle maintains performance on off-center hits. Both the 14 mm and 16 mm versions feature the same shape (16 in. by 7.85 in.), so the difference in forgiveness mostly stems from core thickness. Typically, a thicker core yields a broader sweet spot, and that seems to hold true here.

Nonetheless, I felt the 14 mm was hardly punishing on mishits. Maybe it’s the unibody design or the way Crush has reinforced the edges, but the usual “dead zone” near the edges wasn’t as pronounced as with some older carbon paddles. For advanced players who typically catch the ball in the center of the face, you might not notice a difference. Intermediate players who occasionally contact the outer edges may find these paddles much more forgiving compared to stiff control paddles from a few years back.

Maneuverability

With weights hovering around 8.4–8.6 oz, the Crush Force 5G sits slightly on the heavier side of the spectrum. This provides a solid, stable feel during play, which many players appreciate for blocking and countering at the net. However, the added weight leaves less room for significant customization with lead tape. If you enjoy fine-tuning swing weight by adding lead to specific areas of your paddle. You may find the Force 5G a bit less adaptable than lighter paddles that start closer to 7.5–8.0 oz.

That said, if you are accustomed to slightly heavier paddles or prefer a more head-heavy setup right out of the box, the Force 5G strikes a balance between power and control without feeling sluggish. But for players who value the ability to drastically tweak balance or swing weight, this paddle’s higher starting weight may limit those possibilities.

However, I found the stock setup agile enough for quick hand battles at the net. I did add a bit of lead tape along the top edge when I wanted to test an even more head-heavy feel. It gave me more plow-through on smashes, though it slightly reduced maneuverability in frantic volley exchanges. If you’re someone who loves customizing swing weight, the Force 5G responds well to modifications.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Offers solid spin thanks to the T700 raw carbon surface
  • Two thickness options (14 mm and 16 mm) cater to different play styles
  • Comfortable, vibration-dampening handle due to EVA foam injection
  • Large sweet spot, even on the thinner model
  • Comparatively easier learning curve for a raw carbon paddle
• Cons:
  • Heavier overall weight might not suit players who want ultra-light paddles
  • The 14 mm can feel lively on dinks if you’re not used to poppier paddles
  • The 16 mm requires more user-generated power (good or bad depending on style)
  • Newer brand, so long term durability is still being proven

While the Crush Force 5G excels in many areas, don’t expect it to magically iron out every weakness in your game. If your biggest struggle is footwork or shot selection, no amount of spin or pop will fix that. Ultimately, the Force 5G is a capable paddle in the modern era of pickleball technology, and it stands up against numerous reputable brands. It’s simply about whether it fits your preferences better than other comparable options.

Player Feedback

I like to gather feedback from other players who get their hands on the same paddle. In my circle, I heard a few interesting perspectives:

• “The paddle feels a bit heavier, but I love the consistent control and how easy it is to dink with. My two handed backhand has enough handle space, and the spin is just as good as my old paddle.”
• “The 14 mm version is extremely fun in doubles. I can hammer my forehand drives and trust the spin to bring it down in-bounds. Took me a minute to dial in my resets, but once I did, it felt natural.”
• “I don’t think it’s drastically different from some of the other raw carbon paddles on the market, but the unibody design does feel sturdy. I’d recommend it for someone who wants a bit more pop than many 16 mm paddles.”

Some also commented on the brand’s customer support, noting that Crush staff are engaged and open to helping you find the right model. A handful of buyers reported switching from the Freestyle paddle to the Force 5G for a noticeable jump in power and spin. Others just wanted an all-around upgrade and appreciated the foam-injected handle for comfort. One person did mention that they initially felt the paddle was “too stiff,” but they eventually adjusted.

The takeaway? Real players, some advanced, some intermediate, have generally embraced the Force 5G’s combination of raw carbon performance and unibody durability. However, not everyone will want or need that extra pop, so it’s best to test if you can.

Exploring the True Potential of the Crush Force 5G

After dedicating serious time to training, casual games, and up-tempo matches, I feel comfortable saying the Crush Force 5G can be a capable asset for many pickleball players. If you enjoy generating heavy spin and like a responsive feel, this paddle will give you that. If you prefer a bit more control and are willing to generate your own power, the 16 mm version might become your go-to. In either case, the brand has put effort into bridging the gap between power and control with thoughtful engineering.

That said, my outlook on new paddles remains the same: technology alone doesn’t make or break your game. It’s how the technology lines up with your swing path, your grip style, and your overall approach to the sport. The Force 5G is no different. It’s a good paddle with unique attributes, but it may not transform you overnight.

I’d say it’s an excellent option for intermediate players looking to level up or advanced players seeking a fresh alternative to the more popular big name releases. Yes, there are many other raw carbon paddles out there, and plenty of them are also very solid. The truth is that the modern market is stacked with quality. If you want a strong mix of spin, stability, and a decent sweet spot, the Force 5G definitely deserves a look. Looking for a plusher feel and a bit more softness? Test the 16 mm. If you’re after raw firepower, maybe check out the 14 mm.

Ultimately, you might love it or discover something else suits you better. And that’s completely fine. My goal is to arm you with as much honesty as I can, so you can decide confidently.

Comparable Paddles

If you’re still exploring or want to see what else is out there, here are a few paddles that compare well to the Crush Force 5G:

• JOOLA Hyperion Series: Known for excellent spin and robust power, especially in their thicker models. Some players find them a bit stiff, while others love the crisp feedback.
• Gearbox CX14 or CX16: These are unique due to Gearbox’s solid carbon build. They produce a similarly spin-heavy experience, but the feel can be a bit different thanks to the core design.
• Selkirk Vanguard Power Air or Labs Series: Selkirk is renowned for durability and consistent feel. If you prefer an established brand, these might be in the same conversation in terms of balanced performance.
• PaddleTek Tempest or Bantam Series: Known for strong control, moderate pop, and decent spin. The Force 5G might offer slightly more “bite” on the ball if spin is your main priority.

Just like with the Force 5G, the “best” paddle is the one that meshes best with your stroke style and personal comfort.

Where to Buy the Crush Force 5G

If you’re ready to try the Crush Force 5G for yourself, you can pick up either version, 14mm (Gold) or 16mm (Blue), directly from Crush Pickleball. Both retail for $199.99, but by using the exclusive discount code pickletip, you’ll save 10%, bringing the price down to $179.99.

👉 Click here to shop the Crush Force 5G Pro Paddle — the discount code is automatically applied at checkout.

Crush Force 5G Paddle FAQ

Thank You for Exploring the Crush Force 5G with Me

After spending time thoroughly testing and analyzing the Crush Force 5G, I’m confident that this paddle can meet the needs of a variety of players. Whether you prefer the extra pop and power of the 14 mm or the controlled touch of the 16 mm, the Force 5G offers enough versatility to adapt to different styles. But as with any paddle, the real magic happens when the paddle complements your game and helps you refine your strengths.

I always say that finding the perfect paddle is like finding a reliable partner on the court, It should feel natural, boost your confidence, and enhance the way you play. I appreciate you taking the time to read through this honest, in depth review. Whatever paddle you ultimately choose, I hope it helps you take your game to the next level. Bringing even more enjoyment to your time on the court.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. See you out there!

For more details or to see everything Crush offers, visit the official Crush Pickleball website.