J2NF vs J2FC+ vs J2NFK (2025 Specs & Review) Honolulu Pickleball Paddles

Black Friday Update: Honolulu Pickleball has officially opened its holiday pricing for 2025, including discounts across the J2 series. See the full list of Honolulu Black Friday deals to compare where the J2NF sits this year.

Unleash Your Game: The Honolulu J2NF Pickleball Paddle Review

As a pickleball coach and an avid player, I’m always on the hunt for that perfect paddle – the one that just clicks with your game. I’ve swung countless paddles, felt every nuance, and chased down every innovative claim. So, when I first heard whispers about the new Honolulu J2NF, my curiosity was absolutely piqued. After all, the Honolulu J2Ti+ was easily one of the best paddles I played with last year.

Can a smaller brand truly continue to push the boundaries against the best pickleball paddles out there? I was determined to find out. This article isn’t just a review; it’s my personal deep dive into Honolulu’s latest offerings, and I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to help you decide if their new paddles, especially the Honolulu J2NF, are the right fit for your game. My motivation is simple: to empower you with insights from the court, from extensive testing, and from my own experience so you can make an informed decision and elevate your play.

PickleTip Pro Insight: When I test paddles, I don’t just look at spin and power, I run them through machines, drills, and real-game stress. If a paddle can help my students and perform in my toughest sessions, it earns a spot here.

• Why I’m Reviewing This Paddle
• The J2NF: A Top Contender
• Understanding Core Innovations
• Performance Metrics Deep Dive
• J2NF vs J2FC+ vs J2NFK: Head-to-Head Comparison
• Full Specifications & Data Sheet
• On-Court Discoveries
• Which Paddle is Right for You?
• How Honolulu Stacks Up
• A Paddle for the Ages?
• Review Summary: Is It Right for You?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Latest Updates

The Honolulu J2NF: A New Contender for 2025’s Top Paddle

The pickleball paddle market is a vibrant, ever-evolving landscape. Every month brings new technologies and new promises. Honolulu Pickleball, a brand often lauded for its innovative approach, has just dropped its Gen 4.5 lineup, featuring the J2 NF, J2 FC Plus, and the J2 NFK. These paddles are causing quite a stir, and for good reason. From the moment I picked up the Honolulu J2NF, I knew this wasn’t just another paddle; it was something special. It plays so well, in fact, that it’s a serious contender for the number one paddle of 2025. If I were to revisit my top paddles list, the Honolulu J2NF would be right at the top, surpassing the J2K Plus.

Understanding the Core Innovations: Notched Foam vs. Full Foam

What sets these new Honolulu paddles apart is their innovative core construction. Let’s break down the key differences:

• J2 NF (Notched Foam): This paddle features a unique “puzzle piece” of foam around the perimeter, with a solid piece of foam in the center. This design aims for specific performance characteristics that really stood out during play.
• J2 FC Plus (Full Foam Core): The FC Plus combines a Gen 3 construction, meaning two bands of foam around the perimeter, with a full foam core instead of a polypropylene core. This intrigued me because full foam doesn’t always behave like polypropylene in a Gen 3 setup, which can lead to unexpected play characteristics.
• J2 NFK (Notched Foam Kevlar): Essentially the J2 NF with a Kevlar surface, the NFK offers a bit more pop and rigidity due to the Kevlar material, albeit with a slight reduction in control. The Kevlar J2NFK is still built with a CFC (carbon fiber, fiberglass, carbon fiber) layup, which explains why its power and pop aren’t as drastically different from the carbon version as you might expect from a pure Kevlar face like the Six Zero Ruby.

The owner of Honolulu Pickleball is truly focused on consistency and detail across their paddle lines. All three of these paddles show remarkable consistency in metrics, which is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality control. In fact, every unit I’ve tested of the FC+ and NFK has had near-identical swing weights, which you rarely see from small batch manufacturers – a true differentiator for Honolulu.

What Does Gen 4.5 Really Mean?

Over the last year, pickleball paddle cores have evolved rapidly:

• Gen 3: Dual foam perimeter with standard polymer core
• Gen 4: Full foam core replacing traditional polymer
• Gen 4.5: Puzzle-piece foam layout + full core integration

The J2NF isn’t just a gimmick, it’s a technical evolution. Its notched foam delivers hybrid performance that feels fresher and more refined than either Gen 3 or Gen 4 alone.

What Is a Gen 3 Pickleball Paddle (And Why It Matters)

If you’re just now catching up with all this paddle tech, you’re not alone. Terms like “Gen 3” or “Gen 4.5” can sound like marketing noise, but they actually describe huge shifts in paddle construction. Here’s a quick breakdown that matters for your game:

• Gen 3: Features dual foam bands around the perimeter with a traditional polymer core inside. This was the first big step beyond standard polypropylene paddles, and it laid the foundation for hybrid control + power designs.
• Gen 4: Introduced full foam cores, replacing the polymer altogether. More consistent dwell time, but also more variables in weight distribution and stiffness.
• Gen 4.5: What the J2NF uses, a hybrid layout combining notched foam perimeter + full foam center. It’s more than a gimmick. This setup adds stability and power while keeping the plush feel that top players demand.

The takeaway? The J2NF’s Gen 4.5 design delivers a sweet blend of old-school responsiveness and next-gen punch. It’s not just a new label, it’s a real evolution in how modern paddles are built.

Performance Metrics: A Deep Dive into the Numbers

Numbers don’t lie, and the metrics for these paddles are incredibly impressive. Here’s what my testing revealed:

Honolulu J2NF vs J2FC+ vs J2NFK: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Answer: The J2NF is lighter and quicker than the J2FC+, while the J2NFK delivers the most power. If you prioritize control and forgiveness, start with the J2NF. If you want more stability, the J2FC+ is your paddle. And if you’re hunting for aggressive kitchen pop, the Kevlar J2NFK edges ahead.

Summary Comparison Table

Coach’s Take: If I had to simplify it, the J2NF is your all-court workhorse – quick, balanced, and forgiving under pressure. The J2FC+ is the paddle you grab when you want more control in tight exchanges, sacrificing just a bit of drive. The J2NFK is the hammer for aggressive players who love countering and finishing points fast at the kitchen. Same family, same DNA, but three distinct weapons depending on how you like to win rallies.

Honolulu J2NF vs J2FC+ vs J2NFK: Full Specifications & Data Sheet

For players who want the raw data before hitting the court, here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the Honolulu J2NF, J2FC+, and J2NFK. These specs are from real playtesting and measurement — not just brochure numbers.

Coach’s Note: Specs only tell part of the story. The J2NF may share the same listed weight as the FC+ and NFK, but its notched foam build makes it feel quicker and more maneuverable in real play. That’s why it’s crucial to pair numbers with on-court experience.

Quick View: Honolulu J2NF Specs

The J2NF is the paddle most players will gravitate toward first. It’s quick through the air, balanced in the hand, and delivers the highest spin numbers of the lineup. Here’s a snapshot paired with the product photo so you can zero in on its profile.

• Swing Weight: 112.14
• Twist Weight: 6.89
• Stock Weight: 8.1 oz
• Power Rating: 9.4
• Pop Rating: 8.9
• Sweet Spot Rating: 9.5
• Control Rating: 9.1
• Spin: The J2NF has delivered the most spin of any paddle I’ve ever tested.

Spotlight: J2 FC Plus Specs

The J2FC+ leans into control and stability, making it the steady workhorse of the three. If you like longer rallies and placement over raw finishing power, this one stands out. Below is the quick reference view with its key specs and image.

• Swing Weight: 110.94
• Twist Weight: 6.72
• Stock Weight: 8.1 oz
• Spin Rating: 2335 RPM
• Power Rating: 9.2
• Pop Rating: 9
• Sweet Spot Rating: 9.5
• Control Rating: 9.2

J2 NFK: Spec Snapshot

The J2NFK brings the Kevlar edge – firmer feel, faster counters, and extra kitchen pop. It’s built for aggressive players who like to pressure opponents. Here’s its spec snapshot alongside the paddle image for clarity.

• Swing Weight: 112.34
• Twist Weight: 6.84
• Stock Weight: 8.1 oz
• Pop Rating: 9.1
• Control Rating: 8.9

The swing weight on all these paddles is remarkably low for hybrid paddles offering this much power. Coupled with a consistently high twist weight, this makes for incredibly stable and forgiving paddles across the board. Small companies like Honolulu Pickleball are truly driving innovation with these kinds of detailed aspects.

The J2NFK is currently on sale for Black Friday Final Price: $166.73 after using discount code: PICKLETIP

Honolulu J2NF In-Depth Performance Analysis

This section goes beyond lab numbers. Here I’ll walk you through how the J2NF and its siblings actually felt in real match play, highlighting the unexpected performance quirks and what they mean for different styles of players.

Unexpected Performance and My On-Court Findings

One of the biggest surprises during my testing was the performance difference between the J2NF and the J2 FC Plus. I had assumed the full foam FC+ would be the power paddle and the NF would offer more control, but it’s actually the opposite! The Honolulu J2NF paddle gives you that extra bite on drives, while the J2 FC Plus leans slightly more towards control. This seems to stem from how full foam responds differently than polypropylene when layers are added around the perimeter.

I also put these paddles through rigorous machine testing. I used my ball machine for repeated resets and drops across all three paddles. The J2NF consistently gave me more consistent depth and fewer mishits, further cementing its versatility and performance. All these paddles feature a CFC (carbon fiber, fiberglass, carbon fiber) layup for the surface material. This layup contributes to the minimal difference in power and pop between the carbon fiber and Kevlar versions, especially the J2 NFK. The J2 NFK does offer a bit more rigidity and attack power at the kitchen line due to its Kevlar surface.

Kevlar vs. Carbon Fiber in Pickleball Paddles – Honolulu J2NF vs J2NFK

Let’s break this down clearly, if you’ve ever wondered how the J2NFK’s Kevlar face actually stacks up against the carbon fiber build of the J2NF, here’s what my testing and hands-on play have revealed:

• Carbon Fiber (J2NF): Offers a plush feel with excellent dwell time on resets and soft drops. Spin is elite, and you’ll get more controlled feedback off the paddle face.
• Kevlar (J2NFK): Adds stiffness and raw pop. It’s snappier and better for counters and speed-ups at the kitchen, but slightly less forgiving on soft hands shots.

Interestingly, because both paddles use a carbon-fiberglass-carbon (CFC) layup underneath, the difference in power isn’t night and day, it’s more about feel, feedback, and playstyle fit. If you thrive on touch and control, stick with carbon. If you’re hunting for that quick counter-attack bite, Kevlar might just be your edge. If you’ve never tried Kevlar before, test it against carbon fiber back-to-back. You’ll feel the difference right away, especially during fast exchanges and flicks at the net.

PickleTip Pro Insight: Here’s what I’d tell a beginner struggling with this – don’t get caught up in the hype of every new paddle. Focus on how a paddle feels in your hand and how it helps your game. Sometimes, the numbers tell one story, but the on-court experience tells another entirely. Trust your gut (and your swing!).

Choosing Your Weapon: Which Paddle is Right for You?

After countless hours on the court, my personal favorite out of this lineup is the Honolulu J2NF. It strikes a fantastic balance, delivering the power, control, and pop I need for dinks, resets, and drops. If I had to pick one paddle as the absolute best in the space right now, the J2NF would be it, with the Joola Perseus 16mm as a very close second.

However, the “best” paddle is truly subjective. Here’s how to consider which of these Honolulu paddles might be perfect for your game:

• For Maximum Power: If you’re chasing raw power, the J2NF or the J2K Plus are your go-to options.
• For Enhanced Control with Relative Power: The J2 FC Plus is an excellent choice if you desire slightly less power but prioritize more control in your shots.
• For Kitchen Line Aggression and Pop: If you want more pop and aggression for counters and speed-ups at the kitchen line, and you’re willing to trade a little control for that edge, the J2 NFK is your paddle.

How Honolulu Stacks Up Against the Competition

It’s always helpful to compare new paddles to established players in the market. Here’s how Honolulu’s new lineup compares to some popular alternatives:

Compared to Carbon True Foam Genesis Series:

• The Honolulu paddles are generally more powerful than the CRBN True Foam Genesis series.
• While the spin is relative, the Honolulu paddles offer optimized swing weights, unlike some elongated True Foam Genesis models that can have very high stock swing weights.
• The feeling off the face is quite similar, offering a nice dwell and plush sensation.

Compared to Selkirk 008s:

• Honolulu’s new paddles offer significantly more power and stock spin than the Selkirk 008s.
• The 008s are very control-oriented, plush, and soft, with a wide range of shapes, making them suitable for players prioritizing control.

Comparison to the J2K Plus:

• The J2K Plus typically requires a break-in period of 10-12 hours of play to become plush.
• The Honolulu J2NF offers a much safer bet in terms of immediate playability and durability, as it has a full foam core and doesn’t have the potential breakdown aspects of Gen 3 construction found in some other paddles. My testing showed no delamination, glue breaking, or rattling with the J2NF. It felt plush right out of the box.

PickleTip Pro Insight: Don’t choose a paddle by brand name alone – especially with so many innovative options emerging. Always consider how it performs on the court, how it fits your play style, and read paddle reviews that go beyond just marketing hype. That’s how I really decide what’s best for my game, and it’s how you should too!

The Honolulu J2NF: A Paddle for the Ages?

The Honolulu J2NF is truly a remarkable paddle. It delivers on its promises of power, control, and consistency, all while showcasing the innovative spirit of a smaller brand. Whether you’re looking for an upgrade or just curious about what’s new in the pickleball world, the J2NF (and its siblings, the FC Plus and NFK) are definitely worth considering. These paddles are meticulously crafted, and you can feel the quality and attention to detail in every swing. They’re packed with high-quality construction and deliver optimized numbers across the board. Frankly, after extensive testing, this is my current top paddle for all-around performance.

Want to try the Honolulu J2NF and feel the difference yourself?

Visit Honolulu Pickleball and use code PICKLETIP at checkout for special savings on your pre-order of the J2NF, J2FC+, and J2NFK!

Where to Buy the Honolulu J2NF, J2FC+, and J2NFK

Interested in trying the J2NF, J2 FC Plus, or J2NFK for yourself? Honolulu Pickleball sells directly through their website, which helps them maintain quality control and keep prices competitive.

Use this link to visit their official paddle page:

Shop Honolulu Pickleball Paddles »

Use code PICKLETIP for 10% off any paddle in the new lineup, including:

• J2NF: Best for spin and hybrid performance
• J2 FC Plus: Control-focused full foam design
• J2NFK: Kevlar face for aggressive kitchen play

Shipping has been fast and reliable in my experience, and every paddle I’ve tested came perfectly matched to the listed specs.

Pro Tip: If you’re stuck between the J2NF and NFK, go with the carbon (J2NF) unless you know you love extra pop. It’s more forgiving and a better fit for all-around players.

Honolulu J2NF Review Summary: Is It Right for You?

• Power & Spin: Among the top-performing paddles I’ve tested in 2025.
• Compared to J2FC+: More power, slightly less control.
• Compared to J2NFK: Less pop, more dwell time for resets.
• Best for: Intermediate to advanced players looking for a powerful but controlled hybrid paddle. Great for 3.5+ players: find your pickleball rating

Final User Takeaways

The trend is clear: elite performance no longer requires a $250+ price tag. The J2NF remains the gold standard for a forgiving, balanced hybrid, but for the most power you can get under $200, look at the Loco. For pure value, the V-Sol and Quanta are setting a new standard for the entire market.

On-Court Differences: Which Foam Core is Right for You?

• If you prioritize consistency and feel (and have the budget): Go with the J2NF. Reviewers agree it is the most user-friendly right out of the box, offering the best overall stability and control, especially for soft game shots.
• If you prioritize max offensive power (and have the budget): The Bread & Butter Loco is the better choice. It’s consistently reviewed as the hardest-hitting paddle in this price range, delivering a livelier, faster ball release than the J2NF.
• If you want max performance for under $100: Both the Vatic Pro V-Sol and Ronbus Quanta are great choices.
  • The V-Sol is the better plug-and-play budget power option with immediate, explosive pop.
  • The Quanta is for the player who likes to “tinker,” offering an incredibly low static weight that can be customized with lead tape to rival paddles costing three times as much.

About the Author:

Written by Sid Parfait, a competitive pickleball player, coach, and co-founder of PickleTip.com. Sid has tested over 100 paddles (See all my top-rated paddles of 2025) in the last two years and publishes gear reviews grounded in real-world play and tournament feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Latest Updates:

🔄 Update: July 3, 2025

After weeks of feedback and additional testing, the Honolulu J2NF remains my top paddle for all-around play in 2025. It still shows incredible durability, pop, and spin consistency. If you’re deciding between the J2FC+ and J2NFK, I’ve added new comparison data above to help you make the right pick. The Honolulu Pickleball discount code PICKLETIP still works for 10% off at checkout.

🔄 Update: August 14, 2025

I’ve received several messages from readers asking about pre-order fulfillment for the Honolulu Gen 4.5 foam paddle lineup, and I now have official details directly from Honolulu Pickleball.

The company has adjusted the expected release dates for the new paddles:

• Honolulu J2FC+ – August 20, 2025
• Honolulu J2NFK – September 5, 2025
• Honolulu J2NFT – September 5, 2025
• Honolulu J2NF – September 12, 2025

According to Honolulu’s announcement, the delay is tied to the precision manufacturing process required for the new Generation 4.5 foam construction. These paddles use cutting-edge materials and labor-intensive assembly steps that take longer than traditional polymer builds. Rather than rushing batches out, Honolulu is carefully ramping up capacity by adding new machines and keeping quality control at the forefront.

If you’ve already placed a pre-order, your spot in line is secure and your final payment won’t be processed until your paddle is ready to ship. No action is needed on your part.

While waiting might be frustrating – especially if you’ve read my glowing reviews of the J2NF – this kind of delay is actually a positive sign for a small brand committed to consistency. Many mass-market launches cut corners under deadline pressure, but Honolulu is taking the opposite approach. For players who care about durability, feel, and performance straight out of the box, the extra time will be worth it.

From my perspective, this reinforces my belief that the Honolulu J2NF will live up to the hype and remain one of 2025’s standout paddles when it finally hits the court.

🔄 Update: August 21, 2025 – Shipping Begins for J2NF

Following up on the August 14 update:

• The J2NF (standard handle) is now in stock and shipping. If you pre-ordered another model and want to switch to this version, Honolulu Pickleball says you can reply to your order email with “Switch to J2NF” in the subject line and include your order number.
• A more detailed shipping window breakdown by handle length is now available. See the official Honolulu update email if you’re awaiting a J2FC+, J2NFK, or J2NFT – some models now have staggered ship dates through September 10.
• Honolulu also shared additional quality control details: multi-density foam, 3D CT scans, and two layers of X-ray validation are in place. The defect rate for these paddles is now below 1%, the best in their history.

This reinforces what I said earlier: they’re not rushing – they’re building paddles that last.

If Honolulu is out of stock, you can try purchasing from JustPaddles.

💥 Update: 10/1/25 | Mid-Season Feedback on the Honolulu J2NF Series

1. Core Tech: The Foam Advantage

The Honolulu J2NF (Sword & Shield) is one of the paddles leading the charge into the Gen 4 ‘full-foam core’ construction era. Unlike traditional polymer honeycomb cores, the J2NF’s design (often referred to as Gen 3.5 or Gen 4 for its perimeter and internal foam elements) results in a larger, more stable sweet spot and a quieter, more muted contact feel. This technology allows the paddle to generate significant power and spin while maintaining excellent stability – a combination previously difficult to achieve without making the paddle feel overly stiff or “dead.”

2. The 19mm Paddle Myth

While the J2NF is advertised as 16mm, its use of foam core technology makes it play much more similarly to a stable, thick paddle (like a 19mm or 20mm model) in terms of forgiveness and stability than a traditional 16mm paddle. The foam effectively dampens vibration and reinforces the edges, providing the “plow-through” feeling that players associate with thicker paddles.

3. The Next-Gen Foam Core Showdown: J2NF vs. Its Top Rivals

The J2NF is a fantastic all-court performer, but the foam-core category is crowded with high-value alternatives. We’ve broken down the J2NF against the competition across two distinct price tiers: