Honolulu J2Ti Plus

Honolulu J2Ti Plus Paddle Review

Honolulu J2Ti Plus: Balancing Power with a Softer Touch

The Honolulu J2Ti Plus is the newest evolution of the popular J2Ti paddle, now featuring Gen 3 “floating core” technology for enhanced play. Building on the success of its predecessor, known for its balanced performance and soft face, this version infuses foam into the core to deliver extra power and pop, without sacrificing the signature plush feel. The result is a paddle that suits intermediate to advanced pickleball players who crave a quick offensive edge but prefer a gentler, more controlled response than a purely power focused design.

For more background on the original J2Ti (and its sibling, the J2K), check out our detailed coverage in the Honolulu Pickleball Sword & Shield Series Review. You can also learn why Honolulu’s paddles made such a splash in our Best Pickleball Paddles 2024 list, where the J2K was declared Paddle of the Year. If you enjoyed that all-court style but wanted a softer, more dwell friendly feel, the J2Ti Plus may be exactly what you need.

Specifications

  • Weight: 8.0–8.4 oz (mine weighed 8.2 oz)
  • Dimensions: 16.2″ x 7.8″
  • Thickness: 16 mm
  • Material: Polyester carbon fiber (often called “titanium”) face, polymer core infused with perimeter foam
  • Handle Length: ~5.5″ (effectively ~5.3″ for two handed backhands)
  • Grip Circumference: 4.125″

Price & Discount Code

The Honolulu J2Ti Plus retails for $165. Use discount code PICKLETIP at checkout for 10% off your purchase. That means you can grab the J2Ti Plus for $148.50 instead of the full price. Honolulu also offers a unique refresh program, which lets you purchase additional paddles at 50% off if your core or surface wears down over time.

Performance Analysis

  • Control/Feel: 9.5/10 – Maintains a plush sensation on contact, offering consistent depth control and easy resets.
  • Power: 9.0/10 – Gains a mild but notable power boost over the original J2Ti, especially after break-in (6 hours).
  • Spin: 9.5/10 – Retains excellent grit, letting you shape shots with heavy topspin or slice.
  • Pop: 8.5/10 – Not as explosive as the J2K Plus, but still provides a quick, lively response that outdoes many standard polymer paddles.
  • Forgiveness: 9.5/10 – Generous sweet spot and floating core technology help reduce mishit penalties.
  • Maneuverability: 9.0/10 – Smooth handling at the net, allowing fast transitions during volleys and quick exchanges.

Honolulu J2Ti Plus In-Depth Review

Design & Build Quality

The Honolulu J2Ti+ follows the distinctive hybrid shape shared by Honolulu’s J2 family, featuring a flared upper throat and a relatively wide face. Its polyester carbon fiber layup includes “titanium” fibers, producing a soft but responsive hitting surface. The new floating core design places foam around the paddle’s perimeter, separated from the central polymer by a carbon fiber strip. This not only broadens the sweet spot but also helps dampen vibration on slightly off center hits.

Compared to the original J2Ti, the updated model keeps the same minimalist design, with fresh color accents signaling its “Plus” status. The handle length accommodates two handed backhands and offers a comfortable grip size for most players. Overall, you get a refined aesthetic that complements the advanced materials inside.

Honolulu J2Ti Plus On Court Performance

During my playtests, the J2Ti Plus offered a touch more pop than the older J2Ti, yet remained easier to harness compared to overtly power focused paddles. The foam infusion has a short break in period, about six hours, after which the paddle delivers smooth depth control and a modest power boost. By the twelve hour mark, I felt fully adjusted to its upgraded features.

Control

Control is where the J2Ti Plus shines. The PET “titanium” material provides just the right amount of dwell time for dinks and precise placements. I especially liked how the ball seemed to stay on the face that extra fraction of a second, letting me manipulate spin or angle with ease.

Power

The J2Ti Plus will not rival the J2K Plus in raw power, but it offers enough offense for mid court drives and finishing overheads. Players who felt the original J2Ti lacked a bit of heat will appreciate the boost without losing the soft feedback that defines the “Ti” feel.

Spin

Thanks to the textured carbon fiber surface, spin is excellent. I consistently generated high arching topspin from the baseline, causing my shots to dip just inside the court. Defensive slices also stayed low and forced opponents into awkward returns.

Pop

Pop sits between a full blown power model and a classic control paddle. When you connect solidly, there is a noticeable jump off the face, enough to be dangerous at the net. The floating core enhances responsiveness, giving you a satisfying snap on key volley exchanges.

Forgiveness

The perimeter foam adds a layer of forgiveness to off center hits. While the sweet spot is not quite as expansive as certain elongated “control-first” paddles, it’s more than generous for an all-court design. Even my mishits near the tip still carried enough pace to keep me in the rally.

Maneuverability

Roughly 8.2 oz in weight, the J2Ti Plus feels nicely balanced. Handling quick volleys or blocking powerful drives did not make me feel sluggish. The stable face, combined with the modest overall weight, suits players who value quick reflexes and controlled resets in rapid exchanges.

Honolulu J2Ti Plus Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Maintains a plush, comfortable face with a moderate power upgrade over the original J2Ti
  • Short break in period (around 6 hours) to unlock its full potential
  • High spin potential, perfect for topspin drives and cutting slices
  • Forgiving floating core design helps stabilize off center shots
  • Easy maneuverability for net play and transition work
  • Comes with a refresh program, offering replacements at 50% off if the core or surface wears down

Cons

  • Not as powerful as dedicated power paddles, like the Honolulu J2K+
  • Some players may find it too lively if they prefer a strictly traditional control paddle
  • Foam based paddles can experience core compression over time, though Honolulu addresses this with the refresh program
  • Handle length works for most, but players with bigger hands might want more grip space

Player Feedback

Local 4.0 and 4.5 level players who tested the J2Ti Plus mentioned that the increased pop is noticeable compared to the earlier version, though it still feels less aggressive than the J2K Plus. One advanced player remarked, “I love the softness around the net but appreciate the little extra bite on my drives.” Another noted, “It hits the sweet spot between control and power. I can hang in long dink rallies, then rip a forehand when I see an opening.”

Others liked how the foam infusion expands the sweet spot. One defensive minded player said, “It saved me a few times when I reached out awkwardly. Off center hits don’t just die off the paddle, there’s still enough pop to clear the net.”

Where the J2Ti Plus Stands Out

The Honolulu J2Ti Plus is a stellar option for players who value control but want a bump in power over the original J2Ti. If you lean heavily on spins, dinks, and placement, yet occasionally need to ramp up pace, this paddle delivers. It also has a short break in, making it accessible for a wide range of players willing to invest in an intermediate to advanced paddle with a soft feel.

The foam based core’s potential durability concerns are offset by Honolulu’s refresh program, which is a big selling point if you’re the type to wear down paddles quickly. Overall, it’s a comprehensive update that preserves the best aspects of the J2Ti, softness, spin, and versatility, while adding just enough pop to keep you on the front foot when attacking.

Comparable Paddles

  • Honolulu J2K Plus – A more power oriented sibling that uses a Kevlar face. If you crave extra pop and don’t mind a crisper impact, the J2K Plus might be your style.
  • Pickleball Apes Pulse V – Another Gen 3 contender with strong drives, but its stiffer feel reduces dwell time compared to the J2Ti Plus.
  • Spartus Olympus (14 mm) – Known for high power and a firmer face. If pure offense is your main goal, the Olympus could be worth a look, though it lacks the plushness of the J2Ti Plus.

Q&A

Q: Do foam based paddles lose responsiveness over time?

A: Foam cores can break in further, potentially leading to a hotter face. Honolulu covers that with a refresh program, offering replacements at half price if you notice significant wear.

Q: How does the J2Ti Plus compare to the original J2Ti?

A: Expect a little more “pop” once you pass the initial 6 hour break in. The face is still soft, but the core responds more powerfully on well struck shots.

Q: Is the J2Ti Plus beginner friendly?

A: While newcomers can use it, the J2Ti Plus mainly targets intermediate and advanced levels. Beginners might be better served by an entry level paddle before upgrading to Gen 3 technology.

Q: Which discount code do I use?

A: Use the code PICKLETIP at checkout to get 10% off your J2Ti Plus purchase. That drops the price from $165 to $148.50.

J2Ti Plus vs. J2K Plus

Wondering which of Honolulu’s newest “Plus” paddles is right for you? Here’s a quick rundown:

  • J2K+: Offers a bit more pop and stands out as the most powerful of the two. Expect greater drive velocity and overhead smash potential, but slightly less overall control.
  • J2Ti+: Delivers the most control in Honolulu’s “Plus” lineup, plus the best sweet spot. It feels softer on contact and helps keep delicate dinks consistent.
  • Both paddles impart about the same level of spin, thanks to their gritty surfaces and Gen 3 technology.

These are arguably the best budget paddles on the market in the Gen 3 category. If you want a budget-friendly control paddle with a solid amount of power, the J2Ti Plus is a perfect choice. If you’re craving more raw power and can spare a little control, opt for the J2K+ instead.

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