Honolulu Pickleball Paddle Guide: How to Read J2NF, J7K, & Ti Model Names
Honolulu Pickleball Codes Explained: Complete Guide to J-Series Shapes, Materials, and What Every Model Name Actually Means
If you’re holding a Honolulu pickleball paddle and staring at a name like J2NFT+ or J6CR, you’re not alone. Most players assume the codes are serial numbers. But every letter and number has a meaning – and once you learn the system, the entire Honolulu lineup makes sense.
Picture this: you see a paddle labeled “J2NFK+.” At first, it looks like a password. But now imagine each part snapping into place: J2 = shape, NF = core, K = face, + = variant. Suddenly the entire brand becomes readable.
Quick Answers
Q: What do Honolulu Pickleball paddle codes mean?
They describe shape (J-number), face material (K, Ti, FC, etc.), and core type (NF, FC+, CR). Each part reflects construction choices.
Q: What is J2NF?
A hybrid J2 shape paired with Honolulu’s Notched Foam core and a carbon/fiberglass face.
Q: What’s the difference between J2NF and J2NFK?
Both use the same NF core; J2NFK adds a Kevlar face layer.
Q: What is J6?
Honolulu’s new next-generation elongated shape – longer, more aerodynamic, and built on their latest perimeter foam architecture.
Honolulu Paddle Shapes (J1 to J7 – Now Including J6)
Honolulu’s “J-Series” numbers do not indicate generation. They indicate shape. Most confusion comes from assuming J2 is “newer” than J1 – it’s not. The number is simply geometry.
- J1 – Elongated, stability-forward, classic long-body ancestor of the lineup.
- J2 – Hybrid shape (balanced width + extended reach). The most common foundation across models.
- J3 – Standard square; traditional wide-body format.
- J4 – Wide-body square; maximum surface and forgiveness.
- J5 – Extra elongated; long reach and pressure angles.
- J6 – Next-generation elongated; longer face, aero-curved top, tuned swing weight, and multi-density Gen 4.5 foam. A modern evolution of J2/J5 geometry.
- J7 – Modern elongated; similar reach to J5 but more maneuverable.
Some users online refer to “J705” or “J7 05,” but these are just mistaken search variants – all official names begin with “J7.”
How to Read a Honolulu Model Name (Left to Right)
Every model name is decoded in four parts:
| Part | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| J | J-Series family | J2NFT+ |
| Number | Shape identifier | J2 = hybrid shape |
| Letters | Face/core materials | NFK = Notched Foam + Kevlar |
| + | Tuned/variant version | J2TI+ |
Honolulu Face & Core Codes Explained (K, Ti, NF, FC+, xK, CR)
These letters name the construction of the paddle’s skin and core. They do not indicate quality level – they simply describe the build recipe.
- K – Kevlar face. Stiff, stable, and predictable in response.
- xK / XK – “Extra Kevlar” variant. A denser Kevlar weave or reinforced Kevlar face (official documentation pending).
- Ti – Carbon + electroplated PET combined weave (“titanium look”). No real titanium content.
- NF – Notched Foam core (Gen 4+), with carved foam ring + denser center core.
- NFK – NF core + Kevlar face.
- NFT – NF core + alternative composite face (PET/carbon blend).
- FC – Fiberglass + carbon hybrid face.
- FC+ – FC face + enhanced foam architecture (Gen 3–style ring). Slightly softer, plusher response vs NF-series face layups.
- CR – “Carbon Raw / Carbon Reinforced” next-generation face variant. Currently used in the J6 lineup.
- H – Raw composite hybrid face.
- 14MM – Indicates a thinner 14mm core (vs the typical 16mm). Purely a thickness spec.
- PRO – Same shape/materials as base model with tuned weight, balance, or finish.
Glossary: Common Honolulu Model Terms
A quick reference for the most frequently searched model codes.
- J-Series: Honolulu’s naming system for paddle shapes (J1–J7). Numbers indicate geometry, not release order.
- NF (Notched Foam): A foam-ring core with a denser center. Expands sweet spot and softens shock.
- FC+: Fiberglass/Carbon hybrid face with foam-ring architecture; between traditional FC and NF variants.
- xK: Kevlar-enhanced face variant (“extra Kevlar” structure).
- CR: Carbon raw/reinforced face variant introduced in J6 models.
Model Differences: J2NF vs J2NFK vs J2NFT vs J2FC+ vs J2xK
These models all sit on the same J2 hybrid shape platform. The differences lie in materials and core architecture – not in shape or length.
| Model | Meaning | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| J2NF | Base NF model | Notched Foam core + Carbon/Fiberglass face |
| J2NFK | NF + Kevlar | NF core + Kevlar face |
| J2NFT | NF + PET/Carbon variant | NF core + composite face |
| J2FC+ | Foam-ring hybrid | Gen 3 ring-core + FC+ face |
| J2xK | Extra Kevlar | Enhanced Kevlar face variant |
These differences are naming differences only – this article explains construction, not performance.
New for 2025: The J6 Family (J6NF, J6FC+, J6CR)
The J6 is Honolulu’s newest shape class. It extends the profile of the J2/J5 family while adding an aero-curved top and higher swing-weight chassis. All J6 models use newer foam architectures and longer faces.
- J6NF – Elongated J6 frame + Notched Foam Gen 4.5 core.
- J6FC+ – J6 frame + FC+ face + foam-ring hybrid core.
- J6CR – J6 frame + Carbon Raw/Reinforced next-gen face (pre-order).
These are the most meaningfully different additions to the Honolulu naming system in years.
Honolulu Pickleball FAQ
No. “J2” is the hybrid shape code only – nothing to do with model year.
No. Ti is a PET/carbon visual weave that looks metallic.
It indicates an upgraded Kevlar face variant (“extra Kevlar” weave).
A hybrid carbon/fiberglass face with enhanced foam-ring core architecture.
Yes. All use the NF core; the face material changes the designation.
Carbon raw or carbon-reinforced face variant, used on J6 models.
It shows the paddle is built with a thinner 14mm core rather than standard 16mm.
About Honolulu Pickleball: Roots, Mission & Community Perception
Hawaii roots, founder-led identity. Honolulu ties the J-Series to founder Jams Gabay and his personal story. Supporters see mission and purpose; critics point to sparse documentation. Either way, the brand has built a passionate following.
Mission in practice. The philosophy “make the game more enjoyable” shows up as accessible pricing, frequent iterations, and shapes designed for real-world play pace rather than hype-driven trends.
Market perception. Players praise value and engineering. The biggest friction point? Confusing model names. Hence why guides like this matter.
Final Thoughts: The Naming System Now Makes Sense
Honolulu Pickleball has built a vast catalog of shapes and materials – but without an official naming guide, the community has had to decode it piece by piece. This article provides the missing clarity so players can finally understand what each model name means.
Players: Now you know how to read the codes. J-numbers describe shape, letters describe materials, and suffixes explain variants. Use this guide to understand what’s in your hands, compare models accurately, and explore new builds like the J2KTi+ or the J2NF with full clarity.
Updated: 11/20/2025
