CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 Review: It’s Real and It’s Spectacular

First Look

Extensive Marketing and Bold Claims

The marketing for this series has been extensive, and according to CRBN, the paddle series is the greatest invention since pickleball itself. The Genesis series is claimed to be the first generation of paddle cores designed to evolve beyond the previous “foam enhanced” models. While design is subjective, I find the Genesis line to be quite attractive, and there’s nothing unappealing about them.

Standout Features

The standout feature of this paddle is its foam core, which is said to increase dwell time, thereby enhancing feel and allowing for better spin. When you first pick it up, you’ll likely notice that it is well-balanced and slightly lighter than many other paddles. The grip is of high quality, striking a good balance between tacky and smooth. The white edge guard beautifully contrasts with the black face, and while the design includes enough elements to keep it interesting, it doesn’t feel overwhelming or distracting.

Upon first use, the paddle has a unique feel; it possesses the plushness and muted sound characteristic of generation three paddles, but it also offers an immediately controllable sensation—like you’ve been using it for years.

Long-Term Impressions

I have been exclusively using this paddle for about two weeks, playing approximately ten times during that period. The CRBN TruFoam Genesis series includes three models that differ only in paddle shape:

• Model 1 is the elongated version (16.5” x 7.35”), which is the focus of this review.
• Model 2 features a square shape (16” x 7.85”).
• Model 3 has a hybrid shape (16.5” x 7.5”).

All three models are 14mm thick and do not offer any additional thickness options.

Background Research

CRBN: Origins and Growth

CRBN was co-founded in 2021 by Garrett Gosselin and is based in Costa Mesa, California. The origin story of CRBN is quite straightforward yet impressive. Driven by a desire for higher-performing products, Garrett decided to design his own paddle. His on-court results led to the creation of a market for his innovative designs. Interestingly, CRBN also develops premium paintball products.

CRBN sponsors top-level professionals including Thomas Wilson, Vivienne David, Allyce Jones, Tanner Tomassi, Scott Fleigelman, Alex Neumann, and Brandon Nsekpong, all of whom utilize the CRBN1 TF Genesis paddle. The CRBN1 TF Genesis can also be seen in the hands of Junior PPA player Dylan Galarza. Meanwhile, Jason Bock and Amy Yarbrough prefer the CRBN2 TF Genesis.

The TruFoam Genesis Series

The TruFoam Genesis Series aims to revolutionize paddle design, which CRBN has branded as “4th Generation” technology. These are the first full foam core paddles on the market, designed to provide enhanced power, control, and consistency. The primary advantages of the foam core include extended dwell time and consistent durability.

Like many high-end paddles today, the out-of-the-box feel of the TruFoam is impressive. You can appreciate its durability and comfort upon first touch. My TruFoam arrived just as I was heading out to play pickleball, so I took it with me and unwrapped it at the court. It came with a bespoke cover, which I find particularly attractive compared to other paddle covers. Even though my first ball contact was just a ten-foot dead dink, I could already feel the difference that the foam core made compared to every other paddle I have tried.

Paddle Construction

Face

The paddle face is made of T700 raw carbon fiber, which represents the latest advancement in surface materials. CRBN incorporates five layers of uni-directional carbon fiber and adds a fiberglass layer in the middle of the face to enhance power. The texture of the face feels similar to other T700 paddles.

Core

This is where the paddle line stands out. While most paddles on the market are constructed with honeycomb-shaped polypropylene, the CRBN Genesis line utilizes a very high-density foam material that is distinct from the edge foam used in generation 3 paddles. CRBN has designed open spaces within the foam mold to reduce weight and improve flexibility.

Handle

The CRBN1 Genesis features a 5.5-inch handle with a circumference of 4.125 inches. The wrap material strikes a balance between friction, which helps maintain the paddle’s position in hand, and smoothness for easy transitions between different grips. The under-grip cushioning is moderate, and the bevels are well-defined without being excessively prominent.

Design Analysis

Interestingly, this paddle is not thermoformed. While I don’t have the ability to visually inspect paddles, I wish this one had thermoforming. One of the main benefits of TruFoam technology is its durability, and thermoformed paddles tend to be more durable than those made using traditional construction methods.

At 14mm thick, the CRBN1 feels maneuverable and swift. Although I can’t objectively measure swing and twist weight, other reviewers have noted that the CRBN1 has a swing weight of 117-124 and a twist weight of 5.64-5.83. Its overall weight is 8.0 oz (+/- 0.1 oz), with spin RPMs ranging from 2036 to 2280.

Thoughts and Analysis on Shapes

All three shapes have a balance point located 58% of the way up the length of the paddle (just beyond halfway from the butt cap) or 38% of the face (about one-third of the way from the neck). It is intriguing that CRBN chose not to maximize the allowable paddle size with the CRBN1 and CRBN2 shapes.

• The CRBN1 measures 7.35” by 16.5”, while a larger size of 7.5 x 16.5 or 7.35 by 16.65 would add an additional 1 to 2 square inches.
• The CRBN2 measures 7.85” by 16”, where an expected 8 x 16 size would add another 2.5 square inches.

Although these additions are only about 1% to 2% of the paddle faces, why not take advantage of the extra space?

Compared to the CRBN1, the CRBN2 is slightly heavier at 8.1 oz but offers a lower swing weight (111-114), a higher twist weight (6.7), and a slightly lower spin rate (1992).

• The CRBN3, in comparison to the CRBN1, is also heavier at 8.1 oz, with a higher swing weight (119-123), a higher twist weight (6.3), and a slightly lower spin rate (2030).

Personally, I don’t see much advantage in the CRBN3. If you’re looking for a stable paddle that maneuvers well, I recommend the CRBN2. If you want a paddle with more power, go for the CRBN1. Essentially, the CRBN3 is similar to the CRBN1 but has an extended paddle face downward (and a shorter handle) by about half an inch, at the cost of being less nimble.

My Experience

Sweet Spot

The CRBN1 TruFoam Genesis has an exceptional sweet spot. Unlike some other reviewers who describe it as average, I completely disagree. The entire paddle face feels consistent in both touch and power. Off-center hits feel just as good as those made in the center, making this paddle excellent for defensive play.

Soft Game Performance

The paddle’s core characteristics promote predictability. Dinks, drops, and resets go precisely where I aim.

Power

While this may not be the most powerful paddle on the market, the foam core technology suggests it could potentially become one of the most powerful options available. However, the Genesis is still quite powerful with significant controllability. Unless you’re switching from a discontinued paddle, the Genesis will probably outshine your current model in terms of power.

Spin

If you’re a spin enthusiast, this is the paddle for you. The materials on the paddle face allow for plenty of spin, but what truly sets this paddle apart from others—many of which also feature carbon fiber—is dwell time.

Dwell time refers to how long the ball remains in contact with the paddle, typically around 2 milliseconds (0.002 seconds), which corresponds to about 1-2 inches of your swing path. Even slight differences in dwell time can greatly influence gameplay. The primary purpose of TruFoam technology is to extend dwell time and provide a feel similar to a tennis racket string bed.

Increased dwell time, even by a tiny margin, dramatically enhances spin potential. Initially, when hitting with this paddle, it feels like the surface is coated with pine tar, allowing the paddle to grip the ball and propel it forward. Your opponents might call your shots out when they actually land in, as the amazing spin causes the ball to dip unexpectedly. They’ll hopefully correct themselves after calling “No!” then seeing your topspin shot catching the back line.

Responsiveness

I’ve already mentioned the sweet spot and off-center contact capabilities, but this paddle excels in another area: tuning the power of your shots. Many describe the paddle as “intuitive,” and I wholeheartedly agree.

What does this mean? Your first game with the new paddle feels like you’ve been using it for months, allowing you to trust its responses in various situations. The CRBN1 TruFoam Genesis seems to naturally respond to your intentions.

For example, it handles the “drip”—a hybrid between a drop and a drive—exceptionally well. The drip can be thought of as an aggressive drop with a lower trajectory and higher velocity or as a more conservative drive with significant topspin.

So why is it intuitive? The paddle’s construction and technology—along with its stiffness and foam properties—allow for a direct translation of grip strength into power.

• A firmer grip sends the ball off the paddle face more forcefully.
• A relaxed grip results in a softer response.

Fortunately, you shouldn’t need to overthink this—your grip will adjust naturally based on the situation. For instance:

• Returning a fast serve typically requires a strong grip.
• Executing a soft reset or navigating a dink exchange calls for a looser grip.

The paddle responds appropriately in both cases.

Comfort

There have been no comfort issues. I’ve played continuously for 3-4 hours without any challenges.

Adaptability

I believe this paddle is suitable for players of all skill levels. Given its current price point, there may be more affordable options for beginners that provide similar results. This paddle works well for both singles and doubles play.

Sound and Vibrations

Due to the foam core, this paddle offers a quiet sound. However, on aggressive shots with solid contact, the fiberglass layer produces a satisfying crack. Vibrations are minimal, and the feel at contact is excellent.

Durability Assessment

After two weeks of use, I’ve encountered no issues with the paddle. CRBN claims the foam core is designed for durability, which makes sense compared to the honeycomb polymer cores commonly used by competitors.

However, since it isn’t thermoformed, I do have questions about the overall construction strength and how well it will hold up over time, especially with aggressive use.

Comparative Analysis

Comparative Analysis

All-foam core technology is relatively new in the world of paddles. Other paddles with similar core materials and construction include the Diadem Vice, Ronbus EV 1.16, and OM Aero EVO, which are not allowed in sanctioned play. It’s important to note that while these paddles use EVA foam, CRBN employs a proprietary foam composite.

“Generation 4?”

CRBN marketing refers to the Genesis series as the first-generation Four paddles on the market, but what does that actually mean?

Generation 1 utilized cold-pressed polymer honeycomb cores, which suffered from inconsistency and breakdown. Generation 2 introduced hot-pressed, thermoformed honeycomb cores that significantly improved strength, durability, and responsiveness.

Currently, outside of the CRBN Genesis series, Generation 3 represents the state of the art with foam-injected perimeters for the polymer honeycomb cores. However, Generation 3 has faced issues, including delisted paddles and cores that can crush after minimal use.

To my knowledge, there are no other full-foam core paddles on the market at this time, meaning the Genesis series has no direct competitors for comparison.

Final Thoughts and Summary

The CRBN1 TruFoam Genesis is indeed a game changer, as advertised. The marketing materials echo this sentiment with the phrase, “The Future is Foam.” The key highlights of this paddle are its dwell time, the feel of the ball on the paddle face (which instills confidence), and its ability to deliver just the right amount of power for your intended shot. This paddle excels in various shots, including serves, drops, drives, counters, and put-aways.

Power: 8/10
Control: 9/10
Spin: 10/10
Hand Speed: 7/10
Forgiveness/Feel: 9/10
Grip: 8/10
Durability: TBD
Style: Aggressive All-Court