Franklin C45 Review
TL;DR Vibe:
CRBN finally hands us something lighter and faster—hello, hybrid speed. But Honolulu’s J2NF is already flexing as the new foam-core monarch, offering more pop, forgiveness, and savings. The real question: are you tuning for finesse—or want performance ready right out of the box?
Specs Snapshot
CRBN4 TruFoam Genesis
- Price: $279.99 (around $252 with code PKLPRO)
- Shape: Hybrid, 14 mm foam core, 4.125″ grip, feels like 5.3″ handle
- Swing Weight: ~111 (some down to 107) | Twist Weight: 6.28 | Spin: 2157 RPM
Honolulu J2NF
- Price: ~$195—cheaper by about $70
- Out-of-the-box weapon: huge sweet spot, more pop, no mods needed
On-Court Feel & Performance
CRBN4: Quicker, Lighter, Still Cozy
This isn’t reinvented—just refined. The CRBN4 nails improved hand speed, especially at the kitchen, compared to the original Genesis . It’s lighter, less dense, and comes with a better-feeling handle—less squishy, more sleek—but still retains that all-court versatility. Want more pop? Add some lead tape .
One tiny glitch: after a few hours, mine started rattling. Probably epoxy that shifted. Didn’t hurt performance—but for $280, Paul expects ghost-free paddles .
Honolulu J2NF: Immediate Access to Power
This one is “plug-and-play” magic: larger sweet spot, crisp pop, and no need for aftermarket tweaks . It’s built to deliver from the first rally — and at a friendlier price.
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | CRBN4 TruFoam Genesis | Honolulu J2NF |
|---|---|---|
Speed in Hand | Quicker than older Genesis models | Fast and ready to go |
Sweet Spot | Smaller, more targeted | Larger and more forgiving |
Power/Pop | Moderate—needs tape for punch | Strong right out of the box |
Control | All-court feeling, customizable | Direct and playable immediately |
Price | ~$280 (use PKLPRO to save) | ~$195 — clear value |
Setup Needed? | Yes, potentially | Nope — it’s pro-ready |
Paul’s Verdict: Who Wins?
- Pick the CRBN4 if:
- You loved your Genesis but wanted lighter, quicker hands.
- You’re a tinkerer—willing to add tape for sweet pop.
- You plan to play long and prefer that familiar TruFoam feel.
- Lean Honolulu J2NF if:
- You crave immediate performance with no setup.
- You value power, big sweet spots, and affordability.
- You want a reliable, consistent paddle right out of the wrapper.
Final Paul Pickle Wrap-Up
The CRBN4 finally fixes the lagging feel of its predecessors—lower swing weight, better handle, and quicker reloads. But the game’s moving fast, and the Honolulu J2NF might already be leading the pack with killer value and ready-to-roll performance. If you’re a fixture in that foam-core camp, the J2NF is hard to beat. Love your Genesis vibe and get into crafting? Then CRBN4’s your upgrade.
Paul’s Deal Tip: Use code PKLPRO at checkout for that sweet discount punch.