Paul Pickle Reviews: CRBN4 TruFoam Genesis vs. Honolulu J2NF
Bottom line: The CRBN4 trims weight and sharpens handling—but the Honolulu J2NF might already be sitting on the throne of value and pop.
Specs & Quick Breakdown
- Price: $279.99 (drops to ~$252 with code PKLPRO)
- Shape: Hybrid, 14 mm core, 4.125″ grip, 5.5″ handle (feels closer to 5.3″)
- Performance Metrics: Swing weight ~111 (sometimes as low as 107), Twist weight ~6.28, RPM ~2157
Paul’s Two Cents: On-Court Feel
Light & Nimble
This isn’t a full overhaul—just some sharp tweaks. The CRBN4 is noticeably faster and less dense than the CRBN2, especially at the kitchen line. For anyone who complained that the OG Genesis felt like it was wading through molasses, this is the answer.
Better Handle, But…
Goodbye, squishy Genesis grips. This one’s firmer and feels more premium—though it might get a little “square” in the hand for some.
The Rattle Factor
After a couple hours of play, a faint rattle kicked in. Probably epoxy settling—or maybe a tiny pickleball spirit made a new home inside. It didn’t affect play, but at $280? I’d expect near-silent operation.
CRBN4 vs. Honolulu J2NF
Feature | CRBN4 TruFoam Genesis | Honolulu J2NF |
|---|---|---|
Price | ~$280 (with code PKLPRO gets you a discount) | ~$175 (cheaper by about $70) |
Sweet Spot | Smaller | Larger, more forgiving |
Power & Pop | Reachy once weighted; modest stock power | Strong power out of the box |
Control | All-court feel, sniper-like precision | Power-oriented—control may take extra finesse |
Feel | Springy center with a bit of flex near throat | Firm and consistent across the face |
Paul’s Take—Who Should Swing It?
Pick CRBN4 if you:
- Love the Genesis vibe but need quicker hands.
- Want modulation over mush—this paddle rewards controlled, measured strikes.
- Appreciate custom setups—add tape, tweak weight, and it’ll obey.
- Prefer a quieter ride (aside from the tiny rattle).
Lean Honolulu J2NF if you:
- Want big pop and belly laughs on every drive—right out of the box.
- Aren’t into tinkering or spending extra.
- Want room for error—its forgiving sweet spot is friendly.
Verdict—Full-Foam Crown?
CRBN’s made smart upgrades with the CRBN4—lighter, faster, and comfier. But the paddle market got out of the slow lane fast, and Honolulu may already be leading the pack.
If you love your CRBN2 and want something similar, this is a worthy “next-gen” upgrade. But if you’re just looking for reliable pop and value, the J2NF might be tough to beat.
Pro Tip from Paul: Use code PKLPRO at checkout—you’ll look shrewd, if not like you already invented the paddle.