CRBN Pickleball Paddles Buying Guide
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CRBN's lineup has changed since this guide was written. See current CRBN paddles with specs →
CRBN Pickleball makes carbon fiber paddles that have become popular for their spin and power. In this guide, we'll look at CRBN, its Power Series paddles and a few of its paddles in more detail. Note that paddle approval status and models change, so check USA Pickleball's current approved paddle list before buying if you play sanctioned events.
CRBN Pickleball
What is CRBN Pickleball?
CRBN Pickleball is a brand that specializes in pickleball paddles made from carbon fiber.
Their paddles are designed for spin, control and power.
CRBN has quickly gained popularity among pickleball players.
Why choose carbon fiber paddles?
Carbon fiber faces are known for being light and gritty, which helps players generate spin.
Carbon fiber paddles offer a combination of power, control and touch, although raw carbon faces can take practice to control on soft shots.
Thicker polymer cores are often chosen for a softer, more comfortable feel, but no paddle can guarantee injury prevention.
Overview of CRBN Pickleball products
CRBN Pickleball offers paddles aimed at a range of players.
Its best-known line is the Power Series, a line of carbon fiber paddles with a thermoformed one-piece construction.
The Power Series launched with two shapes, the CRBN-1X (elongated) and the CRBN-2X (standard), and CRBN has since added others, such as the 3X.
CRBN also sells accessories, bags and apparel.
The Power Series
The Power Series is a line of high-performance pickleball paddles from CRBN Pickleball.
These paddles are aimed at players who want a combination of spin, touch and power.
Features and Benefits of the Power Series Paddles
The Power Series paddles use thermoformed construction with a polymer core.
The paddles feature a carbon fiber face, which provides spin, while the polymer honeycomb core affects power and touch.
The Power Series is aimed mainly at intermediate and advanced players, since the gritty face and power take practice to control.
Check CRBN's site for current colors, pricing and return policy.
Comparison of CRBN-1X and CRBN-2X Paddles
The CRBN-1X and CRBN-2X are the two original shapes in the Power Series lineup.
The CRBN-1X is an elongated paddle (about 16.5 inches long), while the CRBN-2X is a standard, wider paddle (about 15.75 inches long and 8 inches wide). Both come in 14mm and 16mm core thicknesses.
The CRBN-1X paddle is designed for players who prefer a longer paddle.
The elongated shape provides extra reach and power, with a smaller sweet spot than a wide-body paddle.
The paddle is also slightly narrower than the CRBN-2X, which allows for more maneuverability and agility on the court.
The CRBN-2X paddle, on the other hand, is a more traditional shape that is suitable for players who prefer a square paddle.
The paddle is wider than the CRBN-1X, which gives a larger sweet spot, and shorter, which gives faster hand speed. Reviewers generally find it has less power than the 1X.
Ultimately, the choice between the CRBN-1X and CRBN-2X paddles comes down to personal preference.
Whichever you choose, demo before you commit if you can.
Popular CRBN Pickleball Paddles 🥇
1. CRBN-1X Power Series Carbon Fiber
CRBN's Power Series paddles were a much-discussed release. The one-piece unibody design ensures that the paddle is sturdier than ever while maintaining a stylish and sleek look. Featuring a Toray T700 carbon fiber face with a polymer core, these paddles use a thermoforming process that strengthens the paddle (they are not indestructible). The line comes in more than one shape and core thickness. These paddles pack a mean punch with their high spin rate, providing players with the ability to deliver aggressive serves and roll volleys. Overall, the Power series offers a lot of power and spin. The Power series paddles made waves in the pickleball community after their release. There has been controversy about CRBN paddles and USA Pickleball approval (see below), but reviewers describe a strong blend of power and control. The sweet spots are consistent across the face and provide a solid feel, with a slight drop-off on the edges. If you're looking for a blend of power and control, the 1X 16 millimeter paddle is a great option. It's easy to control and reset after aggressive shots. The 14mm 1X is stiffer and boasts more pop than the 16mm but might not be suitable for those who prefer less power. The 2X paddles offer notably less power than the 1X but have faster hand speed and can be customized with lead tape. With good build quality and high spin rates, the Power series suits players looking for an aggressive all-court paddle.
Pros
- One-piece unibody design for added durability
- Thermoforming for a stiffer, stronger paddle
- Elongated and standard shapes available in 14mm or 16mm versions
- Polymer cores and Toray T700 carbon fiber faces
- Plenty of spin for aggressive shots
- 1X paddles are well-balanced for power and control suitable for all-court play
- 2X paddles have faster hand speed and can be customized with lead tape
- Consistent sweet spot across the face
- High build quality
- 16mm version recommended for a more "poppy" feel
Cons
- List price was about $229, which may be too expensive for some players.
- The 1X has a longer handle (about 5.5 inches) than the 2X (about 5 inches), which suits two-handed backhands but may feel long to some players.
- In April 2022 USA Pickleball removed CRBN paddles from its approved list after testing found two commercially available paddles non-compliant. CRBN later said newer paddles were added back, but check USA Pickleball's current list if you play sanctioned events.
- 14mm 1X paddle may not be suitable for players who prefer less power.
- 2X paddles have noticeably less power than the 1X, which may not be ideal for players who prefer a more powerful paddle.
- Higher swing weight of the 1X 16mm paddle could pose an issue for some players.
2. Crbn 2 16 Mm Review
The CRBN 2 16 mm Pickleball Paddle is a carbon fiber paddle with good spin and control. It features a T700 carbon fiber face and a polypropylene honeycomb core, which combine for spin and control. The paddle is 15.75" long, 8" wide, 16 mm thick, and weighs 7.8-8.1 oz. The handle length is 5.25", and the handle grip circumference is 4.25". Check USA Pickleball's current approved list before using it in sanctioned events.
Pros
- T700 carbon fiber face for spin and control
- Polypropylene honeycomb core for a soft, controlled feel
- Medium weight (7.8-8.1 oz)
- 15.75" x 8" size and 16mm core thickness
- Check the current USA Pickleball approved list
Cons
- Expensive compared to other paddles
- May feel heavy to some players
- May take time to master the gritty surface
3. CRBN-1 Carbon Fiber Paddle Review
The CRBN-1 Carbon Fiber Paddle is an elongated carbon fiber paddle with a gritty raw T700 carbon face. It measures 16.5 x 7.5 inches, comes in 16 mm and 13 mm core thicknesses, and weighs about 8.0-8.3 oz.
Pros
- Gritty raw carbon fiber face
- Medium weight, 8.0-8.3 oz
- 16.5" x 7.5" elongated size for reach
- Choice of 16 mm (more control) or 13 mm (more power) cores
- Facing material made of Raw T700 Carbon Fiber
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- Larger size may be difficult for smaller players to handle
Customer Reviews and Ratings of CRBN Paddles
Reviews of CRBN paddles are generally positive about spin and power, though opinions vary and the Power Series has had a mixed reception on control and legality. Read recent customer and independent reviews, and demo if you can.
How to Choose the Right Paddle for Your Playing Style
Choosing the right pickleball paddle can make all the difference in your game.
So how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider:
- Weight: Do you prefer a lighter or heavier paddle? A lighter paddle can provide more maneuverability, while a heavier paddle can offer more power and stability.
- Grip: Do you prefer a thicker or thinner grip? A thicker grip can reduce over-gripping for some players, while a thinner grip allows more wrist action.
- Shape: Do you prefer a square or elongated paddle? A standard (square) paddle usually has a larger sweet spot, while an elongated paddle provides more reach and power.
- Material: Do you prefer a paddle made of wood, composite, or carbon fiber? Wood paddles are cheap but heavy, while composite and carbon fiber paddles are lighter and offer more spin and feel.
Ultimately, the right paddle for you will depend on your playing style, skill level, and personal preference.
So don't be afraid to try out different paddles and see which one feels like the perfect fit for your game.
Shop CRBN Gear
CRBN also sells bags, apparel and accessories such as overgrips and paddle covers. Check CRBN's website for the current range.
Ready to shop? You can purchase CRBN gear directly from their website.
Conclusion
So there you have it, an overview of CRBN Pickleball and its carbon fiber paddles. From the Power Series to the other paddles we covered, CRBN offers options for players who want spin and power. Remember to check the current USA Pickleball approved list if you play sanctioned events, and to demo a paddle if you can.
