Foam-Powered Performance: Why CRBN’s TruFoam Genesis Series Could Be the Future of Pickleball Paddles
I’ve tested just about every paddle innovation that’s hit the market in the past few years, and I’ll be honest—most of them are just minor tweaks to existing tech. A new face texture here, a slight core adjustment there. But now and then, something comes along that actually changes the game. The CRBN TruFoam Genesis series might be one of those rare breakthroughs.
For years, paddle cores have been dominated by polymer honeycomb technology. It’s consistent, reliable, and… well, kind of stagnant. Brands have been tinkering at the edges—adding edge foam, tweaking core densities—but nobody has truly rethought what a paddle core could be. That is, until the innovators at CRBN developed their full-foam core.
Foam-core paddles have been attempted before, but they’ve always fallen short—either they broke down too fast, lacked power, or couldn’t pass USA Pickleball regulations. But CRBN? They cracked the code. By designing strategic voids within a dense, non-compressible foam, they’ve created a paddle that rivals (and, in some cases, surpasses) polymer-core models in power, feel, and durability.
In this review, I’ll break down exactly what makes CRBN’s TruFoam paddles different, how they perform, and whether they live up to the hype. Let’s dive in.
When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane. Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek, then she continued her way.
CRBN TFG1 Elongated
Preorder at CRBN
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis TF1 paddle feels like a high-performance machine wrapped in a soft-touch experience. From the first swing, it was clear this paddle wasn’t built to just keep up—it’s designed to push the edge. The TF1’s elongated 16.5” x 7.35” frame and extended 5.5” handle cater perfectly to two-handed backhands and give you great leverage on drives. During testing, I measured an average swingweight of 120 and spin rates topping 2,030 RPM—those numbers are no joke and translate into real-world bite and depth on your shots. The feedback on contact is intuitive, with a slightly plush but controlled feel that gives you confidence on dinks and speed-ups.
Where the TF1 stands out most is in its power and responsiveness, thanks to CRBN’s innovative TruFoam core. This isn’t your average foam—it’s a non-compressible, void-structured core that delivers both stability and pop. The rectangular voids along the perimeter enhance sweet spot flexibility, while the circular voids reduce dead weight in the middle, keeping the paddle responsive without feeling clunky. In hand, the TF1 feels balanced but strong. I found that it delivers aggressive all-court performance with enough pop to put away points, but not so much that it overwhelms your soft game. There’s a learning curve with resets—especially from midcourt—but once dialed in, resets started landing deeper and more accurately than expected.
That said, the TF1 isn’t the most forgiving paddle in the lineup. Out of the box, its smaller sweet spot made mishits a bit punishing compared to something like the TF2. I eventually added tungsten tape in the lower corners and swapped in a 1oz Slyce cap to get more stability without adding too much swing weight, and that upgrade made a noticeable difference. The feel and performance remained excellent, but the added forgiveness brought more consistency to my game. For players who crave power, spin, and reach in a paddle with a futuristic core design, the TF1 is an exciting, high-ceiling option—but it shines brightest when tuned to your style.
CRBN TF2 Square
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 (TF2) surprised me with how dialed-in it felt right out of the box. It’s a 14mm paddle, but don’t let that fool you—it plays like a much thicker one in terms of stability and touch. The sweet spot is generous, thanks to the voided foam core design, and I found myself confidently hitting resets and counters even when catching the ball slightly off-center. My TF2 weighed in at 8.1 oz with a swingweight of around 112 and a twistweight over 6.7, which gave it just the right amount of plow-through at the kitchen line while still feeling fast in hand. Compared to other foam or polymer-core paddles I’ve tried, the feedback from the paddle face is more muted but oddly precise—it’s like the paddle rewards you for clean mechanics without punishing you too harshly for being human.
Where it really stands out is in net play and transitional hands battles. The fiberglass activation layer adds a little pop without getting too jumpy, and the widebody shape makes hand battles feel balanced and controlled. I put the TF2 side by side with the Diadem Edge 18K, which has a bit more pop and a stiffer, crisper feel due to its raw 18K carbon and 16mm core. The Edge 18K definitely delivers more “instant feedback,” but it’s also more rigid and unforgiving on mishits. On the other hand, the JOOLA Perseus CFS 16 offers incredible control with a plush, dampened touch—but it comes at the cost of swing speed. I found the TF2 to be the most maneuverable of the three and the easiest to customize. After some experimenting, I added about 6 grams of tungsten tape at the handle and throat, which bumped the swingweight to 116 and gave it a little more backbone while keeping that silky feel.
Bottom line: the TF2 is my go-to paddle for balanced all-court play, and it’s the first paddle I’ve tested in months that didn’t need major modifications to feel game-ready. It doesn’t pack the sheer control of the Perseus or the laser-beam drives of the Edge 18K, but it lands right in the sweet spot between the two. For players who want a paddle that feels light but plays big—and one that adapts well to hand-speed drills, resets, and high-spin topspin drives—the TF2 absolutely delivers. And if you like to tinker, it’s incredibly responsive to weight adjustments. Out of the box or tuned to your spec, this one’s a keeper.
CRBN TFG3 Hybrid
If you like hybrid-shaped paddles but wish they had a little more punch, the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3 (TF3) might be your new jam. I’ve been hitting with it for a few weeks now, and it’s got a really satisfying balance of power, spin, and feel—especially for a 14mm core. The TF3 runs a bit heavier than some hybrids (mine measured around 8.1 oz static with a swingweight of 121-123), so it’s not the quickest paddle at the net, but the added heft gives you excellent stability and plow-through on drives and counters. The sweet spot is bigger than the TF1 and just a touch smaller than the TF2, but I never felt like I was punished for slight mishits.
What really sets the TF3 apart is that TruFoam core. It’s not your average edge-injected foam—it’s a solid, fully-formed foam core with strategically placed voids. The result is a paddle that just feels right. It’s got this plush, almost muted contact feel that gives you the sense of holding onto the ball for a half-second longer. That helped me shape my topspin drives and rolling thirds with more confidence. In spin tests, I clocked in around 2,030 RPM, which is legit—and it actually feels spinny, not just in the numbers. The raw carbon face grips the ball well, and the fiberglass activation layer gives it a little extra zip when you lean into a forehand drive.
Foam-Powered Performance: Why CRBN’s TruFoam Genesis Series Could Be the Future of Pickleball Paddles
If you’re eyeing the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3 (TF3) and wondering how it stacks up against the Six Zero Black Diamond Power (BDP), here’s a friendly breakdown based on hands-on experience:
🛠️ Build & Feel
The TF3 features a unique full-foam core with strategically placed voids, offering a plush, muted feel. This design enhances dwell time, allowing for better control and spin. In contrast, the BDP utilizes a thermoformed construction with a fiberglass face, resulting in a stiffer, more responsive feel. While the TF3 provides a softer touch, the BDP delivers immediate feedback, catering to players who prefer a firmer paddle.
⚡ Power & Spin
Both paddles excel in power and spin, but they achieve it differently. The TF3 generates impressive spin, clocking in around 2,030 RPM, thanks to its raw carbon fiber face and fiberglass activation layer. It offers a balanced power suitable for all-court play. The BDP, on the other hand, is a powerhouse. It delivers explosive power with a 16mm core and fiberglass face, making it ideal for aggressive players seeking to dominate rallies. However, this comes at the expense of some control, requiring a more refined touch during soft play.
🧠 Verdict
If you value a softer feel with balanced power and exceptional spin, the CRBN TF3 is a solid choice. It’s forgiving and versatile, suitable for players who enjoy a mix of control and aggression. Conversely, if you’re an aggressive player looking for a paddle that offers maximum power and spin, and you’re comfortable with a stiffer feel, the Six Zero Black Diamond Power won’t disappoint. Ultimately, your choice should align with your playing style and preference for paddle feel
CRBN’s Truefoam is a GameChanger
Will It Change Your Game?
Each of the CRBN TruFoam Genesis paddles brings something unique to the court, but they all share the same DNA: a buttery feel, high spin potential, and smart engineering that actually pushes paddle tech forward. The TF1 is your go-to for reach and power, ideal for aggressive baseliners who like to rip drives. The TF2 hits the sweet spot for all-court balance—easy to swing, forgiving, and surprisingly potent in hands battles. And the TF3 blends hybrid control with a beefier swingweight, making it a great fit for players who want extra stability without giving up touch. Whether you’re a power player, finesse artist, or something in between, there’s a TruFoam paddle that’ll match your style and elevate your game.
By day, I work as an event coordinator, planning everything from corporate retreats to local festivals. It's a job that keeps me on my toes and allows me to flex my creative muscles. But once the workday is over, you'll most likely find me on the pickleball court.
I've been playing in local and regional tournaments for a few years now, and while I'm not going pro anytime soon, I've held my own in some pretty competitive matches. I also love traveling to watch professional pickleball games; there's something electrifying about seeing the best in the world go head-to-head.
What I cherish most about pickleball, though, is the social aspect. I've met some of my closest friends through this sport, and our post-game hangouts are just as important to me as the games themselves.
I like to think I bring a down-to-earth vibe to everything I do. I love a good laugh, intelligent conversation, and, of course, a spirited game of pickleball. So if you're up for a match or just want to chat about the latest pro tournament, hit me up. I'm always game!
