CRBN built its name on raw carbon fiber paddles, and its TruFoam line is the brand’s bet on what comes next. Every paddle in the line has the same price tag of ₱17,690 at PickleballPH, which makes the choice interesting: you are not picking by budget, you are picking by shape, handle length and personality. There are three families, Genesis, Waves and Barrage, and between them seven paddles that look almost identical in photos and play quite differently on paper.
This guide breaks down seven TruFoam paddles sold in the Philippines and explains how to choose between them. It is a research guide based on CRBN’s own listings, not a hands-on test, so every number below is the manufacturer’s claim.
What TruFoam actually is
Most premium paddles use a polypropylene honeycomb core. TruFoam replaces that with a core made entirely of high-density foam, which CRBN calls its Gen-4 construction. According to the listings, the point is to deliver a soft, controllable feel with plenty of rebound, and to remove three problems that honeycomb cores can have: core crush over time, limits on how thick the core can be, and a long break-in period.
The face on every paddle in the line is Toray T700 raw carbon fiber, which has a natural texture for spin. CRBN says the combination of a rigid, textured face and a foam core mimics the feel of a tennis racquet, with extra dwell time and spin. The Waves paddles add a thin layer of fiberglass to the carbon, and the Barrage paddles add carbon fiber reinforced edges.
| Paddle | Shape (L × W) | Handle | Avg. weight | Swing weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis 1 | 16.5 × 7.35 in | 5.75 in | 8.05 oz | n/a | ₱17,690 |
| Genesis 2 | 16 × 7.85 in | 5.25 in | 8.15 oz | n/a | ₱17,690 |
| Genesis 3 | 16.5 in elongated | 5.25 in | 8.25 oz | n/a | ₱17,690 |
| Waves 1 | 16.5 × 7.35 in | 5.75 in | 7.7–8.1 oz | 118–120 | ₱17,690 |
| Waves 4 | 16.2 × 7.8 in | 5.5 in | 8.0 oz | 111–113 | ₱17,690 |
| Barrage 1 | 16.5 × 7.35 in | 5.75 in | 7.9 oz | 118 | ₱17,690 |
| Barrage 3 | 16.5 × 7.5 in | 5.5 in | 8.0 oz | 119 | ₱17,690 |
Prices are the peso prices listed at PickleballPH at the time of writing. The Genesis 4 and several other numbered versions were not showing as in stock, so I have focused on the models you can actually buy.
CRBN Genesis 2: the standard shape
CRBN calls the Genesis 2 its first standard-shaped Gen-4 paddle. At 16 inches long and 7.85 inches wide with a 5.25-inch handle, it has the classic silhouette that most players already know. The short handle places your hand closer to the sweet spot, which CRBN says helps with quicker resets and confident reloads.
It averages 8.15 ounces, which is slightly heavier than the other paddles here, and CRBN says it offers more power than its older X-Series while aiming to elevate every part of play and not just add force. If you want the benefits of the foam core without changing to a longer, narrower shape, this is the starting point.
CRBN Genesis 1: the long, narrow one
The Genesis 1 is the elongated option, at 16.5 inches by 7.35 inches with a 5.75-inch handle. CRBN says that combination gives extra reach at the net and more swing speed for put-aways, and that the narrow face and foam core work together to produce spin, precise control and reliably low dinks.
It averages 8.05 ounces and has a perforated, padded grip. The trade-off with any elongated shape is a smaller effective sweet spot than a wider paddle, so it suits players who hit the middle of the face most of the time.
CRBN Genesis 3: the in-between
CRBN describes the Genesis 3 as bridging the gap between the Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. It takes the 16.5-inch length of the Genesis 1 and the 5.25-inch handle of the Genesis 2, which gives you a generous hitting surface without the long handle. It is also the heaviest paddle in this guide, at an average of 8.25 ounces with a range of 8.1 to 8.4.
The listing says it offers more pop than the X-Series and a softer, more forgiving feel than other paddles of similar thickness. If you like length but do not want to choke up on a long handle, this is the paddle in the Genesis family that splits the difference.
CRBN Waves 1: the long-handle specialist
The Waves 1 is the flagship of the Waves line and is described as the long-handle specialist. It has the same 16.5 by 7.35 inch shape as the Genesis 1 and a 5.75-inch handle, but CRBN lists a low swing weight in the 118 to 120 range, a 9.69-inch balance point and a 5.88 twist weight. The face is T700 carbon with a thin layer of fiberglass for spin and dwell time.
CRBN says its full-foam core delivers the highest legal power allowed under the PBCoR 43 standard, and it is built for maximum extension on drives, overheads and counterattacks. It also lists a weight of 7.7 to 8.1 ounces, which is lighter than the Genesis paddles. If you win points by attacking and you want the most reach, the Waves 1 is the one aimed at you.
CRBN Waves 4: the hybrid
The Waves 4 is the hybrid, with a 16.2 by 7.8 inch AeroCurve profile and a 5.5-inch handle. CRBN says it sits in the middle of the Waves line: more forgiving than the Waves 3, faster through the air than the Waves 2, and more maneuverable than the extended Waves 1. It averages 8 ounces and lists a swing weight of 111 to 113 and a balance point of 9.33 inches.
That makes it the most maneuverable paddle in this guide on paper, with the lowest swing weight, and the most forgiving thanks to its 7.8-inch width. If you play a lot of fast hands battles at the kitchen and want one paddle that handles both soft resets and baseline drives, this is the one I would look at.
CRBN Barrage 1: built for reach and offense
The Barrage series is CRBN’s offense-first line. The Barrage 1 has an elongated 16.5 by 7.35 inch shape with a 5.75-inch handle for reach and whip, and CRBN says it is built for players who win with pop-based power, decisive counters and effortless put-aways. It has a 14mm core, a swing weight of 118 and a twist weight of 5.89, and averages 7.9 ounces.
The listing adds carbon fiber reinforced edges, a floating foam core and USAP and UPA-A approval. A free paddle case is included in the package, which is a nice bonus at this price. The low twist weight is the thing to know: a narrow, elongated paddle twists more on off-center hits, so you need to be accurate.
CRBN Barrage 3: the forgiving hybrid
The Barrage 3 is the forgiving member of the family. It uses a hybrid AeroCurve shape at 16.5 by 7.5 inches with a 5.5-inch handle, and CRBN describes a larger sweet spot and consistent response, and balanced power, control and spin. It averages 8 ounces and lists a swing weight of 119 and a twist weight of 6.54, which is more stable than the Barrage 1.
Like the Barrage 1, it has a 14mm TruFoam core, a T700 carbon face, reinforced edges and a free paddle case. If you want the power and pop of the Barrage line without giving up too much forgiveness, this is the paddle CRBN steers you to.
Which one should you buy
- Classic shape, short handle: Genesis 2.
- Maximum reach, power attacker: Waves 1 or Barrage 1.
- Length without a long handle: Genesis 3.
- Fast hands and forgiveness: Waves 4.
- Power with a bigger sweet spot: Barrage 3.
- You do not want to think about it: Barrage 3 or Waves 4, the two hybrids.
A useful way to read the swing weight numbers is that a higher number means more momentum through the ball but less maneuverability. The Waves 4 at 111 to 113 is the most nimble, and the Barrage 3 at 119 and the Waves 1 at up to 120 are the most powerful. Twist weight works the other way: a higher number means the paddle resists twisting on off-center hits, so the Waves 4 at 6.68 and the Barrage 3 at 6.54 are the most stable.
Break-in, core crush and what to expect
One of the main claims for TruFoam is that there is no break-in. Polypropylene honeycomb paddles are often said to change slightly in feel over their first sessions as the core settles, and over time the core can collapse in spots, which is what players mean by core crush. CRBN says the foam structure avoids both, so the paddle should feel the same on day 100 as on day one.
That claim is the manufacturer’s, and I have not tested it. What it means for you is that you can judge the paddle from your first session, and a paddle at this price should hold its feel for a long time. The warranty and the return policy are worth checking with the seller.
Looking after a raw carbon paddle
Raw carbon fiber has a textured face, and the grooves collect ball fibers and dust. A dry eraser keeps the texture working, and CRBN sells its own. My paddle care guide compares the options. Store the paddle in a cover or a bag with a padded compartment, and keep it out of hot cars. A paddle at ₱17,690 deserves a bag, and my bag guide includes two CRBN options.
Grip size and handle length
Every paddle here lists a small grip circumference of about 4 1/8 inches, which suits medium and smaller hands, and CRBN notes the actual size can vary by up to an eighth of an inch. If your hands are larger, plan on adding an overgrip to build up the handle, and remember that a thicker handle changes how the paddle feels. Handle length is the other thing to think about: a 5.75-inch handle gives room for two hands and more leverage, but it can feel clumsy if you play mostly one-handed at the kitchen, while a 5.25-inch handle puts your hand closer to the face and speeds up resets.
Avoiding fakes
CRBN is one of the brands that Philippine buying guides specifically warn about on Shopee. The price of a genuine TruFoam paddle is high, which makes it a target for counterfeits. Buy from an official retailer or a Shopee Mall store, and be suspicious of any listing that is far below ₱17,690.
My picks
- Best all-round: Waves 4 (₱17,690). The lowest swing weight, the widest face, and a 5.5-inch handle.
- Best for power with forgiveness: Barrage 3 (₱17,690).
- Best for reach: Waves 1 (₱17,690).
- Best classic shape: Genesis 2 (₱17,690).
- Best offense-first: Barrage 1 (₱17,690), with a free case.
At this price, the paddle should suit you rather than impress someone else. If you are unsure, look at a mid-priced paddle first and move up when you know what you want. My guide to JOOLA paddles under ₱10,000 covers the range below this one.
