The Rise of CRBN Paddles in the Pickleball Scene
It’s not often that a new brand makes such rapid waves in the sports world, especially in the realm of pickleball paddles. But CRBN paddles has managed this feat with impressive speed and a loyal following. What sets CRBN apart? The performance of their paddles speaks volumes. They are quickly becoming a preferred choice for players looking to elevate their game.
Paddle Models and Features
CRBN offers two unique paddle shapes, each designed to cater to different player preferences. The elongated model, named CRBN 1, is engineered for those who relish an extended reach. In contrast, the standard shape, referred to as CRBN 2, is aimed at players seeking a classic paddle experience. This review focuses primarily on testing the 16 mm and 13 mm versions of the CRBN 2.
After extensively using both paddles for a couple of weeks, I’m excited to share my insights about their performance.
Performance Insights
The buzz surrounding the spin abilities of CRBN paddles is spot-on. They provide more spin than any other paddle I have tried. This is particularly notable during serves and drives, where the added topspin makes the ball behave differently—often dipping more than expected. I found myself adjusting aims higher during drives to avoid hitting the net. The spin on my serves caught my opponents off guard, allowing me to score a couple of extra points that I wouldn’t have achieved otherwise. What’s even more impressive is that the grit on these paddles held up remarkably well, even after two weeks of frequent use—a claim not many paddles can make.
While the extra spin is a standout feature, both paddles retain a familiar and comfortable feel. The 16 mm model has a light touch, making it easy to control and comfortable to play with. On the other hand, the 13 mm paddle delivers a denser feel, packing more power at the expense of a smaller sweet spot compared to the 16 mm. I see the 16 mm as a paddle suited for controlled play, while the 13 mm is better categorized as an all-court type.
To put it simply, if you’re familiar with Paddletek paddles, you might compare the CRBN paddles as an evolution of that brand. They maintain that performance paddle vibe but offer superior materials that enhance spin, improve accuracy, and expand your options for attacking.
Should You Choose the CRBN 2? Here’s a Quick Overview
If spinning the ball is crucial to your game and you appreciate a standard shape of 16” x 8”, I highly recommend considering these paddles. They enhance your gameplay with additional spin potential.
Price Tag: $180
CRBN 2 16 mm Quick Stats:
– Control/Feel: 89%
– Power: 76%
– Spin: 95%
– Forgiveness: 94%
CRBN 2 13 mm Quick Stats:
– Control/Feel: 77%
– Power: 88%
– Spin: 93%
– Forgiveness: 73%
The Innovative Design Behind CRBN Paddles
Both CRBN 2 models share the same classic shape, making them player-friendly and forgiving. However, the thickness difference (16 mm vs. 13 mm) significantly affects performance. The 16 mm paddle is softer, easier to handle, and generally more stable, while the 13 mm paddle yields more power but feels heavier in the hand.
A unique feature of these paddles is their raw T700 carbon fiber face. This material promises a high level of grit and facilitates impressive spin—something many manufacturers have attempted to replicate but failed to match.
Both paddles weigh around 8 oz, although the 13 mm feels heavier due to its head-heavy design. Conversely, the 16 mm feels light and nimble, promoting agile movement during play. It’s essential to note that CRBN’s website lists the handle length at 5.25”, but my measurement came in just under 5”, so potential buyers should keep that in mind.
Lastly, grip size varies between the two models: the 16 mm features a larger grip size of 4.5″, while the 13 mm has a standard 4.25” grip.
Mastering Attack Strategies with CRBN Paddles
From my experience, the 16 mm paddle appears to spin slightly more than the 13 mm, but both are impressive. The added spin is very noticeable, especially on serves and drives. In terms of fast volley exchanges, the 16 mm was quicker and more agile, allowing swift reactions and easier positioning for balls hit ahead of me.
The denser 13 mm model took longer to feel comfortable but clearly shone in terms of power. Its quick responsiveness made it easy to add strength to both light and aggressive swings, helping with backing off in long rallies. This makes it an excellent choice for countering rapid shot exchanges.
Soft Play and Defensive Skills
When delving into softer play, the 16 mm paddle excels. Its lightweight nature and classic touch made it easy to absorb the pace of incoming shots. For me, this paddle truly stood out in this area, even if it felt a tad too soft at times.
The added spin also contributed positively to softer play, making those delicate topspin drops feel more effective. I built confidence while dinking, rarely making unforced errors thanks to its forgiving nature.
Conversely, the 13 mm paddle, while powerful, didn’t translate as effectively to the soft game as its softer counterpart. The more robust feel lacked the plush quality found in the 16 mm, leading to a lower control rating in this category.
Feedback from Other Players
It’s always insightful to gather opinions from fellow players. Here’s what a couple of them had to say:
Riley: “For me, the added spin is quite real. Apart from that, I didn’t find anything out of the ordinary. The extra spin made for an interesting game experience, but I didn’t feel like it revolutionized my play.”
Abby: “I absolutely loved these paddles! Spin is a cornerstone of my gameplay, and I adored the extra dip I got on drives and drops. The 16 mm felt particularly great with its softer handle and touch.”
Who Will Benefit from CRBN Paddles?
If you’re looking to make your serves and drives drop more dramatically, the CRBN paddles should be on your radar. They definitely offer superior spin potential compared to many others on the market. These models are forgiving and user-friendly, making them a great choice for various playing styles. The 16 mm option is better for consistency and touch, while the 13 mm works better for those needing a bit more power without compromising too much on control.
Whether you’re attacking aggressively or focusing on your soft game, CRBN paddles are tough competition. Players seeking to improve their spin and overall performance will find these paddles worthy additions to their gear.
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