CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3 - pickleball paddle review

If you're a power player, you'll want to hear about the new CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3. This is part of CRBN's first paddle release in almost two years, since the popular CRBN Power Series.

These paddles stand out with their 100% foam core, which CRBN claims makes them the first-ever "Gen 4" paddles. I've been playing with all three paddles in this range and, for this review, I'll be talking about the Genesis 3. The G3 has a classic elongated shape but a standard handle size (5.25").

Check out my CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3 review to see if $279.99 is a fair price.

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3 is made for aggressive players who play with lots of spin and need solid power, and who can manage a smaller sweet spot. It has a classic elongated design (16.5 x 7.5") with a standard-sized handle (5.25").

It's priced for advanced players who want a paddle with new tech. CRBN claims it's the first "Gen 4" paddle, with the main reason being its 100% foam core. If it works, it will help solve the core-crushing issues of Gen 2 and Gen 3 paddles and give you long-lasting durability.

Check out my initial thoughts on the CRBN TruFoam Genesis paddles:

While the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 (standard-shaped) is my favorite in the series for being faster and having a larger sweet spot, it's not for everyone. If you prioritize power, you'll do better with the Genesis 3 or 1.

The Genesis 3 packs a punch but also has a nice soft feel for an elongated powerful paddle, thanks to the foam core. It's also one of the best pickleball paddles for spin I've tested.

Like most elongated paddles, the sweet spot can be challenging and cause some mishits. It's a little better than the G1 at least, which has a narrower body and a tighter sweet spot. The heavier weight and higher swing weight (118-120) make it a little slow during quick exchanges too, though I didn't mind it too much.

If you're a banger who wants a high-tech, premium paddle with a great feel that balances power and control, the Genesis 3 is worth $280 for you. Anyone looking for a more forgiving paddle will get better value from the Genesis 2 or a more intermediate paddle like the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S.

CRBN spent the last 18 months designing the TruFoam Genesis series and they look amazing. I'm a fan of the imprinted design that circles the sweet spot. I also noticed that it doesn't get as dirty as other dark paddles.

This is a premium paddle, so let's check out the features.

CRBN claims that this is the first line of Gen 4 paddles ever released. It has a 100% foam core inspired by surfboard cores, rather than a honeycomb core made of polypropylene that has foam injected in it.

This innovative core delivers on its promise of controlled power and excellent spin. It absorbs impact when needed and provides a responsive feel, making it easier to shape shots with precision, which I normally don't get with fiberglass paddles.

CRBN also decided to go with just a 14 mm core paddle this time, unlike the 14 mm and 16 mm choices you got with the CRBN Power Series.

The T700 raw carbon fiber face offers a familiar and consistent feel from the start. It's great for spin generation without relying on temporary surface textures like spray-on grit. This should also make the spin last a lot longer.

Something I noticed with the Bread & Butter Invader (another paddle I tested recently) was the added layer of fiberglass over the carbon fiber, giving it a little pop boost. It's an interesting shift away from more traditional pure carbon paddles.

I've had mixed experiences with fiberglass, but it works well on the Genesis paddles. It complements the foam core by adding pop without sacrificing control. I can attack balls from anywhere, then hit soft when I want to.

Drives from the baseline carry both speed and accuracy, consistently applying pressure to my opponents. When I'm at the kitchen, the paddle's pop allows me to finish points with quick flicks or snap attacks.

While the G3 doesn't have the overpowering strength of paddles like the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated (which has been decertified anyway), I actually prefer it that way. I have fewer balls flying out of bounds during hands battles than I do with those paddles.

The foam core and carbon fiber face mean the Genesis 3 is soft and precise when needed. It reminds me of the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C where the power is balanced with a nice controlled feel.

Drops and dinks are easy to execute with accuracy, even during longer rallies. The fiberglass layer does make the G3 slightly less forgiving than a paddle designed for control, like the Selkirk LUXX Control or Six Zero DBD. That said, I still feel comfortable placing the ball in tight spaces.

Spin is the standout feature of the Genesis series. The carbon fiber surface grips the ball well, enabling a variety of spins.

Topspin serves and drives have noticeable dip, catching opponents off guard and creating opportunities to attack. The G3 also performs well on sliced dinks with backspin, allowing me to move opponents out of position and cause pop-ups.

I've had a few mishits when the ball gets close to the edges. At several points, I thought I had made solid contact with the ball, only for it to die on the paddle. I'd recommend adding lead tape to shore up the paddle and boost the sweet spot.

At around 8 oz, the paddle feels balanced and comfortable. It doesn't lean heavily toward the head or handle, which helps me maintain consistency in my swings. However, the swing weight feels slightly above average, making it less agile during fast-paced kitchen battles.

This can be a drawback if you prioritize speed. However, the paddle's pop compensates in many situations by reducing the need for repeated swings.

The grip is soft and comfortable at first, but it gets slippery after a few games. I keep having to wipe my hands on my clothes to get the tacky feel I need. I don't normally get very sweaty so this rarely happens. I recommend changing the grip out and the paddle will be good to go.

The 5.25" handle is rare for an elongated paddle. It's long enough for me to hit two-handed backhands, which I like to hit, but my hands are pretty small. If you want a 5.5" handle, check out the TruFoam Genesis 1 model.

The paddle construction in this series is really solid. CRBN's foam core technology is designed to address common durability concerns like core crushing and delamination.

After several hours of play, I haven't noticed any performance degradation. Time will tell, but the build quality makes me confident that it can maintain its spin and pop long-term.

The paddle's swing weight does impact its speed, especially when transitioning between forehand and backhand in quick exchanges. While the pop and power make up for this to some degree, I do find myself reacting slightly slower in fast hands battles.

$279.99 is a lot of money but all the premium paddles coming out nowadays are in this range, from the Selkirk Project 007 to the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C. I think this is a fair price for a premium paddle with elite spin, power, and pop.

If you're looking for an advanced pickleball paddle for tournaments, the G3 is a sure bet. With USA Pickleball's recent paddle bans, CRBN made sure not to use the same "trampoline effect" tech in their Genesis line. All three passed the PBCoR testing, so there's no risk of them being banned from tournaments.

If you're a beginner or you're hoping to elevate your game on a budget, I'd recommend a cheaper paddle instead like the Spartus Apollo or Vatic Pro Saga Flash instead. They might not have the same expensive tech as the Genesis, but they're still a big upgrade from starter paddles.

If you'd like to see alternative paddles to the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3, here are some paddles I recommend for you:

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