CRBN-1X vs CRBN 2X Power Series
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. CRBN-1X takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
CRBN-1X wins this matchup for most players: it takes control and forgiveness on Paddle DNA against the CRBN 2X Power Series, which costs $220.
Power
Too close to call
90 vs 89
Spin
Too close to call
94 vs 93
Control
89 vs 84
Forgiveness
86 vs 78
Hand speed
Too close to call
118 vs 119 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$220 at IQ 87.5 vs $220 at IQ 84
Overall pick: CRBN-1X · $220 · IQ 87.5
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 89Power90
- 89Control84
- 94Spin93
- 86Forgiveness78
- 88Sweet spot80
- 89Stability87
- 71Maneuverability70
- 83Pop88
- 87Touch80
- 89Consistency82
- 79Swing weight78
- 88Twist weight88
- 57Launch angle58
- 88Plow through90
- 78Softness62
CRBN-1X vs CRBN 2X Power Series specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | CRBN-1X | CRBN 2X Power Series |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $220 | $220 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 87.5 — better | 84 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 14 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 119 | 118 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.6 | 6.9 — better |
| Shape | elongated | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 7.4 | 7.7 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw Toray T700 carbon | Raw T700 carbon fiber |
| Core material | Foam-injected edge-wall polymer | Thermoformed polypropylene, foam-filled edges |
CRBN-1X verdict
The spin-first elongated build for players who care about how a paddle is made. Foam-injected edge walls widen the sweet spot on a shape that usually punishes off-center contact.
CRBN 2X Power Series verdict
CRBN's hybrid power build. The foam-filled perimeter pushes twist weight near the top of the field, so you get put-away power without the face twisting on off-center drives.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is softness: CRBN-1X scores 78 against 62 for CRBN 2X Power Series — a 16-point gap. They are effectively level on stability, plow through, power, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Both sell for $220, so price cannot break the tie.
Softness
CRBN-1X leads by 16 points (78 vs 62).
Forgiveness
CRBN-1X leads by 8 points (86 vs 78).
Sweet spot
CRBN-1X leads by 8 points (88 vs 80).
Touch
CRBN-1X leads by 7 points (87 vs 80).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
CRBN-1X
CRBN-1X is the clearer pick at this level — forgiveness 86 vs 78, sweet spot 88 vs 80, consistency 89 vs 82. Twist weight 6.6 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
CRBN-1X
CRBN-1X is a narrow pick at this level — forgiveness 86 vs 78, touch 87 vs 80, control 89 vs 84. At 119 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Forgiveness
- Touch
- Control
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (87.3 vs 85.7 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the CRBN-1X, hybrid on the 2X Power Series.
- Touch
- Control
- Spin
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
CRBN-1X
CRBN-1X is the clearer pick at this level — softness 78 vs 62, forgiveness 86 vs 78. Its 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core at 8.3 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
CRBN-1X
Take CRBN-1X if you want softness (+16), forgiveness (+8), sweet spot (+8). Its swing weight of 119 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN-1X review →CRBN 2X Power Series
Take CRBN 2X Power Series if you want pop (+5). Its swing weight of 118 kg·cm² and 14 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN 2X Power Series review →CRBN-1X vs CRBN 2X Power Series FAQ
- Which is better, the CRBN-1X or the CRBN 2X Power Series?
- CRBN-1X carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.5 vs 84), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — softness — CRBN-1X leads by 16 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- CRBN 2X Power Series, at 118 kg·cm² swing weight against 119 for CRBN-1X. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the CRBN-1X or the CRBN 2X Power Series?
- CRBN 2X Power Series scores 90 for power against 89 for CRBN-1X. That comes from a 14 mm Thermoformed polypropylene, foam-filled edges core swinging at 118 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- CRBN-1X at 89 versus 84. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- CRBN-1X scores 94 for spin off its Raw Toray T700 carbon face, against 93 for the Raw T700 carbon fiber face on CRBN 2X Power Series. In practice a 1-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- CRBN-1X, with the higher forgiveness score (86 vs 78). CRBN 2X Power Series actually carries the higher twist weight (6.9 vs 6.6), but CRBN-1X makes it back on sweet spot (88) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Both list at $220. Too close to call — neither has an advantage here.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- CRBN-1X: 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core with a Raw Toray T700 carbon face. CRBN 2X Power Series: 14 mm Thermoformed polypropylene, foam-filled edges core with a Raw T700 carbon fiber face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- CRBN-1X, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.25 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which CRBN-1X avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- CRBN-1X is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 86 and sweet spot 88 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. CRBN 2X Power Series rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both are listed at 8.3 oz, though swing weight differs (119 vs 118) and that is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the CRBN 2X Power Series to the CRBN-1X?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. CRBN-1X leads on softness by 16 points; everything else is within 8 points. At $220 vs $220, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
This matchup is a touch vs pop decision
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