CRBN-1X vs CRBN-2X Square
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 power on Paddle DNA against the CRBN-2X Square, which costs $229.
Power
89 vs 80
Spin
Too close to call
96 vs 94
Control
Too close to call
89 vs 89
Forgiveness
Too close to call
89 vs 86
Hand speed
Too close to call
117 vs 119 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$220 at IQ 87.5 vs $229 at IQ 87.3
Overall pick: CRBN-1X · $220 · IQ 87.5
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 89Power80
- 89Control89
- 94Spin96
- 86Forgiveness89
- 88Sweet spot92
- 89Stability91
- 71Maneuverability71
- 83Pop74
- 87Touch86
- 89Consistency88
- 79Swing weight76
- 88Twist weight94
- 57Launch angle55
- 88Plow through78
- 78Softness80
CRBN-1X vs CRBN-2X Square specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | CRBN-1X | CRBN-2X Square |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $220 — better | $229 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 87.5 — better | 87.3 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 119 | 117 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.6 | 7.1 — better |
| Shape | elongated | widebody |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 15.75 |
| Face width(in) | 7.4 | 8 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 4.75 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw Toray T700 carbon | Raw T700 carbon peel-ply |
| Core material | Foam-injected edge-wall polymer | Polypropylene |
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 Square verdict
A spin specialist with unusually stable handling through fast exchanges at the kitchen. The square face produces the highest twist weight in our database.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is plow through: CRBN-1X scores 88 against 78 for CRBN-2X Square — a 10-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, swing weight, spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($229 vs $220) that it should not break the tie.
Plow through
CRBN-1X leads by 10 points (88 vs 78).
Power
CRBN-1X leads by 9 points (89 vs 80).
Pop
CRBN-1X leads by 9 points (83 vs 74).
Twist weight
CRBN-2X Square leads by 6 points (94 vs 88).
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-2X Square
CRBN-2X Square is a narrow pick at this level — sweet spot 92 vs 88, twist weight 94 vs 88, forgiveness 89 vs 86. Twist weight 7.1 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Sweet spot
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.4 vs 86.1 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — widebody on the CRBN-2X Square, elongated on the CRBN-1X.
- Power
- Touch
- Consistency
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
CRBN-1X
CRBN-1X is a narrow pick at this level — power 89 vs 80, plow through 88 vs 78, touch 87 vs 86. Swing weight 119 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Power
- Plow through
- Touch
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
CRBN-2X Square
CRBN-2X Square is a narrow pick at this level — softness 80 vs 78, twist weight 94 vs 88, forgiveness 89 vs 86. Its 16 mm Polypropylene core at 8.3 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
CRBN-2X Square
Take CRBN-2X Square if you want twist weight (+6), sweet spot (+4). Its swing weight of 117 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN-2X Square review →CRBN-1X
Take CRBN-1X if you want plow through (+10), power (+9), pop (+9). Its swing weight of 119 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN-1X review →CRBN-2X Square vs CRBN-1X FAQ
- Which is better, the CRBN-2X Square or the CRBN-1X?
- CRBN-1X carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.5 vs 87.3), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — plow through — CRBN-1X leads by 10 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- CRBN-2X Square, at 117 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-2X Square or the CRBN-1X?
- CRBN-1X scores 89 for power against 80 for CRBN-2X Square. That comes from a 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core swinging at 119 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 89 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- CRBN-2X Square scores 96 for spin off its Raw T700 carbon peel-ply face, against 94 for the Raw Toray T700 carbon face on CRBN-1X. In practice a 2-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- CRBN-2X Square, with the higher forgiveness score (89 vs 86). Its 7.1 twist weight against 6.6 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $9 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- CRBN-2X Square: 16 mm Polypropylene core with a Raw T700 carbon peel-ply face. CRBN-1X: 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core with a Raw Toray T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- CRBN-1X, at 5.5 in of handle against 4.75 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-2X Square is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 89 and sweet spot 92 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. CRBN-1X 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 (117 vs 119) and that is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the CRBN-2X Square to the CRBN-1X?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. CRBN-1X leads on plow through by 10 points; everything else is within 9 points. At $229 vs $220, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
This matchup is a forgiveness vs power decision
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Read the full reviews: CRBN-1X and CRBN-2X Square. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.