CRBN-1X vs Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16
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 spin and value on Paddle DNA against the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16, which costs $275.
Power
Too close to call
89 vs 88
Spin
94 vs 90
Control
Too close to call
89 vs 89
Forgiveness
Too close to call
86 vs 86
Hand speed
Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16
116 vs 119 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$220 at IQ 87.5 vs $275 at IQ 86.8
Overall pick: CRBN-1X · $220 · IQ 87.5
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 89Power88
- 89Control89
- 94Spin90
- 86Forgiveness86
- 88Sweet spot88
- 89Stability90
- 71Maneuverability72
- 83Pop83
- 87Touch86
- 89Consistency88
- 79Swing weight76
- 88Twist weight86
- 57Launch angle55
- 88Plow through86
- 78Softness80
CRBN-1X vs Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | CRBN-1X | Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $220 — better | $275 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 87.5 — better | 86.8 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.3 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 119 | 116 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.6 | 6.8 — better |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.4 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4 |
| Surface | Raw Toray T700 carbon | Toray T700 raw carbon with TXR grip texture |
| Core material | Foam-injected edge-wall polymer | SSTCore carbon-fibre ribs with Smart Dampen foam |
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.
Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 verdict
Gearbox's rib-suspended SSTCore feels unlike any honeycomb paddle: firmer through contact, quieter on resets, and unusually consistent shot to shot. You pay $275 for that engineering.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is spin: CRBN-1X scores 94 against 90 for Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 — a 4-point gap. They are effectively level on swing weight, twist weight, launch angle, so those traits should not decide the purchase. CRBN-1X is $55 cheaper at $220.
Spin
CRBN-1X leads by 4 points (94 vs 90).
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
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (87.9 vs 87.6 on the weighted index). Take CRBN-1X and keep the $55.
- Twist weight
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.1 vs 85.2 on the weighted index). Take CRBN-1X and keep the $55.
- Spin
- Power
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (87.3 vs 85.9 on the weighted index). Take CRBN-1X and keep the $55.
- Spin
- Plow through
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (82 vs 82.7 on the weighted index). Take CRBN-1X and keep the $55.
- Softness
Which one should you buy?
CRBN-1X
Take CRBN-1X if you want spin (+4). Its swing weight of 119 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN-1X review →Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16
Take Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 if you prefer a 16 mm SSTCore carbon-fibre ribs with Smart Dampen foam core — it gives up nothing measurable to CRBN-1X.
Read the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 review →CRBN-1X vs Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 FAQ
- Which is better, the CRBN-1X or the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16?
- CRBN-1X carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.5 vs 86.8), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — spin — CRBN-1X leads by 4 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16, at 116 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 Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16?
- CRBN-1X scores 89 for power against 88 for Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16. 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-1X scores 94 for spin off its Raw Toray T700 carbon face, against 90 for the Toray T700 raw carbon with TXR grip texture face on Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16. In practice a 4-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 86 on forgiveness despite twist weights of 6.6 and 6.8.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- CRBN-1X costs $220, $55 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- 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. Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16: 16 mm SSTCore carbon-fibre ribs with Smart Dampen foam core with a Toray T700 raw carbon with TXR grip texture face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both run a 5.5 in handle, long enough that neither forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Forgiveness (86) and sweet spot (88) are identical, so a developing player can start on either — decide on price and handle feel.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 at 8 oz against 8.3 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (116 vs 119) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 to the CRBN-1X?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. CRBN-1X leads on spin by 4 points; everything else is within 3 points. At $220 vs $275, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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- Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 vs CRBN-3X Power Series
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Read the full reviews: CRBN-1X and Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.