CRBN CRBN-1X vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. CRBN CRBN-1X takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
Add a third paddle to this comparison →
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 89Power85
- 89Control88
- 94Spin95
- 86Forgiveness82
- 88Sweet spot84
- 89Stability83
- 71Maneuverability84
- 83Pop82
- 87Touch86
- 89Consistency88
- 79Swing weight68
- 88Twist weight82
- 57Launch angle57
- 88Plow through78
- 78Softness80
Specs
| $220 | Price | $175 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 15 mm |
| 8.3 oz | Weight | 7.9 oz |
| 119 | Swing weight | 110 |
| 6.6 | Twist weight | 6.3 |
| elongated | Shape | elongated |
| Raw Toray T700 carbon | Surface | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave |
| 5.5 in | Handle | 5.375 in |
CRBN 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.
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) verdict
The exposed Kevlar weave is the story: it grips the ball like a fresh grit face but, unlike sprayed textures, it is the material itself, so the spin number does not decay over a season.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 84 against 71 for CRBN CRBN-1X — a 13-point gap. They are effectively level on softness, control, spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is $45 cheaper at $175.
Maneuverability
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 13 points (84 vs 71).
Swing weight
CRBN CRBN-1X leads by 11 points (79 vs 68).
Plow through
CRBN CRBN-1X leads by 10 points (88 vs 78).
Stability
CRBN CRBN-1X leads by 6 points (89 vs 83).
Which one should you buy?
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want maneuverability (+13). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 15 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) review →CRBN CRBN-1X
Take CRBN CRBN-1X if you want swing weight (+11), plow through (+10), stability (+6). Its swing weight of 119 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN CRBN-1X review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs CRBN CRBN-1X FAQ
- Which is better, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the CRBN CRBN-1X?
- CRBN CRBN-1X carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.5 vs 85.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 13 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), at 110 kg·cm² swing weight against 119 for CRBN CRBN-1X. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the CRBN CRBN-1X?
- CRBN CRBN-1X measures 89 on power against 85 for Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). 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?
- CRBN CRBN-1X at 89 versus 88. 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?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 95 for spin off its Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face, against 94 for the Raw Toray T700 carbon face on CRBN CRBN-1X. In practice a 1-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- CRBN CRBN-1X, with 6.6 twist weight against 6.3. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and CRBN CRBN-1X carries the higher forgiveness score (86) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) costs $175, $45 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?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner): 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core with a Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face. CRBN 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 CRBN-1X, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.375 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which CRBN CRBN-1X avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- CRBN 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 CRBN-1X rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) at 7.9 oz against 8.3 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 119) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) to the CRBN CRBN-1X?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on maneuverability by 13 points; everything else is within 11 points. At $175 vs $220, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- CRBN-1X vs Pro Ultimate Elongated 16
- CRBN-1X vs Infinity Ruby 16
- CRBN-1X vs CRBN-3X Power Series
- CRBN-1X vs Perseus Pro IV 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs V-Sol Pro 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs SLK Halo XL Control
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs V7 Hybrid
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: CRBN CRBN-1X and Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.