CRBN CRBN-2X Square vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. CRBN CRBN-2X Square takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 80Power85
- 89Control88
- 96Spin95
- 89Forgiveness82
- 92Sweet spot84
- 91Stability83
- 71Maneuverability84
- 74Pop82
- 86Touch86
- 88Consistency88
- 76Swing weight68
- 94Twist weight82
- 55Launch angle57
- 78Plow through78
- 80Softness80
Specs
| $229 | Price | $175 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 15 mm |
| 8.3 oz | Weight | 7.9 oz |
| 117 | Swing weight | 110 |
| 7.1 | Twist weight | 6.3 |
| widebody | Shape | elongated |
| Raw T700 carbon peel-ply | Surface | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave |
| 5 in | Handle | 5.375 in |
CRBN 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.
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-2X Square — a 13-point gap. They are effectively level on launch angle, control, spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is $54 cheaper at $175.
Maneuverability
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 13 points (84 vs 71).
Twist weight
CRBN CRBN-2X Square leads by 12 points (94 vs 82).
Sweet spot
CRBN CRBN-2X Square leads by 8 points (92 vs 84).
Stability
CRBN CRBN-2X Square leads by 8 points (91 vs 83).
Which one should you buy?
CRBN CRBN-2X Square
Take CRBN CRBN-2X Square if you want twist weight (+12), sweet spot (+8), stability (+8). Its swing weight of 117 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN CRBN-2X Square review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want maneuverability (+13), pop (+8), power (+5). 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-2X Square vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) FAQ
- Which is better, the CRBN CRBN-2X Square or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- CRBN CRBN-2X Square carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.3 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 117 for CRBN CRBN-2X Square. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the CRBN CRBN-2X Square or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) measures 85 on power against 80 for CRBN CRBN-2X Square. That comes from a 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core swinging at 110 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- CRBN CRBN-2X Square 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?
- CRBN CRBN-2X Square scores 96 for spin off its Raw T700 carbon peel-ply face, against 95 for the Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face on Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). In practice a 1-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- CRBN CRBN-2X Square, with 7.1 twist weight against 6.3. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and CRBN CRBN-2X Square carries the higher forgiveness score (89) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) costs $175, $54 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 CRBN-2X Square: 16 mm Polypropylene core with a Raw T700 carbon peel-ply 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.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), at 5.375 in of handle against 5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- CRBN 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. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) 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 117) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) to the CRBN CRBN-2X Square?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on maneuverability by 13 points; everything else is within 12 points. At $229 vs $175, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Also worth comparing
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- 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
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Read the full reviews: CRBN CRBN-2X Square and Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.