CRBN-2X Square vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. CRBN-2X Square takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) wins this matchup for most players: it takes power, hand speed and value on Paddle DNA against the CRBN-2X Square, which costs $229.
Power
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
85 vs 80
Spin
Too close to call
96 vs 95
Control
Too close to call
89 vs 88
Forgiveness
89 vs 82
Hand speed
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
110 vs 117 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
$175 at IQ 85.6 vs $229 at IQ 87.3
Overall pick: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) · $175 · IQ 85.6
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
CRBN-2X Square vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | CRBN-2X Square | Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $229 | $175 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 87.3 — better | 85.6 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.3 | 7.9 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 15 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 117 | 110 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 7.1 — better | 6.3 |
| Shape | widebody | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 15.75 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 8 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 4.75 | 5.375 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw T700 carbon peel-ply | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave |
| Core material | Polypropylene | Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb |
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
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 84 against 71 for 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-2X Square leads by 12 points (94 vs 82).
Sweet spot
CRBN-2X Square leads by 8 points (92 vs 84).
Stability
CRBN-2X Square leads by 8 points (91 vs 83).
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 the clearer pick at this level — sweet spot 92 vs 84, twist weight 94 vs 82, forgiveness 89 vs 82. 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 87.1 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and keep the $54.
- Maneuverability
- Power
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is a narrow pick at this level — maneuverability 84 vs 71, power 85 vs 80. Swing weight 110 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Maneuverability
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
CRBN-2X Square
CRBN-2X Square is a narrow pick at this level — twist weight 94 vs 82, forgiveness 89 vs 82. Its 16 mm Polypropylene core at 8.3 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
CRBN-2X Square
Take 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-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-2X Square vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) FAQ
- Which is better, the CRBN-2X Square or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- 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-2X Square. 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 Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 85 for power against 80 for 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-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-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-2X Square, with the higher forgiveness score (89 vs 82). Its 7.1 twist weight against 6.3 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- 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-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 an 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 4.75 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- 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. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable 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-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.
Related comparisons
The other matchups shoppers open in the same session as this one.
- CRBN-2X Square vs CRBN-1X Power Series
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Series One Project Black
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Double Black Diamond Control
- CRBN-2X Square vs Magnus 3S 16
- CRBN-2X Square vs Infinity Ruby 16
- CRBN-2X Square vs Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0
- CRBN-2X Square vs Radius CGS 16
- CRBN-2X Square vs CRBN-1X
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-2X Square vs Double Black Diamond Control
- CRBN-2X Square vs Infinity Ruby 16
- CRBN-2X Square vs TruFoam Genesis 2
- CRBN-2X Square vs CRBN-3X Power Series
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Series Two Project Flash
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Vice V2 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Scorpeus Pro IV 16
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put CRBN-2X Square and Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: 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.