CRBN-3X Power Series vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. CRBN-3X Power Series takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
CRBN-3X Power Series edges it on the overall Paddle IQ score (87.9 vs 78), but the two split the scored categories — pick on the one trait you care about most.
Power
87 vs 73
Spin
Too close to call
93 vs 90
Control
94 vs 90
Forgiveness
89 vs 73
Hand speed
105 vs 114 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$170 at IQ 87.9 vs $170 at IQ 78
Overall pick: CRBN-3X Power Series · $170 · IQ 87.9
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 87Power73
- 90Control94
- 93Spin90
- 89Forgiveness73
- 90Sweet spot71
- 88Stability68
- 74Maneuverability89
- 84Pop70
- 88Touch92
- 89Consistency78
- 74Swing weight58
- 88Twist weight53
- 55Launch angle46
- 84Plow through67
- 78Softness90
CRBN-3X Power Series vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | CRBN-3X Power Series | Gearbox GX2 Integra XL |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 | $170 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 87.9 — better | 78 |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 114 | 105 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.6 — better | 5.7 |
| Shape | elongated | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.375 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.25 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4 |
| Surface | Raw T700 carbon | TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) |
| Core material | Polypropylene honeycomb with foam-injected edges | 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber |
CRBN-3X Power Series verdict
The 3X keeps the 1X length but widens the face to 7.5 in and shortens the handle to 5.25 in, which buys a noticeably larger sweet spot at the cost of two-handed backhand room.
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL verdict
Gearbox's solid-span construction removes the traditional honeycomb core, which is why the GX2 feels dense and quiet where thermoformed rivals feel hollow and loud.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is twist weight: CRBN-3X Power Series scores 88 against 53 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL — a 35-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Both sell for $170, so price cannot break the tie.
Twist weight
CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 35 points (88 vs 53).
Stability
CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 20 points (88 vs 68).
Sweet spot
CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 19 points (90 vs 71).
Plow through
CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 17 points (84 vs 67).
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-3X Power Series
CRBN-3X Power Series is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 88 vs 53, sweet spot 90 vs 71, forgiveness 89 vs 73. Twist weight 6.6 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Sweet spot
- Forgiveness
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.9 vs 85.3 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the CRBN-3X Power Series, hybrid on the GX2 Integra XL.
- Forgiveness
- Power
- Consistency
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
CRBN-3X Power Series
CRBN-3X Power Series is a narrow pick at this level — power 87 vs 73, plow through 84 vs 67, spin 93 vs 90. Swing weight 114 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Power
- Plow through
- Spin
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
CRBN-3X Power Series
CRBN-3X Power Series is a narrow pick at this level — twist weight 88 vs 53, forgiveness 89 vs 73. Its 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb with foam-injected edges core at 8 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
CRBN-3X Power Series
Take CRBN-3X Power Series if you want twist weight (+35), stability (+20), sweet spot (+19). Its swing weight of 114 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN-3X Power Series review →Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL if you want maneuverability (+15), softness (+12), control (+4). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL review →CRBN-3X Power Series vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL FAQ
- Which is better, the CRBN-3X Power Series or the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- CRBN-3X Power Series carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.9 vs 78), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — twist weight — CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 35 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 114 for CRBN-3X Power Series. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the CRBN-3X Power Series or the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- CRBN-3X Power Series scores 87 for power against 73 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. That comes from a 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb with foam-injected edges core swinging at 114 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 94 versus 90. 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-3X Power Series scores 93 for spin off its Raw T700 carbon face, against 90 for the TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face on Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. In practice a 3-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- CRBN-3X Power Series, with the higher forgiveness score (89 vs 73). Its 6.6 twist weight against 5.7 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Both list at $170. Too close to call — neither has an advantage here.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- CRBN-3X Power Series: 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb with foam-injected edges core with a Raw T700 carbon face. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL: 16 mm 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber core with a TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.25 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Gearbox GX2 Integra XL avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- CRBN-3X Power Series is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 89 and sweet spot 90 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL 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 oz, though swing weight differs (114 vs 105) and that is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL to the CRBN-3X Power Series?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. CRBN-3X Power Series leads on twist weight by 35 points; everything else is within 20 points. At $170 vs $170, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put CRBN-3X Power Series and Gearbox GX2 Integra XL in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: CRBN-3X Power Series and Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.