CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series 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
- 87Power85
- 90Control88
- 93Spin95
- 89Forgiveness82
- 90Sweet spot84
- 88Stability83
- 74Maneuverability84
- 84Pop82
- 88Touch86
- 89Consistency88
- 74Swing weight68
- 88Twist weight82
- 55Launch angle57
- 84Plow through78
- 78Softness80
Specs
| $170 | Price | $175 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 15 mm |
| 8 oz | Weight | 7.9 oz |
| 114 | Swing weight | 110 |
| 6.6 | Twist weight | 6.3 |
| elongated | Shape | elongated |
| Raw T700 carbon | Surface | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave |
| 5.25 in | Handle | 5.375 in |
CRBN 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.
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 74 for CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series — a 10-point gap. They are effectively level on power, control, spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($170 vs $175) that it should not break the tie.
Maneuverability
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 10 points (84 vs 74).
Forgiveness
CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 7 points (89 vs 82).
Sweet spot
CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 6 points (90 vs 84).
Swing weight
CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 6 points (74 vs 68).
Which one should you buy?
CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series
Take CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series if you want forgiveness (+7), sweet spot (+6), swing weight (+6). Its swing weight of 114 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want maneuverability (+10). 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-3X Power Series vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) FAQ
- Which is better, the CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.9 vs 85.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 10 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), at 110 kg·cm² swing weight against 114 for CRBN 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 CRBN-3X Power Series or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series measures 87 on power against 85 for Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). 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?
- CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series at 90 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 93 for the Raw T700 carbon face on CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series. In practice a 2-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series, with 6.6 twist weight against 6.3. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series carries the higher forgiveness score (89) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $5 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series: 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb with foam-injected edges core with a Raw T700 carbon 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 5.25 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-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. CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series 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 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 114) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) to the CRBN CRBN-3X Power Series?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on maneuverability by 10 points; everything else is within 7 points. At $170 vs $175, 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-3X Power Series vs Coral Pro
- CRBN-3X Power Series vs Infinity Ruby 16
- CRBN-3X Power Series vs J2CR
- CRBN-3X Power Series vs CRBN-1X
- 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-3X Power Series and Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.