CRBN-3X Power Series vs Proton Series Two Project Flash
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 wins this matchup for most players: it takes forgiveness and value on Paddle DNA against the Proton Series Two Project Flash, which costs $200.
Power
Too close to call
87 vs 84
Spin
Too close to call
93 vs 92
Control
Too close to call
90 vs 88
Forgiveness
89 vs 84
Hand speed
Proton Series Two Project Flash
111 vs 114 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$170 at IQ 87.9 vs $200 at IQ 85.3
Overall pick: CRBN-3X Power Series · $170 · IQ 87.9
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 87Power84
- 90Control88
- 93Spin92
- 89Forgiveness84
- 90Sweet spot86
- 88Stability84
- 74Maneuverability80
- 84Pop80
- 88Touch86
- 89Consistency88
- 74Swing weight70
- 88Twist weight80
- 55Launch angle50
- 84Plow through80
- 78Softness80
CRBN-3X Power Series vs Proton Series Two Project Flash specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | CRBN-3X Power Series | Proton Series Two Project Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 — better | $200 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 87.9 — better | 85.3 |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 114 | 111 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.6 | 6.7 — better |
| Shape | elongated | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.25 | 5.4 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw T700 carbon | Gritted raw carbon |
| Core material | Polypropylene honeycomb with foam-injected edges | Thermoformed polymer honeycomb |
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 Two Project Flash verdict
The grittiest face Proton has made. Spin 92 puts it in the top tier of the database, and the hybrid shape keeps it usable at the kitchen line.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is twist weight: CRBN-3X Power Series scores 88 against 80 for Proton Series Two Project Flash — an 8-point gap. They are effectively level on power, control, touch, so those traits should not decide the purchase. CRBN-3X Power Series is $30 cheaper at $170.
Twist weight
CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 8 points (88 vs 80).
Maneuverability
Proton Series Two Project Flash leads by 6 points (80 vs 74).
Forgiveness
CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 5 points (89 vs 84).
Launch angle
CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 5 points (55 vs 50).
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 a narrow pick at this level — twist weight 88 vs 80, forgiveness 89 vs 84, sweet spot 90 vs 86. Twist weight 6.6 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.9 vs 86 on the weighted index). Take CRBN-3X Power Series and keep the $30.
- Forgiveness
- Power
- Control
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.7 vs 85.3 on the weighted index). Take CRBN-3X Power Series and keep the $30.
- Plow through
- Power
- Touch
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (82.8 vs 81.1 on the weighted index). Take CRBN-3X Power Series and keep the $30.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
CRBN-3X Power Series
Take CRBN-3X Power Series if you want twist weight (+8), forgiveness (+5), launch angle (+5). Its swing weight of 114 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the CRBN-3X Power Series review →Proton Series Two Project Flash
Take Proton Series Two Project Flash if you want maneuverability (+6). Its swing weight of 111 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Two Project Flash review →CRBN-3X Power Series vs Proton Series Two Project Flash FAQ
- Which is better, the CRBN-3X Power Series or the Proton Series Two Project Flash?
- CRBN-3X Power Series carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.9 vs 85.3), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — twist weight — CRBN-3X Power Series leads by 8 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash, at 111 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 Proton Series Two Project Flash?
- CRBN-3X Power Series scores 87 for power against 84 for Proton Series Two Project Flash. 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-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?
- CRBN-3X Power Series scores 93 for spin off its Raw T700 carbon face, against 92 for the Gritted raw carbon face on Proton Series Two Project Flash. In practice a 1-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 84). Proton Series Two Project Flash actually carries the higher twist weight (6.7 vs 6.6), but CRBN-3X Power Series makes it back on sweet spot (90) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- CRBN-3X Power Series costs $170, $30 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-3X Power Series: 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb with foam-injected edges core with a Raw T700 carbon face. Proton Series Two Project Flash: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core with a Gritted raw carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash, at 5.4 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-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. Proton Series Two Project Flash 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 111) and that is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Proton Series Two Project Flash to the CRBN-3X Power Series?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. CRBN-3X Power Series leads on twist weight by 8 points; everything else is within 6 points. At $170 vs $200, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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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-3X Power Series and Proton Series Two Project Flash in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: CRBN-3X Power Series and Proton Series Two Project Flash. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.