- Front
- Back view not yet publishedBack
- Edge guard
- Handle
- Surface texture
- Side profile
- Size comparison view not yet publishedSize comparison
2 of 7 views are still being sourced from CRBN. We only publish photography of this exact model, so empty slots stay empty until the real shot exists.
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CRBN
CRBN-1X
The CRBN-1X is a 16 mm elongated pickleball paddle weighing 8.3 oz, with a Raw Toray T700 carbon face, listed around $220.
The spin-first elongated build for players who care about how a paddle is made. Foam-injected edge walls widen the sweet spot on a shape that usually punishes off-center contact.
From CRBN
The CRBN¹ X Series is designed for elite players seeking unparalleled power on the court. Crafted from T700 Toray carbon fiber, it offers unmatched durability, exceptional spin, and a massive sweet spot for consistent shots. With a fortified handle and reinforced unibody construction, players can expect enhanced stability and control with every swing.
Official CRBN product page →Cross-shopping? Most buyers weigh the CRBN-1X against the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 — see them side by side, or browse every CRBN paddle.
- Core
- 16 mm
- Weight
- 8.3 oz
- Swing wt
- 119
- Twist wt
- 6.6
- Shape
- elongated
- Surface
- Raw Toray T700 carbon
- Grip
- 5.5 in
- Released
- 2026
Pros
- Highest spin score in the elongated group
- Build quality is a step above the category
- 5.5 in handle matches the Hyperion
Cons
- Slow through hands battles
- Off-center misses still lose pace
Paddle DNA Verdict
Last updated: August 2026
Derived from our published scoring model and sourced paddle specifications.
Should you buy the CRBN-1X?
The CRBN-1X scores 87.5/100 on our IQ index, built from all 15 Paddle DNA traits. Its signature is spin (94/100, 97th percentile of the database — elite — top-tier), backed by stability at 89 and twist weight at 88. The 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core and Raw Toray T700 carbon face at 8.3 oz make it an all-court paddle: comfortable driving and resetting in the same rally.
Where it gives ground is maneuverability (71) and control (89). With a 119 kg·cm² swing weight and a 5.5 in handle it suits advanced/pro players, two-handed backhands, baseline drives and counterpunching. Skip it if your weakest phase is speed-ups at the net.
Closest paddles by DNA: Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 ($275), Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 ($220), CRBN-3X Power Series ($170). If budget matters, the CRBN-3X Power Series lands within 0 IQ points for $50 less. Overall: a genuine top-tier recommendation (top 10% of the database) for the profile above, and worth the money if that profile is yours.
- Best for
- advanced/pro players, two-handed backhands, baseline drives and counterpunching
- Playing style
- all-court — comfortable driving and resetting in the same rally
- Avoid if
- your weakest phase is speed-ups at the net
Community consensus
What other players say about the CRBN-1X
Verbatim excerpts from public discussion and independent reviews, plus the themes they add up to. These are other people's opinions, not ours, and every quote links back to where it was written.
No sourced community excerpts are published for this paddle yet. We only quote text we can link back to.
Who should buy the CRBN-1X?
- Former tennis players and two-handed backhands
- Soft-game specialists who reset and dink their way through rallies
- Singles players and drivers who end points with pace
- Topspin-heavy players rolling and dipping every ball
- Counterpunchers who want plow-through against pace
- Players still tightening up their contact point
- Brand-new beginners still finding a contact point
- Anyone not ready to spend $200+ before knowing their shape preference
- Players whose weakest phase is speed-ups and quick exchanges
AI paddle match
If you like the CRBN-1X, you'll probably like…
Each pick is the database's best answer to one specific question, ranked by how far it moves the needle versus the CRBN-1X.
- Better controlJOOLA Perseus Pro V 16Control 96 vs 89, touch 94 vs 87IQ 89.1 · $300
- More powerSelkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16Power 95 vs 89, pop 90 vs 83IQ 87.1 · $332.99
- Better valueVERSIX Strike 4FIQ 69.7 at $15 — $205 less than the CRBN-1XIQ 69.7 · $15
- Similar feelGearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16Closest DNA profile in the database to the CRBN-1XIQ 86.8 · $275
- More forgivingSix Zero Quartz ControlForgiveness 91 vs 86, sweet spot 92 vs 88IQ 88 · $190
Most compared with the CRBN-1X
The matchups people actually cross-shop, each with a full 15-trait breakdown.
- CRBN-1X vs CRBN-1X Power SeriesIn depthIn-depth head-to-head
- CRBN-1X vs Infinity Ruby 16Cross-shopped at the same price
- CRBN-1X vs Coral ProCross-shopped at the same price
- CRBN-1X vs J2CRCross-shopped at the same price
- CRBN-1X vs 2X Power SeriesSame brand, more power
- CRBN-1X vs CRBN-3X Power SeriesSame brand, more control
- CRBN-1X vs Pegasus Gen 3$30 cheaper
- CRBN-1X vs Friction Pro Elongated V2Premium step up
- CRBN-1X vs Mod TA-15 3S 16Premium step up
More comparisons in this bracket
Other head-to-heads shoppers read alongside the CRBN-1X.
- Honolulu J2CR vs Honolulu J6CR
- Coral Pro vs J2CR
- J2CR vs Coral Hybrid 16
- Honolulu J2CR vs Selkirk OMNI 16
- OMNI 16 vs Perseus CFS 16
- Coral Pro vs Coral Hybrid 16
- Selkirk OMNI 16 vs Six Zero Coral Pro
- Coral Hybrid 16 vs Double Black Diamond Control
Paddle DNA™ — all 15 traits
Every trait normalised 0-100 against the full database, so these numbers mean the same thing on any paddle page. How we score →
Key attributes
DNA match — paddles within 5% of the CRBN-1X
Our similarity engine ranks the whole database by average DNA deviation. Tighten or widen the band to see how far you have to travel to save money or gain a trait.
Paddle DNA™ match
CRBN-1X
IQ 87.5 · $220
8 paddles within 5% of the CRBN-1X
Ranked by DNA deviation
- -4 spin-3 swing weight-2 twist weight-2 launch angle
-4 spin
- +4 forgiveness+3 sweet spot-3 swing weight-3 launch angle
+4 forgiveness · Higher IQ score (88.2 vs 87.5)
- -5 swing weight-4 plow through+3 forgiveness+3 maneuverability
Saves $50 versus the CRBN-1X · -5 swing weight · Higher IQ score (87.9 vs 87.5)
- +6 softness+4 maneuverability+3 forgiveness-3 swing weight
+6 softness · Higher IQ score (88.5 vs 87.5)
- +6 softness+4 control+3 touch+3 consistency
+6 softness · Higher IQ score (88.3 vs 87.5)
- +10 softness-4 spin+4 pop+3 swing weight
+10 softness · -4 spin
- +7 softness-6 spin-4 twist weight-3 plow through
Saves $60 versus the CRBN-1X · +7 softness · -6 spin
- -6 softness-4 spin-4 twist weight-3 control
-6 softness
Best alternatives to the CRBN-1X
Each pick beats the CRBN-1X on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.
Similar paddles to the CRBN-1X
Closest matches by player level, hand weight and price — the paddles most players cross-shop against the CRBN-1X.
- CRBN 2X Power Series100% match
- Player level
- advanced / pro
- Weight
- 8.3 oz(same as CRBN-1X)
- Price
- $220(same price)
- JOOLA Hyperion CFS 1696% match
- Player level
- advanced / pro
- Weight
- 8.4 oz(+0.10 vs CRBN-1X)
- Price
- $220(same price)
- Proton Series One Project Black95% match
- Player level
- advanced / pro
- Weight
- 8.3 oz(same as CRBN-1X)
- Price
- $200(-$20)
- 11SIX24 Vantage Power 1695% match
- Player level
- advanced / pro
- Weight
- 8.3 oz(same as CRBN-1X)
- Price
- $200(-$20)
- CRBN-1X vs 2X Power Series
- CRBN-1X vs Hyperion CFS 16
- CRBN-1X vs Series One Project Black
- CRBN-1X vs Vantage Power 16
Same playing profile (within 8% DNA)
Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 1616 mm · elongated · 8 oz · SW 116$27587
Six Zero Infinity Ruby 1616 mm · hybrid · 8.2 oz · SW 116$22088
CRBN-3X Power Series16 mm · elongated · 8 oz · SW 114$17088
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 1616 mm · hybrid · 8.3 oz · SW 118$28088- CRBN-1X vs Pro Ultimate Elongated 16
- CRBN-1X vs Infinity Ruby 16
- CRBN-1X vs CRBN-3X Power Series
- CRBN-1X vs Perseus Pro IV 16
Want a different matchup? Compare any two paddles or browse the full paddle database.
Ranked in
More from CRBN
Raw carbon specialists whose square-shape paddles set the early benchmark for spin generation and twist-weight stability, and whose TruFoam Genesis line opened the full-foam Gen 4 era.
CRBN-1X — frequently asked questions
- Is the CRBN-1X good for beginners?
- Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 86/100 and the paddle is tuned for advanced/pro play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.
- Is the CRBN-1X worth the price?
- At $220 it sits in the 65th percentile of the database for cost and the 90th for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 at $99 is the value alternative we point people to.
- How does the CRBN-1X compare to the Pro Ultimate Elongated 16?
- They are close on DNA. The CRBN-1X reads power 89 / control 89 / spin 94 against 88 / 89 / 90 for the Pro Ultimate Elongated 16, at $220 versus $275. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.
- Is the 16 mm better than the 14 mm version?
- A 16 mm core has longer dwell time, which is what produces softer resets and more repeatable placement. The 14 mm build trades that dwell for a faster, poppier response off the face. Control players take 16 mm; players who want the ball gone quickly take 14 mm.
- Is the CRBN-1X approved for tournament play?
- Sanctioned play requires the model to appear on USA Pickleball's official approved-equipment list. CRBN submits its retail models for approval, but approval is per model and configuration, so check the current USAP list for the exact CRBN-1X build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.
- Does the CRBN-1X have good spin?
- Spin scores 94/100 — the 97th percentile of our database (elite — top-tier) — off a Raw Toray T700 carbon face. That is top-tier: enough bite for heavy topspin drives and rolls.
- Is the CRBN-1X head heavy?
- Swing weight is 119 kg·cm² and twist weight 6.6. That is on the heavy side of the database — you get plow-through and stability, and pay for it in hand speed at the net. Static weight is 8.3 oz.
- Does the CRBN-1X benefit from lead tape?
- It already swings at 119 kg·cm², so adding weight at 12 o'clock will make it sluggish. If you customise, keep it to a few grams at 3 and 9 o'clock for stability. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.
- What is the best overgrip for the CRBN-1X?
- The stock handle is 5.5 in long with a 4.25 in circumference. A thin tacky overgrip adds roughly 1/16 in of circumference and a few grams above the balance point — the cheapest way to fine-tune fit. If your hand is larger than the 4.25 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.
- What should I replace the CRBN-1X with when it wears out?
- Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another CRBN-1X; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 89) and the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 adds power (95 vs 89).
- Who is the CRBN-1X best for?
- Tennis converters who live on topspin drives. Skill levels we would put on it: advanced, pro. Handle length of 5.5 in supports a two-handed backhand.
- What shape and size is the CRBN-1X?
- elongated shape, 16.5 in long by 7.4 in wide, 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core, Raw Toray T700 carbon face, 8.3 oz. Released 2026.
- Is the CRBN-1X good for two-handed backhands?
- Yes — the 5.5 in handle gives your top hand a full grip rather than riding the throat.
- CRBN-1X or TruFoam Genesis 2?
- Both are CRBN. The CRBN-1X reads IQ 87.5 at $220; the TruFoam Genesis 2 reads IQ 87.9 at $280. The clearest split is forgiveness (86 vs 89).
- How does PickleballLookup score the CRBN-1X?
- The IQ score of 87.5 is a weighted composite of the 15 Paddle DNA traits, normalized across every paddle in the database so the number means the same thing on any page. Performance traits carry the most weight; descriptive traits like swing weight carry none. Full methodology is published.
CRBN-1X on video
Evidence & sources — how we know this
ShowHide
Every significant number on this page carries a source and a date. Where a figure comes from the manufacturer rather than our own measurement, we say so.
- Price
$220
Amazon listing — checked August 10, 2026
- Weight
8.3 oz
Manufacturer specification — recorded August 10, 2026
- Core thickness
16 mm
Manufacturer specification — recorded August 10, 2026
- Swing weight
119 kg·cm²
Independent measurement data, normalized to our scale
- Twist weight
6.6 kg·cm²
Independent measurement data, normalized to our scale
- Paddle DNA (15 traits)
IQ 87.5/100
Computed from the specs above by our published scoring model
- USAP approval
Listed by the manufacturer as USA Pickleball approved
USA Pickleball equipment database — checked August 10, 2026
- Alex's experience
Not personally tested
Analysis on this page is spec-derived, not play-tested
Spot an error? Send a correction — every fix is logged publicly. Full protocol on our methodology page.
Why trust this page?
We separate firsthand testing from research-based analysis. Specifications are sourced and dated, corrections are logged publicly, and affiliate relationships never affect Paddle IQ scores.
Reviewed by Alex Zubarev →Our methodology →Editorial policy →
Built from published specifications, independent measurements, manufacturer data and Paddle DNA™ analysis — not from personal play testing. We say so rather than implying court time we haven't put in. Editorial policy · Affiliate disclosure
Reviewed by
Alex Zubarev
Founder, PickleballLookupAlex built the Paddle DNA™ database behind PickleballLookup — 15 normalized traits scored for every paddle in the catalog. Every page on this site is generated from that data and editorially reviewed before publication.
- Paddle research
- Equipment analysis
- Player matching
Last updated August 2026 · How we score paddles