Genesis 2 or CRBN 2X?

Same brand, different eras. The 2X is a honeycomb core with the top twist weight figure in our database; the Genesis 2 is the full-foam build with more power and a softer feel. Compare them side by side rather than assuming the newer one wins.

Is the Genesis 2 good for intermediates?

It is the most forgiving of the three shapes, so yes — provided the $280 makes sense for your level of play.

Is the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 good for beginners?

Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 89/100 and the paddle is tuned for intermediate/advanced/pro play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.

Is the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 worth the price?

At $280 it sits in the 89th percentile of the database for cost and the 93rd for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Six Zero Quartz Control at $190 is the value alternative we point people to.

How does the TruFoam Genesis 2 compare to the Coral Pro?

They are close on DNA. The TruFoam Genesis 2 reads power 87 / control 89 / spin 92 against 90 / 90 / 93 for the Coral Pro, at $280 versus $240. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.

Is the 14 mm better than the 16 mm version?

A 14 mm core returns energy faster, so drives and speed-ups come off harder with less effort. The 16 mm build gives up some of that pop for dwell time and softer hands. Pick 14 mm for pace, 16 mm for touch.

Is the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 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 TruFoam Genesis 2 build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.

Does the TruFoam Genesis 2 have good spin?

Spin scores 92/100 — the 83rd percentile of our database (strong, well above the database average) — off a Raw T700 carbon face. That is above the database average rather than class-leading; you will get shape on the ball without it being the paddle's selling point.

Is the TruFoam Genesis 2 head heavy?

Swing weight is 113 kg·cm² and twist weight 7. That is mid-range: balanced enough that most players will not describe it as head heavy. Static weight is 8.3 oz.

Does the TruFoam Genesis 2 benefit from lead tape?

Yes — at 113 kg·cm² there is room to add. Tape at 3 and 9 o'clock raises twist weight and stability with the smallest hit to hand speed; tape at 12 adds power and plow-through but slows the paddle noticeably. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.

What is the best overgrip for the TruFoam Genesis 2?

The stock handle is 5.25 in long with a 4.125 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 4.125 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.

What should I replace the TruFoam Genesis 2 with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another TruFoam Genesis 2; 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 87).

Who is the TruFoam Genesis 2 best for?

Doubles players who want stability over reach. Skill levels we would put on it: intermediate, advanced, pro. Handle length of 5.25 in suits one-handed backhands; two-handers will find it short.

What shape and size is the TruFoam Genesis 2?

standard shape, 16 in long by 7.9 in wide, 14 mm TruFoam full-foam core, Raw T700 carbon face, 8.3 oz. Released 2025.

Is the TruFoam Genesis 2 good for two-handed backhands?

Less so. At 5.25 in your top hand will sit partly on the throat. Two-handers should look for 5.3 in or longer.

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 pickleball paddle, front face — standard shape, Raw T700 carbon hitting surface — Front · Hitting face and graphics2/7 verified views

Reference price$280MSRP $280

Check price on Amazon$291

Buy links are affiliate links: we earn a commission from qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates and brand-direct programs. Prices and availability are checked periodically and can change.

CRBN

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2

88Specs recorded July 2026 · Doubles players who want stability over reach

Reviewed by Alex ZubarevPickleball player since 2021Jacksonville, FLUpdated August 2026Community verified

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 is a 14 mm standard pickleball paddle weighing 8.3 oz, with a Raw T700 carbon face, listed around $280.

The forgiving shape in the Genesis line. It trades the elongated model's reach for a wide face, the highest twist weight of the three, and a noticeably easier reset at the kitchen.

From CRBN

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis isn't just another paddle—it represents the next breakthrough in pickleball innovation. Designed with 4th Generation Technology and a revolutionary 100% foam core, it’s built for players who demand top-tier performance, accuracy, and longevity.

Official CRBN product page →

Cross-shopping? Most buyers weigh the TruFoam Genesis 2 against the Six Zero Coral Pro — see them side by side, or browse every CRBN paddle.

Core: 14 mm
Weight: 8.3 oz
Swing wt: 113
Twist wt: 7
Shape: standard
Surface: Raw T700 carbon
Grip: 5.25 in
Released: 2025

Pros

Widest sweet spot in the TruFoam line
Very high twist weight
Foam softness helps resets

Cons

5.25 in handle is tight for two-handed backhands
Less reach than the elongated build

Paddle DNA Verdict

Last updated: August 2026

Derived from our published scoring model and sourced paddle specifications.

Should you buy the TruFoam Genesis 2?

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 scores 87.9/100 on our IQ index, built from all 15 Paddle DNA traits. Its signature is twist weight (91/100, 98th percentile of the database — elite — top-tier), backed by sweet spot at 91 and stability at 90. The 14 mm TruFoam full-foam core and Raw 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 (74) and pop (79). With a 113 kg·cm² swing weight and a 5.25 in handle it suits intermediate/advanced/pro players, one-handed backhands, balanced doubles play. Skip it if this is your first paddle and you have not settled on a shape.

Closest paddles by DNA: Six Zero Coral Pro ($240), Selkirk OMNI 16 ($280), CRBN-3X Power Series ($170). If budget matters, the Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 lands within 0 IQ points for $60 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: intermediate/advanced/pro players, one-handed backhands, balanced doubles play
Playing style: all-court — comfortable driving and resetting in the same rally
Avoid if: this is your first paddle and you have not settled on a shape

In depth

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 — the long answer

The Genesis 2 is the wide, forgiving shape in CRBN's full-foam line. It records the highest twist weight of the three TruFoam builds while carrying the lowest swing weight — the pairing that makes a paddle feel planted without feeling slow.

The sections below are analysis of published specifications and Paddle DNA™ values, not a play-test write-up. Where we have hit with a paddle, those notes appear separately and are attributed.

Twist weight is what you are buying

At 7.0 kg·cm² the Genesis 2 resists face rotation on off-axis contact better than either sibling. Practically, that is the difference between a mishit that still lands deep and one that sprays wide. Combined with sweet spot 91, this is the Genesis to pick if your errors come from contact location rather than technique.

Lower swing weight, faster hands

113 kg·cm² is 7 points under the elongated Genesis 1. Mass sits across the width rather than out toward the tip, so the paddle gets stability from its outline instead of from length. That is why a wide shape can be quicker at the kitchen than an elongated one at the same static weight.

The handle is the limitation

5.25 in is standard, not long. If you hit a two-handed backhand your top hand will ride the throat — the Genesis 1 or 3 give you a longer grip for the same core and face.

Community consensus

What other players say about the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2

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.

“The TruFoam Genesis is an all-court series and the line that sold me on foam cores.”

Pickleball Effect· Braydon Unsicker· feelpraise

“The impact is softer and more intuitive than polymer without going mushy, and the 14mm build plays more like a 16mm, with a bit of pocketing and a loopier launch that lets you shape the ball.”

Pickleball Effect· Braydon Unsicker· feelpraise

“It's the most forgiving and easiest to maneuver, and it carries more weight than most widebody paddles for a reliable amount of plow-through.”

Pickleball Effect· Braydon Unsicker· controlpraise

“The impact feel when you strike the ball is so nice with these. It's subtly less harsh than what a typical polymer core paddle feels like and it feels good.”

Pickleball Effect· Braydon Unsicker· feelpraise

“These paddles are what I describe as aggressive all-court paddles. They have above-average power and pop, though not quite power paddle levels.”

Pickleball Effect· Braydon Unsicker· powerpraise

“Instead, the Genesis thrives with high dwell time and the sensation of pocketing the ball.”

Pickleball Studio· feelpraise

“Another area of excellence was the Genesis's spin. The paddle's peel-ply texture doesn't feel particularly rough, but due to the core, it adds a crazy amount of shape to the ball.”

Pickleball Studio· spinpraise

“The paddles are poppy enough though that they require some adjustment to control.”

Pickleball Effect· Braydon Unsicker· controlmixed

“As someone who used the CRBN TruFoam Genesis for more than half of this year, the Waves was a letdown.”

Pickleball Studio· feelcriticism

“The biggest dealbreaker with the Waves is the sweet spot. It's small, and the drop-off outside the center is sharp.”

Pickleball Studio· sweet spotcriticism

“Even the better setups were not good enough for me to recommend Waves over many other options, especially since Waves is not light out of the box, which limits how much weight you can add.”

Pickleball Studio· weightcriticism

“The CRBN TruFoam Genesis is an aggressive all-court paddle if being generous.”

Pickleball Studio· powermixed

Who should buy the TruFoam Genesis 2?

One-handed backhand players who want more face for the same length
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
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
Two-handed backhand players — the handle is short for it

AI paddle match

If you like the TruFoam Genesis 2, 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 TruFoam Genesis 2.

Most compared with the TruFoam Genesis 2

The matchups people actually cross-shop, each with a full 15-trait breakdown.

More comparisons in this bracket

Other head-to-heads shoppers read alongside the TruFoam Genesis 2.

Browse all paddle comparisons →

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

Power87

Control89

Spin92

Forgiveness89

Sweet spot91

Stability90

Maneuverability74

Pop79

Touch88

Consistency89

Swing weight78

Twist weight91

Launch angle58

Plow through82

Softness89

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the TruFoam Genesis 2

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

Match tolerance

Only show cheaper paddles

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2

IQ 87.9 · $280

8 paddles within 5% of the TruFoam Genesis 2

Ranked by DNA deviation

#1Six Zero Coral Pro$240 (-40) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98%89
+5 pop-5 softness+3 power-3 twist weight
Saves $40 versus the TruFoam Genesis 2 · +5 pop · -5 softness · Higher IQ score (88.5 vs 87.9)
Compare Full DNA
#2Selkirk OMNI 16$280 · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.8%89
+5 pop-4 spin-4 launch angle+3 control
+5 pop · -4 spin · Higher IQ score (88.7 vs 87.9)
Compare Full DNA
#3CRBN-3X Power Series$170 (-110) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match97.8%88
-11 softness+5 pop-4 swing weight-3 twist weight
Saves $110 versus the TruFoam Genesis 2 · +5 pop · -11 softness
Compare Full DNA
#4Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16$220 (-60) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.5%88
-11 softness+5 pop-4 maneuverability-4 launch angle
Saves $60 versus the TruFoam Genesis 2 · +5 pop · -11 softness · Higher IQ score (88.2 vs 87.9)
Compare Full DNA
#5Ronbus Tenon$180 (-100) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.4%88
-6 swing weight-5 twist weight+4 maneuverability+4 pop
Saves $100 versus the TruFoam Genesis 2 · +4 maneuverability · -6 swing weight
Compare Full DNA
#6JOOLA Magnus 3S 16$230 (-50) · 16 mm · standardDNA match97.4%88
-7 swing weight+6 maneuverability-6 plow through-6 softness
Saves $50 versus the TruFoam Genesis 2 · +6 maneuverability · -7 swing weight
Compare Full DNA
#7Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control$170 (-110) · 16 mm · widebodyDNA match97.3%88
-8 power-6 pop-5 softness+4 control
Saves $110 versus the TruFoam Genesis 2 · +4 control · -8 power
Compare Full DNA
#8CRBN-1X$220 (-60) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match97.3%88
-11 softness+6 plow through+4 pop-3 forgiveness
Saves $60 versus the TruFoam Genesis 2 · +6 plow through · -11 softness
Compare Full DNA

Best alternatives to the TruFoam Genesis 2

Each pick beats the TruFoam Genesis 2 on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

Similar paddles to the TruFoam Genesis 2

Closest matches by player level, hand weight and price — the paddles most players cross-shop against the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2.

Same playing profile (within 8% DNA)

Six Zero Coral Pro16 mm · hybrid · 8.2 oz · SW 116$24089

Selkirk OMNI 1616 mm · hybrid · 8.1 oz · SW 115$28089

CRBN-3X Power Series16 mm · elongated · 8 oz · SW 114$17088

Six Zero Infinity Ruby 1616 mm · hybrid · 8.2 oz · SW 116$22088

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.

TruFoam Genesis 2 — frequently asked questions

Genesis 2 or CRBN 2X?: Same brand, different eras. The 2X is a honeycomb core with the top twist weight figure in our database; the Genesis 2 is the full-foam build with more power and a softer feel. Compare them side by side rather than assuming the newer one wins.
Is the Genesis 2 good for intermediates?: It is the most forgiving of the three shapes, so yes — provided the $280 makes sense for your level of play.
Is the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 good for beginners?: Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 89/100 and the paddle is tuned for intermediate/advanced/pro play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.
Is the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 worth the price?: At $280 it sits in the 89th percentile of the database for cost and the 93rd for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Six Zero Quartz Control at $190 is the value alternative we point people to.
How does the TruFoam Genesis 2 compare to the Coral Pro?: They are close on DNA. The TruFoam Genesis 2 reads power 87 / control 89 / spin 92 against 90 / 90 / 93 for the Coral Pro, at $280 versus $240. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.
Is the 14 mm better than the 16 mm version?: A 14 mm core returns energy faster, so drives and speed-ups come off harder with less effort. The 16 mm build gives up some of that pop for dwell time and softer hands. Pick 14 mm for pace, 16 mm for touch.
Is the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 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 TruFoam Genesis 2 build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.
Does the TruFoam Genesis 2 have good spin?: Spin scores 92/100 — the 83rd percentile of our database (strong, well above the database average) — off a Raw T700 carbon face. That is above the database average rather than class-leading; you will get shape on the ball without it being the paddle's selling point.
Is the TruFoam Genesis 2 head heavy?: Swing weight is 113 kg·cm² and twist weight 7. That is mid-range: balanced enough that most players will not describe it as head heavy. Static weight is 8.3 oz.
Does the TruFoam Genesis 2 benefit from lead tape?: Yes — at 113 kg·cm² there is room to add. Tape at 3 and 9 o'clock raises twist weight and stability with the smallest hit to hand speed; tape at 12 adds power and plow-through but slows the paddle noticeably. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.
What is the best overgrip for the TruFoam Genesis 2?: The stock handle is 5.25 in long with a 4.125 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 4.125 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.
What should I replace the TruFoam Genesis 2 with when it wears out?: Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another TruFoam Genesis 2; 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 87).
Who is the TruFoam Genesis 2 best for?: Doubles players who want stability over reach. Skill levels we would put on it: intermediate, advanced, pro. Handle length of 5.25 in suits one-handed backhands; two-handers will find it short.
What shape and size is the TruFoam Genesis 2?: standard shape, 16 in long by 7.9 in wide, 14 mm TruFoam full-foam core, Raw T700 carbon face, 8.3 oz. Released 2025.
Is the TruFoam Genesis 2 good for two-handed backhands?: Less so. At 5.25 in your top hand will sit partly on the throat. Two-handers should look for 5.3 in or longer.

TruFoam Genesis 2 on video

PickleballLookup review — coming soon

Head-to-head comparison — coming soon

Manufacturer footage — coming soon

Evidence & sources — how we know this

Show

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
$280
Amazon listing — checked August 10, 2026
Weight
8.3 oz
Manufacturer specification — recorded August 10, 2026
Core thickness
14 mm
Manufacturer specification — recorded August 10, 2026
Swing weight
113 kg·cm²
Independent measurement data, normalized to our scale
Twist weight
7 kg·cm²
Independent measurement data, normalized to our scale
Paddle DNA (15 traits)
IQ 87.9/100
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 →

Community verified

Spec-derived analysis plus cited owner and player reports from public sources. Community opinion is attributed, never restated as our own finding. Editorial policy · Affiliate disclosure

Reviewed by

Alex Zubarev

Founder, PickleballLookup

Alex 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
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Last updated August 2026 · How we score paddles