CRBN
CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2
Sibling to the TruFoam Barrage with an elongated shape instead of hybrid — more reach and lever for drives, smaller sweet spot in trade. Same foam core, same T700 face, same flagship price. Research-only entry pending hands-on testing.
Overall score
Research reviewSpecs
- Weight
- 8.0 oz
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core
- TruFoam (full foam core)
- Thickness
- 16 mm
- Surface
- Toray T700 raw carbon
- Grip size
- 4 1/4"
Score breakdown
v4 · 6 axes- Control8/10
- Value7/10
- Comfort9/10
- Spin8/10
- Power9/10
- Durability9/10
What we like
- Full foam core construction shares the Barrage's durability advantage — no core-crush concern
- Elongated shape adds reach and leverage for power players + tennis converts
- Same CRBN warranty + customer service track record as the Barrage
- USAP approved for tournament play
Where it falls short
- Smaller sweet spot than the hybrid Barrage shape — less forgiving on off-center contact
- Premium price (HK$1,900-2,280 landed), same flagship tier as the Barrage
- CRBN direct ships only from US — 1-2 week wait, no Amazon HK option
- Research-only review — community signal is positive ("love it" quotes from owners) but hands-on data still limited on this site
Full review
What it is
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 is the elongated counterpart to the [TruFoam Barrage](/gear/reviews/crbn-trufoam-barrage). Same full foam core construction, same Toray T700 raw carbon face, same 16mm thickness, same US$249.99 list price direct from CRBN. The shape is the difference: Genesis is elongated where the Barrage is hybrid, which trades a touch of sweet-spot forgiveness for added reach and leverage on drives.
Research basis (read this first)
This is a research-only entry. We've reviewed CRBN's published specs, mentions of the Genesis 2 in r/pickleball owner threads, and the broader foam-core class comparisons that include the Genesis line. We haven't put hours on this specific paddle ourselves yet. Confidence is intentionally set to Low until we either get hands-on or aggregate enough verified owner reports. Scores are conservatively aligned with the foam-core class average, not a measured number.
How it likely plays (based on the foam-core class + shape)
Elongated foam-core paddles in this generation tend to deliver more drive power than their hybrid siblings at the cost of sweet-spot size. Owners moving from a Barrage to a Genesis 2 typically describe more reach on counterattacks and ATPs but a touch more punishment on mishit dinks. The full foam core damps vibration similarly to the Barrage, so arm comfort should track close to the Barrage's 8.7 score.
Build and specs
Full foam construction (no honeycomb), Toray T700 raw carbon face, elongated shape, 8.0 oz stock, 4 1/4" grip. USAP approved. Build quality should be on par with the Barrage given the shared materials and CRBN's QC reputation.
HK reality
Same as the Barrage. CRBN sells direct only from the US — no Amazon HK listing, no local stockists. Order from crbnpickleball.com and expect 1-2 weeks shipping. Use the DINKSTART code at checkout for 10% off. Landed cost is flagship-tier (HK$1,900-2,280).
Where it might fit
Intermediate-plus power player who has decided the Barrage's hybrid shape is too forgiving and wants more reach + leverage. Tennis converts with longer swings are the most-cited fit pattern for elongated foam-core paddles in the broader community.
Bottom line
If you already know you prefer elongated paddles and you've decided on the CRBN foam-core platform, the Genesis 2 is the natural shape variant of the Barrage. If you're cross-shopping the two without a strong shape preference, default to the Barrage — it has the deeper review treatment on this site and the more forgiving sweet spot. Confidence: Low, pending hands-on.
What players are saying
Player feedback curated from active pickleball communities, ranked by how many other players agreed. No cherry-picking.
Current: CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2; love it! Previous: Selkirk Luxx Control Air Invikta (super control based) and CRBN 1x Power Series (used for 2 years with lots of success). Next: Selkirk Boomstik or J2NF.
Buying it in Hong Kong
Imports to Hong Kong via CRBN direct. Expect 1–3 weeks shipping. Total landed cost usually HK$1,900–2,280 including duty.
Check current price at CRBN direct →Final verdict
Score: 8.0/10 · Situational
Sibling to the TruFoam Barrage with an elongated shape instead of hybrid — more reach and lever for drives, smaller sweet spot in trade. Same foam core, same T700 face, same flagship price. Research-only entry pending hands-on testing.
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