crbn pickleball paddle reviews From My Experience: Is It Worth It?

You should buy a CRBN pickleball paddle if you are strictly focused on achieving the highest possible spin rates and prefer a sleek, carbon-fiber aesthetic that stands out on the court.

I have found that while the grit on these paddles is industry-leading, the long-term durability and core consistency have left many players, including myself, questioning the high investment.

However, because I am taking an analytical look at the frequent reports of core delamination and dead spots, I cannot fully recommend this brand over more stable competitors.

Unless you are a professional who receives free replacements, the risk of a “blown-out” core might outweigh the spin benefits.

My Personal Experience with the CRBN Power Series

I remember the day I first unboxed my CRBN 1X; the raw T700 carbon fiber felt like sandpaper in the best way possible.

I am a person who relies on a heavy topspin serve to keep my opponents pinned to the baseline, and for the first two weeks, I felt like I had found a “cheat code” for the game.

I started by taking it to a local round-robin, and I noticed right away that my rolls at the kitchen line were dipping significantly sharper than they ever did with my previous fiberglass paddle.

I found that the “pop” was exhilarating, allowing me to win hand battles at the net with minimal effort.

I realized, however, that the honeymoon phase with CRBN was surprisingly short-lived compared to other premium brands I have tested.

I am someone who plays roughly four times a week, and by the end of the first month, I noticed a subtle change in the sound of the paddle—a hollow “clack” rather than a solid “thud.”

I found that when I pressed on the center of the face, there was a slight “crunching” sensation, which I later learned is a telltale sign of core delamination or “core crush.”

I noticed that my once-reliable resets were starting to fly long, as if the paddle had developed a mind of its own and was launching the ball with unpredictable velocity.

I eventually noticed that the grit, while still visually there, wasn’t grabbing the ball with the same ferocity as those first few sessions.

I found that the edge guard began to loosen near the top curve, creating an annoying vibration every time I hit a ball slightly off-center.

I finished my third month with the paddle feeling frustrated because a $200+ piece of equipment shouldn’t feel “tired” so quickly.

I realized that the “unibody” construction, while marketed for durability, didn’t save the internal honeycomb from the stresses of high-level play.

I found that despite the incredible initial performance, the lack of structural longevity makes it a difficult product to trust for the long haul.

Maintenance Tips for Your CRBN Paddle

• Use a Specialized Rubber Paddle Eraser After Every Match: You should realize that carbon fiber pores catch plastic “dust” from the ball, which kills your spin. Rubbing a cleaning block over the face is the best maintenance tip for grit retention, which I found restores the “sandpaper” feel without damaging the fibers.
• Keep the Paddle Out of Your Car Trunk: You should notice that extreme heat can weaken the epoxy bonds inside a thermoformed paddle. Storing your gear in a climate-controlled room is the best maintenance tip for preventing delamination, which provides protection against the “core crush” that ruins the paddle’s legality.
• Inspect the Edge Guard for Gaps Weekly: You should realize that a loose edge guard allows moisture and dirt to enter the internal honeycomb. Applying a small amount of super glue to any lifting sections is the best maintenance tip for structural integrity, which results in a quieter paddle and fewer vibrations.
• Rotate Your Grip or Overgrip Frequently: You should notice that the thin factory grip can wear down, leading you to squeeze the handle too hard. Changing your overgrip every five sessions is the best maintenance tip for arm health, which I found reduces the vibration transferred from the stiff carbon face to your elbow.
• Avoid Hitting the Paddle Against Your Shoe or Leg: You should realize that “tapping” your paddle in frustration can cause micro-fractures in the core. Treating the paddle like a precision instrument is the best maintenance tip for longevity, which results in a consistent sweet spot that lasts several months longer.
• Clean the Face with a Damp Microfiber Cloth Only: You should notice that harsh chemicals or household cleaners can break down the resin on the carbon surface. Using only a tiny amount of water is the best maintenance tip for surface care, which provides a clean hitting area without any chemical-induced slickness.

Pros and Cons of CRBN Pickleball Paddles

Pros of CRBN Pickleball Paddles

• Industry-Leading Spin Potential: It features a T700 raw carbon fiber face with a massive amount of friction: I found that this allows for aggressive “shaping” of the ball on drives and drops: this results in a significant advantage for players who use heavy spin: I noticed the ball dives much harder at the baseline.
• Excellent Power and “Pop” for Aggressive Play: It utilizes a thermoformed design that provides a very responsive surface: I found that the ball gets off the face quickly, which is great for counters: this provides an edge in fast-paced net exchanges: I noticed I didn’t have to swing as hard to generate depth.
• Ergonomic and Stable Unibody Construction: It is built with a continuous carbon fiber layer from the face through the handle: I found this reduces the “flex” at the neck that often leads to breakage: this results in a more connected feel during high-impact shots: I noticed the paddle feels like one solid piece of equipment.
• Generous Sweet Spot Due to Foam Injection: It features foam-injected perimeter walls that help stabilize the paddle on off-center hits: I found that balls hit near the edge still had enough energy to clear the net: this provides a level of forgiveness for intermediate players: I noticed less “dead” vibration on the edges.
• Sleek, Minimalist Aesthetic Design: It focuses on a stealthy black look without distracting graphics: I found the design to be very professional and intimidating on the court: this results in a premium feel that matches its price point: I noticed it doesn’t show scuffs as easily as painted paddles.

Cons of CRBN Pickleball Paddles: The analytical drawbacks:

• High Incidence of Core Delamination Issues: because the adhesive bond between the carbon face and the honeycomb core can fail under stress: I found that the paddle eventually develops a “trampoline effect” that makes it illegal for tournament play: this results in an unpredictable launch angle that ruins your control: I noticed the sound becomes hollow and “clicky” over time.
• Rapid Grit Degradation and Wear: because the raw carbon texture is subject to friction-based smoothing during every session: I found that the “super spin” fades significantly after only a few weeks of heavy use: this provides a diminishing return on the initial investment: I noticed the center of the paddle becomes noticeably smoother than the edges.
• Stiff and Jarring Feel on the Arm: because the thermoforming process creates a very rigid surface that doesn’t absorb much vibration: I found that my elbow and wrist felt more fatigued after long matches: this results in a higher risk for “pickleball elbow” among sensitive players: I noticed the “dwell time” is much shorter than non-thermoformed paddles.
• Inconsistent Quality Control Between Batches: because the manufacturing process for these custom carbon paddles can lead to weight variances: I found that two “identical” paddles can feel completely different in terms of swing weight: this provides a frustrating experience when trying to buy a matching backup: I noticed some paddles arrived with slight “bubbles” under the face.
• Prohibitive Pricing for Short Lifespan: because the cost of the paddle is at the top of the market while its peak performance period is relatively short: I found that I was spending more per month on paddle depreciation than on court fees: this results in a low value-to-price ratio for the average recreational player: I noticed that competitors offer similar tech for $50 to $70 less.

CRBN Vs. Other Brands

• CRBN Vs. Selkirk Vanguard Power Air

I found that the Selkirk Power Air is even more aerodynamic because of its open-throat design, but I noticed it feels much “thinner” and more like a pop-tennis paddle than the CRBN. 

You should realize that Selkirk uses a spray-on grit that I found disappears even faster than the raw carbon of the CRBN. 

I noticed that the Selkirk has a much louder, higher-pitched “pop” that can be distracting to some players. 

I believe the CRBN offers better “reset” potential because it has a slightly more traditional core feel, whereas the Selkirk is a “pure power” weapon that is very difficult to control.

• CRBN Vs. Joola Ben Johns Perseus

I noticed that the Joola Perseus is the most direct competitor to CRBN, and I found that it offers a slightly more “plush” feel despite also being thermoformed. 

I found that the Joola has better brand prestige, but I noticed that it suffers from the same “core crush” issues that plague CRBN. 

You should realize that the Joola handle is a bit more rectangular, which I found is less comfortable than the more rounded CRBN handle. 

I believe that while both are “spin kings,” the Joola feels a bit more balanced for an all-court game, whereas CRBN feels more head-heavy.

• CRBN Vs. Six Zero Double Black Diamond

I found that the Six Zero Double Black Diamond provides almost the exact same performance as the CRBN but at a significantly lower price point. 

I noticed that the Six Zero has a “hybrid” shape that I found easier to maneuver at the kitchen line than the elongated CRBN 1X. 

You should realize that Six Zero has a reputation for slightly better durability in their core construction. 

I believe that if you are looking for a carbon-faced paddle, the Six Zero is the more analytical choice for your wallet, providing 95% of the performance for 70% of the cost.

• CRBN Vs. Gearbox GX6 Control

I noticed that Gearbox uses a completely different “solid span” carbon technology that I found is essentially indestructible compared to CRBN. 

I found that the Gearbox doesn’t have a honeycomb core to delaminate, making it the superior choice for durability. 

You should realize, however, that the Gearbox has a very “muted” feel and much less “pop” than the CRBN. 

I believe that if you want a paddle that lasts five years, you choose Gearbox, but if you want “free power” for six months, you choose CRBN, acknowledging the risk of failure.

• CRBN Vs. Engage Pursuit Pro

I found that the Engage Pursuit Pro has a more “organic” feel because it isn’t thermoformed, which I noticed makes it much softer for dinking. 

I noticed that the Engage grit is very aggressive, but it feels different—more like a rough paint than a raw fiber. 

You should realize that Engage paddles are made in the USA, which I found results in much more consistent quality control. 

I believe that for players who want to avoid the “jarring” stiffness of CRBN, the Engage Pursuit Pro is a much better analytical option for a “soft” game.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Cpx Max Pickleball Paddle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend buying a CRBN pickleball paddle if you are a player who needs your equipment to last for more than a single season of heavy play.

I have found that while the spin and power are world-class initially, the analytical data regarding core failures and grit wear is too significant to ignore.

If you are a sponsored player or have a massive budget for replacements, the performance benefits might justify the cost for you.

However, for the average enthusiast, there are more durable and cost-effective carbon fiber options that won’t leave you with a “dead” paddle in three months.

Choose a paddle that works as hard as you do!