First Reactions: CRBN TruFoam Genesis Paddle Playtest

Today's video takes a fresh approach. You've probably seen my full review of the CRBN TruFoam Genesis paddles—if not, check the link below—but this time, we're flipping the script. I brought three friends, all 4.5-rated DUPR players, to test the new CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1, 2, and 3 paddles for the very first time.

No warm-ups. No adjustments. Just raw, unfiltered reactions. We tossed these paddles into their hands and jumped straight into live games. The goal? Capture real-time, authentic feedback on how these paddles perform right out of the box.

This format is a little rough around the edges, but that's the point—no polish, just pure play. After the games, we sat down for an honest discussion. Here’s what happened.

The Playtest Setup

• Paddles Tested: CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 (standard), Genesis 2 (hybrid), Genesis 3 (elongated)
• Players: 4.5-rated DUPR players, each with a unique paddle background
• Rules: No warm-up, no adjustment period, just raw gameplay and reactions

Immediate Reactions: First Games, First Impressions

Initial Thoughts on Power, Pop, and Feel

One player, coming from a Pickleball Apes Pulse S, shared some sharp insights:

• Power: The Genesis paddles felt slightly less powerful than his broken-in Pulse S. Right out of the box, though, the power felt similar.
• Pop: Genesis stood out with more pop, especially before the Pulse S had been broken in.
• Dwell Time: While the dwell time (how long the ball stays on the paddle face) was comparable, it was harder to feel with the Genesis. The ball cupped more subtly, only noticeable when shots started dipping lower than expected.

"I didn’t realize the ball was cupping until I saw the trajectory dropping faster. It was there, but I couldn’t feel it like I can with the Pulse S."

Swing Weight and Comfort

Despite being told that the paddles have a higher swing weight, the players were surprised.

• Swing Feel: They didn’t perceive the paddles as heavy or sluggish.
• Speed at the Net: Even with the higher swing weight, the paddles felt quick and easy to maneuver.

"I expected it to feel head-heavy, but it felt balanced and light in play—really easy to swing."

Shape Preferences: Which One Stood Out?

Despite loving standard-shaped paddles for their larger sweet spots and fast hands, one player fell for the Genesis 1 hybrid shape.

"I didn’t expect to love the Genesis 1, but the balance and feel were just right. It surprised me."

Sound and Feel: Does It Matter?

For some players, sound is just as important as performance. One player, coming from the Joola Gen 3, was skeptical at first.

• Initial Hesitation: The 14mm thickness looked strange, and the sound felt dull compared to the crisp pop of his Gen 3.
• Performance Surprises: Despite initial doubts, he found himself hitting more consistent, clean shots than ever before.

"It doesn’t sound like my Joola Gen 3, but I played some of my best shots today. The control was spot-on."

Spin, Power, and Control: What Stood Out Most?

• Spin Generation: Players found it easy to shape shots with solid spin potential, once they adjusted their aim slightly higher.
• Power Level: Less powerful than the Joola Gen 3, but still "good enough" for competitive play.
• Consistency: One player mentioned that despite the initial feel concerns, his shot execution was more consistent than ever.

"It did exactly what I wanted, again and again. I’m impressed."

Nonlinear Power: A Unique Paddle Characteristic

One interesting observation was about the nonlinear power response:

• Unexpected Power Surges: Sometimes, hitting the sweet spot felt like it delivered more power than expected—like a superball bouncing unexpectedly high.
• Control Challenges: This sometimes led to shots sailing long, but once adjusted, it added an unexpected edge to aggressive play.

"It felt springy at times, like I got more pop than I was expecting. Not all the time, but when it happened, it stood out."

Plushness vs. Crispness: How Did It Feel?

Across the board, players described the TruFoam Genesis paddles as plush and soft.

• Soft Feel: Softer than paddles like the CRBN Pulse S or the Joola Gen 3, but still offering enough control.
• Dwell Time Perception: While the ball stayed on the paddle longer, it wasn’t always noticeable during play—though it translated to solid spin and control.
• Sound Perception: The softer sound divided opinions. Some players missed the sharper pop of their usual paddles, while others appreciated the muted feedback.

"It’s the softest paddle I’ve played. You don’t always feel the dwell, but you can see it when the ball drops hard with spin."

Final Verdict: Would They Buy One?

Here’s where each player landed after the session:

• Player 1 (from Pulse S): Loved the plush feel but missed the broken-in power of his Pulse S. Still, the Genesis stood out for control and pop.
• Player 2 (from Joola Gen 3): Surprised by the paddle’s performance. Despite initial sound concerns, his shot consistency was the best it’s been. Would buy one.
• Player 3 (from Saga V7): Appreciated the balance and soft feel but noted some initial inconsistency. Still, he would consider buying one for its comfort and control.

Would They Switch Paddles?

While none were ready to abandon their main paddle yet, they agreed the TruFoam Genesis is a serious contender—especially after a proper break-in period.

"This would be in my bag, no question. It feels different but good—definitely a paddle I’d want to keep testing."

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

• For Control Players: The TruFoam Genesis shines with plush feel, great control, and soft touch.
• For Power Players: May feel less powerful than a broken-in Pulse S or Joola Gen 3, but still packs a punch with solid pop.
• For Value Seekers: At $279.99, it’s priced for premium players—but offers standout quality, build, and feel.

If you're after a softer, controlled paddle with unique feedback and spin potential, the CRBN TruFoam Genesis could be your next favorite.

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