CRBN has built its reputation on the grit and spin of its signature raw carbon fiber face pickleball paddles. However, with the release of the CRBN Barrage, they are introducing a massive shift in what’s happening under that surface. While the industry standard has long been the honeycomb core, the Barrage is built around a 100% Gen-4 TruFoam Void Core. This "floating" foam interior is designed to act as a high-energy engine, moving away from traditional construction to usher in a new era of "pop-based" power.
We took the Barrage to the courts to see if this new internal technology lived up to the hype. Here is the breakdown.
The First Impression
The first thing you notice when drilling with the CRBN Barrage is the sound and responsiveness upon impact. The ball seemingly jumps off the face of the paddle with more velocity than you’d experience with a traditional core. While many carbon fiber paddles are designed to "dampen" the feel of the ball, the Barrage is intended for instant feedback.
If you are a player who thrives in fast-paced hand battles at the kitchen line or one who looks to finish points with aggressive put-aways, this paddle was designed with your game in mind.
How It Plays
During our testing, the drives felt heavy and the resets were surprisingly intuitive for a paddle with this much "pop." Usually, a high-power paddle can feel a bit "twisty" on off-center hits, but the carbon fiber reinforced edges on the Barrage keep the sweet spot feeling solid. You still get the CRBN spin that you’re familiar with (thanks to the T700 ultra-raw carbon face), but the real story here is the energy return. Ultimately, the Barrage will give you the power needed to finish points while retaining the signature performance characteristics of the CRBN brand.
See How It Measures Up In Our Paddle Lab!
See how the Barrage holds up in the lab! We put it through our testing metrics to see how it stacks up amongst other competitors. Our paddle lab uses state-of-the-art technology and rigorous scientific methods to give you real-life data on paddle attributes like spin rate, exit velocity, swing weight, and more.
How Does the Barrage Compare?
The Barrage is the latest addition to CRBN’s TruFoam series. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, each paddle in this series features a specialized core designed to cater to a specific style of play. Here is how it compares to the rest of the series:
CRBN Genesis (Floating Core)
The finesse-oriented option of the group, the Genesis focuses on a "floating" core construction that prioritizes feel and placement. It offers a plusher impact, making it ideal for those who rely on a surgical short game.
Best For: All-court players who want versatility, a softer feel, and precise, high-spin shots.
CRBN Waves (Wave Core)
Positioned as the middle ground of the series, the Wave Core is designed for "dwell-based" power. This allows the ball to stay on the face slightly longer, providing the player with a perfect blend of pace and accuracy.
Best For: Players who thrive on dwell-based power, big drives, and powerful spin.
CRBN Barrage (Void Core)
This is the most aggressive model in the collection, utilizing a 100% Gen-4 TruFoam Void Core to maximize energy return. It is engineered for an "explosive" game, offering unmatched pop and speed at the kitchen line.
Best For: Players who win with massive pop-based power, decisive counters, and effortless putaways.
Should You Get the CRBN Barrage?
It’s rare to find a paddle that packs this much put-away power while maintaining the elite spin CRBN is known for. While many "power" paddles can feel stiff or difficult to control, the Barrage offers a unique energy return that we found to be surprisingly intuitive. If you have been looking for a paddle that provides effortless speed and pop, the Barrage is a good choice.
