CRBN released their thermoformed power series at the beginning of 2023 and just introduced a new shape for the series called the 3X. The 3X Power has the same elongated shape as the 1X but with a shorter handle at 5.25” compared to the 1X’s 5.5” (though it can be wrapped with an overgrip closer to 5.7”). It may not sound like a big difference but it feels like a big difference when you hold it.
There are a few rumors going around that the 3X is made differently than the rest of the paddles in the power series but that’s not true. It’s simply a new shape. However, changing the handle length changes the way it plays more than I expected, which I’ll dive into more below.
Here are a couple of photos showing the difference in handle length and shape of the 3X vs the 1X. The 3X is the paddle with the shorter handle.
I’m a big fan of CRBN’s Power series and have played with every shape they offer. After playing with the 3X 16mm specifically for the last few weeks, here’s my thoughts on its performance.
Table of Contents
Performance Summary
The 1X has a swingweight of 123 while the 3X has a swingweight of 119. This may seem like a subtle difference but the 3X does feel lighter and is easier to maneuver. 119 is the lightest swingweight of an elongated thermoformed paddle that we’ve measured so far. Lots of people will find that appealing. Including me.
Additionally, the shorter handle introduced more paddle surface compared to the 1X which makes it more player friendly in general. Some of the negative things about the shorter handle was that it produces a little less spin and power, though it’s only marginal.
CRBN 3X 16mm
- Average Weight: 7.8-8.2 oz
- Swingweight: 119 (moderately high)
- Twistweight: 6.79 (high)
- Length: 16.5″
- Width: 7.5″
- Face: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
- Grip Circumference: 4.25″ (octagonal)
- Handle Length: 5.25″
- Core: Polymer
- Price: $229.99 ($207 with code 10EFFECT)
- Warranty: 1 Year
(use code 10EFFECT for a discount)
| Pros |
|---|
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Well rounded power and control paddle |
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Big spin |
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More offensive options than original series |
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Lighter swingweight and better maneuverability compared to the 1X |
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Comfortable handle shape and circumference |
| Cons |
|---|
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Less control than original series |
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Longer adjustment period due to stiff feel |
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It won’t enhance your soft game |
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Expensive price tag |
Performance Details
I got this paddle to review a month or so ago and I actually haven’t put it down since. I was playing with the Selkirk 003 because I loved the speed, control, and spin it offered. But as I’ve gotten better over the last year I’ve been craving something similar but with a little more power. And that’s what the CRBN 3X gives me.
It falls into the same all-court category like the other shapes in the Power series with its blend of power and control. Coming from a control oriented paddle like Selkirk’s 003, the 3X came with what felt like a good jump in power, though it wasn’t overwhelming. I certainly had an adjustment period to bring my soft game under control but the extra power immediately improved my serves, counters, and drives. I was able to finish points much more effectively with it vs my 003. Especially when my opponents were in the midcourt or the baseline. Normally it would take a few shots to find space to get it by them but with the 3X I didn’t have to be as precise and could often just overpower them in that scenario. I couldn’t do that before with the 003.
I’m still a little less consistent with my dinks and will occasionally pop more balls up than I did before but I’m getting better with it all the time. My soft game is improving with it and I feel the extra power I gain is worth the adjustment to my soft game. I’ve dialed in my thirds and resets from the middle of the court. It’s mostly just flying dinks every once in a while.
I don’t play any two handed shots so I liked the shorter handle and reduced swingweight compared to the 1X. It felt well balanced to me and easy to move around. Especially when compared to elongated shapes from other brands. This is something that makes it unique over other popular elongated thermoformed paddles like the Vatic Pro V7 or the Electrum Model E Elite.
This is the longest I’ve played with a thermoformed paddle. The others I’ve played we’re too powerful for me. I liked the slightly softer feel this one had over the others I’ve played. And if you haven’t played with a thermoformed paddle yet, you’ll love the extra spin and stability they offer. They are noticeably better in those areas. It’s great.
(use code 10EFFECT for a discount)
What About the CRBN 3X 14mm?
I got my hands on a 3X 14mm a couple of months after I wrote the review above about the 16mm and wanted to add my thoughts about it here.
The CRBN 3X 14mm is more offensive oriented and offers more pop than the 16mm at the net on counters though similar power from the baseline when taking full swings. Additionally, I noticed it moved a lot easier and cut through the air nice. This combo of extra maneuverability and extra pop made it a real weapon when at the net.
I’ve discovered that most 14mm paddles tend to have low swingweight and twistweight numbers, resulting in a more flimsy feel when striking the ball. However, the CRBN 3X 14mm doesn’t feel that way. With a higher swingweight measurement of 117, which is 5+ points above the typical 14mm paddle, and a respectable twistweight number of 6.39, much higher than the average 14mm paddle, this paddle felt much more substantial. It was a delightful experience compared to other 14mm paddles that typically require lead tape to give you the same experience the the 3X 14mm gives you out of the box.
The paddle is poppier and harder to control than the 16mm option though so if you don’t have a strong soft game then this isn’t the paddle for you. But if you like thinner core paddles for the easy maneuverability and power, then this is good one.
One other thing to note is that the paddle does feel noticeably stiffer than the 16mm and not everyone will like that. It’s a bit jarring at first but you get used to it overtime and it starts to feel softer. However, when you compare it to other 14mm thermoformed paddles from other brands it is a little on the stiffer side compared to them.
(use code 10EFFECT for a discount)
My Recommendation
I really liked this paddle for my game. I have not traditionally played with an all-court paddle, but once I got a taste of that extra power it was hard to not want more. CRBN’s new unibody tech has a lot of upsides which is why they are so popular.
If you are confident in your control game and are willing to be patient in adjusting to a bit more pop on your drops and dinks then this could be a big upgrade for you. The paddle will give you excellent reach and forgiveness too. If you play a lot of two handed backhand shots you may prefer the 1X. If not, I would recommend the 3X over the 1X. You will have faster hands, and a better feel for your shots with this shorter handle.
I would not recommend the CRBN Power series to anyone looking to improve their soft game. If that’s you, take a look at the original CRBN control series for increased control and better pace absorption. If you do choose this paddle, don’t expect yourself to have it dialed in the first time you play with it. It’s going to take a couple of sessions to adjust. The more I have played with this paddle the more I like it. I’m going to keep playing with it over my 003 for now.
Is this the right paddle for you?
If you think CRBN may have the right paddle for you. Pick one up directly from their website for 10% off using the discount code 10EFFECT.
Shop CRBN Power SeriesRiley competes at the 4.5 level and plays in 2-3 tournaments a year. He plays/drills 1 to 3 times a week and would play more if time allowed it.
