CRBN has made a strong comeback with the Power Series, refining their paddle lineup for aggressive and spin-oriented players. I had the opportunity to test the elongated CRBN-1X, comparing it to the original CRBN-1X and other premium paddles on the market. Below, I’ll break down its features, performance, and whether the $230 price tag is justified.

Buy or Pass?

Buy if:

✅ You’re an aggressive player: this paddle is designed for power hitters.

✅ You love spin: with a 10/10 spin rating, it excels in topspin and slice control.

✅ You’re an advancing intermediate or pro: best for players who want to elevate their game.

Pass if:

❌ You prefer control over power:the CRBN Control Series or JOOLA Hyperion offer better precision..

❌ You’re a beginner: this paddle’s pop may be overwhelming.

❌ You’re on a budget: alternatives like the Vatic Pro ($140) or Selkirk SLK Omega ($130) offer similar features for less.

Specifications CRBN 1X Review of Power Series

Specification

Details

Paddle Weight

7.8–8.1 oz

Paddle Length

16 ½”

Paddle Width

7 ¼”

Handle Length

5 ½”

Grip Circumference

4 ¼”

Paddle Face Material

Carbon fiber

Core Material

Honeycomb polypropylene core

Core Thickness

14 mm or 16 mm (0.55″ or 0.63″)

Sweet Spot

Large

Review CRBN 1X Power Series

Many people refer to the CRBN 1X as a “all-court paddle,” but I don’t think that description is accurate. CRBN has made it clear that the 1X is a member of the Power Series, whereas the original paddles were part of their Control Series. In light of this, the 1X performs as promised, providing a powerful and incredibly outstanding experience.

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Playing with the 2X (the square version), which I thought was more balanced and forgiving, was a lot of fun. Compared to its longer predecessor, the 1X felt a little less forgiving and more head-heavy. It is noteworthy, still due to it having even more power than the 2X.

For beginners and early intermediates, I would choose the 2X above the 1X (or the hybrid 3X) based on its features. Sometimes the 1X’s power is too much to handle, which makes it simpler to overhit drives or serves. To keep the amount of control I had with the 2X, I had to deliberately slow down my swing or rely largely on spin.

The paddle’s poppiness is another factor to take into account. Shots sometimes went higher than I wanted because some of my drives, drops, and dinks had more pop than I wanted.

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In spin, the 1X really shines. I gave the paddle high ratings for spin, just like I did with the 2X. I adore creating spin, so I had a great time utilizing the 1X and  appreciated its ability to create incredible spin on all types of shots.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional spin on almost any shot	Slightly head-heavy, slower for counters
Increased power compared to the original	Can feel overly poppy at first; adjustment needed
Extended reach for net play, singles, and lobs	Not as soft/plush as CRBN Control Series or JOOLA Hyperion

Features of CRBN-1X Power Series

The CRBN Power Series paddles are the brand’s comeback after being taken off the USA Pickleball-approved list the previous year. With these new models, CRBN is aiming to satisfy the increasing demand for a paddle with greater power rather than to replace the original Control Series. Intermediate to advanced players are obviously the target market for these paddles. Below is a summary of the main features and their distinctions from the originals:

Carbon Fiber Face

One of the most notable aspects of the original CRBN paddles, the carbon fiber face, returns now and is equally striking. Known for producing amazing spin, this face design is still among the best available.

Spin Generation: During my playtests, this paddle produced exceptional spin and dip on topspin shots.

Durability: Like the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16, the surface is directional and built to last over extended use, as it isn’t just a sprayed coating.

Foam-Injected Edge Walls

CRBN has taken a page from the JOOLA Hyperion playbook, incorporating foam-injected edge walls—but with an upgrade.

Improved Stability: Unlike the Hyperion, which only features foam injection around the paddle’s perimeter, CRBN-1X extends the foam injection into the handle.

Enhanced Sweet Spot: This innovation significantly boosts the paddle’s sweet spot, offering better shot consistency and reducing vibrations for a more comfortable feel.

Unibody Technology

The CRBN Power Series introduces unibody technology, a hot topic in the pickleball community.

Integrated Design: Instead of using a separate head and neck that are fused together, the paddle is constructed with a seamless carbon fiber build. The face continues into the handle, eliminating the weak point at the throat.

Sturdiness: This design reduces the risk of breakage or flexing, which was a common complaint with paddles like the JOOLA Hyperion.

Performance: The unibody structure enhances stability, power, and spin. While it does lead to a slightly stiffer feel, the increased stability more than compensates. In fact, I found it less stiff than expected, making it easy to adjust to.

Performance Ratings of CRBN-1X Power Series

Category

Rating

Power

9/10

Control

8/10

Spin

10/10

Forgiveness

8.5/10

Weighting

8/10

Grip

8/10

Durability

9/10

Aerodynamics

7/10

Power: 9/10
The CRBN-1X excels for players who prefer an aggressive style. The paddle’s face provides exceptional pop, making the ball fly off quickly. I felt extremely confident when executing hard third-shot drives and deep, aggressive serves, particularly with topspin. It’s perfect for offensive play, putting pressure on opponents and matching my fast-paced approach.

Control: 8/10
While some have mentioned a lack of control compared to the CRBN-1X, I found it to be very solid. It may not be as versatile as an all-court paddle like the JOOLA Hyperion, but it performed well in dink exchanges at the kitchen. While it can be a bit lively at times, which could challenge beginners, I found the control more than sufficient to complement my power game.

Spin: 10/10
The original CRBN was known for its spin, but the 1X takes it to the next level. It produces even more spin, surpassing the Hyperion. This paddle truly stands out for spin, offering massive rotation on every shot. I enjoy executing shots where the ball drops in unexpectedly, and the CRBN-1X helped me consistently land those shots, especially my low, hard third-shot drives with impressive spin.

Forgiveness: 8.5/10
In my review of the CRBN 2X, I gave it a 9/10 for forgiveness, but the 1X has a slightly smaller sweet spot, so I’ve rated it a bit lower. Still, the sweet spot is generous, extending nearly to the edges and throat with minimal dead zones. This, combined with its excellent spin and control, made it a great match for my power-driven game.

Weighting: 8/10
The 1X feels slightly head-heavy, even more so than the Hyperion. Despite having the same weight as the 2X, it felt a bit heavier, which at times slowed down my swing. However, this added weight translated into more power. It remains light enough to keep agility on the court intact.

Grip: 8/10
The grip is fairly standard nothing particularly standout but still of high quality. For added comfort, you might want to consider an overgrip. At 5 ½”, the longer handle suits players who prefer hitting two-handed backhands, a feature the 2X lacks.

Durability: 9/10
The CRBN-1X is built with premium carbon and feels very durable. Its unibody construction, which is becoming the standard for top-tier paddles, contributes to its stability. The edge guard provides added protection, ensuring this paddle will likely last a long time.

Aerodynamics: 7/10
Unfortunately, the 1X doesn’t have specialized aerodynamic features to compensate for its slightly heavier build. At times, I felt it slowing down my swing. If you’re looking for a speedier paddle, I’d suggest trying the Power Air Invikta from Selkirk or the Kinetic Ovation from ProKennex.

Pricing

Currently priced at $230, the CRBN-1X is a premium paddle that might be out of reach for some players. Unless you specifically want the extra reach and handle space, I would recommend considering the 2X or 3X models. However, if you’re aiming for more power and spin to take your game to the next level, the price of the 1X can definitely be justified.

Feature Comparison: CRBN-1X vs. Competitors

Feature	CRBN-1X	JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16	Vatic Pro Prism	Selkirk Power Air Invikta
Price	$230	$220	$140	$250
Spin	10/10	9/10	9/10	9/10
Power	9/10	8.5/10	8.5/10	9.5/10
Control	7.5/10	8.5/10	8/10	7/10
Weight	7.8-8.1oz	8.0-8.2oz	7.9-8.2oz	8.0-8.3oz
Build	Unibody Carbon	Carbon + Foam Core	Carbon Fiber	Power-Air Polymer Core
Best For	Power & Spin	Balanced Control & Power	Budget Pick with Spin	Ultimate Power & Reach

Value for Money

The CRBN-1X is a great option for players who want to play more aggressively or who want to play more offensively. It’s a well-made paddle with premium materials that guarantee long-lasting durability and excellent performance. The 1X is a fantastic substitute if you enjoyed the JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 but thought it was too hefty. The 1X is a good choice for people who desire more control yet still prefer power. There are less expensive solutions, like the Vatic Pro, which provides excellent spin and power at roughly 40% less than the CRBN-1X, if you’re a beginner or casual player.

Professional Use

The CRBN 1X is trusted by professionals like Vivienne David, who won the Singles Gold at the 2019 World Pickleball Championships, and Alex Neumann, who reached the semifinals in his first PPA Tour in 2022.

Bottom Line

I’m really impressed with the new CRBN Power Series. While the 2X remains my top pick for intermediates who love power and spin, the 1X is still an excellent option. Personally, I prefer the 2X and 3X, as the 1X feels a bit head-heavy, making it slightly slower in the hands. However, if you like elongated paddles, the 1X’s added reach could be a great fit for you.

When comparing it to one of my other favorite paddles, the Selkirk Power Air Invikta, I found the CRBN-1X to be more forgiving and stable, with a bit less pop but more touch. Overall, it feels like a more consistent paddle that provides enough control to manage its power and spin. If you’re into a softer touch game, I’d recommend the Gearbox CX14e Ultimate Series instead.

While the price might be off-putting for some, if you’re an intermediate to advanced player who values power and spin, this paddle is absolutely worth it. It’s a top-tier paddle, right up there with the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion.