CRBN has been leading the foam paddle revolution with their high-end TruFoam paddles. The Barrage is their latest release and my favorite of the series so far. It combines the plush feel of the TruFoam Genesis with the power of the TruFoam Waves to give you a more well-rounded paddle.
CRBN paddles don't come cheap. This is $280, but you can get it for $252 with our discount code. If you have the budget for it, you're getting the highest-quality design with the longest-lasting foam technology.
I'm really impressed by the CRBN TruFoam Barrage. CRBN has been tweaking their foam paddles, and they finally nailed the combo of power, control, and forgiveness. The spin is incredible, as I'd expect from CRBN. I recommend this mostly to players at level 4.0 and above who can get the most out of its customizability, versatility, power, and spin. In the high-price tier alongside Selkirk, Paddletek, and JOOLA, the Barrage stands out for its durable build, hard-hitting all-court performance, and the backing of a great brand.Today's best deals
Buy or pass?
Buy if:
You're an aggressive player:
my shots absolutely rip with the Barrage – the combo of power, spin, and speed is deadly.
You don't want to lose control:
your touch game is not sacrificed here – this is a plush paddle that's easily controllable, with a generous sweet spot.
Durability is important to you:
CRBN's dense foam core is top-of-the-line tech. This paddle should last a long time.
Pass if:
You're a beginner:
this is built for more advanced players, so you might prefer a paddle for beginners like the Vatic Pro V-SOL Pro (around $100).
You don't want to spend over $200:
you'll find great mid-range alternatives under $200, like the Bread & Butter Loco and Volair Shift.
You prefer poppy paddles:
the Barrage has great dwell time (the ball sits on the paddle face), while paddles like the Honolulu J6CR have pop-based power where the ball rockets off fast.
CRBN perfects their foam tech
This is CRBN's best TruFoam paddle so far. Rather than wait another year for a new release, CRBN has kept working on their unique foam technology and delivered a paddle with raw power, great touch, and their trademark spin.
This is one of the best power paddles and one of the best for spin, too. I get huge compliments for my serve and drives, with people saying I hit absolute bombs with crazy topspin. It has great dwell on the paddle face – it really grabs the ball so you can shape your shots.
I did have to add weight to stabilize the paddle. It's light and can twist in your hands, so I struggled with returns at first. However, once I added pickleball lead tape, it was singing.
While the $280 price tag is high, you get a good return on your investment because CRBN is a master of Gen 4 foam paddle cores. Their durability is hard to match. Plus, our exclusive 10% discount brings it down to around $250. The Barrage blows the Paddletek Reserve and RPM Friction Pro (both $250) out of the water.
Paddle Weight
7.9-8 oz
Paddle Length
16.5 inches (models 1 & 3), 16 inches (2), 16.2 inches (4)
Paddle Width
7.35 inches (1), 7.85 inches (2), 7.5 inches (3), 7.8 inches (4)
Handle Length
5.75 inches (1), 5.5 inches (2-4)
Grip Circumference
4.125 inches
Paddle Face Material
T700 raw carbon fiber
Core Material
Foam
Core Thickness
14 mm
Sweet Spot
Large
How the CRBN TruFoam Barrage plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 9.5/10 | It has a very reactive face. The ball shoots off it not in a way that's uncontrollable, but in a way that feels exciting. |
| Control | 9/10 | This is a very controllable paddle but with a caveat – I had to add weight first. Before I put lead tape on it, I had a hard time with my returns. Weighted up, it wasn't an issue anymore. |
| Spin | 9.5/10 | Every CRBN paddle I've played with gets wicked spin, and the Barrage is no different. I got super-aggressive drop with tons of topspin. The paddle grips the ball and lets you shape it and launch it with awesome spin. |
| Forgiveness | 9/10 | Not a 10 because I did have to add weight to give it more stability, but it still has a solid sweet spot. If you mishit, it's a forgiving paddle. Surprisingly, the hybrid shape (4) has a better sweet spot than the widebody/square (2). Multiple people agreed with me on that. |
| Weighting | 10/10 | It's the best of both worlds for me – if you like light paddles, you'll love the Barrage. I added lead tape to boost the twist weight (for more stability in my hands) and the paddle still feels so well-balanced. |
| Grip | 9/10 | I was really happy I did not have to put overgrip on it. Even though my hands sweat, I was able to play with the stock weight the whole time. It has a slightly thicker feel that I also like. |
| Durability | 9.5/10 | This paddle is excellently designed with a denser, more durable foam. There was no break-in period and I've only heard good things about its durability from other players. |
| Aerodynamics | 9.5/10 | The square (2) and hybrid (4) models that I played with were both super fast. My favorite is the hybrid and it sliced through the air, giving me fast hands. I got into plenty of firefights that I was able to win, being able to wield this paddle so well. |
✅ Pros
Great dwell time
With their TruFoam paddles, CRBN is perfecting dwell time. They are big fans of dwell-based power over pop-based power. This means that, rather than the ball popping off the paddle face, it dwells on the paddle. This allows you to put lots of spin and shape on the ball.
In the past, this usually resulted in a soft paddle that was only good for control. With CRBN's engineering, you get a powerful paddle that propels the ball like a trampoline. So, you end up with power, control, and spin – something pickleball paddles have been trying to master for years.
Excellent weighting
Out of the box, this is a great lightweight paddle. What's awesome is that, for anyone who likes to add lead tape, you can optimize to your liking without affecting the balanced feel. It's top engineering.
Great speed
Even when weighted, the Barrage flies through the air. I haven't played with the elongated models (1 and 3), but the square and hybrid shapes (2 and 4) are incredibly fast.
❌ Considerations
Built for experienced players
The Barrage is an advanced-level pickleball paddle. That's not to say that anyone can't use it, because it's light and playable. However, if you're going to spend $250 plus, you'll get the most out of it if you can adapt it with weighted tape to stabilize it and manipulate its excellent all-court attributes.
Check out the best beginner paddles and the best intermediate paddles for top alternatives.
Higher price point
Not everyone is ready to spend this much on a pickleball paddle. Take a look at our overall best pickleball paddles to see a range of choices across budget, skill level, and play style.
CRBN TruFoam Barrage price – is it worth it?
Few paddles can justify such a high price tag, but the Barrage is worth it. Thanks to its 100% floating foam core, it will stand the test of time.
Compared to a $200 foam paddle, the increase in quality is really obvious. CRBN is a standard bearer in the paddle industry and a trustworthy brand with a 1-year paddle warranty.
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Alternatives to the CRBN TruFoam Barrage
If you want to shop around, here are some top alternatives to the CRBN TruFoam Barrage:
Pure power
Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik
Mid-range alternative
Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF
Better for beginners
Vatic Pro V-SOL Pro
What even more options? Try my 30-second quiz and I'll recommend the best paddles for your play style and budget.
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