CRBN’s been turning heads with its TruFoam Genesis line – and for good reason. These paddles deliver a mix of pop, spin, and surprisingly soft touch, all thanks to their 100% foam core and raw carbon/fiberglass face construction.
I’ve tested all of them now, and while each has something to offer, the hybrid-shaped TruFoam 4 stands out as the most well-rounded and playable of the group.
What shocked me the most? The TruFoam 4 is the fastest-swinging paddle of the entire lineup – even beating out the standard-shaped TruFoam 2 on aerodynamics. It’s also more powerful than the elongated TruFoam 1 and 3 paddles.
Combine that speed and power with nice dwell time and elite spin potential, and you’ve got a paddle that doesn’t really have a glaring weakness.
TruFoam 4: CRBN’s best all-around foam paddle yet
The TruFoam 4 manages to take everything I like about the elongated CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 and level it up slightly. It’s fast, powerful, and still has that signature soft feel CRBN has dialed in across this line.
It doesn’t hit quite as hard as some new foam paddles (the Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik comes to mind). For players who want balance over brute force, though, it’s a winner.
I’m calling it now: if you’re looking for a do-it-all paddle with elite spin, fast hand speed, and enough power to end points, the TruFoam 4 is the one.
✅ What stands out
Swing speed
This was the big surprise for me. The TF4 swings faster than any of the other paddles in the series – even faster than the more compact standard-shaped CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2. That’s a big win for hands battles and reaction time.
Touch & dwell time
Like the rest of the TruFoam line, the 4 has excellent dwell time thanks to its foam core. Drops and dinks feel soft and controlled, but you don’t sacrifice pop when you need to attack.
Power that plays
It might not blow you off the court like a JOOLA Pro IV series or Gearbox GX2 Power, but the TruFoam 4 brings plenty of pop – especially for countering at the kitchen and putting away floaters. It has that “easy power” feel without getting wild.
It delivers more power than the elongated models in the series, which would usually be the hardest hitting.
Spin, spin, spin
CRBN’s raw carbon face plus the dwell time from the foam core = spin machine. Topspin drives, shaped dinks, and slicing backhands all felt dialed in.
❌ What to consider
Sweet spot is better – but not perfect
As expected for the hybrid shape, the TF4 sits between the slightly more forgiving TF2 (standard/widebody) and the slightly less forgiving TF1 and TF3 (both elongated).
The sweet spot is tighter than some of its top-tier competitors (Selkirk Boomstik, B&B Loco). Off-center hits can still feel a little dead. I recommend adding lead tape to the sides to boost the sweet spot.
Grip gets slick
Same issue I had with the TF1 – the grip gets sweaty after a few games. If you’re not already using an overgrip, you’ll want to add one.
How the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4 plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 9.5/10 | Slightly more pop than the TruFoam 1 and 3, with enough force to end points off the bounce or during counters. |
| Control | 9/10 | Great dwell time for drops, resets, and dinks. The foam core really shines in the soft game. |
| Spin | 9.5/10 | Elite spin from the raw carbon face. You can shape the ball well and generate heavy topspin or slice. |
| Forgiveness | 8/10 | It’s still not ultra-forgiving, but it’s a small bump up from the TruFoam 1. You have to be confident you can hit the tighter sweet spot. |
| Weighting | 8.5/10 | Nicely balanced and doesn’t feel tip-heavy or fatiguing. |
| Grip | 8/10 | Soft and comfortable, but gets slippery after extended play. |
| Durability | 9/10 | No delamination or breakdown during testing. Foam core seems stable and consistent. |
| Aerodynamics | 9.5/10 | The fastest-swinging paddle of the entire TruFoam lineup. Great for hand battles and flick speedups. |
Features that matter
- 100% foam core: adds dwell time and control while maintaining power. Creates a softer, more predictable feel across shots.
- T700 raw carbon fiber face: excellent grit that won’t wear down quickly. Helps generate serious spin.
- Fiberglass layer: adds pop without making the paddle feel too stiff. Well-balanced with the foam core for a unique touch/power combo.
Who the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4 is for
The hybrid TruFoam 4 is a great option for intermediate to advanced players who want an aggressive, all-court paddle with fewer trade-offs. It has enough power for bangers, but enough touch for players who rely on resets, drops, and court positioning.
The speed boost over the other TF Genesis paddles makes it especially fun for doubles players looking to win hands battles at the net.
I wouldn’t recommend it for newer players who are still developing consistent contact. The sweet spot is improved, but still not as forgiving as control-first paddles like the 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power or Bread & Butter Loco.
My favorite of the TruFoam line. It blends power, control, and speed better than the 1, 2, and 3. I’d still tweak the sweet spot with lead tape and swap the grip, but it’s a paddle I’d absolutely play with in rec or tournament matches.Today's best deals
