Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF – a near-perfect paddle at a sub-$200 price

We knew from the first time we played with this paddle that the Honolulu J2NF would be a hit. What we didn’t know was how popular it would get with our whole team.

After dozens of hours across multiple reviewers, we all landed in the same place: This paddle can do it all.

It’s got easy power when you ask for it, simple touch when you don’t, and it’s the most forgiving paddle I've ever played with.

And the price makes it even better. It’s under $200—or $175.50 with our code—so you get the new foam feel for about $100 less than the big-name foams. Power, control, and spin all get a bump, which is why this sits at #1 on our best paddles list.

The Honolulu J2NF is the follow-up to the popular Sword & Shield J2K paddle – already one of the best control paddles on the market. The new paddle retains its massive sweet spot for 10/10 forgiveness but brings more pop and power.

With the J2NF, Honolulu joins the foam core revolution. This should result in a more durable, longer lasting paddle, which is one of the reasons it costs $40 more than the J2K.

I was curious to see if the price hike is justified – if it's worth $195 (before discounts), and for what type of players.

After spending 10+ hours with it, I found the J2NF to be one of the most impressive paddle launches of 2025. It's consistent, and surprisingly powerful too. It's an amazing alternative to premium $250+ paddles from other brands.

The sweet spot is the story. When I was late to a ball and reaching, the J2NF still sent back a solid return. I heard more than a few “wow—great get” comments. Shots that should have popped up or died stayed in play, and that kept me in rallies I’d usually lose.

Just be ready for the distinct fiberglass "pop" that makes it feel a little different. Players who love that explosive bounce will find a lot to like here, while carbon purists may prefer something with more dwell and shaping potential.

Keep reading for more of my full thoughts on the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF.

It seems like every brand is jumping on the foam paddle bandwagon. I've been testing foam paddles from CRBN, Selkirk, Bread & Butter, and more lately. Now, it's Honolulu's turn.

Using foam instead of polypropylene for the paddle core should make these paddles last longer, which explains the price increase. The J2NF also keeps the large sweet spot of the J2K but brings a lot more pop thanks to the fiberglass layer on the face.

This combination of forgiveness, power, and durability make it totally worth its $195 price tag (take it down to $175.50 with our 10% discount).

The sweet spot covers almost the whole face. Balls off-center still travel on a reliable line, making it the most forgiving paddle I’ve used this year.

The fiberglass face gives this paddle a lively bounce. Works well for players who like to stay on the attack with drives, speed-ups, and counters.

This paddle generates 10/10 spin, a huge asset on offensive and defensive shots.

Fiberglass adds pop but also a stiff feel. The ball doesn't "sink in" quite as much as raw carbon paddles, where the ball tends to dwell a touch longer on the paddle face, making it easier to control your shots.

If you're coming to Honolulu Pickleball Company as a more budget-friendly brand, that doesn't apply here. The J2NF is at the higher end, though at $195 it's still much cheaper than many full-foam paddles like the CRBN TruFoam Genesis series ($280) and Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik ($333).

It's right in line with more affordable foam paddles like the Bread & Butter Loco ($200) and Body Helix Flik F1 ($190).

The Honolulu J2NF is a rare fit that works for almost everyone. High‑level players can get pop and spin without a learning curve, and brand‑new players will benefit from the huge sweet spot and easy forgiveness. Even first‑timers can keep the ball in play more quickly.

You no longer have to pick between a power paddle and a control paddle. This generation finally lets you have both, so you can play a complete, all‑court game. Think of it like what we saw with JOOLA’s Perseus 4—only here you’re getting that modern, balanced feel at a sub‑$200 price.