The Honolulu J2NF is the follow-up to the popular Sword & Shield J2K paddle – one of the best control paddles on the market. It 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 very forgiving, consistent, and surprisingly powerful – though it still has the distinct fiberglass “pop” that makes it feel a little different to pure carbon fiber paddles.
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.
Honolulu’s power-forward foam-core paddle
It seems like every brand is jumping on the foam paddle bandwagon, which means the tech must check out. 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 worth its $195 price tag.
✅ What stands out
Explosive pop for aggressive playstyle
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.
Broad sweet spot
Forgiving across the face, with consistent bounce whether you hit dead center or slightly off.
Comfortable foam core feel
The 100% foam core softens the fiberglass paddle just enough to add dwell and feedback.
❌ What to consider
Fiberglass feel
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 put shape on your spin.
Flat hitting bias
Encourages flatter shots rather than looping, shaped balls – something to consider if you rely heavily on spin variation.
Pricing
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).
How the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 9/10 | Very powerful with plenty of pop. Not quite Boomstik or Gearbox GX2 levels, but more than enough for hard drives and counters. |
| Control | 8.5/10 | The fiberglass reduces dwell time slightly compared to a full-foam paddle. That is, the ball doesn’t dwell on the paddle face – it pops off, making shaped shots less precise. |
| Spin | 8/10 | Strong spin generation, though carbon-only paddles might edge it out thanks to better dwell time. |
| Forgiveness | 10/10 | Extremely consistent bounce and broad sweet spot, making it easy to keep the ball in play. |
| Weighting | 8/10 | Balanced feel, not too heavy or light. Solid but nothing that stands out. |
| Grip | 9/10 | At 5.5 inches, the grip is long enough for two-handed backhands. Comfortable thickness, not too skinny or thick. |
| Durability | 10/10 | Strong construction with foam core and fiberglass – should hold up very well over time. |
| Aerodynamics | 9/10 | Moves quickly through the air. Swingweight as low as 110 makes it fast at the kitchen, though not the absolute fastest paddle available. |
Features that matter
- Fiberglass face + foam core: the fiberglass layer (which is blended with carbon fiber) gives you a poppier, stiffer feel than a full-foam paddle. The flipside is the foam softens up the fiberglass a bit.
- Large sweet spot: makes the paddle reliable and consistent for players of all levels.
- Longer grip: 5.5-inch length works well for two-handed backhands without sacrificing comfort.
Who the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF is for
The Honolulu J2NF is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want a power-forward paddle that still feels forgiving. Beginners can also use it thanks to the broad sweet spot, though the fiberglass pop may feel a little lively for absolute newcomers.
If you’re a carbon purist who loves the plush, spin-friendly feel of all-carbon paddles, you may not love the fiberglass face here. But if you like the crisp, explosive pop that fiberglass provides – and want a paddle that’s both forgiving and aggressive – the J2NF is an excellent option at its price point.
The J2NF is one of the better foam-fiberglass hybrids on the market. Explosive, forgiving, and durable, it delivers strong value at $195. Not for carbon purists, but a top pick for players who like pop and ultimate forgiveness.Today's best deals
