Foam core
Foam-based cores. EPP, EVA, and hybrids. The build that replaced honeycomb in most 2025–2026 power paddles.
The short version: Gen 1 was cold-pressed honeycomb. Gen 2 added thermoforming with foam-injected edges. Gen 3 pushed foam deeper into the structure. Gen 4 went full-foam (usually EPP), and "Gen 4.5" and "Gen 5" are refinements. Multi-density foams, EVA rings, floating cores.
Be honest about those labels: generation numbers are marketing, not a regulated standard. Judge construction and reviewer-reported performance, not the number on the box. Early foam cores had heat and durability problems; current designs have mostly solved them, and warranties have followed.
See also: thermoforming · core crush · honeycomb core