CRBN-1X Power Series Review
Consensus score
The spin monster of the premium tier. CRBN's elongated Power Series pairs raw T700 carbon with a unibody thermoformed build, and reviewers say it produces some of the heaviest spin in the category: topspin drives that kick off the court like a curling free kick. Despite the Power Series name, reviewers rate it control-leaning. Dinks stay low, drops are predictable, and the spin is there all the time.
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The consensus verdict
Best for
Spin-first 3.5+ players who shape the ball. Heavy topspin with a control safety net, and two-handed backhand players get a roomy 5.5-inch handle too.
Not for
Standard-shape loyalists, or anyone shopping purely on power per dollar. Reviewers point max-power seekers to hotter paddles in the $200+ tier.
Control 84 · Power 91 · Spin 94 · Forgiveness 84 · Hand speed
Specs
| MSRP | $229.99 |
|---|---|
| Shapes | Elongated 16.5" × 7.25" |
| Thickness | 14mm & 16mm |
| Face | Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb, unibody thermoformed with foam-injected edge walls |
| Weight | 7.8–8.1 oz |
| Handle | 5.5" · 4.25" grip |
| Measured (third-party) | Spin consistently rated among the best in class (independent reviewer lab data; exact figures vary by test) |
| Approval | USAP approved |
Specs from CRBN and retailer listings; measured figures from independent reviewer lab data (unit-to-unit variance applies).
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Elite spin. The signature trait: heavy topspin drives that kick off the court. The raw T700 face generates shape and bite well above the category average.
- Control retained despite the name. "Power Series" branding aside, reviewers rate the 1X control-leaning: dinks stay low, drops are predictable, and the paddle does not run hot.
- Unibody durability. Carbon fiber runs from face through the handle, stiffening the paddle and removing the classic neck-joint weak point. Foam-injected edges expand the sweet spot and cut vibration.
- Forgiving for an elongated. The 16.5" length gives reach and leverage, but reviewers note off-center hits stay playable. Unusual for the shape.
Weaknesses & caveats
- Elongated takes adjustment. At 7.25" wide the face is narrow. Coming from a standard or widebody shape, budget time to find the sweet spot consistently.
- Premium price, volatile street price. $229.99 is the MSRP, but retailer sale prices swing widely. Judge value on what you'd actually pay, not the sticker.
- 14mm vs 16mm confusion. The two thicknesses play meaningfully differently (pop vs control), and listings don't always make the choice clear. Know which one you're buying.
- Not the hottest paddle in the tier. If raw pace is the whole assignment, reviewers point to dedicated power paddles. The 1X wins on spin-plus-control, not maximum pop.
Synthesized from expert long-form reviews (Pickleball Studio, measurement-focused outlets), retailer owner reviews, and player-community discussion. How we rank →
Who it's for
Who it's for
- Spin-first intermediates and advanced players (3.5+) who shape the ball
- Two-handed backhand players. The 5.5" handle has room
- CRBN loyalists who want more aggression without leaving the brand's feel
Who should skip it
- Standard/widebody loyalists who won't adapt to 7.25" wide
- True beginners. Start under $100
- Max-power seekers. The $200+ tier has hotter options
Pro usage
No match-verified pro usage in our tracker at last check. The 1X's reputation here rests on reviewer and community consensus. See the full tracker →
Where to buy
This link is the 14mm. Also available direct from CRBN.
← Best paddles $200 & up · Grit & spin explained · Swing weight explained
CRBN-1X FAQs
14mm or 16mm?
14mm for livelier pop, 16mm for control and forgiveness. Pick the thickness that matches the cores you already like.
Is it really a power paddle?
Reviewers say no. Balanced and control-leaning, with spin as the standout. The name oversells the power.
How long does the grit last?
All raw carbon fades with play. CRBN's face holds up well versus the category, but expect gradual spin loss over months of heavy use.