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CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) pickleball paddle
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CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) Review

Elongated foam-core power paddle
The elongated shape of CRBN's newest TruFoam paddle: a 16.5 x 7.5 in Barrage with a floating foam core inside an EVA foam perimeter ring, built for pop-based power, speed-ups and counters.
Power10
Control8.25
Spin9.5
Sweet spot8.25
$279.99at CRBNList price. Prices change often, so check CRBN for today’s price.
Check price at CRBN
Researched by Dan ·
Updated
At a glance

Quick Specifications

Weight
7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 oz average)
Shape
Elongated
Length
16.5 in
Width
7.5 in
Core thickness
14 mm
Grip length
5.5 in
Grip circumference
4.125 in
Core material
100% TruFoam Gen-4 floating foam core with EVA foam perimeter ring
Surface material
T700 raw carbon fiber
Balance
Swing weight 118–120; twist weight 6.54; balance point 236 mm (per CRBN)
USA Pickleball status
Approved: on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list (checked 2026-10-01). CRBN also lists PBCoR 43 and UPA-A certification.

Specifications come from the manufacturer; our sources are listed with each review. Research scores follow our editorial policy. Always confirm USA Pickleball approval on the official list before tournament play.

Fit

Who Is This Paddle For?

  • Aggressive players who speed the ball up and finish points
  • Players who want reach from an elongated shape
  • Players coming from a foam paddle who want more pop

May want another paddle

  • Players who want quicker hands should look at the CRBN⁴ Barrage

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Top power rating (10) on our scale
  • Floating foam core with an EVA perimeter ring
  • On the USA Pickleball approved list
  • 4.9 out of 5 from 72 verified buyers on CRBN's site

Cons

  • Most expensive CRBN line at $279.99
  • Highest swing weight of the Barrage shapes (118–120)
  • Smaller sweet-spot rating (8.25) than the hybrid shape
  • One buyer reports a declined warranty claim
Research summary

Our Review

Power

10/10

Our analysis of manufacturer specs

On our spec-based scale it rates 10 for power: a 100% foam core, a 14 mm core, an 8.0 oz average weight and a 16.5 in elongated shape add up to the top of our scale. Our scale scores core material, not CRBN's three TruFoam core designs, so a Genesis and a Waves in the same shape get the same ratings. CRBN positions Waves as its most powerful TruFoam paddle, Barrage for pop and fast counters, and Genesis as its all-court paddle.

Control

8.25/10

Our analysis of manufacturer specs

A 14 mm core and raw carbon face give it a control rating of 8.25; the elongated shape trades some control for reach. CRBN says the perimeter ring keeps off-center hits predictable at high swing speeds.

Spin

9.5/10

Our analysis of manufacturer specs

Its raw T700 carbon face and elongated shape give it a spin rating of 9.5. CRBN says Barrage's spin comes mainly from the core's dwell rather than surface grit, so it should hold up as the face wears.

Sweet spot

8.25/10

Our analysis of manufacturer specs

A 7.5 in face and 14 mm core give it a sweet-spot rating of 8.25. CRBN says the EVA perimeter ring enlarges the effective sweet spot, which our scale doesn't score.

Maneuverability

Manufacturer data

CRBN publishes a swing weight of 118–120, the highest of the Barrage shapes, so it trades hand speed for reach and plow-through.

Handle & comfort

Our analysis of manufacturer specs

CRBN lists a 5.5 in handle: long enough for most players who hit two-handed backhands. The grip circumference is 4.125 in, the most common size; players with larger hands often add an overgrip. At about 8 oz, it is in the mid-weight range most paddles fall into. Comfort is personal: grip size, handle length and weight are the published specs that affect it most.

Stability

Manufacturer data

A published twist weight of 6.54 and a 236 mm balance point are mid-range for CRBN's lineup.

Build quality

Manufacturer information

Barrage uses CRBN's 100% TruFoam Gen-4 floating core, set inside an EVA foam perimeter ring that CRBN says adds perimeter weighting, stability and a larger sweet spot, behind a T700 raw carbon fiber face. It ships with a neoprene paddle cover. CRBN covers registered paddles bought in the US or Canada for one year against manufacturing defects, and every paddle comes with a 30-day trial with free return shipping.

Feel

Manufacturer description and buyer feedback

CRBN describes a fast, lively feel with a crisp pop off the face the moment you accelerate, kept predictable by the perimeter ring. As of October 2026, CRBN's site shows an average of 4.90 out of 5 from 72 verified-buyer reviews. In the most recent reviews, buyers most often mention its power and control, followed by its pop. The one low rating in recent reviews says the paddle broke down after a couple of months and CRBN declined the warranty claim. These reports don't add up to a consistent pattern, so we haven't adjusted any rating.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which CRBN shape should I choose?

CRBN makes its TruFoam paddles in four shapes: ¹ Elongated with a long handle (16.5 x 7.35 in, 5.75 in handle), which CRBN recommends for reach and offense; ² Standard (16 x 7.85 in) for defense and resets; ³ Elongated (16.5 x 7.5 in) for consistency and forgiveness; and ⁴ Hybrid AeroCurve (16.2 x 7.8 in) for hand speed and attacks.

Is the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) tournament legal?

Approved: on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list (checked 2026-10-01). CRBN also lists PBCoR 43 and UPA-A certification.

The bottom line

Final Summary

Best features

Top-of-scale power and strong spin from an elongated floating-foam paddle built for pop.

Potential drawbacks

A high price, a heavier swing weight and a smaller sweet spot than the hybrid Barrage.

Ideal player

An aggressive intermediate or advanced player who wants elongated reach and instant pop.

Where to buy

We link to CRBN, the brand's own store, so you buy new and the manufacturer's warranty and return policy apply. List price: $279.99 (prices change, so check the store for today's price). It is on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.

Not sold? Compare it with the alternatives below or use our paddle comparison tool.

$279.99at CRBNList price. Prices change often, so check CRBN for today’s price.
Check price at CRBN
Also consider

Paddle Alternatives

Comparable paddles worth a look if this one isn't quite right.

Sources and how we researched this review

  • Specifications and product details: the manufacturer's published information, labelled "Manufacturer data" in the review.
  • Ratings: calculated from those specifications on our published rating scale, the same for every brand, and labelled "Our analysis".
  • Buyer feedback: 72 buyer ratings on CRBN, summarized in the Feel section and labelled "buyer feedback".
  • Hands-on testing: we haven't play-tested this paddle. Everything here comes from the sources listed and our analysis of them.

Sources