Head-to-Head Comparison

CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) vs Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X

The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores 9.1 and the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) scores 8.9 on our spec-based rating scale. Calculated from each maker’s published specs; we don’t play-test paddles.

Dan’s Take

Two elongated foam-core paddles, tuned differently. The CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage Elongated is 14 mm thick; the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X we rated is the 16 mm version, with a longer 5.75-inch handle. On our scale the Barrage has the edge on power (10 vs 9.5), while the TKO-X rates higher for control (9 vs 8) and sweet spot (8.5 vs 8). One note: Paddletek says the 14 mm TKO-X isn't USA Pickleball approved, only the 16 mm.

Buyers rate the Barrage a bit higher: 4.9 out of 5 from 70+ ratings on CRBN's site, against 4.6 from 60+ on Paddletek's. The Barrage is also the pricier pick. Choose it if you want maximum power; choose the TKO-X 16 mm if you'd rather have more control and the longer handle.

By Dan · Based on each brand’s published specs and buyer ratings, October 2026. We don’t play-test paddles.

Ratings Head to Head

CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X
Power109.5
Control89
Spin9.59.5
Sweet spot88.5
Research score8.99.1

Which Suits Your Game?

Player typeCRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X
Beginners8.58.9
Touch players8.59.0
Power hitters9.29.2
Spin players9.29.3

Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted

Key Differences

  • The biggest gap is control: the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X rates 9 to the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)’s 8.
  • The CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) also leads on power, 10 to 9.5.
  • The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X also leads on sweet spot, 8.5 to 8.
  • They tie on spin (9.5).
  • Core thickness: 14 mm for the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) against 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) for the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X. The thinner CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
  • Price: the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X costs less right now (see the prices above).

The Verdict

Go with the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) if you want more power.

Choose the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X if you want more control, a bigger sweet spot and a lower price, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.

Specs Side by Side

SpecCRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X
Weight7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 oz average)7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 ± 0.2 oz)
ShapeElongatedElongated
Length16.5 in16.5 in
Width7.5 in7.5 in
Core thickness14 mm16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved)
Core100% TruFoam Gen-4 floating foam core with EVA foam perimeter ringHoneyfoam multi-foam: EPP foam core, EVA foam wrap and perimeter foam ring
FaceT700 raw carbon fiberPT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)
Handle length5.5 in5.75 in
Grip size4.125 inNot published by Paddletek
Price$229.99 (list $279.99)$199.99 (list $249.99)
USA Pickleball approvedYesYes

Specs as published by each manufacturer. Prices are checked daily on each brand’s own store; the checkout price is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?

On our spec-based scale the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher (9.1 vs 8.9). By player type, the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X suits beginners and touch players better.

Which has more power, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?

The CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 9.5).

Which is better for beginners, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?

The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher for beginners (8.9 vs 8.5), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.

Are the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) and Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X approved for tournament play?

Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.

More Head-to-Head Comparisons

Compare every paddle in one table

Next Step

Compare More Paddles

Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.