Head-to-Head Comparison

CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) vs CRBN³ X Series

The CRBN³ X Series scores 8.9 and the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) scores 8.6 on our spec-based rating scale. Calculated from each maker’s published specs; we don’t play-test paddles.

Ratings Head to Head

CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated)CRBN³ X Series
Power109.5
Control7.58
Spin99.5
Sweet spot88.5
Research score8.68.9

Which Suits Your Game?

Player typeCRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated)CRBN³ X Series
Beginners8.28.6
Touch players8.28.6
Power hitters9.09.1
Spin players8.89.1

Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted

Key Differences

  • The biggest gap is power: the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) rates 10 to the CRBN³ X Series’s 9.5.
  • Control goes to the CRBN³ X Series (8 vs 7.5).
  • On spin, the CRBN³ X Series is ahead: 9.5 vs 9.
  • The CRBN³ X Series also leads on sweet spot, 8.5 to 8.
  • Price: the CRBN³ X Series costs less right now (see the prices above).

The Verdict

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

Go with the CRBN³ X Series if you want more control, more spin and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.

Specs Side by Side

SpecCRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated)CRBN³ X Series
Weight7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 oz average)7.8–8.1 oz
ShapeElongatedElongated
Length16.5 in16.5 in
Width7.5 in7.5 in
Core thickness14 mm14 mm or 16 mm (scored at 14 mm)
Core100% TruFoam Gen-4 foam coreUpgraded durable core with a foam-reinforced perimeter (CRBN doesn’t name the core material)
FaceT700 raw carbon fiber with fiberglass layerGritty T700 Toray carbon fiber
Handle length5.5 in5.25 in
Grip size4.125 in4.125 in
Price$199.99 (list $279.99)$149.99 (list $229.99)
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 Waves (Elongated) or the CRBN³ X Series?

On our spec-based scale the CRBN³ X Series scores higher (8.9 vs 8.6). By player type, the CRBN³ X Series suits beginners, touch players and spin players better.

Which has more power, the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) or the CRBN³ X Series?

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

Which is better for beginners, the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) or the CRBN³ X Series?

The CRBN³ X Series scores higher for beginners (8.6 vs 8.2), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.

Are the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) and CRBN³ X Series 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.