CRBN
CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated)
Power players who want big drives and dwell-based spin
$199.99at CRBN
Dan’s Take
Two foam-core elongated paddles that cost about the same, built to different thicknesses. The CRBN Waves is 14 mm and maxes out our power rating at 10; the TKO-X is 16 mm with Paddletek's layered Honeyfoam core, and it gives up half a point of power (9.5) for a lot more control (9 vs 7.5). It also has the longer handle, 5.75 inches to 5.5.
Buyers lean slightly toward CRBN: 4.8 out of 5 from 100+ ratings, against 4.6 from 60+ on Paddletek's site. Only the 16 mm TKO-X is on the USA Pickleball list; Paddletek says the 14 mm is UPA-A only. Pick the Waves for raw power, the TKO-X for better all-round balance.
By Dan · Based on each brand’s published specs and buyer ratings, October 2026. We don’t play-test paddles.
Paddletek
Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X
Players who want elongated reach and foam-core power
$199.99at Paddletek
Ratings Head to Head
CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated)Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X
Power109.5
Control7.59
Spin99.5
Sweet spot88.5
Research score8.69.1
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.2 | 8.9 |
| Touch players | 8.2 | 9.0 |
| Power hitters | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| Spin players | 8.8 | 9.3 |
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 Waves (Elongated)’s 7.5.
- Power goes to the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) (10 vs 9.5).
- The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X also leads on spin, 9.5 to 9.
- Sweet spot goes to the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X (8.5 vs 8).
- Core thickness: 14 mm for the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) against 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) for the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X. The thinner CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
The Verdict
Choose the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) if you want more power.
Go with the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X 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
| Spec | CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 oz average) | 7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 ± 0.2 oz) |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Length | 16.5 in | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.5 in | 7.5 in |
| Core thickness | 14 mm | 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) |
| Core | 100% TruFoam Gen-4 foam core | Honeyfoam multi-foam: EPP foam core, EVA foam wrap and perimeter foam ring |
| Face | T700 raw carbon fiber with fiberglass layer | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.75 in |
| Grip size | 4.125 in | Not published by Paddletek |
| Price | $199.99 (list $279.99) | $199.99 (list $249.99) |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes | Yes |
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 Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
On our spec-based scale the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher (9.1 vs 8.6). By player type, the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
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 Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher for beginners (8.9 vs 8.2), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (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
- CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) vs HEAD Radical TOUR EX15
- CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) vs CRBN³ TruFoam Genesis (Elongated)
- CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) vs CRBN¹ TruFoam Genesis (Elongated, Long Handle)
- CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) vs CRBN¹ X Series
- CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) vs CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)
- CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated) vs CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve)
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