CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4 Review: A Lighter Hybrid That Finally Hits

Intro

The Genesis 4 is the first CRBN TruFoam paddle that actually delivers on the promise of a hybrid shape with balanced weight and modern feel. Earlier models like the TFG1 and TFG3 were too long, too heavy, and swung like a club—limiting who could realistically use them. This one changes that. The TFG4 shortens the frame, widens the face, and trims both swing and static weight without gutting the paddle’s identity. It still plays like a TruFoam—but now with better speed, more accessible reloads, and far more options for customization.

CRBN sent me the TFG4 to test, but they had no say in this review. All testing was conducted independently, and I’ve now spent over two weeks playing with it in drills and matches. What stood out most is how quickly this shape felt comfortable compared to earlier Genesis builds. It’s still not ultra-light or ultra-soft, but it finally lands in a playable range for a much wider audience.

If you’ve held off on trying CRBN’s foam line because of the swing weight or handle-heavy balance, this is the one to look at. And if you’re already a fan of the TruFoam feel but wanted something faster and more mod-friendly—this is it. You can use code MPB at checkout to save 10% if you decide to pick one up.

Let’s get into the details.

Tech Overview

Like the rest of the Genesis series, the TFG4 is built on CRBN’s proprietary TruFoam platform—a 100% solid EPP foam core with no honeycomb, sandwiched between a raw T700 carbon face and a sub-layer of fiberglass beneath the hitting zone. That fiberglass layer is what gives the paddle a hint of pop and spring in hand exchanges, especially when you catch the ball clean. It’s also the element that can occasionally produce a “jump” off the face when struck with pace or out of the sweet spot.

Structurally, the TFG4 uses the same full-frame mold as prior Genesis paddles, but with tighter manufacturing tolerances and a new internal layup that brings the swing weight down into the low 100s. Earlier models like the TFG1 and TFG3 landed between 123–126+ in stock form—far too heavy for most rec players. The TFG4 addresses that directly with a more compact shape and balanced mass distribution.

The perimeter still includes injected foam to bolster torsional stability, but it’s the shift in length-to-width ratio that does the most work here. Shortening the head reduces swing resistance, while the added width helps offset sweet spot shrinkage and stabilizes deflections across the face. CRBN didn’t reinvent the core, but they did finally pair it with a shape that makes sense for the material.

Specs

The TruFoam Genesis 4 measures 16.25 inches long by 7.5 inches wide—what most would classify as a true hybrid shape. Handle length is 5.5 inches, giving enough room for two-handed backhands without pushing the balance too far toward the head.

CRBN’s biggest achievement with this model is how they finally brought the swing weight under control. My test unit came in at 107.3—a full 15–18 points lower than the original TFG1 and TFG3. That puts it comfortably in the range for all-court play, especially for those who like to hand speed their way through the kitchen.

Static weight measured 7.93 oz, and twist weight came in at 6.25. That’s not the highest in class, but for a lighter hybrid frame, it’s a solid number that helps maintain control when you miss the center. It’s also the first Genesis paddle that doesn’t feel top-heavy or overly fatiguing in long rallies.

What matters more is how the weight is distributed: the TFG4 swings noticeably faster without feeling flimsy. There’s enough mass behind the ball to keep it composed during resets, and enough speed to let you flick, roll, and counter with confidence.

For players who like to mod, the TFG4 also gives you room to work. Unlike the G1 and G3, which were already in the 120s out of the box, this version gives you the option to add tungsten to the throat or edges without blowing up the swing weight.

Playtest

The Genesis 4 is the first CRBN TruFoam model that truly feels like a hybrid on court—faster, more balanced, and easier to manage in live play. The lower swing weight makes a huge difference in resets and hand battles. I didn’t feel the usual lag or tip-drag that slowed down earlier Genesis models.

It’s not a power paddle, but it holds its own. Serve speed tested at 55.5 MPH (49th percentile), and punch volleys landed at 36.3 MPH (40th percentile). You’ll find just enough pop in the fiberglass sub-layer to finish points when you need to, but not so much that you lose control or feel out of sync. That same sub-layer can cause the ball to spring off the face unpredictably on short contact, especially on flicks or mid-court blocks.

Where the TFG4 stands out is spin. At 2315 RPM, it ranks in the 93rd percentile—that’s elite territory. I had no problem shaping topspin drives, heavy roll volleys, or soft cut drops off the bounce. Combined with the faster hand speed and lighter build, it gave me more flexibility in how I approached points.

In softer play—dinks, drops, resets—the TFG4 finally feels composed. Contact is firm but not jarring, and the paddle doesn’t feel overly stiff or hollow. There’s still some of that TruFoam feedback—CRBN’s signature dense touch—but it’s easier to adjust to here than in the G1 or G3. The paddle plays clean, especially when you find the center, and it responds predictably even under pressure.

Out of the box, I didn’t feel a need to add tungsten, which is a first for this series. But for those who want to firm up the face or bring more weight through contact, this is the first Genesis with real flexibility for tuning.

Shape Comparisons

The Genesis 4 is labeled a hybrid, but it leans closer to a standard elongated shape than past models. It’s shorter than the G1 and G3, but the sweet spot is still positioned slightly north of center—giving it that extra reach and topspin leverage you expect from an elongated frame.

Compared to the original TFG1, which played like a full-length control paddle with a narrow margin for forgiveness, the TFG4 feels broader and more balanced. It’s not as tip-heavy, which helps it reload faster up close and keeps the paddle stable through resets.

If you’re coming from the TFG3, you’ll notice the TFG4 trades some plow-through for maneuverability. The G3 had a deeper feel and heavier recoil, which suited players who wanted to drive through the ball with mass. The TFG4, by contrast, gets out of the way quicker and plays better during fast points and scramble exchanges.

The shape itself isn’t revolutionary, but it finally brings the TruFoam formula into a frame that won’t exclude faster or lighter-handed players. CRBN needed this shape six months ago—but now that it’s here, I expect it to become the most widely adopted model in the series.

Recommendations

The TFG4 is the first paddle in the TruFoam lineup that I can genuinely recommend to a broader range of players. If you liked the plush, consistent feel of earlier TFG models but found them too slow or too top-heavy, this shape finally fixes the equation. It swings faster, handles better in hand exchanges, and gives you the same TruFoam compression with fewer trade-offs.

But—and this matters—there are now serious alternatives. The GX2 Power Hybrid offers a more linear response with better dwell and deeper power. The Honolulu Pickleball J2NF feels firmer, faster, and more responsive out of the box—at a much lower price. The Body Helix FLiK F1 TerraCore is stiffer and more aggressive but punishes soft touch players. And the Ripple V2 gives you high spin, big power, and a more molded finish, but at the cost of some feedback.

Bottom line: the TFG4 is balanced and modifiable, but not the only game in town anymore. It’s still the most accessible and complete version of TruFoam—and for die-hard CRBN fans or players already sold on the core tech, this is the shape the lineup always needed.

Price and Value

The TFG4 retails for $279, which puts it firmly in premium territory. That was easier to justify six months ago, when CRBN’s TruFoam line had the foam-core spotlight mostly to itself. But the landscape has shifted. You’ve now got the Honolulu J2NF at $195, the Body Helix TerraCore at $190, and the Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid at $250—all with different takes on all-foam construction, and all offering strong performance across different axes.

CRBN’s advantage lies in refinement. The TFG4 feels like a polished, mass-appeal version of its earlier entries—cleaner shaping, more usable swing weight, and better on-court balance. And for players who value that familiar TruFoam feel and want it in a shape that doesn’t fight them during fast play, this is the best it’s been.

You can grab the TFG4 directly from CRBN’s site, and if you want to save 10%, use code MPB at checkout.

Conclusion

The TFG4 is the paddle CRBN should’ve released months ago—but even now, it’s likely to become their most popular shape. It keeps everything people liked about TruFoam—plush feel, high spin, consistent response—and finally packages it in a faster, more accessible frame.

It’s not the most powerful, nor the softest, nor the most forgiving paddle in the foam-core space—but it strikes a balance that many players will appreciate. If you’ve wanted the TruFoam experience without the weight penalty of the earlier models, this is the one to try.

You can pick it up at CRBN’s website, and don’t forget to use code MPB to save 10% at checkout.