J2NF Paddle Review – Honolulu Pickleball’s Most Complete Foam-Core Yet

Product Details

The J2NF is part of Honolulu Pickleball’s Notched Foam (NF) paddle line and currently comes in a single configuration: a 16mm core, hybrid-shaped frame measuring 16.2″ x 7.8″ with a 5.5″ handle and a 4.25″ grip circumference. The paddle is designed for all-court versatility and optimized for spin, stability, and power without overloading swing weight.

While there are no other variations under the NF label yet, the J2NF does share a shape and mold with other paddles in Honolulu’s J2 lineup, including the J2FC+ (a Gen 3 foam-core beta build), and the J2NFK and J2NFT, which use alternate face materials. But only the J2NF combines a raw carbon fiber surface with a fully notched EVA foam core—making it the most direct, crisp-feeling paddle in the lineup.

This version is designed to play fast and stable out of the box, with no need for added tungsten or grip mods.

Pricing & Availability

The J2NF retails for $195 on Honolulu Pickleball’s website. It initially launched via limited pre-order, with the first batch sold out and the second scheduled to ship in early July. That early sellout reflects growing interest in high-performance foam-core builds that are USAP approved and ready for tournament play.

You can use the code MPB at checkout to save 10% on your order. If you're considering one of the Kevlar-faced models like the J2NFK, use MPBK to save $20. These codes apply at 808pickle.com and support continued testing and reviews.

Core and Construction

The J2NF is built entirely around a notched EVA foam core—no honeycomb, no hollow chambers, just a solid block of multi-density foam engineered for consistency. What separates it from other foam paddles is how the core connects to the perimeter. Instead of just injecting foam around a central structure, Honolulu developed an interlocking system of structural notches. These notches physically bind the edge foam to the core, forming a single, load-sharing unit.

This approach adds both durability and responsiveness. Unlike some foam paddles that flex unevenly or feel unstable under pressure, the J2NF feels integrated. There’s no wobble, no delay on contact, and the perimeter stability helps create a broader usable hitting zone. This notched architecture also means the paddle holds its shape better over time, avoiding common issues like dead zones or breakdown from repeated flex.

The face is a three-layer composite called CFC: carbon fiber, fiberglass, and a second layer of carbon fiber. That layering creates a crisp response and high spin potential while preserving the paddle’s firm, controlled feel. Combined with the EVA foam underneath, the result is a paddle that plays solid, fast, and direct—without feeling overly stiff or disconnected.

Comparative Analysis

When you line up the J2NF against CRBN’s TruFoam Genesis series, you start to see clear distinctions—not just in how they’re built, but how they play.

From a power perspective, the J2NF lands just behind the CRBN3, but ahead of both the CRBN1 and CRBN2. It scored a 55 firepower rating, compared to 49 for the CRBN1 and only 38 for the CRBN2. The CRBN3 clocks in at 57, so yes—it hits a bit harder. But here's the tradeoff: the J2NF gets almost the same output with 14 points less swing weight. That matters. With a swing weight of 111.25, the J2NF is noticeably faster in hand than the CRBN3 (125.55) or the CRBN1 (123.25), and even beats the CRBN2 (114.55) on swing speed while offering more pop and drive power.

On pop—specifically punch volleys—the J2NF also holds its own. It measured 36.5 MPH, which matches or edges the CRBN2 and CRBN3, and comes in ahead of the CRBN1. It’s responsive and quick, and that responsiveness feels more dynamic because of the paddle’s firmer energy return. The CRBN line plays softer overall. If you prefer a muted or absorbent touch, that may suit your game. But for those who want more connected feedback—where you feel the ball compress and release cleanly—the J2NF is more direct.

Spin across the board is excellent. The J2NF hit 2270 RPM in testing, while the CRBN series ranged from 2302 to 2401 RPM. So yes, CRBN still leads slightly in raw RPM, but in practical terms, you’re getting very usable, consistent spin from the J2NF—especially given its lighter swing profile.

Lastly, feel. The J2NF plays plusher than the CRBN1 and CRBN2, but firmer than the CRBN3. It's a rare combo: crisp, stable, and fast—without feeling harsh or unforgiving. It doesn’t have the fully muted sensation of the CRBN2, and it doesn’t require the same effort to wield as the CRBN3. That makes it a better all-around fit for players who want power and spin without compromising on maneuverability or comfort.

Durability and Longevity

One of the most compelling aspects of the J2NF is its long-term structural promise. Traditional Gen 3 paddles—particularly those built on thermoformed honeycomb cores—tend to degrade over time due to internal crushing, delamination, or edge failure. Foam-core paddles, by contrast, eliminate many of those weak points by design.

The J2NF takes that even further. Its solid EVA foam core, paired with a notched perimeter system, means there are no hollow chambers to collapse or bond lines to separate. This is a mechanically integrated build where the core and perimeter function as a single structure—distributing load more evenly and resisting breakdown from repeated flex and impact.

Based on construction alone, we can reasonably expect a paddle like the J2NF to outlast traditional honeycomb-core models. There's simply less to fail. And so far in testing—across 15+ hours of drilling and gameplay—the paddle has held up without any loss of pop, feel, or responsiveness.

Surface texture will wear eventually, but the frame underneath is built for the long haul. In a category where players often burn through paddles within a few months, the J2NF’s design offers a more sustainable option—both in terms of performance and wallet.

Power & Pop

For a paddle that weighs just over 8 ounces and swings at 111.25, the J2NF delivers impressive power—especially on drives, counters, and overheads. The energy return is quick and efficient. There’s no sluggishness, no flex lag, and no need to “wind it up” to access pop. It’s just there, immediately, even on your first few shots of a session.

In testing, the J2NF registered a serve speed of 55.8 MPH and a punch volley speed of 36.5 MPH. That puts it squarely in the middle of the pack for raw pop metrics—but it plays faster than those numbers suggest. The firm CFC face and tight foam core give it a sharp rebound effect that feels crisp without being harsh.

Compared to other paddles in the foam space, the J2NF matches or exceeds pop performance. It outguns the CRBN1 and CRBN2 in both serve speed and firepower, and holds its own against the heavier-hitting CRBN3 while being easier to swing. You’re not going to mistake this paddle for a blunt-force power tool, but for its weight class and construction, it punches well above its size.

And most importantly—it’s consistent. You don’t have to swing out of your shoes to get depth, and it holds up through long games without requiring extra effort to maintain speed.

Control & Feel

What makes the J2NF stand out in the foam-core space isn’t just that it delivers power—it’s how well it balances that with control. Touch shots, resets, and soft dinks all benefit from the paddle’s firm-but-plush feel. You don’t get that overly muted, delayed sensation that some all-foam paddles suffer from, but it also avoids the jarring response of stiff Gen 3 builds.

The ball compresses against the face just enough to give you feedback without sacrificing control. Drops clear the net with shape, resets stay low, and the paddle doesn’t overreact when you try to slow the game down. It’s not what I’d call a “soft” paddle, but it’s extremely playable in the soft game—especially given how much firepower it also delivers.

In terms of feel, the J2NF is tuned. You feel the connection without noise. The triple-layer face adds a layer of firmness, but the notched foam keeps things stable and predictable. There’s minimal vibration on mishits, and nothing that travels up the arm.

Compared to the J2FC+, this paddle is crisper and more direct. Compared to something like the CRBN2, it gives you more information without losing control. It’s the kind of feel that inspires confidence—especially in transition or when you’re under pressure.

Forgiveness & Sweet Spot

For a hybrid-shaped paddle with a firm face and under-112 swing weight, the J2NF is remarkably forgiving. The sweet spot is broad and evenly distributed, and even shots caught slightly off-center hold their line with minimal deflection or flutter. That’s not something you typically get from a paddle this fast in hand.

The notched foam construction likely plays a role here. Because the perimeter is mechanically integrated into the core, the entire structure feels more unified on contact. There’s less torsional give and fewer “dead edges,” which means mishits don’t punish you the way they might on hollow-core builds or paddles with lower twist weight.

And at a measured twist weight of 6.9, the J2NF lands comfortably in the forgiving range—especially considering it keeps swing weight down to 111.25. That balance is rare. Most paddles that swing this fast sacrifice stability or off-center playability, but the J2NF manages to do both well.

Whether you’re blocking speed-ups, resetting in the kitchen, or stretching for a volley, the paddle holds its shape and gives you a reliable result. You still feel it when you miss—but the shot stays playable.

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