CRBN 3X Paddle Review: Is This the Best All-Around Paddle for 2024?
If you’ve been playing pickleball for a while, chances are you’re familiar with the CRBN brand. Known for their quality paddles, they’ve made a name for themselves on the courts and continue to impress with their innovative designs. Today, I want to talk about their top paddle — the CRBN 3X — and why it stands out in a crowded market of paddles.
Before diving into my review, I want to clarify that CRBN sent me this paddle for review purposes, but they aren’t paying me for this post, and they won’t be seeing it before it goes live. This is an honest, unbiased review based on my experience.
Quick Take on the CRBN 3X
If you’re in a rush and just want the quick take, here it is: The CRBN 3X is a hybrid-shaped paddle that fits comfortably between the CRBN 1X and 2X in the brand’s power lineup. It’s available in both 16mm and 14mm thicknesses, and it excels in all-around performance, offering solid power, control, spin, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, this paddle is a great option for players of all levels. Priced at $230, you can use the code pickleballblast for 10% off your order, which brings it down to about $207.
If you want the details, let’s dive deeper.
The CRBN Lineup: Where the 3X Fits In
Before we get into the specifics of the CRBN 3X, it’s worth understanding where it sits in the overall CRBN lineup. CRBN currently has three main paddles in their power series: the 1X, the 2X, and the 3X.
The CRBN 1X is an elongated shape, designed more for pure power.
The CRBN 2X has a more traditional shape and leans heavily into control.
The CRBN 3X is also an elongated shape but has a different handle length and is slightly wider than the 1x
I would describe the CRBN 3X as a perfect middle ground. It has power but also the control necessary for a well-rounded, all-court game. This is important to understand because it’s marketed as part of their power series, but it’s not as extreme as some of the other paddles out there that focus purely on raw power.
The Specs
For those who like the technical details, here’s a breakdown of the CRBN 3X:
Shape: Elongated
Thickness: Available in 16mm and 14mm
Face Material: Toray T700 Carbon Fiber
Static Weight: 7.8 - 8.1 oz
Swing Weight: 118
Twist Weight: 6.6
Grip Length: 5.25 inches
Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
Price: $230 (or $207 with code PickleballBlast)
Power: A Solid Performance, but Not Pure Power
When it comes to power, the CRBN 3X performs admirably, but it’s not a powerhouse paddle like the Gearbox Power Pro or Joola Gen 3 paddles. My serve speeds with the 3X averaged around 50 mph, with a top speed of 57 mph, which puts it on par with many other paddles in the upper half of the mid-range.
While it delivers decent power, the beauty of this paddle lies in its ability to maintain playability without sacrificing too much control. Unlike other power paddles, which sometimes come with a small sweet spot or difficult-to-manage power, the CRBN 3X offers a balanced feel that works for most players.
Control: Consistent and Reliable
Control is one of the standout features of the CRBN 3X. While this isn’t a pure control paddle, it definitely leans more toward control than the typical power paddles. The feel off the face is slightly stiff and muted, which helps you predict the ball’s behavior more easily. This consistent feedback makes it easier to dial in your shots, whether you're going for a dink, a reset, or a power drive.
Pop: Above Average, But Manageable
Now, let’s talk about pop. This is one of those hard-to-quantify features, but the CRBN 3X provides above-average pop without feeling unmanageable. If you’ve ever used the Six Zero Double Black Diamond, the CRBN 3X feels very similar in terms of pop. It’s not as crazy as some of the newer ultra-pop paddles, but it offers just enough without being overwhelming. It’s a good balance that makes it ideal for all-court players who want versatility.
Spin: A Surprising Performance
The spin on the CRBN 3X surprised me. While the surface doesn’t feel super gritty, I was able to generate 2043 rpm on average during my tests — which was higher than both the Six Zero Double Black Diamond and Bread and Butter Shogun. This speaks to the paddle’s ability to impart spin without the extreme gritty surface that we sometimes see on other paddles. The CRBN 3X has enough dwell time to keep the ball on the face long enough to create aggressive dips and curves on shots.
Speed: Solid, Not Blazing Fast
With a swing weight of 118, the CRBN 3X is in the middle of the pack when it comes to speed. While it’s not the quickest paddle out there, it doesn’t feel sluggish either. After a brief adjustment period, I found it felt fast enough for quick exchanges at the net, without sacrificing the other aspects of the paddle. So, while you won’t get the blazing hand speed of a paddle with a lower swing weight, it still holds up well.
Design: Sleek and Stylish
As a visual person, the design of the CRBN 3X is worth mentioning. I love the simple, clean look of the CRBN logo, and the splash of red accents on the paddle gives it a little pop without going overboard. It’s sleek, modern, and definitely stands out without being too loud. Of course, paddle design is subjective, but for me, it strikes the right balance between style and functionality.
Pros and Cons: The Final Verdict
Let’s recap the CRBN 3X:
Pros:
Well-rounded performance: Great blend of power, control, spin, and pop
Ideal for all-court players: Suitable for players of any skill level
Surprisingly good spin: Generates more spin than expected
Reliable and controllable: Feels consistent, making it easy to play with
Affordable for its quality: Competitive pricing with a reputable brand
Cons:
Pricey: $230 is on the higher end of the price spectrum
Confusing marketing: If you expect a "power" paddle, you might be disappointed; this is more of an all-court paddle
Not the fastest paddle: Some players might prefer something with a quicker swing weight
Should You Buy the CRBN 3X?
If you're looking for an all-around paddle that works well in every aspect, the CRBN 3X is definitely worth considering. It delivers solid performance in power, control, spin, and pop without the downsides often associated with extreme power paddles.
However, it’s important to understand what you’re getting. While it's part of the power series, the CRBN 3X leans more toward all-court play rather than sheer power, so if that’s what you’re after, it could be a perfect fit.
At $230, it’s not the cheapest option on the market, but it’s a solid choice from a well-established brand.
CRBN Pickleball Discount Code
If you’re planning to purchase the CRBN 3x or any other CRBN pickleball paddle, consider using the code PickleballBlast to save 10% off your order over on the CRBN Pickleball Website
Have you played with the CRBN 3X? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let me know what you think of this paddle. I’ll see you in the next review!
