Enhance Gen 4.5 Pickleball Paddle Review – Budget Friendly Foam Core
When Enhance announced their new Gen 4.5 foam core pickleball paddle, I had mixed emotions. The name “Gen 4.5” sounds like a leap in paddle technology—like a mid-generation upgrade—but in reality, it’s more of a marketing move than a technical overhaul. That said, it’s a smart one. A lot of players will naturally assume Gen 4.5 means better than Gen 4 or Gen 3, and it’ll definitely get clicks.
But marketing aside, how does it actually play?
Let’s dive into my full review of the Enhance Gen 4.5, one of the most affordable foam core paddles on the market—and one that genuinely surprised me on court.
🧪 First Impressions: Foam Core Meets All-Court Performance
Enhance has released a few paddles before, including the Enhance Banger, which was a decent edgeless paddle. But this is their first step into the foam core world, and I have to say, they did a pretty solid job.
At first, I expected it to blend in with the rest of the foam core crowd, but not stand out. But something about the feel of this paddle immediately impressed me. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it at first, but the more I played with it, the more I realized: this paddle just works.
It doesn’t scream power. It doesn’t scream control. But it quietly delivers consistent performance across the board. It feels smooth, predictable, and comfortable whether you’re at the baseline or dinking up at the net.
📊 Paddle Specs
Shape: Elongated
Core: Foam core with indented voids (circular/teardrop) as opposed to solid foam or fully cutout void pass throughs
Face Material: Carbon fiber
Static Weight: 8.29 oz
Swing Weight: 121.4
Twist Weight: 6.2
MSRP: $175 – Use code pickleballblast to save $20
🎾 Performance Breakdown
✅ Feel & Control:
The Enhance Gen 4.5 has a softer touch than many foam paddles, but not so soft that you lose feedback. Contact feels full and satisfying. I felt in control throughout the game, and surprisingly, I could still generate power when I needed it.
✅ Spin:
While it may not reach the spin potential of top-tier paddles like the CRBN Trufoam, the Enhance holds its own with a strong spin profile that allows for reliable ball shaping.
✅ Price:
This is where it really stands out. Priced at $175, and only $155 with code, it’s one of the cheapest foam core paddles on the market—without feeling cheap.
✅ Smart Design Features:
I love the small touch of having weight markings along the edge. If you’re experimenting with weighted tape, this is a helpful and inviting feature, especially for players new to customizing their paddle.
✅ Versatility:
This paddle excels as an all-court paddle. It’s not overly specialized, making it perfect for players who want a well-rounded game or are transitioning from traditional polymer-core paddles to foam.
🤔 What I Didn’t Love
The Name: Calling it “Gen 4.5” is a bit misleading. It’s really more of a Gen 4 paddle with a twist—not a major tech leap.
The Design Aesthetic: A little loud and flashy for my taste, but that’s purely personal.
Not a Category Leader: If you’re looking to dominate one specific category—like raw power or maximum pop—this isn’t the paddle for that.
⚖️ Who Is the Enhance Gen 4.5 For?
This paddle is a great fit for:
Players transitioning into foam core paddles that want an easy transition
Budget-conscious players who still want a premium feel
All-court players who value versatility over specialization
🆚 CRBN Tfg4 vs Enhance Gen 4.5
The CRBN Trufoam Genesis 4 is my current main paddle, so naturally, I compared it to the Enhance Gen 4.5.
Power: Slight edge to the CRBN, but the Enhance still delivers enough if you can generate your own.
Pop: CRBN wins, especially thanks to its fiberglass patch.
Feel: Enhance feels softer and fuller, while the CRBN feels stiffer and lighter in stock form.
Spin: CRBN is top-tier here, though Enhance is still respectable.
Price: No contest—Enhance is over $100 cheaper.
Ultimately, it comes down to play style and priorities. The CRBN leans aggressive. The Enhance plays more neutral and stable. I’d honestly feel confident playing a tournament with either tomorrow, which in itself says a lot.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Enhance Gen 4.5 isn’t a paddle that’s going to dominate the headlines, but it’s quietly one of the best foam paddle values on the market right now. It’s consistent, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring—especially for players looking to explore the foam core world without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for a well-rounded, affordable paddle that plays like it costs more, the Enhance Gen 4.5 might be your new go-to.
