Honolulu J6NF & J6FC+ Pickleball Paddle Review: Which One Is Right for You?
Honolulu Pickleball has just announced the launch of two brand-new paddles: the J6NF and J6FC+. These elongated paddles build on the massive success of the J2NF and FC+ hybrids, giving players the same consistent performance with the added reach and power of an elongated shape.
If you’ve been eyeing a foam paddle upgrade, these might be the ones to watch. In this review, I’ll break down the key specs, performance, and differences between the J6NF and J6FC+, and help you decide which paddle is the best fit for your game.
Overview of the Honolulu J6NF and J6FC+
At a glance, the J6 series is essentially the elongated version of Honolulu’s J2NF and FC+. Internally, they share the same design and materials, so you can expect similar performance characteristics.
Price: $195 retail (or $175 with code PbBlast)
Shapes: Both paddles feature an elongated shape with a 6” handle
Playstyle: Power-focused, forgiving, and consistent
Honolulu also gave these paddles a refreshed design, so you’re not only getting performance but also updated branding that looks sharp on the court.
J6NF vs J6FC+: Specs and Build
J6NF (Notched Foam)
Core: EPP foam with EVA perimeter foam, notched design
Static Weight: 8.24 oz
Swing Weight: 118.9
Twist Weight: 6.6
Layup: CFC with fiberglass layer
The fiberglass layer gives the NF a poppier, stiffer feel with a bit more explosive power on contact.
J6FC+
Core: EPP foam with EVA perimeter foam (more traditional setup, no notches)
Static Weight: 8.13 oz
Swing Weight: 117
Twist Weight: 6.5
Layup: CFC layup without fiberglass
The FC+ is softer and more controlled, making it an excellent option for players who value touch and forgiveness.
On-Court Performance
Sweet Spot & Forgiveness
Both paddles feature one of the largest sweet spots on the market, which makes them incredibly forgiving. Even off-center hits feel consistent, and with solid twist weight numbers (that can be boosted further with weight), these paddles deliver reliable stability.
Power & Serves
Despite their forgiving feel, the J6 paddles pack plenty of power. In my serve tests:
J6FC+: Average serve speed of 55.8 mph, top of 57 mph
J6NF: Average serve speed of 56.2 mph, top of 59 mph
Both paddles are excellent in the power department, and the elongated shape provides extra reach for drives and put-aways.
Feel and Control
The J6NF is poppier and stiffer, with extra responsiveness thanks to the fiberglass layer. It’s ideal for aggressive players who thrive on fast counters and put-away power.
The J6FC+ has a softer feel, giving you more control in the soft game, dinks, and resets. It’s also slightly better for spin generation due to its pocketing feel.
Which Paddle Should You Choose?
If you’re deciding between the J6NF and J6FC+, here’s a simple breakdown:
Choose the J6NF if:
You like a poppier, stiffer paddle feel
You play an aggressive, attack-oriented game
You want maximum put-away power
Choose the J6FC+ if:
You prefer a slightly softer touch and more control in the soft game
You want a bit less pop
You lean toward a more conservative game
The good news? You can’t really go wrong. Both paddles offer an incredible combination of power, forgiveness, and consistency that makes them some of the best elongated foam paddles on the market.
Final Thoughts
The Honolulu J6NF and J6FC+ represent a natural evolution for the brand, expanding their proven foam paddle designs into an elongated option. If you loved the J2NF or FC+ but wanted more reach, these new J6 models are exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
At $195 (or $175 with code PBblast), they’re competitively priced in today’s paddle landscape. Between the two, your choice ultimately comes down to whether you want slightly more power and pop (J6NF) or slightly more touch and forgiveness (J6FC+).
