CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 vs Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm

    CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 7.9oz 14mm pickleball paddle — T700 raw carbon fiber with fiberglass reinforcement face

    CRBN

    TruFoam Genesis 2

    $199.99

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    Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm 7.9oz 16mm pickleball paddle — Fiberglass with MaxGrit face

    Franklin

    Ben Johns Signature 16mm

    $64.85

    Shop on Amazon →

    Pickle's 5-axis score

    Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.

    CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm
    Power — Franklin +3.5
    6.1 vs 9.6
    Hand speed — even
    3.0 vs 3.0
    Forgiveness — CRBN +2.1
    7.0 vs 4.9
    Touch — Franklin +5.4
    4.5 vs 9.9
    Spin — CRBN +8.0
    9.7 vs 1.7

    The value vs. premium matchup

    The Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm's 16mm core delivers a more forgiving sweet spot, while the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2's 14mm core trades a little plush feel for quicker ball speed. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm is the value pick at $64.85. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 is the premium option at $199.99 — you're paying

    Side-by-side specs

    Weight

    7.9–8.3 oz7.9–8.3 oz

    Shape

    StandardElongated

    Core thickness

    14mm16mm

    Core material

    TruFoam (proprietary foam blend)Polypropylene

    Face material

    T700 raw carbon fiber with fiberglass reinforcementFiberglass with MaxGrit

    Handle length

    5.75"5.6"

    Price

    $199.99$64.85

    What the spec differences mean

    • Core thickness. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 has a 14mm core; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm has a 16mm core, so the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm core is 2mm thicker. What core thickness changes
    • Length and width. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 measures 16" × 8"; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm measures 16.5" × 7.3" (standard vs elongated). The Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm is 0.5" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
    • Handle length. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 has a 5.75" handle; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm has a 5.6" handle, so the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 handle is 0.15" longer. What grip length changes
    • Face material. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 lists its face as T700 raw carbon fiber with fiberglass reinforcement; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists Fiberglass with MaxGrit. Paddle face materials explained
    • Core material. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 lists its core as TruFoam; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists Polypropylene. Paddle core materials explained

    Who each paddle is for

    CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2

    Best for intermediate players (3.5-4.5) looking for a balanced upgrade who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The standard shape rewards clean contact, the 14mm core balances pop and control, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.

    Playing style: balanced

    Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm

    Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the fiberglass face emphasizes pop over spin.

    Playing style: power, spin

    Pickle's verdict

    Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.

    Pick the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 if…

    • ✓you want a balanced all-around paddle

    Pick the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm if…

    • ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
    • ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
    Shop on Amazon TruFoam Genesis 2 →Shop on Amazon Ben Johns Signature 16mm →

    More matchups with the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2

    More matchups with the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm

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