KewCast Episode 45 - Side-by-Side Comparison: CRBN TruFoam vs. Franklin C45

[@miq2240]

Would love to see a Head 2 head Ripple vs Vapor Power. I think both will be super popular this year

[@jimg6178]

Son is a CRBN rep and got his TF today, went to hit it this pm and its a level up on the power from (the power series we use) but the feel with dinks and resets are also excellent. His drives have another level of shape and dip. Its gonna be a real winner of a paddle.

[@ColinD0mo]

I second this!! Played with my TF G1 last night and it was epic

[@DINKDEPT]

This is awesome to hear. Im curious how durable these "gen4" paddles will be.

[@ChorusPickleball]

Just to clarify, all Fires are indeed relisted! You can use them in sanctioned tournaments. We are still working closely with USAP to understand what’s next.

[@sbinsdca]

How'd you fix them so quickly?

[@fjg8340]

Thanks, loving my SX!!!

[@HM-gm1kn]

kirkland sparkling water sponsor? holy crap we made it boys

[@ryrysinger]

John, thank you for everything you do

[@ryrysinger]

And you too Eddie lol

[@EddieK-PB]

@@ryrysingeralways the bridesmaid…!!! lol😂

[@Kdw_03]

Hey John, I’m currently using a Colin John’s scopeus 3s (per your recommendation) can you give me a quick breakdown of how the ripple and the crbn trufoam compares to that paddle?

[@dsalsedo]

This is hands down the best pickleball podcast! Honestly, I can’t believe you don’t have 40K subscribers already-you deserve it. John, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how the Apes Pulse V stacks up against the CRBN TruFoam widebody when it comes to power, pop, sweet spot, and overall performance. Keep up the amazing work. Next "paddle battle" suggestion: Apes Pulse V vs. CRBN TruFoam widebody.

[@georgejoseph2601]

It’s because there arent 40k people playing pickleball

[@sully7582]

I second this. Currently maining a V

[@davidallott5826]

@@georgejoseph2601 correct... its closer to 40 million

[@MysticOsprey]

Hi John, agree with the ask Pulse vs. TruFoam. Cheers to your informative pods.

[@gregheisz4203]

For those questioning break in power change. Ronbus engineering is doing extensive break testing. The hit paddles over 100 mph thousands of times and are supplying break in reports.

[@yummybong148]

As a pulsar lover who give a Fk anymore this paddle has been flop after flop I’m sick of hearing about it. I’d buy a pulsar again before whatever this garbage is they won’t shut up about.

[@sbinsdca]

​@@yummybong148 have you tried a beta ripple? It's a really good paddle and the final production model with the pbcor stamp is very similar to the final beta with the edge guard fix.

[@HardyHarz]

Eddie, I use the same lens - it’s Oakley Prizm low light. It has a VERY SLIGHT purple/pink hue. The NFL players use the same tint in their shields when they play under lights. Given that it’s purple, it’s the opposite color to yellow, so that color pops where the other colors get pushed away a bit. If you like it, try the Prizm “grey” in sunlight, the affect is much more dramatic. With Oakleys, you can pop the lenses in and out pretty easily. I like the Radar style frame with the one blade-style lens personally, I find there’s less obstruction from the frame, so it doesn’t block my peripheral view.

[@JJPickleball]

The boys are back!

[@kamanhalim]

Chorus Fires paddle all now back on the approved list

[@86309]

didnt you guys like playing the R2 better than the R1 originally? Im mailing the Pulse V right now, no additional weight and LOVE it, If I buy the R1 do you think it will be anything like the V? Thank you!

[@SpankdoggPickleball]

Would love to see the Ripple vs TruFoam vs C45 vs Flamingo.

[@DINKDEPT]

Ripple seems like it will be on a different level.

[@tylerbeninati6815]

Your videos and testing are great. I appreciate the data base you’re building. I would love to see you review the Holbrook metallic aero 16mm

[@andresdavila4500]

I am having a similar issue with the Shogun, I don’t feel confident driving the ball, but all the rest of my game is on point, I can’t seem to figure the power/spin convo on drives 22:30

[@buffalufacus]

Interesting thoughts on the J2+. Preordered mine today. Thought the Ti might be more to my liking this time, but after these comments, I might still be a 2k line user. Couldn't get the regular Ti to perform how I want it to, so I stuck with the 2k (and now the Invader ... such a fun paddle...)

[@kenneysseeamerica5750]

It would be interesting to see the point spread between something like the Paddletek Bantam and the new Ripple.

[@jeremiahmiller4640]

R1 with some added weight is going to be banging!

[@BradShonk-s3h]

Love the podcast Paddle showdown Neonic Prime Flare x Vs Paddletek ESQ Please Keep creating amazing podcasts.

[@randomuser8562]

Yes

[@DroidX1337]

ESQ more pop power, less control smaller sweet spot. Flare prime X less power, more control, crazy grit so lots of spin. Larger sweet spot. Same amount of pop. Flare prime X I like better. Though the power of the ESQ was fun.

[@fjg8340]

​@@DroidX1337 agreed, the FPX i saw had crazy grit

[@BradShonk-s3h]

@@DroidX1337 I've been demoing the ESQ 12.7 mm for 2 plus weeks I've added a ton of tungsten tape. I love the maneuverability of the paddle, power, pop, and spin. I would've bought it already except for shots that hit dead on the top of the paddle. For $126 I might buy the Neonic Prime Flare X.

[@reidburrell9768]

Is the J2TI+ more powerful than the original J2K? Are they both more powerful than both the original 2? Also any idea as to how long the TI surfaces will hold up? My J2K only lasted around 6 months.

[@RamonRamon609]

When will these be on the site? Is the spreadsheet really from 11/24?

[@RTJ-PB]

Love the pod as always boys - for the new R1 Ripple - I’m thinking of adding a Flick weight 9g or 15g and adding 3 grams of lead at both 4 and 8 to shore up the twist weight. Can you offer your thoughts on this proposed setup and/or let me know if you would suggest a different setup? Thanks for all you do!

[@scottschaus4619]

How are the handles on the recent and upcoming paddles: the C45, TruFoam, Proton Flamingo, PB Apes Pulse series, 11six24 power? Thanks!

[@humphreythehamster4929]

Thanks for another great episode. Any updates on the website redesign?

[@DouglasDun-p5u]

How does the J2K+ compare to the J2K Pro since they are both slightly more powerful than the original J2K? Is it just a dwell-time feel? Are the power levels about the?

[@khpickleball]

Hey, maybe I missed it but were the swing weight numbers given for the CRBN?

[@byrongreen7225]

Any news on when a review of the new 11six24 power paddles will be coming? Keen to grab one but I want a more in depth review before I pull the trigger.

[@MikeHopkins-e3y]

Would you setup the J2K+ the same as the original J2K?

[@survivalismsg]

So does all the paddles in the approved list needs to do pbcor certification from now on?

[@loganjarrard6271]

Paddle tournament. But play head to head both with the same paddle to 6. Then both switch to a different paddle and play head to head. Then chose the best paddle to advance to the next round based on how you liked it. Tournament bracket format.

[@randomuser8562]

What other glasses do you recommend maybe under $150??

[@Andyofsuh]

Hey John and Eddie.. Would you say in terms of power TKO > Vapor Power > Pulse S? I am looking or something between the pulse S and TKO in power / control. My broken in Pulse isnt that powerful definitely feels more all court

[@JaxxCrash]

Yeah I returned my pulse V because even after opening up it never felt like it got much power and looking for something like pulse v but more power

[@AlexisPennella]

Do you know the release date for the Saga Bloom?

[@KaLee-gc7oq]

Do you have any recommendation for eye protection that fits over regular eyeglasses?

[@johnsanchez2589]

Doesn’t 2400-2500 potentially go past the 2100 that UPA-A is supposedly setting. Of course their testing procedures are unknown so your 2500 might be only 2000 depending on the their testing procedures.

[@DarkTundraS-x5l]

Great episode. Any chance there is an update on the giveaway? I haven't received my paddle yet!

[@leeharris2120]

Great as always! Any reviews of Versix Vector upcoming?

[@pickleballnic]

Can you please recommend some good 14mm Hybrid paddles with high dwell times and if possible, small cell sizes?? Thx.

[@jimmcmillan2940]

Battle truefoam vs ripple would be awesome

[@bigoz1971]

Great episode I think the New Pegasus all court would be a good matchup against the new saga wide body.

[@BobMeitz]

The Apes Pusle V warrenty doesn't cover play below 40 degrees F. I often play below 40 degrees F. I've not seen this before. Thoughts?

[@johnkewpickleball]

Interesting - I hadn't heard of this. I can ask them about it. Is it on their website?

[@BobMeitz]

@@johnkewpickleball Yes. Check out their refund policy. I like the paddle, but i'm concerned why this is in their policy. Haven't seen it before.

[@leviforeofficial9559]

Are the ripple r1 beta models tournament legal?

[@kabob21]

Yes, both the R1 and R2 betas are on the approval list

[@SW1]

The Franklin carbon fibre sheet angles and whatnot sound like DW Drums' VLT/VLX tech!

[@kimleith1378]

Hoping the new Selkirk foam cores are legit. The FLIXs are real lookers, like the PB core dodge. Do they feel like the OM EVO?

[@mikerashid02]

Any release date on the J2K+?

[@parky6031]

What happened to the crbn interview?

[@vincebrown9046]

Have you reviewed the Invader yet? I don't think I have heard you talk about it.

[@vincebrown9046]

What about Invader vs Jk2 or the plus models 🤔

[@9DeezzDinkDrop]

I’d love to see a head to head between the Monarch All Court vs the new Pegasus All Court from 11SIX24

[@l.b.roemer2483]

How do we find the interview you mentioned with the owners of CRBN?

[@johnkewpickleball]

It's going up today...

[@Foxx_Choco]

John, you said you’re maining the vapor power. Any thoughts on the Vapor power vs Pegasus power? Would love to hear your thoughts on this!

[@larrytucker8779]

When is the ripple are releasing? Been waiting to buy.

[@johnkewpickleball]

January 31

[@Reck1025]

1/31

[@John-cs1cj]

@@johnkewpickleballwill you be doing a review of the newest ripple before the release? That would be great for those of us thinking about purchasing it. Thanks!!

[@chaseprovencio2571]

Power paddle can definitely be plush. It would most likely have an aggressive rebound in order to produce power/pop.

[@DINKDEPT]

Plush is the opposite of power/pop.

[@JacobNorthrup121]

@@DINKDEPT plush is the opposite of pop, but you can have a dynamic, plushy power paddle

[@edwardmiller9062]

I think I have to disagree with James prediction as I don't think he's considering that sweet spot between elongated and square bodied will also become closer together with technology. Once everything becomes similar I believe a hybrid or elongated edgeless paddle will become the standard and square bodied will become a preference for those that might not need the extra reach, or have a playstyle that allows then to get more use out of the extra width (they hit the ball in more of a ping pong style rolling the ball across the width of the paddle instead of the length).

[@davehardy7765]

Have you ever watched "Stuff Made Here". Puzzle solver, basketball shooter etc. Inventive engineering at its best.

[@Andyofsuh]

Hmm john says its power below bantam in this but at bantam lvl in the interview with cbrn.. wonder what it is then

[@johnkewpickleball]

The CRBN TruFoams have slightly lower firepower than the Bantam ESC-C and ALW-C varieties

[@Andyofsuh]

⁠​⁠@@johnkewpickleballthanks! That is helpful i think thats the perfect spot for me. Slightly less pop too? More controllable im assuming

[@stevecrawford333]

crbn tf feels like a joola 3s with gen 1 control. its wild

[@5541matt]

Have you played with one?

[@anthonybustos2204]

I love hearing this I have the 3s 14mm and I like it but this trufoam looks sick how much have you played with the trufoam? how does it compare to the 3s

[@stevecrawford333]

alot of experience, it feels like the 3s without balls sailing, the biggest thing is that it wont core crush like the other foamies

[@RTJ-PB]

Head to head - Flamingo vs upcoming Joola Gen 4 - book it

[@mattmershon3542]

How many paddle companies are there currently? How many paddle company’s do you think they will be at the end of 2025? Could be a good contest question! Winner gets a delisted paddle!

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

The plural of “company” is “companies” rather than “company’s”.

[@JaxxCrash]

Its a shame the crbn paddles have such short handles or id be so excited over the new trufoam paddles.

[@garretthawthorne7897]

Review the ROBUST RED paddle

[@woodywoodpecker3643]

Ripple vs all new comers. C45, CRBN TRUE, all other new paddles

[@clintroberts1]

When are you going to add all these to your database? Hurry up! :)

[@therealad4342]

No time stamps 😢

[@johnkewpickleball]

The time stamps are there, in the description

[@MelissaHarwin]

I am waiting for the r2 ronbus. Anyone else?

[@thewayofthemountains2450]

Do you have any numbers on the CRBN Trufoam? You say it is a "heavier" paddle, do you have a static weight, swingweight and twist weight number on these?

[@thehiddenfamily]

Can’t talk about it yet

[@zachhigginson]

None of these paddles compare to the GOAT PADDLE POWER STEALTH 🐐🙊 Spin, Power, and Control is unmatched

[@steve-94951]

insane that the chorus fire would fail pb cor while the ronbus ripple would pass ... whatever testing is being done at usap is a total joke if that's the result

[@kabob21]

PBCoR is basically testing deflection/pop, not power. If the Ripple’s face is softer than the Chorus Fire (it is) then it’ll have a lower PBCoR.

[@dicksonl.5512]

The original Ripple hits almost exsctly like the Mod! How will it stay legal?

[@JimmySampson-w1f]

Gearbox hyper vs CRBN

[@BennyBedTime]

Kinda awkward how many variations they have with the ripple. Like which one am I buying ☠️☠️☠️

[@Coach_A22]

I am not finding my Ripple R1.14 production models any more powerful than my R1.14 Beta. I highly recommend a switch to this paddle from any other paddle that is considered a power paddle that will be banned mid 2025. The Ripple has a high launch angle, great control, is exceptionally poppy, and is much easier to control hands battles than with a Mod 15-TA or Gearbox PPE. I have used my production models for over 50hrs and they have broken in, but are not noticeably hotter than the first hour I used them. The production models are heavier, have a higher TW, and SW, than the Betas. My stats using a Briffidi: Beta R.1.14 - Stock weight 7.7, SW 114, TW 5.57; Production R1.14 - Stock weight 8.1/8.2, SW 128/126, TW 6.06/5.65. The production model's higher weight and SW might be why it is reported to hit harder. The Ripple shapes the ball super well on drives, imparts exceptional spin on volley flicks and shaped topspin dinks. The ball goes where intended unlike Mod, PPE, ESQ, TKO-CX, and ProXR Protohype, which sometimes have a hot spot that launches the ball. Doubt I will need to find another paddle. Finally, the production Ripple R1.14 passed APP pro testing whereas the Ripple Beta R1.14 did not.

[@AlKu-kq9iz]

Is the one coming out on 1/31 exactly like the beta?

[@Coach_A22]

@@AlKu-kq9izNo.

[@metal_bloo]

Instead of having pickleball bluebook your should have a live running branding on the bottom left of your video appear and scroll with the sponsor's name and a message during the pod. Would bring more attention to it

[@teefish23]

Great pod as pretty much is always the case, however the opening intro clip.......makes me feel as though my kids are little again and it Teletubbies time. Shiver me timbers

[@OrganicHealer]

peel ply = grit/spin gone in 30 days

[@texasrobinluo]

Oakley Low light Prizm

[@iugradmark]

Guys love the show. Is it possible for Eddie to share the lense he bought for low light play?

[@BlGSac]

There is zero way the Ronbus Ripple passes PBCoR, guy at my local club is an ambassador. The Ripple hits as hard if not more to the MODs, ProKennex and GB Pro Power. Ban the Ripple man.

[@Bob_DaBuilder-i3x]

Power and pop are different. Ripple might hit harder with force, but the deflection is lower.

[@kabob21]

@@Bob_DaBuilder-i3x Bingo

[@stroshow5]

It did pass the PBCor test

[@kateepotts23]

This podcast seemed off in some areas. Was painful to watch at times. Eddie you fold you're arms and had a grim face when discussing Honolulu paddles & CRBN. You smiled the most at the end of podcast. Suprising when you said you felt great Eddie. John, you saved this episode. Love the paddle battle idea! Ripple vs Vapor. Curious about the Pulse X release X vs Pulse V.

[@kpeg328]

Did we watch the same podcast!? The proper form is actually fold “your” arms. But besides that I have to disagree - I love the balance between John & Eddie. Eddie is really genuine and gives his honest input on products and topics. Idk about you, but I really value that! There are so many other people who hype up products for the sake of it. That’s why I love John, and especially Eddie, they give unbiased input. Also, I think it’s okay for people to cross their (notice proper form) arms from time to time 😉

[@EddieK-PB]

@@kpeg328 👍 really appreciate the kind words! In my defense, the studio was freezing on that day, so I was huddled up to stay warm! Take care!

[@65atBestPB]

Eddie … awesome scleral worked for you … was hoping it would. I have the same reaction two years later every morning I put them on for pickleball. fyi … in case you missed it … I commented on scleral lenses in prior video. Now you have no excuse for bad line calls. 😂