Our Thoughts On The C45, Trufoam, Ripple, Labs 008, J2Ti+, & More | Dink Tank Podcast Ep. 7

[@theLanceInPants]

you're the only source I've found on discord, reddit, google, even crbn's main site countdown-to-release page with all the fluff marketing jargon that actually listed some paddle specs, so thank you!

[@JJPickleball]

You’re very welcome. Full transparency we all have been told to withhold our reviews until release date. However, I was given the go ahead to do this initial bit.

[@trippisley4897]

I have been playing for two years. I'm still using my original paddle with is a Gearbox CX14E Ultimate. I am debating between the TruFoam and Proton Project Flamingo. I am a 4.3 DUPR and don't need a paddle to generate huge power. Looking for something with a bigger sweetspot and good with drops/dinks.

[@JJPickleball]

Both have good power. The crbn will have better feel and control for most players. The dwell time of the crbn is amazing. If you want more pop go for the flamingo. I main both of these paddles so I love both.

[@zeruth467]

The super light paddles are ideal and I’m glad they’re doing this. People like me who have wrist issues don’t want to be stuck with a standard shapes just to have a light paddles.

[@JJPickleball]

I’m not opposed to light paddles. I just want the paddle to still be good stock while being light. The C45 and 008 to me just feel like very meh paddles unless weight is added. Versus the ESQ-C and ALW-C’s from paddletek which are super light and play pretty well stock. I will be intrigued to see the public’s response to these, but I just was a little disappointed with the performance at first.

[@CazzPickleball]

For the Selkirk 008 tour version, how much weight do you recommend, and what kind, would I use the Selkirk tungsten tape that comes with it?

[@JJPickleball]

If yours comes with tungsten tape you can certainly use that. I have 4 grams on each side and 1.5 grams on top.

[@mikerashid02]

Are you seeing more benefit to add a flick weight or slyce cap to elongated paddles vs shorter paddles? I’m thinking mainly to give quicker hands with the higher swing weights at the kitchen?

[@JJPickleball]

Typically weight added to the end cap has the most benefits on elongated paddles. However, I personally like a higher balance point so I rarely end up leaving them on. I have just been trying to experiment to see if there’s a configuration I can find that I play better with.

[@kylepickleball]

@JJ, you said you've been playing with both the Flamingo and Trufoam. Do you prefer one over the other?

[@JJPickleball]

I choose to use the Flamingo more, but depending on the game and play style I want to role with makes my decision for which to use.

[@kylepickleball]

I think given the timing for the release. how does the Truefoam stack up against the 11SIX24 Power series for power, pop, spin, and sweet spot

[@JJPickleball]

I still am waiting on the power line. I have hit with them this week but not enough to deep dive. Very different feeling paddles, but the 11Six24 has much more pop than the Trufoams.

[@kylepickleball]

@ once you get the 11SIX24 Power then you could do a comparison across all 3 (Proton, 11SIX24, and CRBN Trufoam)

[@ThePickleballBlast]

Solid stuff guys!

[@JJPickleball]

Thank you!

[@kylepickleball]

@JJ, couldn't tell from your comments on the Truefoam if you're playing with the 1, 2, or 3?

[@JJPickleball]

TF1 has been my go to. Longer handle for me and I prefer elongated most the time.

[@TylerDelCotto]

If you think land on top of your C 45 makes it too head heavy maybe try a slice end cap at the same time

[@JJPickleball]

Only issue is you lose some of the power I am looking for. Static weight going up still helps, but I have been tinkering a lot.

[@TylerDelCotto]

@ I just got the flamingo, with a hesacore it’s at 9.0 even, I don’t see the need for additional weight yet since it’s so heavy, but seems to be balanced well, getting a trufoam next week it’s so light I’m sure I’m gonna have to add weight. Interesting I didn’t know the slyce affects power negatively.

[@anthonybustos2204]

I use the Perseus 3s now and I like it but I want a trufoam. Do you recommend I get the tf1 or 3? I dont ever do 2 handed backhands and I would like a paddle thats faster in the kitchen and hand speed. I was thinking maybe adding weight to the Tf1 but im open to what you think

[@JJPickleball]

If you like the shape of the Magnus I would get a TF3. If you like your Perseus then get a TF1

[@DeliCatBeast]

What did you guys feel about the pop on the CRBN TF 1? Thanks for the thoughts on these paddles btw. Been struggling to decide which one to get.

[@JJPickleball]

Comparing it to which paddle? The Tf line isn’t the most poppy paddle but it certainly packs a punch. Especially with more weight.

[@DeliCatBeast]

@@JJPickleball Thanks for the reply. I didn't really have a comparison in mind. Also, you mentioned the twist weight of the 1 is 5.5 which sounds terrible. Is the sweet spot really that bad in play?

[@CazzPickleball]

Have one question, the Selkirk 008 paddle you said with the most potential, (the tour version). What was the thickness for that one you had, which thickness will go best with the tour version. Thinking about ordering tomorrow, thanks

[@JJPickleball]

The 13 mm is all that has been sent out. Other thicknesses will be coming later. If you really like long handles then the Tour version will feel great with its potential.

[@CazzPickleball]

@@JJPickleball thank you, how much weight would you recommend, I’ve used the joola Perseus 2 and the Selkirk power air, they feel around the normal weight, how does the Selkirk 008 compare to those

[@biagiosguera8918]

Thank you for the quick response. I’m returning the joola 3s I’ve tried and should’ve asked how the ripple differs from the 3s, which does not play like the Mod. Thank you.

[@JJPickleball]

The Ripple hits crazy hard. The feel isn’t quite as soft and plush as the mod, but the power and thud sound is similar. Nothing is truly identical to the mod. The soft game of the original gen 3’s and mod with their power is likely why the paddle is now getting delisted. The proton flamingo had similar performance but if you didn’t like the 3s I don’t think you will like the flamingo. The feel is more similar, but it doesn’t hit as hard as the 3s.

[@biagiosguera8918]

Thank you! Love the channel.

[@jetjaguar5198]

Sorry should have asked...is the TF3 similar to 3x, meaning that the TF3 is like the all court version of the Trufoam lineup?

[@JJPickleball]

@@jetjaguar5198 They all play the same. Shape just changes the performance or feel slightly.

[@USAF-AMMO-461X0]

3x user 1 year now..loved it..but core crushing is a thing with old honeycomb core… just got the TF3 added some lead tape at three and 9 o’clock 4 inches on each side. It plays better than my 3X.

[@LukasLwM]

I like light paddle because it allows you to add more weight or modifications instead of heavy paddle have no room for modifications.

[@JJPickleball]

I typically agree. The Fire from chorus is a perfect example. However the C45 and 008’s my opinion is they overdid it.

[@mlee9049]

@ Ripple: 118 SW, and you'll add weight on top, etc? A swing weight of 120+ would make many elongated paddles hit hard. Trade off is much slower, hands in comparison to the beta I hate the mod‐15 but it hits hard at 118 w/o any weight. Do you know the drive speed (mph) of the ripple w/o weight?

[@JJPickleball]

I usually add weight to the sides on the paddle. I don’t like putting weight on the top edges at all. I will have a video out shortly with speed tests of all these paddles side by side

[@mlee9049]

@JJPickleball I hear you. But even the sides will normally add at least a point or 2 to the swing weight. I'm looking forward to watching your test results.

[@86309]

you can literally see the sweet spot in the face of the TF's. any initial thoughts on the Pulse V vs TF2? Im months with the Pulse V, like it a lot. Thanks guys.

[@JJPickleball]

The apes and the TF2 performance is very similar. Biggest difference is the dwell time on the tf2 is better.

[@86309]

@@JJPickleball Do you think the launch angle is different than the V? What about Pop in the TF 2? thanks !

[@KarimYafi]

Between Trufoam, Flamingo, and Ripple, which one do you recommend?

[@JJPickleball]

@@KarimYafi Sure! 1. Ripple for most power 2. Trufoam for most control with solid power and dwell time for spin 3. Proton Flamingo if you want something in between. It to me is like a 3s with slightly less power and better grit.

[@pickleballnic]

Played with a 008 and did not like it. Couldn't get a consistent respone/feel from then paddle. It just felt like solid piece of foam with a cf layer on top of it. Also, could not generate that much spin from it because there was literally no dwell time. TF definitely felt better.

[@JJPickleball]

TF I think is going to be the much more popular option. The 008 can get to a decent spot but it requires a lot of tinkering and a lot of weight. The TF is much better right out of the box.

[@MCNPorter]

Very interested in the CRBN's. Thanks for the up-to-date info. What brand is the white edge tape that Graham is using?

[@JJPickleball]

He’s using electrical tape that he puts over pickleball effect tungsten tape. I use electrical tape as well as it’s often cheaper than edgeguard tape and we use a lot of it.

[@GrahamMclemore-PB]

It’s just electrical tape I buy it at Home Depot

[@gregs69rs]

Great video! I keep hearing “the TrueFoam won’t break because the core is foam”. But foam breaks down all of the time too doesn’t it? Look no further than your shoes. Most have some type of foam midsole and for sure shoes break down over time. What are your thoughts?

[@JJPickleball]

There’s different types of foam. Most paddles that use foam have used eva foam. Theres many kinds and they used a different layup with this. And yes it can break down the thought is it won’t break as fact as the poly honeycomb cores we currently have.

[@MattyRut2922]

Another great episode of the Flamingo Podcast. All joking aside, I love the straight paddle talk! I agree with you guys, the paddles need to be playable out of the box. Slightly light, but not crazy light. It’s a little wild to me, the Gen3 foam paddles tend to be heavy, but full foam paddles are light.

[@JJPickleball]

Has been the trend. The crbn was lighter but not too light. The 008 and I think the c45 has a more unique core both seem unplayable out of the box in terms of power and forgiveness. I’m sure some will like the light feel, but the paddles best features are missing it seems due to the lack in weight.

[@shelbylangston329]

I think it's an interesting take as a higher level player is going to have a very dialed in and specific swing weight, setup need. I think the appeal to these paddles especially the 008 are for the masses who want something much lighter to wield and want a little bit more than what they're getting in a standard Gen 2 paddle. Kinda following the pro kennex line of reason..

[@TeddyLawhead]

Gents, for many players, the lighter the swing weight the better!! Think about golf; the lighter the driver the faster the club speed and the further the drive !!!

[@JJPickleball]

I completely agree. But as I mentioned in the podcast the ALW-c and Esq-c’s are good with the light swing weight. The C45 and 008’s to me are not very good feeling paddles when stock. The sweet spot isn’t great and the ball hits like an all court paddle when most people are expecting these to hit very hard. The C45 was compared to a mod by spectators at the Masters. If someone buys this paddle expecting that they will be severely disappointed.

[@JJPickleball]

Also, I come from a background in golf. I played D1 and I can say that is not fully true. Just like in pickleball the lighter the paddle it eventually caps out. You can swing a lighter club faster but you need a certain amount of mass to get the ball flying far. The same with the C45. The paddle is so light it has no power no matter how hard you swing. Now the dwell time and spin is amazing stock on the C45.

[@baodinhnguyen6814]

i wish we have a comparaison with the Pulse vs Trufoam during the review. Thanks!!!

[@JJPickleball]

I’ll see if I can do that in my review of the Tf or in the next podcast

[@jimmcmillan2940]

Truefoam would you recommend 1;2 or 3

[@JJPickleball]

1 and 3 play fairly similar and are both elongated. Get the 1 for a longer handle and get the 3 for a shorter handle. The TF2 is a widebody but has the best sweet spot of the group.

[@JJPickleball]

I personally use the TF1 but that’s because I prefer elongated and a longer handle normally.

[@biagiosguera8918]

I can’t find a paddle (other than the OG Gen3) that plays like the Mod. Meaning, very hollow feeling, super springy that hits hard but plays absolutely plush and soft when dropping or dinking. Does the ripple play and feel like that? Is there anything out there (the new crbn)??

[@JJPickleball]

The Ripple will be the closest. The only thing is it doesn’t feel crazy plush to me when dinking. However, the performance is very similar.

[@kimleith1378]

When will the Franklin Ball release? Curious why it took so long for someone to perfect a solid foam core that would pass all the tests, since Diadem VICE came out over 3 years ago. KUDOS to CRBN for taking your time with the R&D. Steve Dawson is a Legend here in San Diego. I bought the RHAPSODY on knowing he knows what he's talking about. I'm liking the paddles sweet spot and the power suits my game. All USA made with ALL US materials. Head shape puts most players off, but Steve also put out an Oval shape with ProKennex. I need a wide toe box so the Court Strike may be good for my foot issues. LIke the heel strap for pulling them on.

[@JJPickleball]

Have gotten 0 response on the ball release. That’s why I’m predicting it may become the new tour ball. They are waiting for an announcement. However, I could be wrong and it could just release with the c45. I agree, I am very happy Crbn took their time with the Trufoam. The Rhapsody definitely deserves some love!

[@jetjaguar5198]

$288 for a paddle when u can buy a better paddle for half the price? Al la apes S, 11six24 power series, J2k+, heck id buy the ripple before the 008 and the crbn (ok not half the price but better) question for the average rec player how can u measure swing weight & twist weight when adding tungsten tape?

[@JJPickleball]

I agree with you on all those selections vs the 008. You have to really love Selkirk or love the 008 specifically. However, the Crbn TF is something special. I think they really nailed what they were going for, and knowing the paddle won’t break is a big selling point.

[@jaycee154]

Finally! Thanks for the specs on CRBN Trufoam. Undecided between the TF1 and TF2. I did enjoy my R2 Ripple until the edge guard got loose.

[@JJPickleball]

The TF2 certainly has an amazing sweet spot, but I just love the reach of the TF1

[@josephh2796]

I think it is easier to understand the gen 1, 2, 3, 4... naming system for paddle construction. I think paddletek has done enough to change the thinking that a higher gen equals more power/playability. The gen helps me think back to the years they were active and gives me a good general understanding of what the paddle construction will be like

[@JJPickleball]

Thanks for the feedback. I likely will continue to use the naming scheme, but be clear if tech has been improved or what’s unique with the cores construction

[@robedwards6926]

What is the feel/dwell of the Flamingo?

[@JJPickleball]

Paddle has good dwell with the foam edgewalls. The feel is similar to a 3s just with slightly less power.

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

What is the handle length on the R2 Ripple?

[@JJPickleball]

Should be 5.5 inches but the R2 hasn’t been officially approved yet by USAP from what I’ve been told. They are still waiting.

[@Scott-db2jy]

Good that crbn core won’t crush but will only be good as long as the face lasts.

[@JJPickleball]

True, but the dwell time should also help spin lasts longer even with grit wearing down

[@KennyNissel]

⁠that's why proton series one is the best paddle. Never loses spin

[@VividTape]

It will still crush, don't believe all the BS online. It will just be given another term, like core denting.

[@bmeekma123]

Would you say the Rev Zeus has more power and pop than the Spartas Olympus?

[@JJPickleball]

Unfortunately haven’t been able to really test the Olympus so I can’t give you any feedback :/

[@bmeekma123]

@@JJPickleball ty for responding so quickly! Appreciate it

[@Ternary5]

It doesn’t feel at all like the mod to me. The mod has a hollow sound and dynamic response, this is much more solid feeling. The feedback is night and day different. With the mod you feel the ball on the face, and it is hard to know where the ball hit on the TF. Very different paddles, completely different feel, power one pop on the mod is a lot higher than on this TF paddle as well, it’s not a bad paddle at all, but anyone expecting a paddle that feels even remotely close to the mod will wonder what you guys were smoking making that comparison :)

[@JJPickleball]

I think we clarified this segment speaking to the dwell time you get being comparable.

[@isaacrodriguez386]

First reviewer to give a solid review on the CRBNs. You guys compared it very well to the other big brands. I don’t know if y’all said too much but thanks boys 😅 I think I’m sold on it! Just the things I wanted to hear

[@JJPickleball]

Glad to hear!

[@achmedrauff]

Honestly I dont care what gen it is. As long it plays well to my plaing style then it is ace to me.

[@JJPickleball]

Completely agree.

[@VividTape]

These foam paddles will crush, but I am guessing it is going to be way worse and way more noticeable

[@JJPickleball]

It will be interesting to see. CRBN has been testing this paddles for 1.5 years and they seemed to have figured it out. But time will tell on all of them.

[@panamaslim595]

What was make you say this ?

[@wulymammoth]

Big fan of Collin Schick as well, but his results in the past year weren’t great and he’s also seeing the field getting more and more competitive. It’s hard to gain an advantage, and let alone, maintain it. He didn’t medal in singles and sort of struggled with Sock in the PPA, and didn’t have much buzz as an MLP Challenger pro. I think these factored into the decision. And when you play at the highest level, I think the sport feels less fun and more of a job.

[@JJPickleball]

I certainly understand the decision, but I feel this is the time to give it another year. You can always fall back on med school in a year or two. He is in his prime for athletic ability. Would have loved to see him mix it up this year. Wishing him the best though!

[@goldbug1180]

Wish the desk was smaller

[@JJPickleball]

Might I ask if this is a series comment. I have been struggling with the setup as we are limited on space. The table feels super tiny to us, but looks really long on camera.

[@goldbug1180]

@@JJPickleball I think the content is great but it’d look better if y’all were spaced further apart. Especially with having to move paddles and gear into view. I’ll keep watching either way.

[@josephh2796]

The desk does look pretty ridiculous, especially after seeing this comment pointing it out. I think you guys might need to go with 2 cameras if you are fretting over it. Honestly it's not a deal breaker or anything, just looks like you are both huddled by a piano stool 😂

[@Anakinrey]

Love the vids! I’m in Arizona too let’s play sometime

[@JJPickleball]

We are at Horizon and Center court often!

[@johnmcdonoughlive3663]

why didnt you review the J2K plus since you liked the J2K so much

[@JJPickleball]

It’s not out yet.

[@WingsOfPeaceToronto]

only wish Pulse X had lower swing weight :(

[@JJPickleball]

@@WingsOfPeaceToronto it’s funny how all over the place swing weights are this year

[@WingsOfPeaceToronto]

@@JJPickleball I like the philosophy of Paddleteck Bantam - make the paddles light, because we can always add weight (based on every player's needs). But as you said it is interesting how swing weights are all over the place.

[@nicholasyang983]

Can you guys give me to proton Flamingo for my bday?😭😭

[@JJPickleball]

@@nicholasyang983 we will be doing a giveaway shortly.

[@tanpen15]

Did you just complain the franklin was too light and then say you are sensitive to head heavy paddles...That was tough to listen to. Black shirt guy is cool though.

[@JJPickleball]

Yes I did say that. The Franklin comes it at 104 SW. I’m sensitive to head heavy paddles when I get above my preferred 122 SW. Big difference in SW’s there. To get this paddle to where there is good power I have put 5 grams on the side and 2 on top. I’m not playing with the paddle at 104. I appreciate the comment, but not quite what I was trying to get across.

[@lobstercrostini]

21:43 QD also switched from the 008 and the Flamingo lul

[@JJPickleball]

Yes he did. Crazy to have seen.

[@mrgreenis]

i loss confidence on 008, cause quangdong changes his paddle mid court playing

[@JJPickleball]

Pros love their paddles heavy. I can’t imagine how much he would have to add to it. Also, the 008 is nothing like the power air he typically uses. However, he clearly loves the flamingo from proton and the 3s from Joola.

[@M0stlyHarmless9]

Playing against hard hitters with broken in ripples is not fun. I seriously don’t understand how these passed the new pbcor. Similar power/pop to the gbe with much better sweet spot. I have an aggressive game but this is just terrible for the sport. Really narrows down the number of viable options on each point

[@jaygrayson6230]

Let me guess you’re about 55+

[@M0stlyHarmless9]

@ I’m 29

[@JJPickleball]

Doesn’t make sense to me either

[@mlee9049]

You probably played against the first beta versions. The upcoming release version already sounds detunned at a new swing weight of 116 instead of 108 yet less power. Even at 116 SW he mentioned adding weight. The beta versions ripped at a very low swing weight. Seems like Ronbus used physics to compensate for the lack of EVA power. We need the drive speed rpm numbers to put this to rest.

[@M0stlyHarmless9]

@ SW point is true, though personally I don’t think paddles should hit this hard even at 116, which is still relatively light. We’ll see what the numbers look like when reviewers do their testing.

[@jetmiway3961]

2 paid commercialists , if not overpaid

[@JJPickleball]

Not quite sure what this means. I appreciate the view?

[@josephh2796]

There's always some low life haters in every comment section who watch 3 seconds of a video in a subject they no nothing about