CRBN 1X Power Series 16mm Review: The New Spin King?
I've hit with a lot of paddles this year, but the CRBN 1X Power Series 16mm immediately grabbed my attention. CRBN has been a leader in the "raw carbon" revolution, but their original series was known purely for control. The 1X Power Series changes that. It's a thermoformed beast designed to give you modern power without sacrificing the gritty spin CRBN is famous for.
If you are an intermediate to advanced player looking to add more pop to your drives and put-away power to your overheads—while keeping that luscious spin for drops—this might just be your endgame paddle. Let's dive into the details.
[Visual: Power vs Control vs Spin Chart]
The 1X skews heavily towards Spin and Power while maintaining respectable Control.
The Quick Verdict
Buy it if: You want elite spin, lasting durability, and extra power for hands battles and drives. It's perfect for aggressive 4.0+ players.
Skip it if: You prefer a super soft, plush feel (try the CRBN Control series instead) or if you are on a tight budget.
Check Price on AmazonKey Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Core Thickness | 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb |
| Weight | 8.0 oz (Average) |
| Surface Material | Raw T700 Carbon Fiber |
| Shape | Elongated (16.5” x 7.5”) |
| Handle Length | 5.5” (Great for 2-handers) |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25” |
Performance Analysis
Spin: The "Spin King" Returns
This is where the CRBN 1X absolutely shines. The Raw T700 Carbon Fiber face isn't just a marketing buzzword—it bites the ball hard. In my testing, I saw RPM numbers consistent with the top tier of the market (1700+). Whether I was rolling a drop shot or ripping a topspin drive, the ball dipped aggressively. If your game relies on shaping the ball, you will fall in love with this surface.
Power & Pop
Unlike the original CRBN paddles which were very soft, the 1X is thermoformed. This unibody construction connects the face directly to the handle under high heat, resulting in a stiffer, livelier feel. The ball pops off the face with distinct velocity. I found my hand speed battles at the kitchen line improved because I didn't have to swing as hard to get the ball deep. It's not a "rocket launcher" like some thinner power paddles, but it has more than enough put-away power for 95% of players.
Control & Forgiveness
Here is the trade-off. The stiffer feel means the sweet spot is slightly less "plush" than a purely control-oriented paddle. However, CRBN uses foam-injected wallsaround the perimeter. This expands the sweet spot significantly compared to older models. Off-center hits still yielded good results, though the feedback is crisp rather than soft. Resets and dinks took me about one session to dial in—you have to be softer with your hands since the paddle provides so much natural pop.
Durability & Build Quality
The unibody design eliminates the "weak point" at the neck found in cheaper paddles, so snapping is highly unlikely. The edge guard feels robust, and the grit longevity on CRBN paddles has historically been excellent. It feels like a premium product meant to last heavily aggressive play.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Elite Tier Spin (1700+ RPMs)
- Solid Unibody Construction (Thermoformed)
- Expanded Sweet Spot due to Foam Walls
- Great balance of Power & Stability
❌ Cons
- Stiffer feel than the Control Series
- Higher swing weight (can feel heady)
- Premium Price Point
CRBN 1X vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against other top-tier thermoformed paddles like the JOOLA Perseus or the Six Zero Double Black Diamond?
| Feature | CRBN 1X (16mm) | JOOLA Perseus | Six Zero DBD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spin | Elite (Top Tier) | Very High | High |
| Power | High | High | Mod-High |
| Feel | Crisp/Stiff | Stiff | Plush/Hybrid |
| Sweet Spot | Wide (Foam Walls) | Wide | Wide |
| Price | $229.99 | $249.95 | $180.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CRBN 1X good for tennis elbow?
While the 16mm core helps absorb some vibration, thermoformed paddles are generally stiffer than non-thermoformed ones. If you have severe tennis elbow, you might prefer the standard CRBN 1 or 2 Control Series which are softer.
Did CRBN fix the delamination issues?
Yes, early batches of many thermoformed paddles across all brands had issues in 2023. The latest "Power Series" batches from CRBN appear to be very robust and issues have been resolved.
Should I get the 14mm or 16mm?
Get the 16mm (this review) if you want better reset ability, a softer feel, and more control. Get the 14mm only if you prioritize hand speed and maximum pop over everything else.
Final Verdict: A Top-Tier Powerhouse
The CRBN 1X Power Series 16mm is undeniably one of the best paddles on the market right now. It successfully bridges the gap between raw power and spin-focused control. The elongated shape gives you reach and leverage, while the carbon surface makes spin effortless.
It isn't cheap, but for serious players who want a paddle that won't hold them back, it is worth every penny. If you can handle the slightly stiffer feedback, your drives and serves will become immediate weapons on the court.
Rating: 4.8/5 - Highly Recommended for Advanced Play.
Buy CRBN 1X on AmazonGet the CRBN 1X - $229.99