The Story Behind the TruFoam Genesis 4 Paddle (and Who It’s For)

Pickleball paddles have evolved fast—but few designs have made waves like the TruFoam Genesis 4. In an episode of Pickleball Cheat Code, Brodie Smith sits down with CRBN’s owners Garrett Gosselin and Kyle Goguen to break down the full backstory of this innovative hybrid paddle.

You’ll hear how a passion for performance (and a background in wine and surfing) led to CRBN’s launch, how the team built a full-foam core from scratch, and why the Genesis 4 was designed to give players the best blend of hand speed, feel, and control—especially in fast hands battles.

If you’re curious about paddle technology or wondering which shape is right for your play style, this episode is full of insights and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

🎧 Listen now to get the full scoop.

What Makes the TruFoam Genesis 4 Different

  • A Full-Foam Core (No Honeycomb):
     The Genesis 4 is built around a high-density foam core inspired by both surfboards and tennis strings. The result? More dwell, controlled flex, and added power—all in a paddle designed to last.

  • Skip Gen 3, Go Straight to Gen 4:
     Instead of chasing the Gen 3 trend, CRBN spent 18 months developing a more durable, better-performing core from scratch. The team deliberately skipped over Gen 3 (which often blends foam and honeycomb with mixed durability results) and went straight to full foam for true innovation.

  • The Hybrid Shape Advantage:
     The Genesis 4 is CRBN’s first hybrid shape—with an aero-curved top and a tapered neck designed for versatility, speed, and maneuverability. It’s great for two-handed backhands and net battles, thanks to a low swing weight (106–108) and a high twist weight for extra stability on off-center hits.

  • Who It’s For:
     If you prioritize hand speed, this paddle is for you. It’s ideal for fast-paced doubles, quick resets, and players who want balance across the court. It's also surprisingly adaptable—whether you're coming from the 1, 2, or 3, most players find the 4 easy to transition to.

Why CRBN Waited (and Why It Was Worth It)

Kyle and Garrett share how CRBN’s in-house prototyping process made it possible to test hundreds of iterations before landing on the final Genesis 4 design. They even laser-engraved prototypes with internal codes to track performance across variables—something most brands simply don’t do.

They also dive into the challenges of moving from prototype to mass production, how CRBN’s upgraded handle came from player feedback, and why durability should matter just as much as performance.

“Imitation is the highest form of flattery. But make sure you’re buying from a company that actually tests what they make.” —Kyle Goguen

Ready to Try It?

The Genesis 4 is available now at crbnpickleball.com/tfg4.

 

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