Choosing between TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air paddles comes down to understanding what each technology offers your game. TruFoam paddles deliver more power and pop with a lively feel, while Selkirk Power Air paddles focus on control and consistency through their polymer honeycomb core design. These two paddle types represent different approaches to core construction that affect how you play.
TruFoam uses a full foam core that creates a responsive paddle surface with enhanced spin potential. The CRBN TruFoam paddles feature more pop and power compared to traditional designs, giving you extra energy on your shots. Selkirk Power Air paddles use a polymer honeycomb core with large cells that reduce weight while maintaining stability and control.
Your choice between these technologies depends on your playing style and what you value most on the court. Power players who want extra pop may prefer TruFoam, while those seeking precise placement and touch might lean toward Power Air paddles. Both options offer quality construction, but they serve different player needs.
Key Takeaways
- TruFoam paddles provide more power and spin while Power Air paddles offer better control and consistency
- The core technologies differ with TruFoam using full foam construction and Power Air using polymer honeycomb cells
- Your playing style determines which paddle works best since each technology serves different court needs
Overview of TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air
CRBN TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air represent two different approaches to pickleball paddle design from brands with distinct market positions. Each paddle uses unique technology to deliver power and performance on the court.
Brand Backgrounds
CRBN is a newer company in the pickleball industry that focuses on innovative foam core technology. The brand built its reputation around the TruFoam line, which uses a full foam core construction instead of traditional honeycomb polymer cores. CRBN positions itself as a performance-focused brand that appeals to players seeking cutting-edge paddle designs.
Selkirk has been manufacturing pickleball paddles since 2014 and is one of the most established names in the sport. The company produces several paddle lines, including the Power Air series. Selkirk operates as a larger company with more resources for research and development. You can explore their full range through Selkirk’s paddle comparison tool.
Market Position and Reputation
CRBN has gained attention as a premium paddle manufacturer with higher price points. The TruFoam paddles compete in the advanced player segment. Players describe the TruFoam as lively and responsive, offering good power and pop.
Selkirk maintains a strong reputation across multiple skill levels and price ranges. Their Power Air paddles use air-filled edge guard technology to reduce overall weight while maintaining power. The brand is widely available through retailers and has endorsements from professional players. Both companies offer paddles that you can find at specialty retailers like PickleballGalaxy.
Core Technologies and Materials
CRBN TruFoam uses a fully foamed core made from expanded polypropylene, while Selkirk Power Air paddles typically feature polymer honeycomb cores. The materials in your paddle’s construction, from the core to the carbon fiber face, directly impact how the paddle performs during play.
Foam Core vs. Polymer Core
CRBN’s TruFoam core uses a proprietary foam blend inspired by surfboard materials and engineered specifically for pickleball. This full foam design fills the entire paddle interior without air pockets.
Traditional polymer cores in Selkirk Power Air paddles use a honeycomb structure with air-filled cells. These cores are lightweight and provide consistent performance for most players.
The foam construction in TruFoam paddles offers longer dwell time when the ball contacts the face. This extended contact allows you to generate more spin and control on your shots.
Polymer cores give you a more responsive feel with quicker energy return. You’ll notice faster ball release off the face compared to foam cores.
Key differences include:
- Durability: Foam cores resist crushing and deformation better than polymer honeycomb
- Feel: Polymer gives crisp feedback while foam provides softer touch
- Weight: Foam cores allow easier customization with lead tape
T700 Raw Carbon Fiber and Alternatives
T700 raw carbon fiber represents a high-grade material used in premium paddle faces. Toray 700k raw carbon provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratios for your paddle construction.
You’ll find t700 carbon fiber in various paddle brands because it offers consistent performance characteristics. The material’s tensile strength allows manufacturers to create thinner, more responsive faces.
Raw carbon fiber maintains its properties better than woven alternatives during the manufacturing process. This preservation gives you more predictable ball response across the paddle surface.
Some paddles use fiberglass or lower-grade carbon as cost-effective alternatives. These materials still perform well but don’t match the stiffness and power transfer of t700 carbon fiber.
Carbon Fiber Paddle Innovations
Unidirectional carbon fiber placement affects how your paddle transfers energy from your swing to the ball. Manufacturers orient the carbon fibers to optimize specific performance characteristics.
Modern carbon fiber paddles use advanced layering techniques to enhance spin potential and power output. The carbon weave pattern on the face creates texture that grips the ball during contact.
Carbon fiber construction benefits:
- Increased stiffness for power generation
- Better energy transfer from core to face
- Enhanced spin capabilities through surface texture
- Reduced weight compared to fiberglass
Some manufacturers combine carbon fiber with other materials in hybrid constructions. These designs balance the responsiveness of carbon with the forgiving nature of softer materials.
Paddle Models and Series Compared
CRBN’s TruFoam line competes directly with multiple Selkirk offerings including the Power Air series, Labs 008, and Luxx models. Each brand structures its lineup differently, with CRBN focusing on a streamlined TruFoam collection while Selkirk spreads foam technology across several distinct series.
CRBN TruFoam Model Lineup
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis represents the brand’s main foam core pickleball paddle offering. You get three shape options: the standard 16mm version, an elongated model, and a 14mm variant for players seeking different swing weights and reach characteristics.
These paddles use a full foam core construction combined with a carbon fiber face. The design prioritizes responsiveness and pop over pure control. CRBN TruFoam paddles generate approximately 2300 RPM on spin shots according to testing data on full foam paddle performance.
The TruFoam line delivers more power and liveliness than competing foam paddles. Your shots get extra velocity without requiring maximum swing effort.
Selkirk Power Air Variants
Selkirk’s Power Air technology appears across multiple paddle series rather than a single dedicated line. The Vanguard Power Air Invikta stands as Selkirk’s flagship paddle with an edgeless design and hybrid face construction.
You’ll find Power Air cores in both the Vanguard Pro and standard Vanguard collections. These paddles emphasize controlled power delivery rather than maximum pop. The foam core absorbs vibration while maintaining consistent feel across the paddle face.
Selkirk offers more shape and weight variations than CRBN’s focused approach. Your choices include traditional, elongated, and hybrid shapes across different thickness options. The Power Air series balances power with precision for aggressive baseline play.
Comparison to Selkirk Labs 008 and Luxx
The Selkirk Labs 008 provides better control than CRBN TruFoam while both use full foam cores. Labs 008 paddles achieve this through thickness variations in the core and face rather than material changes. You sacrifice some power for improved touch on dinking exchanges.
CRBN TruFoam delivers more pop and responsiveness compared to the 008. Your offensive shots benefit from the livelier feel, though you’ll need better control technique.
The Selkirk Luxx line uses different core technology entirely, focusing on premium materials rather than foam construction. Luxx paddles emphasize spin and control over raw power. These models serve players who prioritize finesse over aggressive baseline attacks.
Performance on the Court
Both paddles use foam core technology but deliver different experiences during play. The CRBN TruFoam offers more responsive feedback, while the Selkirk Power Air focuses on generating raw power.
Control and Feel
The CRBN TruFoam gives you a softer, more connected feel when the ball hits the paddle face. You can sense exactly where contact happens on the sweet spot. This feedback helps you place your shots with better accuracy during dinking exchanges at the net.
The Selkirk Power Air has a firmer response that some players find less forgiving. Your touch shots require more adjustment because the paddle doesn’t absorb impact the same way. However, you get a more solid feel on drives and volleys that appeals to aggressive players.
Both paddles use foamed core technology, but they process vibration differently. The TruFoam dampens shock better, which reduces arm fatigue during long matches. The Power Air transfers more feedback to your hand, giving you a crisper sensation on each hit.
Power and Pop
The CRBN TruFoam provides more pop and responsiveness compared to traditional foam paddles. You can generate quick counterattacks without taking a full swing. The paddle does more work for you when you need sudden bursts of speed.
The Selkirk Power Air lives up to its name by delivering consistent power on every shot. You get deep returns with less effort, especially on serves and overhead smashes. Your groundstrokes penetrate through the court with authority.
If you prefer a balanced approach with occasional power shots, the TruFoam suits your style. Players who want maximum power on most shots benefit more from the Power Air’s design.
Spin Potential
The CRBN TruFoam generates impressive spin rates, with testing showing it can reach around 2300 RPM on topspin shots. You can brush up on the ball and create sharp angles that pull opponents off the court. Your slice serves also bite more effectively.
The Selkirk Power Air produces good spin but prioritizes power over rotation. You still get adequate bite on your shots, but the paddle doesn’t grip the ball quite as well. Your topspin drives move forward more than they dip down.
For players who rely on spin to control rallies and create attacking opportunities, the TruFoam offers a clear advantage. The Power Air works better if you value pace over rotation.
Durability and Build Quality
Both paddle lines use advanced construction methods that affect how long they last on the court. The TruFoam relies on foam core technology with a carbon fiber face, while the Selkirk Power Air uses a polymer honeycomb core with layered surface materials.
Edge Technology and Protection
The TruFoam Genesis paddles feature edge guard technology that protects the foam core from impact damage during ground strikes. The foam construction extends fully to the paddle edges, creating a seamless barrier against moisture intrusion.
The Selkirk Power Air Invikta uses FlexFoam Perimeter technology combined with 360 Proto Molding. This design injects foam around the entire paddle edge to increase stability and protect against delamination. The molding process seals the carbon fiber paddle face to the core without gaps that could allow separation over time.
Both edge protection systems help prevent the most common paddle failures. Ground contact and edge chips cause many paddles to fail within their first year of heavy use.
Long-Term Reliability
The TruFoam Genesis generates around 2300 RPM and maintains its textured surface longer than some competitors. The foam core resists compression better than traditional honeycomb structures.
The Selkirk Power Air line uses QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face construction on some models. This combines Fiberflex with Quantum+ Carbon for added durability. Players report that the grit texture can wear faster with aggressive spin play compared to raw carbon alternatives.
Strong pickleball paddles can last up to three years, though delamination and cracks affect over 40% of players. Your playing frequency and shot style impact which paddle maintains performance longer.
Player Experience and Community Feedback
The CRBN TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air attract different types of players based on their performance characteristics. Players report distinct experiences with each paddle’s power delivery and control features.
Suitability for Different Play Styles
The CRBN TruFoam works well if you prefer an aggressive style with more pop and responsiveness. The paddle generates around 2300 RPM according to objective testing of full foam paddles, making it suitable for players who rely on spin-heavy shots.
The Selkirk Power Air fits your game if you need balanced power without sacrificing control. This paddle appears in discussions about power paddles that maintain good control, unlike older models that traded too much feel for power. You can choose from different shapes like the Invikta, Epic, or S2 based on your preferences.
3.5 players often consider the Power Air when deciding between shapes, as seen in community discussions about shape selection.
User Reviews and Ratings
Players describe the CRBN TruFoam as more lively and responsive compared to foam-core alternatives. The design changes performance through core construction and fiberglass layering rather than just thickness adjustments.
The Power Air receives positive feedback for its balanced approach to power and control. Players appreciate the feel and consistency across different shot types.
You can compare paddles side-by-side using Selkirk’s comparison tool to evaluate specifications before purchasing. Many retailers let you notify me when popular models come back in stock, and both paddles frequently appear in shop best sellers categories.
Pricing, Promotions, and Buying Options
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis typically sells for around $180-$190, while the Selkirk Power Air Invikta is priced at approximately $199. Both brands offer promotional deals that can reduce your upfront costs, including gift offers when you reach minimum purchase thresholds and referral programs that benefit both you and new customers.
Value for Money
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis costs around $180-$190, making it one of the more affordable options in the foam core category. The Selkirk Power Air Invikta sits at roughly $199, positioning it at a similar price point.
When you evaluate value for money, consider what you’re getting for your investment. The TruFoam delivers plush feel and control with good power output at the lower end of the price range. The Power Air offers Selkirk’s established build quality and their Air technology for maneuverability.
Price Comparison:
- CRBN TruFoam Genesis: $180-$190
- Selkirk Power Air Invikta: ~$199
Your best value depends on your playing style. If you prioritize soft feel and control, the TruFoam’s lower price makes it attractive. If you want an established brand with proven durability, the Power Air’s slightly higher cost may be justified.
Referral and Gift Offers
CRBN offers a discount code for 10% off when you use STSPICKLEBALL at checkout. This can save you $18-$19 on the TruFoam Genesis.
Some retailers run promotions where you can get a free gift when you shop and spend $50 or more on pickleball equipment. These deals often include accessories like balls, grips, or bags.
Referral link programs are available through both brands’ websites. When you refer a friend, you typically receive credit toward your next purchase after they complete their order. Your friend usually gets a discount on their first purchase as well, creating savings for both parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
CRBN TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air are both pickleball paddles with distinct construction methods. TruFoam uses a full foam core design while Power Air features an open-throat design with a traditional honeycomb core.
What are the main differences between TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air in terms of thermal insulation properties?
These are pickleball paddles, not building insulation materials. They don’t provide thermal insulation for homes or buildings.
The materials in both paddles may perform differently in various weather conditions. Cold weather can affect paddle performance and feel during play.
How does the durability of TruFoam compare to that of Selkirk Power Air when used in exterior applications?
Both paddles are designed for outdoor pickleball court use. The Selkirk Power Air has a unibody construction without a separate edge guard, which may reduce potential failure points.
Traditional paddles often fail when edge guards come loose. The Power Air’s single-piece design eliminates this common problem.
CRBN TruFoam paddles use a foam core throughout the paddle face. This construction provides durability for regular play and competition.
What are the price differences between TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air for residential installations?
You don’t install pickleball paddles in homes. These are sports equipment items you use on pickleball courts.
Both paddles are premium options in the pickleball market. Pricing varies based on retailer and current promotions.
Can you highlight any differences in the installation process between TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air?
Pickleball paddles don’t require installation. You remove them from packaging and start playing.
You may want to add grip tape or overgrip to either paddle based on your preferences. This customization takes just a few minutes.
Are there any significant differences in the environmental impact of TruFoam compared to Selkirk Power Air?
Both paddles use synthetic materials common in pickleball equipment manufacturing. The environmental impact depends on the specific materials each company uses in production.
Neither manufacturer prominently markets these paddles as eco-friendly options. The foam and composite materials used in paddle construction are standard for the industry.
How do the warranties of TruFoam and Selkirk Power Air compare?
Selkirk offers warranty coverage on their paddles through their standard company policy. You should check with Selkirk directly for current warranty terms and conditions.
CRBN provides warranty information for their TruFoam line. Contact each manufacturer to understand what defects and issues are covered under their respective warranties.
