Gen 4 Pickleball Paddle: Foam Up Your Game
There’s a saying that nothing is constant in this world, except for change. One of the best things about pickleball is that it’s constantly improving. One example is the 2025 pickleball rules. USA Pickleball is dedicated to creating a better player experience; that’s why they continuously improve the sport's rules. They also partnered with the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), Element Space & Defense, and equipment manufacturers to develop the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR). The PBCoR is a testing process that aims to promote fairness to every player by testing the submitted pickleball paddles’ materials and configuration.
The development of the PBCoR is a huge improvement in the sport since pickleball paddle manufacturers are also continuously innovating their products. It’s amazing to see the evolution of pickleball paddles. From generation 1 of wooden paddles to the current generation 4 of advanced technology. Let’s dive deeper into the gen 4 foam pickleball paddles.
- The Pickleball Paddle Through the Years
- Gen 4 Pickleball Paddles: The Power of the Foam
- To Sum It Up
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Gen 4 Foam Pickleball Paddle
- Key Takeaways
The Pickleball Paddle Through the Years
Before we go on our main topic, let us first give you a quick background to the pickleball paddle over the years. When pickleball was invented in 1965, ping-pong paddles were used to play the game. It only made sense why the first manufactured paddles were made of wood. Up to now, wooden paddles are still being sold, and they’re great for beginners who are still learning to control their shots. Wooden paddles are also durable, however, they are heavy and have less power. Because wooden paddles are heavy and have less power, manufacturers experimented with lighter woods and basic composite materials like fiberglass.
The second generation of paddles is made with synthetic materials like carbon fiber. These paddles are still durable but are more lightweight and expensive than the wooden ones. The second generation also has paddles that focus on power, control, or both. Great examples of these are the 101 Pickleball paddles – Zen Control and Infinity Balance. Both paddles are made with carbon fiber and honeycomb core for the ultimate playing experience.
The third generation of paddles is more advanced than the first two. These paddles are made of high-performance synthetic materials like Toray carbon fiber and Kevlar. These paddles are also known for their propulsion cores like the 101 Pickleball Phantom and the JOOLA MOD TA-15.
Did You Know?
A propulsion core is an advanced paddle technology designed to transfer energy from the paddle to the ball, resulting in an “explosive” feel and creating more powerful hits and spins.
Now that we have made a quick trip through the evolution of paddles, let’s take a look at the latest generation of paddles: the Gen 4 pickleball paddle.
Gen 4 Pickleball Paddles: The Power of the Foam
One thing that gen 4 pickleball paddles have in common is being made of or having a part of them made of foam. Foam pickleball paddles? Hmm, it might get you thinking about what's good with pickleball paddles made of foam. Foam is soft, right? How can they be better than the generations of paddles before them? Let's check them out and see what they can offer.
JOOLA Pro IV Series
JOOLA is known for being innovative and pushing boundaries when it comes to paddle technology. JOOLA is also not a stranger when it comes to controversies. Just last year, two of the more recent JOOLA paddles were banned from the USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments: the Gen 3 paddles and MOD TA-15. This doesn’t stop JOOLA, though, for they have now launched their latest creation: the JOOLA PRO IV.
The JOOLA PRO IV series is an example of a Gen 4 pickleball paddle. They are professional-level pickleball paddles that feature TechFlex Power (TFP) technology. TFP works by evenly distributing its weight on the entire paddle, which provides better control and power, boosting your confidence on the court. The JOOLA PRO IV is made of carbon friction for its surface, and the bottom edge of the paddle face is infused with foam, making mishits more forgiving. This gen 4 pickleball paddle is USAP (+PBCoR .43) and UPA-A Approved.
Did You Know?
PBCoR .43 refers to the return of speed by the paddle once it hits the ball. The paddle has to only be able to return 43% of the incoming speed once the ball hits it.
CRBN TruFoam Genesis Series
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis series is a Gen 4 pickleball paddle and one of the first to use 100% foam for its core instead of a honeycomb design. With the foam technology of the CRBM TruFoam Genesis, you won't have to worry about core crushing anymore. This Gen 4 foam pickleball paddle is made with T700 raw carbon fiber layered with fiberglass.
Did You Know?
Core crushing is when the pickleball paddle's core stops being rigid and compresses too much. On the contrary, when the core separates from each other, it's called delamination.
The CRBN TruFoam Genesis also balances power and control while giving you maximum spin. This gen 4 foam pickleball paddle is also USAP (+PBCoR .43) and UPA-A Approved.
Selkirk Labs Project 008
The Selkirk Labs Project 008 is a gen 4 pickleball paddle that has it all. It's made with purefoam technology, a high-density foam that prevents core crushing and deformity. The Selkirk Labs Project 008 also provides a balance between control and power and doesn't disappoint with durability, too. The foam core also has a larger sweet spot and absorbs vibration for more precise spins. This Gen 4 pickleball paddle is made of foam core, T700 raw carbon fiber face, thermoformed construction with an additional foam wall, and an expanded sweet spot for extra forgiveness.
Apes Pulse Series
The Apes Pulse series is a Gen 4 pickleball paddle with foam walls instead of a foam core. It is made of a poly aramid fiber weave surface, narrow-cell honeycomb poly core, and carbon fiber ring grid. The Apes Pulse series provides exceptional bounce and soft touch for controlled, consistent hits.
With all these Gen 4 foam pickleball paddles, it might get you thinking about what the hype is for these.
- Foam Technology: Although these Gen 4 pickleball paddles all have different features, they share a common trait: incorporating foam in some way, be it as a core, walls, or edge.
- Emphasis on Durability: The solution to the core crushing problems is here: foam! This advanced feature on these Gen 4 pickleball paddles increases the life span of these paddles by preventing core crushing.
- Targeting Performance Player: These Gen 4 pickleball paddles are optimized for power, control, spin, and feel, perfect for all kind of players who aims to up their game.
- Forgiving Sweet Spot: You don’t have to keep worrying about mishits anymore because of the large sweet spots.
To Sum It Up
Pickleball paddles have come a long way from the first generation of wooden paddles to the current Gen 4 foam paddles. Pickleball paddle manufacturers are becoming more and more innovative, and to keep up with this, USA Pickleball developed a more advanced way to test the paddles: the PBCoR. The Gen 4 pickleball paddles are incorporated with foam in some ways, which makes them more advanced and durable. You also don’t have to choose between power and control anymore because you can enjoy the balance between the two and focus on making consistent hits and spins instead. Mishits are also less of a worry because of the forgiving sweet spots. The Gen 4 pickleball paddles are proof that pickleball is constantly taking steps forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gen 4 Foam Pickleball Paddle
What is the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR)?
- It's a testing process developed by USA Pickleball in partnership with other organizations.
- It aims to ensure fairness by testing the materials and configuration of pickleball paddles.
- It measures the "trampoline" effect of paddles, which is the paddle core's ability to flex and spring back upon ball impact.
Why was the PBCoR testing process implemented?
- To regulate the increasing innovation in pickleball paddle manufacturing.
- To ensure that paddles adhere to fair play standards and don't provide an unfair advantage.
- To test the "trampoline" effect of paddles, which can significantly impact ball speed and control.
What are Gen 4 pickleball paddles, and what is their defining characteristic?
- Gen 4 paddles are the latest generation of pickleball paddles.
- Their defining characteristic is the incorporation of foam in their construction, either in the core, walls, or edge.
What are the benefits of using Gen 4 foam pickleball paddles?
- Increased durability: Foam helps prevent core crushing and delamination, extending the paddle's lifespan.
- Improved control and power: Foam technology helps balance power and control, providing a more consistent feel.
- Larger sweet spot: Foam construction often results in a larger sweet spot, reducing mishits.
- Enhanced feel and reduced vibration: Foam absorbs vibration, providing a smoother and more comfortable feel.
- Better spin control: Improved control over the ball allows for better spin.
What are some examples of Gen 4 pickleball paddles?
- JOOLA PRO IV Series
- CRBN TruFoam Genesis Series
- Selkirk Labs Project 008
- Apes Pulse Series
What is "core crushing" in pickleball paddles?
- Core crushing is when the paddle's core loses its rigidity and compresses too much.
- This can negatively impact the paddle's performance and feel.
How does the foam in Gen 4 paddles prevent core crushing?
- Foam is a more resilient material that can withstand repeated impacts without losing its shape or structure.
- It provides better support and stability to the paddle core.
What does "PBCoR .43" mean?
- It refers to the maximum allowed return of speed by the paddle upon ball impact.
- In this case, the paddle can only return 43% of the incoming ball speed.
What materials are used in Gen 4 pickleball paddles?
- They often combine foam with other high-performance materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fibers.
Are Gen 4 pickleball paddles USAP-approved?
- Yes, many Gen 4 paddles are USAP-approved, meaning they meet the standards for sanctioned tournament play.
Key Takeaways
| Key Takeaway | Description |
|---|---|
| PBCoR Testing | USA Pickleball's advanced testing process to ensure fair play by measuring paddle "trampoline" effect |
| Gen 1 (Wooden Paddles) | Durable, affordable, but heavy and less powerful; good for beginners |
| Gen 2 (Composite Paddles) | Lighter, more powerful, and controlled; made with materials like carbon fiber |
| Gen 3 (Advanced Paddles) | High-performance materials and propulsion cores for enhanced power and spin |
| Gen 4 (Foam Paddles) | Incorporates foam technology for improved durability, control, and power |
| JOOLA Pro IV Series | Features TechFlex Power (TFP) and foam-infused edges for better control and forgiveness |
| CRBN TruFoam Genesis Series | 100% foam core with T700 raw carbon fiber for balanced power and control, prevents core crushing |
| Selkirk Labs Project 008 | Purefoam technology, T700 raw carbon fiber, and expanded sweet spot for enhanced performance |
| Apes Pulse Series | Foam walls with honeycomb poly core and carbon fiber ring grid for controlled hits |
| Foam Technology Benefits | Increased durability, prevention of core crushing, balanced power and control, larger sweet spots |
| For More Information | Contact us at 101grouppb@gmail.com |