The CRBN 1 Original 16mm is where the CRBN brand started. Released in 2021 as a Gen 1 thermoformed elongated paddle, it was one of the first carbon fiber pickleball paddles to gain serious traction at the competitive level. It has since been discontinued and replaced by the CRBN 1X Power Series -- but used copies still circulate, and the specs tell an important story about what this paddle actually does and does not do well.
What are the specs and performance data for the CRBN 1 Original 16mm?
Specifications
| Year released | 2021 |
| Status | Discontinued (replaced by CRBN 1X Power Series) |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Face material | Raw T700 carbon fiber |
| Grit type | Raw texture / peel ply |
| Build style | Gen 1 thermoformed |
| Paddle type | Control |
| Core thickness | 16mm polypropylene honeycomb |
| Grip length | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.25 in |
| Weight | 8.25 oz |
| USAPA approved | Yes |
Lab-tested performance data (source: Pickleball Effect)
| Metric | Value | Percentile | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swingweight | 118 | 67th | ABOVE AVG |
| Twistweight | 5.77 | 11th | BELOW AVG |
| Balance point | 238mm | -- | HEAD HEAVY |
| Spin | -- | -- | NOT MEASURED |
| Power | -- | -- | NOT MEASURED |
| Pop | -- | -- | NOT MEASURED |
Spin, power, and pop were not measured for this paddle. Pickleball Effect expanded its full measurement protocol after 2021. Full data is available for the CRBN 1X Power Series.
What do the performance numbers mean for your game?
Only three metrics are available for the 1 Original -- but the twistweight number is the most important thing any buyer should know before purchasing.
Swingweight measures how heavy the paddle feels as it moves through the air. At the 67th percentile, this paddle swings moderately heavy -- above average but not extreme. You get decent plow-through on full drives and a stable feel at contact without the arm fatigue of a 90th-plus percentile paddle. This is the most manageable of the three data points.
Twistweight measures how much the paddle rotates in your hand on off-center hits. At the 11th percentile, this is one of the least stable paddles in the database on mishits. Despite being classified as a Control paddle, the CRBN 1 Original has very poor off-center forgiveness. Hit the sweet spot clean and it feels fine. Miss it and you will feel significant twist through your hand and wrist. This is the most important thing to know before buying -- the sweet spot is real but narrow, and it demands consistent technique.
At 238mm the weight sits slightly toward the face. This contributes to the above-average swingweight and adds some plow-through on drives. It is less head-heavy than the 1X 16mm (244mm) -- so it feels a bit more maneuverable at the kitchen line in comparison.
Who should buy the CRBN 1 Original 16mm?
This paddle suits a narrow type of player. The 11th percentile twistweight makes it unforgiving for most people.
Good fit
- Advanced players with consistent, center-contact technique
- Players who want to try the original CRBN at a discount
- Two-handed backhand players comfortable with elongated shapes
- Players who prioritize soft game and dink control over power
Not a great fit
- Beginners or intermediate players (11th percentile twistweight is unforgiving)
- Players who mishit frequently
- Players wanting modern Gen 2 performance data before buying
- Anyone who wants better off-center forgiveness (buy the 1X instead)
- Players with arm or wrist concerns (twist on mishits adds stress)
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the CRBN 1 Original 16mm?
The Gen 1 build and narrow sweet spot define this paddle on both sides.
Strengths
- The OG CRBN -- proven at the competitive level when released
- 67th percentile swingweight gives solid plow-through on clean contact
- 16mm core provides soft, controlled touch at the kitchen
- 5.5 in grip suits two-handed backhands
- Gen 1 build can be more durable than Gen 2 thermoform in some cases
- Available used at significant discount vs. retail
Weaknesses
- 11th percentile twistweight -- one of the worst off-center stability ratings in the database
- Discontinued -- no warranty, no manufacturer support
- No spin, power, or pop data (predates full measurement protocol)
- Superseded by the 1X in every measurable way
- Elongated shape already narrows sweet spot -- low twistweight amplifies that
How does the CRBN 1 Original compare to the CRBN 1X Power Series?
The 1X is the direct successor to the 1 Original. Here is how the data compares side by side.
| Metric | 1 Original 16mm (2021) | 1X 16mm (2023) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build | Gen 1 | Gen 2 | Newer construction |
| Swingweight | 118 (67th) | 124 (92nd) | 1X swings heavier |
| Twistweight | 5.77 (11th) | 6.18 (36th) | 1X is significantly more stable off-center |
| Balance point | 238mm | 244mm | 1X is more head heavy |
| Spin | Not measured | 1,915 RPM (High) | 1X has confirmed spin data |
| Price new | Discontinued | $169.99 at NVZ | 1X available new with 30-day trial |
Want the current version?
The CRBN 1X Power Series 16mm is the direct successor to the 1 Original -- same shape, Gen 2 build, better twistweight, full performance data. Buy new from PickleballNVZ with a 30-day trial.
Shop CRBN 1X 16mmFrequently asked questions
Why is the twistweight so low on a paddle classified as Control?
The Control classification refers to the feel at the kitchen -- the 16mm core makes the face soft and controlled on dinks and resets. Twistweight is a separate measurement about off-center stability, not overall feel. The 1 Original is soft on contact but punishing when you miss the sweet spot. It is a paddle that rewards precision, not one that compensates for imprecision.
Is the CRBN 1 Original still good in 2025?
For advanced players with consistent technique, yes -- the core still feels good and the Gen 1 carbon face performs fine. But it has been outpaced by Gen 2 and Gen 3 paddles on every measurable metric. At a significant used discount it can still make sense. At anything close to original retail, the CRBN 1X is the better buy every time.
What should I check when buying a used CRBN 1 Original?
Press firmly across the face and listen for hollow or clicking sounds -- this indicates delamination, which is the main failure mode for thermoformed paddles. Check the edge guard for cracks and the grip for extreme wear. Also check the carbon face for deep scratches or gouges that might affect the texture. A 2021 paddle could be 3 or more years old -- inspect carefully.
How does the CRBN 1 Original compare to the CRBN 2 Original?
The CRBN 2 Original is the widebody version released the same year. Its twistweight is 7.03 (87th percentile) -- dramatically more forgiving off-center than the 1 Original's 11th percentile. If you want the original CRBN feel but need more forgiveness, the 2 Original is the better choice. The 1 Original's elongated shape gives reach and suits two-handed backhands; the 2 Original gives a larger sweet spot.
Does the CRBN 1 Original have a warranty?
No. The paddle is discontinued and CRBN's warranty only covers the original purchaser. A used 1 Original has no warranty coverage regardless of condition or age.
Quick reference
| Paddle | CRBN 1 Original 16mm |
| Brand | CRBN |
| Year released | 2021 (discontinued) |
| Face | Raw T700 carbon fiber, peel ply grit |
| Core | 16mm polypropylene honeycomb |
| Build | Gen 1 thermoformed |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Weight | 8.25 oz |
| Swingweight | 118 (67th percentile) |
| Twistweight | 5.77 (11th percentile) -- very low |
| Balance point | 238mm (moderately head heavy) |
| Spin / Power / Pop | Not measured (predates full data protocol) |
| Best for | Advanced players, consistent center-contact technique, soft game |
| Current replacement | CRBN 1X Power Series 16mm ($169.99 at PickleballNVZ) |
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