Crush Force 5G Paddle Review: The Crush Force 5G Pro paddle, a newcomer in the pickleball sport, offers players two thickness options for a balance of power, spin, and control. After extensive testing in real-match situations, this review evaluates how it performs for different playing styles and what players can expect from this new paddle.
Crush Force 5G Overview
The Crush Force 5G Pro paddle, known for its blend of power, spin, and control, has generated buzz in the pickleball community. But does it live up to the hype? After testing it extensively through drills and real match situations, the review aims to provide an honest, firsthand perspective on the paddle’s performance. With more paddles hitting the market, it’s important to focus not on bold marketing claims, but on finding the right fit for individual playing styles.
Crush Pickleball, a smaller brand known for its unique build techniques like unibody frames and thermoform edging, has made a name with their engineering innovations. The paddle features T700 raw carbon, EVA-foam-injected handles, and other next-generation construction elements.
These materials aim to deliver better performance, but how effective are they? The review examines the 14mm and 16mm versions of the paddle to understand how each model impacts gameplay.
Crush Force 5G Specifications
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Weight: 8.4 – 8.6 oz (14 mm and 16 mm)
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Dimensions: 16 in. x 7.85 in.
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Thickness: 14 mm (Gold) and 16 mm (Blue)
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Material: T700 raw carbon surface, honeycomb core, unibody frame
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Handle Length: 5.25 in.
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Grip Circumference: 4.25 in.
These specifications suggest the paddle is well-suited for players who want a balanced performance between power and control. The 14mm version is thinner, providing faster swings and a more immediate pop, while the 16mm version offers a softer, controlled feel, though still capable of generating power.
Performance Analysis of the Crush Force 5G
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Control/Feel: Both versions offer solid control, but the 16mm version is notably softer on contact.
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Power: The 14mm model provides more effortless power, while the 16mm requires more effort for high-end power.
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Spin: Both versions deliver impressive spin potential, thanks to the T700 carbon surface.
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Pop: The 14mm offers a lively response, while the 16mm has a muted yet still crisp pop.
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Forgiveness: Both models feature a forgiving sweet spot, enhanced by the unibody frame.
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Maneuverability: Both models are agile, with the 14mm feeling slightly quicker for net exchanges.
These observations highlight the key strengths of each version, with the 14mm geared towards aggressive players who favor power, while the 16mm suits players seeking control and precision.
Design and Build Quality
The Crush Force 5G features a “next-generation thermoform” design, with a T700 carbon surface and a reinforced unibody frame. This construction aims to reduce the risk of delamination, a common issue with raw carbon pickleball paddles. The 45° carbon orientation provides enhanced friction, contributing to more pronounced spin and grip on the ball.
While the paddle’s durability seems promising, there’s a caution about cosmetic scuffing on rough surfaces. The EVA-foam handle effectively dampens vibration, providing comfort during extended play.
On-Court Performance
The reviewer tested both versions of the Crush Force 5G in various drills, including serves, dinking, and fast exchanges. Here are the key takeaways:
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14mm (Gold): Ideal for aggressive play with quick drives. This model provides extra pace and power, especially beneficial in singles. However, players need precision to control the ball, as resets can occasionally sail long.
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16mm (Blue): Offers a more controlled feel, making it excellent for soft shots like dinks and resets. While it may not generate as much power automatically, it delivers precision and stability at the net.
Both paddles excel in absorbing pace and redirecting volleys, with the unibody frame and reinforced edges minimizing hand twisting on off-center hits.
Control and Power
While raw carbon surfaces often emphasize spin and power, the Crush Force 5G also stands out in terms of control. The honeycomb core offers extra dwell time, allowing the ball to stay on the paddle face longer for more precision in soft shots.
For the 14mm version, power is easier to generate, especially for players with a compact or fast swing. The 16mm version requires more effort but provides excellent control for touch shots.
Spin and Pop
The Force 5G excels at generating spin, especially on forehand rolls and cross-court dinks, thanks to the T700 carbon surface. While many carbon paddles offer good spin, the Force 5G performs competitively with other top models. For players who prioritize spin, this paddle is a strong choice.
Pop refers to the quick feedback felt when the paddle hits the ball. The 14mm version delivers more pop, making it great for reactive volleys and overheads. However, players who prefer a smoother feel might gravitate toward the 16mm version, which offers a less immediate but still responsive pop.
Forgiveness and Maneuverability
Both the 14mm and 16mm models feature a forgiving sweet spot, especially for intermediate players who occasionally miss the center of the paddle. The 14mm, while still forgiving, may feel more lively on off-center hits.
The weight of the paddle (8.4–8.6 oz) provides stability but can feel heavier compared to lighter models. However, it strikes a good balance between power and control without feeling sluggish.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Excellent spin with T700 raw carbon surface
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Two thickness options cater to different play styles
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Comfortable EVA foam handle reduces vibration
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Large sweet spot, even on the 14mm version
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Easy-to-learn for a raw carbon paddle
Cons:
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Heavier weight may not suit players preferring ultra-light paddles
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The 14mm may be too lively for players not used to pop
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Requires more user-generated power for the 16mm
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Long-term durability is still to be proven
The Crush Force 5G is a solid option for intermediate players or those looking for a fresh alternative to other popular paddles. While no paddle is perfect for everyone, the Force 5G offers a good mix of spin, control, and durability for players with varying playing styles.
Player Feedback
Feedback from other players highlights the following:
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“The paddle feels a bit heavier, but I love the consistent control and how easy it is to dink with. My two-handed backhand has enough handle space, and the spin is just as good as my old paddle.”
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“The 14mm version is extremely fun in doubles. I can hammer my forehand drives and trust the spin to bring it down in-bounds. Took me a minute to dial in my resets, but once I did, it felt natural.”
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“I don’t think it’s drastically different from some of the other raw carbon paddles on the market, but the unibody design does feel sturdy. I’d recommend it for someone who wants a bit more pop than many 16mm paddles.”
The feedback is generally positive, with players appreciating the paddle’s balance of control, power, and durability.
Exploring the True Potential of the Crush Force 5G
The Crush Force 5G is a strong option for players looking for a mix of power, control, and spin. Its dual thickness options allow players to choose between more power (14mm) or better control (16mm). The paddle’s construction and design provide good durability, though long-term performance remains to be fully seen.
For intermediate to advanced players looking for an all-around paddle, the Force 5G is worth considering. With its competitive spin and solid feel, it stands out as a solid alternative in the crowded pickleball market.
Comparable Paddles
For those still considering their options, here are a few comparable paddles:
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JOOLA Hyperion Series: Known for excellent spin and power, especially in their thicker models.
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Gearbox CX14 or CX16: Features a unique carbon build that offers strong spin but with a different feel.
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Selkirk Vanguard Power Air or Labs Series: Renowned for durability and consistent performance.
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PaddleTek Tempest or Bantam Series: Offers good control and spin, with less pop than the Force 5G.
News in Brief: Crush Force 5G Paddle Review
The Crush Force 5G Pro paddle offers two thickness options, catering to players seeking power or control. Featuring a T700 carbon surface, the paddle excels in spin and provides good forgiveness for off-center hits. It is a solid choice for intermediate to advanced players.
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