Key Takeaways (Optional section for style)
Selkirk’s Boomstick Core combines a True Foam interior with an EVA surround for raw power and a unique feel.
The 5th Generation EVA+TFP+True Foam Core is a hybrid marvel, designed for superior control without sacrificing power.
CRBN’s 4th Gen True Foam core, with its drilled center, provides a consistent and stable feel that became an industry benchmark.
Toray T700 Carbon Fiber faces are the standard for high-end performance, offering exceptional control and a large sweet spot.
Your playing style—power player vs. control enthusiast—should dictate your choice between these advanced technologies.
Introduction: The Heart of the Game Has Evolved
The sound of a perfect dink. The satisfying pop of a powerful drive. In pickleball, these experiences are dictated by one critical, hidden component: the paddle’s core. While carbon fiber faces often steal the spotlight, it’s the internal foam technology that truly brings a paddle to life, defining its power, control, and feel.
The evolution of core materials has been rapid. We’ve moved from basic Polymer honeycombs to advanced, performance-engineered foams. In 2025, the conversation is dominated by three standout technologies: the established benchmark of CRBN’s 4th Gen True Foam, the powerful hybrid Selkirk Boomstick Core, and the groundbreaking 5th Generation EVA+TFP+True Foam Composite Core.
This article breaks down these three leading core systems. We’ll explore their constructions, compare their on-court performance, and see how they stack up against other elite paddles, helping you decide which powerhouse is right for your game.
Breaking Down the Big Three: Core Technologies Explained
1. CRBN 4th Gen: The True Foam Benchmark
CRBN set the stage for the modern foam core conversation with their 4th Generation True Foam technology.
Material & Construction: As the name implies, the entire core is constructed from a single, uniform slab of True Foam. This specialized closed-cell foam is known for its excellent energy return and consistent response.
The “Drilled Center” Innovation: A key feature of this core is a strategically drilled hole or channel through its center. This engineering technique is designed to fine-tune the paddle’s feel and response, potentially reducing drag and creating a more predictable flex upon ball impact.
On-Court Feel: The uniform True Foam core provides a solid and stable feel across the entire paddle face. Players often report a consistent, dependable response whether they hit the sweet spot or catch a shot off-center. It’s a core that favors reliability and a direct feedback loop from the paddle to your hand.
2. Selkirk Boomstick Core: The Power-Hybrid
Selkirk’s Boomstick core takes a different, more complex approach to achieve its distinct performance characteristics.
Material & Construction: This is a hybrid core design. The interior of the core uses True Foam, aiming to harness its high energy return. However, Selkirk then encapsulates this True Foam center with a surround of EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam.
The “EVA Surround” Effect: Why mix two foams? The EVA outer layer is intended to add a distinct dampening and “bounce” effect. EVA is known for its softness and ability to absorb vibration, which can translate to a unique feel that reduces player fatigue. This combination is engineered to create a powerful, lively response that is still arm-friendly.
On-Court Feel: The Boomstick core is built for power and a unique cushioned feel. The EVA surround can make the paddle feel more explosive on drives and slams, providing that extra “pop” that power players seek, while the True Foam center aims to maintain stability.
3. The 5th Generation Core: The Composite Masterpiece
The latest evolution in core tech doesn’t just use one or two foams—it combines three, creating a sophisticated composite system.
Material & Construction: This is the most advanced core in this comparison. It integrates EVA foam, True Foam (TFP), and a third proprietary TFP (True Foam Poly?) material into a single, layered core. Each material is placed strategically to leverage its specific properties.
The “Triple-Threat” Advantage: The magic lies in the synergy. The EVA can handle shock absorption, the True Foam provides energetic rebound, and the TFP adds structural integrity and consistency. This multi-material approach allows engineers to precisely calibrate the paddle’s performance profile.
On-Court Feel: The result is a paddle that aims for the perfect balance of control and power. The 5th Gen core is designed to feel incredibly responsive and precise on dinks and drops shots, while still providing ample power from the baseline when you need to drive the ball.
Head-to-Head: Performance Showdown
The Power Game: Boomstick’s Domain
When it comes to raw, unadulterated power, the Selkirk Boomstick core has a clear edge. The combination of the lively True Foam heart and the springy EVA surround creates a paddle that acts like a trampoline. The ball launches off the face, making it easier to generate pace on drives and put away overhead slams with authority. If your game relies on overpowering your opponents, the Boomstick technology is engineered for you.
The Control & Stability Crown: 5th Gen’s Triumph
While powerful, the 5th Generation core truly shines in its unmatched control and all-court stability. The composite construction allows for superior dampening of unwanted vibrations. This means off-center hits feel less jarring and more manageable. The paddle feels like an extension of your arm, offering exquisite touch on soft game shots and predictable, linear power on drives. It provides the confidence to place the ball exactly where you want it, making it a formidable weapon for players who value strategy and precision over brute force.
The Balanced Performer: CRBN’s Reliable Legacy
The CRBN 4th Gen True Foam core sits in a solid middle ground. It doesn’t have the same explosive power as the Boomstick, nor the surgical control of the 5th Gen composite. Instead, it offers a very consistent and reliable response. The uniform core material ensures that the paddle behaves the same way shot after shot, which is invaluable for developing muscle memory and a consistent game. It’s a fantastic “set-and-forget” core for players who want a dependable performance without any surprises.
Beyond the Core: The Critical Role of the Face Material
A high-tech core is nothing without a high-quality face to transmit the energy. All three of these premium paddles utilize Toray T700 carbon fiber for their hitting surface.
Why T700? This aerospace-grade carbon fiber is renowned for its excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio. This stiffness translates directly to better control and a larger “sweet spot” as the energy from your shot is transferred efficiently to the ball without being lost in a flexing paddle face .
The 3-Layer Advantage: Many premium paddles, including these, use a 3-layer carbon fiber weave. This construction enhances the surface’s durability and provides a consistent, gritty texture for generating immense spin on the ball.
The marriage of an advanced foam core with a Toray T700 face is what defines the modern, high-performance pickleball paddle.
How They Stack Up: The JOOLA Comparison
To better understand the market landscape, it’s useful to see how these cores compare to another major player: JOOLA’s 4th Generation technologies.
JOOLA’s approach, often seen in their popular Hyperion series, frequently involves a GEN4 carbon fiber inner core focused on creating a dynamic balance of power and control, sometimes leveraging technologies from their table tennis heritage .
vs. CRBN 4th Gen: Both aim for a balanced feel, but the CRBN’s all-True-Foam construction provides a distinctly solid and uniform feedback, while JOOLA’s GEN4 core might feel a bit more lively and responsive.
vs. Selkirk Boomstick: The Boomstick core is typically more power-oriented and has a unique cushioned feel compared to JOOLA’s offerings, which often prioritize control and a crisp, direct feedback.
vs. 5th Gen Core: The 5th Gen composite core directly challenges JOOLA’s high-end models by offering what many players report is a superior blend of vibration dampening and control, without giving up the power needed for a competitive game.
Conclusion: Which Advanced Core is Your Perfect Match?
The “best” core is a deeply personal choice, dictated entirely by your playing style and what you value most on the court.
Choose the Selkirk Boomstick Core if: You are a power-hungry player. You look to end points with aggressive drives and slams. You want a paddle with a lively, explosive feel that gives you an edge in power battles.
Choose the 5th Generation EVA+TFP+True Foam Core if: You are a control artist and a strategic player. Your game is built on consistent dinks, precise drops, and well-placed shots. You want a paddle that offers superior stability, touch, and a perfect balance that supports an all-court game plan. For many, this represents the current pinnacle of control-focused performance.
Choose the CRBN 4th Gen True Foam Core if: You value consistency and reliability above all. You want a paddle that performs predictably every time you swing, helping you develop a solid, dependable game. It’s a proven technology that continues to be a top contender.
The foam core revolution is here, turning the humble paddle into a sophisticated piece of sporting equipment. By understanding what happens beneath the surface, you can make an informed decision and find the paddle that will truly elevate your game.
Ready to experience the difference? Share your thoughts on these core technologies in the comments below!