Honolulu J3CR
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 10% off
J3CR
- Shape
- Widebody
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- UPA-A
- Price
- $195.00
Our take on the J3CR CBE
This is probably one of the least popular Honolulu paddles, but it is still a very good widebody option. The CR series features an intricate core design with multiple layers and cutouts that allows the paddle to absorb and transfer energy to the ball in a more controlled way. It has a noticeable “pocketing” effect on contact, which makes it a breeze to shape the ball on shots from the baseline and flicks out of the air at the kitchen line.
Is the J3CR CBE worth $195?
Yes, for net players who want a big hitting area. At $195 it sits in the high price range, and it is a very good widebody that tends to get overlooked next to the other shapes in the Honolulu line.
Who should buy the J3CR CBE?
Players who do most of their damage at the kitchen line and want quick hands and a big, forgiving face. The widebody shape and high twist weight add stability, and it comes with a long handle. Aggressive players who want reach will prefer the elongated J6CR.
Buy it if
- You live at the kitchen line
- You want a very large sweet spot
- You want long-lasting Crystal Blue spin
- You like a long handle
Skip it if
- You want an elongated, long-reach shape
- You want an aggressive baseline paddle
- You want Honolulu's softest, plushest touch
How does the J3CR CBE play?
The multi-density foam core with cutouts absorbs and returns energy in a controlled way, producing a noticeable pocketing effect that makes it easy to shape the ball from the baseline and flick out of the air. A 110 swing weight with a 6.9 twist weight keeps the wide face stable on off-center hits.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the J3CR CBE?
Its biggest edge is a huge, stable sweet spot with a pocketing feel. The main cost is less reach and baseline aggression than the elongated J6CR.
Strengths
- Very large widebody sweet spot
- Pocketing feel for flicks and shaping
- High twist weight for stability
- Fast hands at the kitchen line
Trade-offs
- Less reach than the elongated J6CR
- Less baseline aggression than the J6CR
- UPA-A approved only, not USA Pickleball
Closest match we’ve tested
Honolulu J3CR vs 11SIX24 Pegasus Power 2
Same widebody shape, same 16mm Gen 4 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Widebody
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 110
- Twist Weight
- 6.9
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- UPA-A
10% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Widebody
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8.1 oz
- Swing Weight
- 110
- Twist Weight
- 7.2
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- UPA-A
$10 off with code KITCHEN
10% off with KITCHEN
$10 off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Honolulu J3CR against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the J3CR CBE
Is the Honolulu J3CR better than the J6CR?
Neither is objectively better. The J3CR widebody suits players who live at the kitchen line and want fast hands and a very large sweet spot, while the elongated J6CR suits aggressive players.
What is the Honolulu J3CR?
A widebody power paddle with a multi-density foam core and Honolulu's Crystal Blue grit surface, built for fast hands, a large sweet spot and long-lasting spin.
Are Honolulu pickleball paddles any good?
Yes. Honolulu is well regarded for its innovative foam-core technology, high-spin surfaces like the Crystal Blue finish and strong performance for the price.
Which Honolulu pickleball paddle is best for control?
The J2NF is Honolulu's control pick, with the J2FC+ and J6FC+ also good choices for players who want a softer feel and maximum touch.
How much does the Honolulu J3CR cost?
$195, which puts it in the high price range for pickleball paddles.
Is the Honolulu J3CR USAP approved?
No. It's UPA-A approved, which covers PPA Tour and MLP events.
What are some Honolulu J3CR alternatives?
Proton Project Peacock Widebody
Power 89Spin 91
15mm Gen 4 · Swing weight 109
How we test every paddle
Why trust our ratings? Every paddle is played by Team Kitchen, our team of expert paddle reviewers, and measured on the same scale before we rate it.
- Expert reviewers. All 5.0+ players, testing alongside other high-level players in their area.
- Hours of drills and games. Every kind of shot, in real points, to see how a paddle plays in a match and not just on paper.
- Measured on the same scale. Power, spin, swing weight and twist weight for every paddle, so any two compare fairly. The J3CR CBE measured power 87, spin 97, swing weight 110 and twist weight 6.9.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.