Honolulu J2CR vs J3CR
Honolulu J2CR vs J3CR: two Honolulu paddles at the same $308, both 16mm, both built on Honolulu's Gen 4.5 multi-density foam core with the Crystal Blue Endurance carbon face, so the decision is head shape and role. The J2CR is the Aero Hybrid Plus shape: an all-court, control-leaning paddle with a published spin rating of 2091, a very forgiving twist weight of 7.0 and a 5.5 in handle. The J3CR is the Aero Standard Square (widebody) shape: billed a spin paddle, rated Intermediate to Professional, with a longer 6 in handle for two-handed backhands (Honolulu does not publish an RPM figure for it, so we say so rather than guess). Their swing and twist ranges overlap, so the two feel closely matched in the hand; the real fork is shape, handle length and role. Want the versatile all-court hybrid? The J2CR. Want the square, spin-first widebody with the longer handle? The J3CR. Real specs below, then the honest read.
We stock both at Pickld. Here is the honest read.
Honolulu J2CR vs J3CR: specs side by side
| Spec | Honolulu J2CR | Honolulu J3CR |
|---|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | $308.00 | $308.00 |
| Weight | 227-235 g (8.0-8.3 oz) | 224-235 g (7.9-8.3 oz) |
| Swing weight | 110-114 | 108-113 |
| Twist weight | 7.0 | 6.8-7.1 |
| Spin | 2091 | Not published |
| Core | Multi-density foam (EPP + EVA) | Multi-density foam (EPP + EVA perimeter) |
| Face | Crystal Blue Endurance Surface (carbon fibre) | Crystal Blue Endurance Surface (CFC) |
| Core thickness | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Shape | Hybrid (Aero Hybrid Plus) | Widebody (Aero Standard Square) |
| Generation | Gen 4.5 | Gen 4.5 |
| Grip | 5.5 in length, 4.125 in circumference | 6 in length, 4.125 in circumference |
| Skill tier | Intermediate | Intermediate, Professional |
| Play style | All-court, Control | Spin |
| Availability at Pickld | In stock; the product page is the live figure | In stock; the product page is the live figure |
| Warranty | Honolulu manufacturer warranty (handled by Pickld) | Honolulu manufacturer warranty (handled by Pickld) |
Specs are the manufacturer figures we hold on each product page. Where a number is not published by the maker, we say so rather than guess. Availability moves, so the product page is always the live answer.
How they actually play
Honolulu J2CR
The J2CR is the Aero Hybrid Plus shape, and it is the versatile all-court paddle in this pair. Honolulu bills it for All-court and Control, and it is the one that publishes a spin rating, at 2091. Its twist weight of 7.0 is very high, which makes the face forgiving on off-centre contact, and its 5.5 in handle keeps it maneuverable. Under the hood it is Honolulu's Gen 4.5 multi-density foam core (EPP with EVA) and the Crystal Blue Endurance carbon face. It weighs 227 to 235 g, is billed Intermediate, and costs $308. If you want one paddle that does a bit of everything with a forgiving, controllable face, this is it, and it is the deeper-stocked of the two.
Honolulu J3CR
The J3CR is the Aero Standard Square shape, a widebody, and Honolulu positions it as the spin-first paddle in the line, rated Intermediate to Professional. Its longer 6 in handle gives you room for a two-handed backhand, which the J2CR's 5.5 in handle does not to the same degree. It runs the same Gen 4.5 multi-density foam core (with an EVA perimeter) and the same Crystal Blue Endurance face, here described as CFC. Honolulu does not publish an RPM figure for the J3CR, so the spin cell reads Not published rather than a guessed number. Its swing (108 to 113) and twist (6.8 to 7.1) ranges overlap the J2CR's, so the two feel closely matched; the difference you will notice is the square widebody head and the longer handle. Same $308.
The verdict: which should you buy?
- Pick the Honolulu J2CR if you want the versatile all-court hybrid, a forgiving twist weight of 7.0, a published spin rating of 2091, and a shorter 5.5 in handle for maneuverability.
- Pick the Honolulu J3CR if you want the square widebody head, a spin-first billing, an Intermediate to Professional rating, and the longer 6 in handle for a two-handed backhand.
And who each one is not for
Skip the J2CR if you want the longer handle for a two-handed backhand and the square widebody head. The J3CR has the 6 in handle and the Aero Standard Square shape.
Skip the J3CR if you want the do-everything all-court paddle with a published spin number. The J2CR is billed All-court and Control and publishes a 2091 spin rating.
These are two Honolulu paddles on the same Gen 4.5 foam core and Crystal Blue Endurance face at the same $308, so the decision is head shape and handle length: the versatile Aero Hybrid Plus or the square, spin-first Aero Standard Square. To see the wider bracket, browse our all-court paddles, spin paddles and control paddles collections. Not sure on shape or weight? Browse the full paddle range.
More paddle comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Honolulu J2CR and J3CR?
Both are $308 Honolulu paddles on the same Gen 4.5 multi-density foam core with the Crystal Blue Endurance carbon face, both 16mm. The J2CR is the Aero Hybrid Plus shape, billed All-court and Control, publishes a 2091 spin rating and has a 5.5 in handle. The J3CR is the Aero Standard Square widebody, billed a spin paddle, rated Intermediate to Professional, and has a longer 6 in handle. Their swing and twist ranges overlap, so the real difference is shape, handle length and role.
Which Honolulu paddle is more versatile?
The J2CR is the more versatile, do-everything paddle. It is billed for All-court and Control, publishes a spin rating of 2091, and carries a very forgiving twist weight of 7.0. The J3CR is positioned more narrowly as the spin-first widebody for Intermediate to Professional players.
Why does the J3CR not have a spin rating?
Honolulu does not publish an RPM figure for the J3CR, so rather than guess a number we mark the spin cell Not published. The J3CR is still billed as the spin-first paddle in the line by shape and surface; there is simply no manufacturer RPM figure to quote. The J2CR does publish a spin rating, at 2091.
Which Honolulu paddle has the longer handle?
The J3CR has the longer handle at 6 in, versus 5.5 in on the regular-handle J2CR. The longer handle gives you more room for a two-handed backhand, which is why players who hit a two-hander often prefer it. Both share a 4.125 in grip circumference.