Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Honolulu J2NF Long Handle Pickleball Paddle Review – Power, Spin & Sweet Spot

Main Points

  • The Honolulu J2NF Long Handle features a 6-inch handle (vs. 5.3″ on the original NF), ideal for two-handed backhands.
  • Extended handle reduces paddle face slightly, tightening the sweet spot but still keeping a strong strike zone.
  • Stock specs: 107.98 swing weight, 6.52 twist weight, and 8 oz static weight.
  • Weighted with tungsten tape, optimized metrics reached 116.37 swing weight, 7.93 twist weight, and 8.5 oz static weight.
  • Longer handle adds extra whip and power compared to the original NF.
  • Spin performance measured at 2287 RPM, slightly lower than the original NF but still elite.
  • Performance ratings: Power 9.5, Pop 8.9, Sweet Spot 9.3, Control 9.1.
  • Considered a side-grade, not an upgrade, from the original NF.
  • Compared with the Boomstick and Ronbus Quanta, it offers strong spin, stability, and value.
  • Best suited for players who want two-handed versatility, high-level spin, and customizable weighting.

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Summary

This video reviews the Honolulu J2NF Long Handle pickleball paddle and examines how its extended 6-inch handle changes gameplay compared to the original NF model. The longer handle provides extra space for two-handed shots, giving players more comfort and control on backhands. While the extended handle shortens the paddle face slightly and creates a tighter sweet spot, the J2NF Long Handle still maintains a forgiving strike zone and delivers strong overall consistency. Many players will find the trade-off worthwhile for the added versatility on two-handed strokes.

Out of the box, the paddle is already well-balanced with a swing weight of 107.98, a twist weight of 6.52, and a static weight of 8 ounces. After adding tungsten tape, the paddle’s performance metrics reach an optimized balance: 116 swing weight, 7.93 twist weight, and 8.5 ounces static weight. This weighting setup increases stability on off-center hits, improves plow-through, and enhances the paddle’s sweet spot feel. The longer handle also naturally adds more whip, translating into slightly more power than the original NF.

When it comes to spin, the Honolulu J2NF Long Handle produces 2287 RPM, a touch below the original NF but still well within the elite range. Performance scores show its strengths clearly: 9.5 for power, 8.9 for pop, 9.3 for sweet spot, and 9.1 for control. Compared to alternatives like the Boomstick or Ronbus Quanta, this paddle offers excellent value. The Boomstick may deliver a little more raw power, but the Honolulu J2NF comes at a lower cost while still delivering elite performance. Meanwhile, the Quanta is more affordable but has a smaller, less forgiving sweet spot.

Overall, the Honolulu J2NF Long Handle is best described as a side-grade rather than a direct upgrade to the original NF. Players who already own the original model won’t necessarily need to switch, but for those who want improved comfort for two-handed shots and slightly more power, this version is a great option. With its balance of spin, stability, and price point around $175, the Honolulu J2NF Long Handle stands out as a strong choice for intermediate to advanced players who value both versatility and performance.

Source: STS Pickleball | YouTube


Tags: Honolulu Pickleball Company | J2NF | Pickleball Paddle Review | STS Pickleball

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