Honolulu CR Series Review: J6CR and J2CR Get a Big Grit Upgrade

Main Points

Honolulu’s CR series adds a new Crystal Blue Endurance Grit designed to improve surface durability and keep performance consistent longer.
The J6CR and J2CR offer strong power and pop while still feeling predictable and controlled for most players.
The CR series keeps a familiar Honolulu feel, with a large sweet spot, good forgiveness, and strong ball pocketing.
The J6 elongated shape stands out for its low swing weight, making it quicker at the net than many other elongated paddles.
The paddle’s construction gives players room to add customization weight without making it too sluggish.
At $195, the CR series sits in the premium paddle range, but the new grit helps justify the price by extending usable life.
The review rates the J6CR especially highly for drives, serves, dinks, drops, flicks, and speedups.

Exclusive Friday Aura Discount!

Checkout with code PICKLEBALLGLOBE
to get $10 off the elite
Friday Pickleball Aura Paddle

Summary

This video reviews the Honolulu J6CR and J2CR, two recent additions to the CR series that bring a notable upgrade in surface technology. The biggest change is Honolulu’s new Crystal Blue Endurance Grit, which is designed to last longer while maintaining a gritty feel and consistent performance over time.

The CR series is built for players who want power without giving up too much control. Compared with Honolulu’s earlier NF and FC Plus paddles, the CR line offers more power and pop, but still keeps the familiar feel, forgiveness, and predictability that made those earlier models popular. The reviewer especially likes how the paddle pockets the ball and allows for good shaping on dinks, drops, and speedups.

The J6 elongated shape stands out for its unusually low swing weight, which helps it feel faster in hand than many elongated paddles. That makes it more effective at the kitchen while still leaving plenty of room for lead tape customization. The J2 hybrid shape is also part of the lineup, giving players another option depending on their preferred feel and handling.

At a retail price of $195, the paddle sits in the premium category, but the new grit technology adds value by potentially extending the life of the paddle face. Overall, this video presents the Honolulu CR series as one of the most balanced and confidence-inspiring power paddles available, with strong marks across nearly every part of the game.