Gen 3.5 Pickleball Paddles: The Goldilocks Generation Between Power and Control
* Image showing latest Gen 4 paddles, often confused to be Gen 3.5 but they are not. Read on to understand the differences.
If you've been shopping for pickleball paddles recently, you've probably encountered confusing terminology: Gen 3, Gen 4, thermoformed, foam-injected, hybrid construction. It's enough to make your head spin. Just when players thought they had to choose between the rigid precision of Gen 3 paddles or the plush forgiveness of Gen 4 foam paddles, manufacturers introduced something entirely new: Gen 3.5.
Think of Gen 3.5 as the Goldilocks solution—not too hard, not too soft, but just right. These hybrid paddles combine the best characteristics of both generations, offering a sweet spot of performance that's capturing the attention of players at every skill level. If you've been frustrated by the trade-offs of previous paddle technologies, Gen 3.5 might be exactly what you've been waiting for.
What Exactly Is a Gen 3.5 Paddle?
Gen 3.5 paddles represent a hybrid construction philosophy that strategically combines technologies from both Gen 3 and Gen 4 designs. The defining characteristic that separates Gen 3.5 from other generations is specific:
Polypropylene honeycomb core throughout the center of the paddle—the same proven core technology that powers traditional Gen 3 paddles, providing responsive ball feedback and consistent performance.
Foam perimeter injection around the edges only—borrowed from Gen 4 technology but applied strategically rather than throughout the entire core. This foam ring expands the sweet spot and reduces vibration on off-center hits.
Dual foam blend technology in advanced models, typically using EVA foam and epoxy resin (or TPE in some designs) to create edge stability while maintaining the honeycomb core's responsiveness.
Thermoformed unibody construction that encases the honeycomb core in carbon fiber, creating a seamless, durable structure.
The crucial distinction: Gen 3.5 paddles maintain a honeycomb core foundation with foam enhancement around the perimeter. This is fundamentally different from Gen 4 paddles, which use 100% foam cores throughout with no honeycomb structure at all.
How Gen 3.5 Performs on Court
The performance profile of Gen 3.5 paddles fills a genuine gap in the market. Here's what you can expect when you step on court with one:
More forgiving than Gen 3, more responsive than Gen 4. You get that satisfying feedback when you strike the ball cleanly, but the paddle doesn't punish you as harshly when you're slightly off-center. This makes Gen 3.5 particularly appealing for players who want consistent performance without requiring perfect contact every single shot.
Expanded sweet spot without sacrificing feel. The foam perimeter genuinely increases the usable hitting area compared to traditional Gen 3 paddles. However, unlike full-foam Gen 4 paddles where the entire face can feel soft and indistinct, Gen 3.5 maintains clear feedback about where you've contacted the ball.
Less "mushy" than full-foam paddles. Many players who tried early Gen 4 paddles complained about a dampened, disconnected feel—like hitting through a cushion. Gen 3.5 eliminates this mushiness while still providing enhanced comfort and vibration dampening.
Versatile swing weight. Because Gen 3.5 paddles use strategic foam placement rather than full foam construction, they typically maintain excellent maneuverability at net while still delivering power from the baseline. This makes them excellent choices for all-court players.
Improved control on touch shots. The honeycomb core maintains excellent touch and control for dinks, drops, and resets—something many players felt was compromised in the softest Gen 4 paddles.
Understanding Paddle Generations: Where Gen 3.5 Fits
To truly appreciate what Gen 3.5 offers, it helps to understand how it compares to other paddle technologies:
| Feature | Gen 3 | Gen 3.5 | Gen 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Construction | Polymer honeycomb core throughout | Honeycomb core + foam perimeter only | 100% foam injection throughout (no honeycomb) |
| Sweet Spot Size | Smaller, more defined | Medium to large | Largest sweet spot |
| Feel/Touch | Crisp, direct feedback | Balanced feedback with forgiveness | Soft, plush, dampened |
| Power | Dependent on swing speed | Balanced power-control ratio | High power with less effort |
| Durability | Excellent long-term (risk of core crushing) | Very good | Good (foam can compress over time) |
| Best For | Advanced players, control specialists | All-court players, versatile game styles | Power players, arm issues, beginners |
Important Note on Terminology: These generation labels (Gen 3, Gen 3.5, Gen 4) are largely marketing terms rather than official industry standards. Different manufacturers may use varying terminology, but the construction principles remain consistent.
This comparison reveals why Gen 3.5 is gaining traction: it occupies the middle ground that many players actually prefer in real-world play. You're not forced to choose between extreme precision or maximum forgiveness—you get a practical blend of both.
Verified Gen 3.5 Paddles Available Globally
Element 6 Surtr 16mm (~$150-200 USD)
The Element 6 Surtr represents one of the best values in Gen 3.5 technology. Assembled in Tennessee, this paddle features true Gen 3.5 construction with a vertically aligned honeycomb core enhanced by carbon fiber stringers.
Key features:
- Vertically aligned honeycomb core with carbon fiber stringers
- Fully wrapped foam perimeter for edge stability
- 16mm thickness for balanced control and power
- Hybrid shape (16.25" x 7.75" approximately)
- Excellent firepower rating (93 in independent testing)
According to Matt's Pickleball: "The Element 6 Surtr 16mm brings a rare mix of power, speed, and control to the Gen 3.5 paddle category. It's fast in hand, stable on contact, and delivers clean, repeatable feedback without requiring modifications."
The Surtr is ideal for intermediate to advanced players who want Gen 3.5 benefits without breaking the bank. During presale periods, it's available for $150 with discount codes, making it one of the most accessible premium Gen 3.5 options.
Thrive Project Fury Hybrid 15.5mm ($199.99 USD)
The Thrive Fury is marketed explicitly as "GEN 3.5 POWER SERIES" and delivers on that promise with distinctive construction choices.
Key features:
- 15.5mm polypropylene honeycomb core
- TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) foam perimeter ring instead of standard EVA foam
- Hybrid face: Carbon-Fiberglass-Carbon (CFC) layup
- Embedded throat weighting (3 grams each side) for stability
- Dimensions: 16.25" x 7.75" with 5.5" handle
- Weight: ~8.0 oz with swing weight of 111.8
The use of TPE foam is significant—it's more resilient than EVA foam, holds its shape better in cold weather, and resists compression more effectively, maintaining edge stability longer.
According to independent reviews: "The Fury has more pop and aggression than the JOOLA Pro IV. It feels quicker, sharper, and more explosive at the net."
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV
The Perseus Pro IV represents JOOLA's evolution of Gen 3 technology with strategic foam enhancements, placing it firmly in the Gen 3.5 category.
Key features:
- Honeycomb Propulsion core with Hyper-Foam Edge Wall
- Tech Flex Power (TFP) technology: high-density foam in throat area
- Compressionless honeycomb core maintains structural integrity
- Available in 14mm and 16mm thickness options
- Textured Carbon Fiber surface
- Dimensions: 16.5" x 7.5"
The TFP technology is crucial—it places denser foam in the bottom corners/throat area, narrowing the honeycomb channel and allowing more flex while maintaining stability. This foam is strategically placed to increase stability, softness, and sweet spot size without converting the entire core to foam. See latest prices here.
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Series
The Vanguard Power Air series uses Selkirk's proprietary FlexFoam Perimeter technology combined with their SuperCore polymer honeycomb, making it a textbook Gen 3.5 paddle.
Key features:
- SuperCore polypropylene honeycomb core
- FlexFoam Perimeter injected throughout entire paddle edge
- Hybrid face: Two layers Fiberflex fiberglass + two layers Quantum+ carbon fiber
- Air Dynamic Throat for improved airflow and control
- Edgeless design for maximum hitting area
- Available shapes: Epic, Invikta, S2
- Weight range: 7.7-8.1 oz
The FlexFoam Perimeter technology was originally developed in Selkirk Labs for Project 002 and specifically increases durability, adds strategic weight, enlarges the sweet spot, and absorbs vibrations. Latest Selkirk paddles here.
Other Notable Gen 3.5 Paddles
Vatic Pro VCore
- Budget-friendly Gen 3.5 option
- Honeycomb core with foam perimeter
- Excellent feel on drops and touch shots
- Best value in the Gen 3.5 category
- Most consistent feel among Gen 3.5 paddles tested
- Excellent blend of stiffness, feel, and stability
- Lower power output but exceptional control
TerraCore XC
- High firepower rating (88 in testing)
- Honeycomb with foam perimeter construction
What About Paddles That AREN'T Gen 3.5?
It's crucial to understand which popular paddles are often mistaken for Gen 3.5:
CRBN TruFoam Waves Hybrid - This is Gen 4, NOT Gen 3.5
The CRBN TruFoam Waves is explicitly marketed by CRBN as a Gen 4 paddle with "revolutionary 100% foam core—no honeycomb, no compromises." CRBN was actually the first brand to release Gen 4 paddles with their TruFoam Genesis series.
Why it's Gen 4:
- 100% foam core throughout entire paddle
- Zero honeycomb structure
- Wave-pattern design affects foam density, not core type
Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid - Proprietary Gen 3-Style Technology
The Gearbox GX2 Power uses Gearbox's proprietary SST 2.0 CarbonRibCore technology, which doesn't fit neatly into the Gen numbering system. Gearbox doesn't use "Gen" terminology for their paddles.
Why it's different:
- Uses carbon rib core structure (not traditional honeycomb)
- Foam perimeter ring for sweet spot expansion
- Compared to Gen 3 feel in reviews, but not officially Gen 3.5
- Proprietary technology unique to Gearbox
Ronbus Quanta Series (R3.16, R4.16) - These are Gen 4
Available at Picklefox.com for RM 550, the Ronbus Quanta paddles use "4th generation foam core technology" with EPP foam, EVA, and TPE elastomer—making them full Gen 4 paddles without honeycomb cores.
Who Should Choose a Gen 3.5 Paddle?
Gen 3.5 paddles aren't just marketing hype—they solve real problems for specific player profiles. Consider Gen 3.5 if you:
Found Gen 3 too rigid. If you appreciated the precision of traditional thermoformed paddles but wished for more forgiveness on off-center hits, Gen 3.5 addresses this directly. You'll maintain most of that crisp feedback while gaining a larger margin for error.
Found Gen 4 too soft. Many players who tried full-foam Gen 4 paddles felt disconnected from the ball. If you value feedback and touch but still want expanded sweet spot benefits, Gen 3.5 provides the perfect middle ground.
Play an all-court game. Gen 3.5 paddles excel at versatility. They're powerful enough for aggressive baseline play but maintain the touch and maneuverability needed for finesse at the kitchen line. If you're not committed to a pure power or pure control style, Gen 3.5 supports varied shot selection.
Experienced mild arm discomfort with Gen 3. The foam perimeter in Gen 3.5 paddles provides genuine vibration dampening that can reduce stress on your arm, elbow, and shoulder without the fully cushioned feel that some players dislike.
Want modern paddle technology without extremes. If you're still playing with a Gen 2 paddle and looking to upgrade, Gen 3.5 represents current technology without forcing you to the extremes of either Gen 3 rigidity or Gen 4 plushness.
Are intermediate to advanced players. You've played long enough to understand paddle nuances and can immediately recognize the benefits of hybrid construction. The balanced performance characteristics of Gen 3.5 shine most when you have the skill to exploit them.
How to Choose the Right Gen 3.5 Paddle
With multiple Gen 3.5 options available, how do you select the right one for your game? Consider these factors:
Playing Style
Power players should gravitate toward paddles with stiffer honeycomb cores and strategic foam placement like the Element 6 Surtr (firepower rating 93) or TerraCore XC (firepower rating 88). These deliver excellent energy return while the foam perimeter keeps powerful drives in play even on mishits.
Control specialists might prefer the Honolulu J2NF, which offers the most consistent feel with excellent stiffness-to-control ratio, though Gen 3.5 generally favors balanced players rather than pure control seekers.
All-court players will find nearly any Gen 3.5 ideal. The technology literally bridges playing styles, supporting both aggressive and defensive strategies within the same rally. The Thrive Fury and JOOLA Perseus Pro IV particularly excel here.
Spin-focused players should explore paddles with textured carbon fiber surfaces like the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV or Element 6 Surtr, which combine Gen 3.5 construction with spin-optimized face materials.
Experience Level
Advanced intermediate to advanced players will most appreciate Gen 3.5 nuances. You've played long enough to understand the limitations of traditional paddles and can immediately recognize the benefits of hybrid construction.
Beginners might find a full Gen 4 paddle more forgiving as you develop consistency. However, if you're athletic, have racquet sport experience, or are progressing quickly, starting with Gen 3.5 means you won't need to upgrade as soon.
Professional and tournament players are increasingly adopting Gen 3.5 for its competitive balance. When every point matters, having both sweet spot expansion and precise feedback provides a genuine advantage.
Physical Considerations
Players dealing with arm, elbow, or shoulder discomfort should prioritize vibration dampening. The foam perimeter in Gen 3.5 paddles genuinely reduces shock transmission without completely eliminating the feedback needed for shot control.
Consider paddle weight and balance as well. Gen 3.5 paddles with strategic foam placement (rather than full foam) typically maintain excellent maneuverability, which can reduce fatigue during long playing sessions or tournaments.
But if you only want the latest...
Gen 4 Paddles Available at Picklefox.com (But NOT Gen 3.5)
It's important to understand what else is available locally so you can make informed comparisons:
Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid - RM 1,259
- Proprietary Gen 3-style technology (not officially Gen 3.5)
- Excellent paddle, but uses unique CarbonRibCore rather than traditional honeycomb
Ronbus Quanta R3.16 / R4.16 - RM 550
- Gen 4 paddles (100% foam core, no honeycomb)
- Great value for Gen 4 technology if you prefer full foam
Honolulu J6NF / J6FC+ - RM 855
- Multi-density foam core (likely Gen 4 or hybrid)
- Good options for power and soft touch
The Future of Gen 3.5 Technology
As of 2025, Gen 3.5 represents a proven middle ground in paddle innovation. While Gen 4 full-foam paddles continue to evolve, Gen 3.5 has carved out a sustainable niche for players who want modern technology without sacrificing the responsive feel of honeycomb cores.
We're seeing continued refinement in:
Foam placement strategies - Manufacturers are experimenting with exactly where foam provides the most benefit (perimeter only, throat area, graduated zones)
Foam material selection - TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is emerging as an alternative to EVA foam for better temperature resilience and compression resistance
Core orientation - Vertical core alignment with carbon fiber stringers (like the Element 6 Surtr) enhances energy return
Weight distribution - Strategic internal weighting in the throat area (like the Thrive Fury) improves torsional stability
The industry consensus suggests Gen 3.5 will remain popular alongside Gen 4 rather than being replaced by it. Players have different preferences, and Gen 3.5's balanced approach appeals to a substantial segment who value feedback and touch.
Making Your Decision
Choosing between Gen 3, Gen 3.5, and Gen 4 ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and playing priorities:
Choose Gen 3 if you're a control specialist who prioritizes precise feedback above all else and can handle smaller sweet spots with consistent technique.
Choose Gen 3.5 if you want balanced, versatile performance that excels in multiple areas—the sweet spot (literally and figuratively) for most intermediate to advanced players.
Choose Gen 4 if you have arm issues requiring maximum vibration dampening, you're a beginner needing maximum forgiveness, or you prioritize power and sweet spot size over tactile feedback.