Honolulu Sword & Shield Foam Paddle Line-Up
Honolulu Pickleball Company’s latest releases move beyond traditional honeycomb cores. If you’ve swung the original J2 family—J2 (carbon), J2K (Kevlar), or J2Ti (titanium)—these new models will feel familiar yet distinctly more forgiving. The J2FC+ and J2NF series add two face-variant siblings—**J2NFK** and **J2NFT**—to round out a family that’s easy on joints, big on sweet spot, and tuned for different playing styles.
Why Full-Foam Core Matters
- Multi-density full-foam core: Soft, consistent response without honeycomb “buzz.”
- Exceptionally arm-friendly: Foam is great at taming vibration—kinder to elbows and shoulders.
- Massive sweet spot: Off-center hits stay playable, boosting confidence at the kitchen.
- Durability upside: Foam resists crushing and delamination better than many honeycomb builds.
Meet the Models
J2FC+
Build: Full-foam core + Gen 3 floating foam ring · Carbon face · ~16 mm class
Price: $195 (or $175.50 with code PADDLE10)
Feel: The softest, most “pillowy” option with the widest sweet spot. Dwell time is generous for shaping drops, resets, and soft spins.
Best for: Arm-sensitive players, dinkers and drop-shot artists, and newer players who want forgiveness.
Trade-offs: Not as much instant pop on full drives; feedback is smooth rather than sharp.
J2NF
Build: Full-foam core + 320° EVA ring · Carbon face · ~16 mm class
Price: $195 (or $175.50 with PADDLE10)
Feel: Firmer and punchier than FC+. Launch angle is flatter, feedback is tighter, and power shows up sooner.
Best for: Aggressive all-courters who drive through the ball, move quickly from baseline to kitchen, and want consistent rebounds.
Trade-offs: Slightly shorter dwell and a touch less forgiveness on obvious mishits.
J2NFK
Build: Full-foam core + EVA ring · Kevlar weave face
Price: $195 (or $175.50 with PADDLE10)
Feel: “Velvet bite” from the Kevlar adds grip and spin while the foam core keeps impact plush and stable.
Best for: Versatile players who mix heavy topspin drives with soft net play and want extra traction on the ball.
Trade-offs: A notch less raw power than J2NF; not as crisp as a pure carbon strike.
J2NFT
Build: Full-foam core + EVA ring · Titanium-PET composite + carbon face
Price: $195 (or $175.50 with PADDLE10)
Feel: Balanced snap with mid-range dwell—neither too plush nor too stiff—great for players who want one paddle that does most things well.
Best for: Spin-forward finesse players who still want reliable pace at the net and on thirds.
Trade-offs: Jack-of-all-trades by design—if you want the absolute max of pop or plushness, another model may suit better.
Handles & Options
The J2 foam paddles ship with a familiar 5.3" handle (about 5.5" including taper). New LH variants in the J2NF and J2FC+ offer a 5.8" handle (≈6" including a squarer taper). The extra length is excellent for two-handed backhands and a whippier feel; the trade-off is a slightly smaller sweet spot. Expect similar long-handle options to reach J2NFK and J2NFT as the line matures.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Core / Ring | Face | Power (1–10) | Pop (1–10) | Spin (1–10) | Dwell | Personality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J2NF | Full foam + 320° EVA | Carbon | 9 | 8 | 8 | Short | Firm, precise, drives stay flat |
| J2NFK | Full foam + EVA | Kevlar | 8 | 8 | 8 | Medium | Crisp contact, spin-happy |
| J2NFT | Full foam + EVA | Ti-PET + Carbon | 7 | 7 | 9 | Medium | Balanced, versatile “Goldilocks” |
| J2FC+ | Full foam + floating foam | Carbon | 8 | 7 | 9 | Long | Plush, forgiving, control-first |
Highlights: Highest power—J2NF (9) · Best spin—J2FC+ & J2NFT (9) · Longest dwell—J2FC+.
Availability & Pricing
All four models list at $195. Use code PADDLE10 for 10% off (→ $175.50).
USAP approval: J2NF series is approved; J2FC+ approval status is evolving.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Elbow/shoulder relief & max forgiveness: J2FC+
- Power-first, flatter launch: J2NF
- Spin + tactile bite: J2NFK
- One-paddle quiver: J2NFT
Final Thoughts
The J2 full-foam family plugs a real gap: they feel calmer than springy Gen 3 builds but livelier than super-dead control paddles. Between the plush J2FC+, the precise J2NF, and the two face-tuned siblings—J2NFK (Kevlar bite) and J2NFT (balanced Ti-PET)—you can choose the exact mix of comfort, control, pop, and spin your game needs.
FAQ
Are these paddles arm-friendly?
Yes. The full-foam construction excels at absorbing vibration, which many players find easier on elbows and shoulders.
Is the sweet spot really bigger than typical honeycomb paddles?
That’s the standout trait of this lineup. The foam architecture and ring designs help keep more of the face “live,” reducing harsh mishits.
Which model has the most power?
J2NF leads for raw power and a flatter, penetrating trajectory.
Which one’s best for spin?
J2NFK (Kevlar bite) and J2NFT (Ti-PET) both shine for grip; J2FC+ also scores high thanks to dwell.