Dunlop CR-FIVE v1.0 Pickleball Paddle

The Dunlop CR-FIVE v1.0 (often stylized as CR-5IVE) is Dunlop’s flagship "all-court" paddle, designed specifically for players they classify as "The Creator." While the AG-THREE is built for pure, aggressive power, the CR-FIVE focuses on versatility, touch, and court awareness, allowing advanced players to manipulate pace, craft sharp angles, and transition smoothly from defense to offense.

Rather than going fully foam or fully hollow, the CR-FIVE uses a hybrid architecture to balance responsive power with consistent control and feel.

Core Technologies & Performance Profile

1. Hybrid Foam Core: This core blends standard polypropylene (PP) honeycomb with power-generating foam. The honeycomb cells are infused and injected with foam, which resists core crushing over time and provides a highly balanced, predictable response. You get the soft, touch-friendly reset capability of honeycomb alongside the explosive pop of foam when you need to drive the ball.
2. Oval Cross-Section Mono-Body Frame: The paddle is constructed as a one-piece, 3D-fused carbon fiber mono-body. Built around a variable-modulus tubular structure with an integrated foam core, the unique oval frame geometry allows for precise flex tuning. It essentially eliminates the weak points found in traditional multi-piece frames and creates a highly connected, stable feel.
3. Aerodynamic Edge: The outer edge profile is streamlined to reduce drag, cutting through the air to generate faster head speed. This translates to quicker hands in fire-fights at the kitchen and more whip on topspin drives.
4. Spin Skin & Flownetic Film: The hitting surface features a premium polyurethane coating cured directly over a raw carbon fiber face to maximize surface friction. Underneath, a layer of Flownetic Film (a lightweight non-woven carbon fabric paired with toughened resin) reduces surface stiffness, improving dwell time (how long the ball stays on the face) and strengthening the internal bonding to prevent delamination.
5. Fused Carbon Handle: Like the AG-THREE, it features a continuous fused carbon handle integrated directly into the frame structure. This removes the acute break point where the paddle face meets the handle, improving flex and durability.

The Takeaway: The CR-FIVE v1.0 is the "Swiss Army Knife" of Dunlop's new lineup. Its hybrid core and aerodynamic shape make it incredibly fast in the hands, while still providing the structural stability needed to block heavy drives. It is highly recommended for players who rely on deception, quick kitchen reflexes, and precise ball placement over raw baseline power.

Specifications

• Performance Type: All-Court / Control & Touch.
• Construction: Gen-3 Fused Mono-Body Thermoformed.
• Core Material: Hybrid Foam Core (Foam-injected PP Honeycomb).
• Core Thickness: 14 mm.
• Face Material: Raw Carbon Fiber with Spin Skin & Flownetic Film.
• Paddle Shape: Hybrid / Oval Profile (Aerodynamic).
• Overall Length: 16.25 inches.
• Overall Width: 7.65 inches.
• Handle Length: 5.5 inches.
• Grip Size: 4.25 inches (4 1/4").
• Average Weight: 7.8 – 8.2 oz.
• Average Swing Weight: ~113.
• Average Twist Weight: ~5.2.
• Approvals: USAP & UPA-A Approved.