Are Gen 3 Paddles still Relevant?
The year 2025 has been dominated by the "Foam Core Revolution," led by tech like CRBN’s Trufoam. The industry promise was simple: more durability and an end to the dreaded "core crushing" found in traditional honeycomb paddles.
But despite the foam takeover, brands like Chorus, Thrive, and Gherkin are still dropping "Gen 3" honeycomb paddles. Are they still relevant in 2026? Surprisingly, the answer is yes—but it all comes down to feel.
The "Honeycomb vs. Foam" Dilemma
On paper, foam paddles are winning. They match the power, offer better durability, and the price points have dropped to the $100 range. However, out of our team of seven interns who have hit almost every paddle on the market, four still prefer honeycomb.
Why? Because foam has a denser, fuller feedback. Many players still crave the light, crisp, and hollow "snap" that only a honeycomb core provides.
4 Gen 3 Standouts Keeping Honeycomb Alive
1. Thrive Project Fury ($180)
If you love the Joola Pro IV feel but want a hybrid shape (which Joola doesn't offer), this is it.
The Difference: Slightly thinner (15.5mm) with a fiberglass sandwich in the surface, making it even poppier than the Joola.
The Perk: You can select your specific swingweight range at checkout—a level of customization most big brands won't touch.
2. Friday Fever 102 (Under $100)
This is quite possibly the best beginner-to-intermediate paddle on the market for under a hundred bucks.
The Tech: It uses a rubber weighting system and massive 10mm honeycomb cells for a denser, more stable feel.
The Verdict: It has a massive sweet spot and more pleasant feedback than most budget foam options. It’s the ultimate "first serious paddle."
3. Gherkin Wraith ($130)
Think of this as the power-up version of the popular Nightshade series.
The Tech: Strategic foam placement (similar to the Apes Harmony) combined with 10mm cells.
The Catch: The elongated and hybrid shapes have very aggressive aero-curves that sacrifice some horizontal sweet spot for pure whip and maneuverability. The Widebody is the clear winner of the three.
4. Chorus Phoenix ($160s)
Looking for a better, cheaper alternative to the Paddletek Bantam? You found it.
The Performance: A 14mm core that delivers the highest "pop" on this list. It’s incredibly crisp and improves on previous "Bantam clones" like the Thrive Smoke by offering a significantly better sweet spot.
Final Verdict: Is Honeycomb Dead?
Not yet. While foam is clearly the future of durability, honeycomb remains the king of connection.
Until foam technology can perfectly replicate that "diving board" crispness that pro players love, Gen 3 honeycomb paddles will have a place in the bags of competitive players. If you are dialed into your honeycomb gear and hate the "thud" of foam, these releases prove you don't have to switch just yet.
Grab a Deal on the "Old School" Tech:
Thrive Project Fury: Code DMVPBALL
Friday Fever 102: Code TickleMyPickle
Gherkin Wraith: Code DMVPBALL
Chorus Phoenix: Code DMVPBALL
