The brand Honolulu Pickleball Company has taken its new foam-core designs in interesting shape directions. The J2NF LH (long-handle hybrid) and J3NF (widebody) deliver “next-generation foam” performance that aims to marry stability and power with more user-friendly feel.

These aren’t explosive power paddles built only for aggressive hitters—they lean toward a more balanced, play-friendly profile. If you want a paddle with a forgiving sweet spot, solid feel, and moderate power, they’re worth a look.

Technology & Construction

Foam Architecture

Honolulu’s NF (Notched Foam) labeling indicates a full foam core with a locking foam ring, rather than the older honeycomb or partially floating-foam designs. (ThePickleballStudio) The result: better stability, fewer “dead” zones, and a broader sweet spot.

Face Material / Feel

Reviews mention these paddles use a carbon-fiber/fiberglass combination, making for a firmer face with more pop than typical low-tier power foam models. (ThePickleballStudio) The feel is described as “dense, muted” rather than ultra-crisp or hollow.

Specs

Here are some key numbers pulled from reviews and manufacturer listings:

• Price: ~$195 retail. (ThePickleballStudio)

• J2NF LH – Static Weight ~8.2 oz avg; Swingweight ~110-114; Twistweight ~6.7 avg; Handle Length ~6″. (Pickleball Effect)

• J3NF – Widebody shape; same tier of specs though out-of-box sweet spot and plow through are more modest unless weighted.

• Construction allows for fairly low swingweights for foam paddles, making them nimble out of box. (ThePickleballStudio)

On-Court Playability

Power & Drives

These paddles sit in the “lower-tier power” category of foam paddles. They provide enough pop to finish points, but they’re not going to compete with the ultra-power hits of top Gen-4 full-foam beasts. That’s not a bad thing—it means they’re more manageable. For example, the J2NF LH retains the stability and forgiveness of the original J2NF while adding length—without sacrificing swingweight or twistweight significantly.

Control, Dinks & Resets

One of the strongest areas: because the core and feel are tuned for stability and consistency rather than all-out launch, you get good reliability on soft game shots. The J2NF LH’s extended handle gives two-handers extra room while keeping feel tidy. On the J3NF, the widebody gives width and ease of access though it needs some weighting if you want a truly large sweet spot or stronger plow‐through.

Sweet Spot & Forgiveness

• J2NF LH: Maintains excellent stability and forgiveness, much like the original J2NF according to testers. The extended handle doesn’t seem to penalize swingweight or stability.

• J3NF: More maneuverable than a hybrid for many players, but stock forgiveness is only “average” for a widebody—adding weight helps make it stronger.

Maneuverability

Because the swingweights are reasonably modest (110-114 for J2NF LH), they remain relatively agile. The J3NF widebody is a little less nimble at the net unless tuned, but still lighter than many full-foam power paddles.

Shape Options & Fit

• J2NF LH (Hybrid, Long Handle): Great for players who use a two-hand backhand or want slightly more reach without moving into the elongated shape territory. Ideal if you liked the original J2NF but needed more handle length.

• J3NF (Widebody): Targets players who prefer widebody forms—more face area, easier two-hand placement, more comfortable for many dinks and reset-heavy games. If you’re willing to add tape or weight to boost plow, this becomes a capable option.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros

✔ Large sweet spot (especially on J2NF LH) with consistent feel.
✔ Good out-of-the-box usability—no massive tuning required to get solid play.
✔ Foam core design gives improved durability and feel compared to older honeycomb cores.
✔ The extended handle (J2NF LH) for two-handers without losing stability.
✔ Widebody (J3NF) option provides accessible width for players who like face area.

Cons

✘ Not the highest power ceiling—players used to ultra-pop paddles may feel a limit.
✘ The muted/dense feel may disappoint players who prefer very crisp or hollow impact sensations.
✘ Widebody J3NF needs weight adjustments to maximise plow or sweet spot size.
✘ If you crave ultra-light handling or minimal swingweight, these may feel a bit heavier than minimalist paddles.

Who Should Use These?

Excellent Fit If You:

• Are an intermediate (3.0-4.0) or advanced recreational player who wants a solid all-court paddle with some offense built in.

• Use a two-hand backhand and want more handle length (J2NF LH).

• Prefer a widebody and want more face area and forgiveness (J3NF).

• Value consistency, durability, and a stable feel more than raw max power.

• Want a paddle that’s easier to swing and manage but still has foam-core advantages.

Maybe Skip If You:

• Are chasing pure, blistering pop and top-tier power without compromise.

• Prefer very crisp, hollow, audible impact sounds over dense muted feel.

• Use very low swingweights and prefer ultralight models.

• Don’t plan on adding any lead tape or tuning and want maximum plow out-of-the-box.

Final Verdict

The Honolulu J2NF LH and J3NF deliver a compelling blend of foam-core innovation, forgiveness, and moderate power in shapes that fit real-world players. They may not dominate headlines with blistering pop, but they deliver smart performance.

If I had to pick one: for the largest range of players, the J2NF LH stands out—adding handle length while keeping the wide sweet spot and stable behavior of its predecessor. The J3NF becomes a strong choice for widebody fans who are comfortable tuning a bit.

For players who need a paddle that’s friendly, dependable, and still gives you some offense when you want it—these are very good options.

If you like, I can create a side-by-side comparison chart: J2NF LH vs J3NF vs a straight power paddle like Boomstik or Loco, to show which shape suits what style. Would you like that?