Honolulu Pickleball Company J2NFT Paddle Review

Introduction

After hearing the buzz surrounding the J2NFT—dubbed the “Sword and Shield”—I finally got my hands on one. Normally, I take online paddle hype with a grain of salt, but when the team at Pickleball Studio called the Sword and Shield paddles “possibly the best paddles ever,” I decided to invest the $195 and see for myself.

First Impressions

Straight out of the box, the J2NFT impressed me with its sleek, minimalist design. But it was on the court where it really shined.

I started by dinking and immediately noticed two standout traits:

  • A plush, soft feel on contact
  • Surprisingly quiet impact sound

Moving into groundstrokes, the paddle maintained that buttery feel, with no trace of vibration. It felt stable, smooth, and confidence-inspiring in my hand.

Once play began in earnest, I found it easy to generate topspin, sidespin, and drive the ball with precision. This paddle doesn’t scream “power,” but it delivers more than enough pop to stay aggressive from the baseline while offering excellent control.

Paddle Specs

While Honolulu Pickleball dubs this paddle a “Gen 4.5,” I’m not sure who defines the generations in paddle tech—but I can say the construction is cutting-edge. Here’s the breakdown:

  • SURFACE MATERIAL: CARBON FIBER & PET ELECTROPLATED FIBER. (See Note Below)
  • PADDLE TYPE: AERO HYBRID PLUS SHAPE
  • LENGTH: 16.2″
  • WIDTH: 7.8″
  • GRIP LENGTH: 5.5″
  • GRIP CIRCUMFERENCE: 4.125″
  • CORE: MULTI DENSITY FOAM (EPP core interlaced with EVA PERIMETER FOAM)
  • CORE THICKNESS: 16MM
  • WEIGHT RANGE: MIDDLEWEIGHT
  • AVERAGE WEIGHT: 8.0 – 8.3 OZ
  • SWING WEIGHT: 110 – 114 (Light)
  • TWIST WEIGHT: 7 (High – minimizes effects of off-center hits)
  • USAP Approved ✅

PET: PET electroplated fiber refers to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, typically made from polyester, that have been coated with a thin layer of metal, such as copper or silver (int this case, titanium), using electroless or electroplating methods to impart desirable properties like electrical conductivity, improved adhesion, and enhanced mechanical or structural characteristics.

Titanium: Titanium possesses a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it is as strong as some steels but significantly lighter. Theoretically, this means that the J2NFT should have a long “shelf life.”

Foam Core Breakdown

As I’ve discussed in a previous blog post, Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam has the following attributes:

  • High compressive strength – keeps rebound in check
  • Superior energy absorption – zero vibration
  • Exceptional durability – consistent feel over time

What surprised me was the inclusion of EVA foam in the perimeter. Traditionally, USAP has not allowed EVA foam in paddle cores due to its “springy” nature—but using it around the edge apparently complies with USAP guidelines. This hybrid foam construction might be what gives the J2NFT its “Gen 4.5” identity.

On-Court Performance

Power: The J2NFT USAP power score is 4.1, a tad below the highest allowed – 4.3. While not a “power paddle,” the J2NFT has more than enough pop to drive serves and groundstrokes.
Control: Outstanding. The soft touch and dampened feel make it easy to drop and dink with precision.
Maneuverability: The light swing weight gives you quick hands at the net—perfect for firefights.
Forgiveness: The high twist weight means fewer mishits and better stability on off-center shots.

I could find no negatives to this paddle. It performs as a well-rounded, premium-tier paddle should. Is it the best paddle ever? Let me just say that it is “one of the best paddles ever.”

Who Should Use It?

Some reviews suggest this paddle is best suited for advanced players or pros. While elite players will appreciate the control and nuance, I believe the J2NFT is accessible to a wide range of players, including strong intermediates looking to elevate their game with better feel and consistency.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the J2NFT or other paddles from Honolulu Pickleball Company through this link:
👉 https://808pickle.com?sca_ref=9043503.GlerGhPi84

Use code SMOKIES10 at checkout for 10% off.

Final Thoughts

The J2NFT lives up to the hype. It’s not the loudest paddle in terms of branding or power, but it delivers where it counts: feel, control, spin, and stability. Whether you’re an advanced player or an aspiring intermediate, this paddle brings something special to the court.