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Andrei Daescu plays the CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2 — a switch he made to CRBN in 2026 after playing for Proton.
One of the top men’s players in the world, Andrei Daescu is a common search: what paddle does he use? As of the 2026 season, his gamer is the CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2.
I’m Jason Regan, a USA Pickleball Ambassador for North Central Massachusetts, tracking pro paddles across the tours.
What paddle does Andrei Daescu use now?
Daescu’s official PPA Tour athlete page lists the CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2. CRBN’s TruFoam line uses a foam-injected, thermoformed build engineered for power with spin — a fit for a heavy-hitting baseline player who dictates points with pace. Check price on Amazon →
Wait — didn’t he play Proton?
He did, and this is worth being straight about, because pro paddle deals change — sometimes mid-season — and not every source updates at once. Here’s what we’re going on:
- Daescu previously played for Proton.
- In 2026 he moved to CRBN, aligning with the launch of the brand’s new TruFoam Barrage line.
- His PPA Tour page now lists the CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2 — the most authoritative current-season source — so that’s what we go with. If he changes again, we’ll update this page.
Why this paddle fits his game
Daescu is an aggressive, powerful shot-maker who leans on pace and a heavy two-handed backhand. A foam-built, thermoformed paddle that adds power while keeping spin is a natural match for a player who wins by pressuring opponents off the ground, not by out-dinking them.
Should you use his paddle?
A power-and-spin thermoformed paddle rewards players who already have control and want more put-away pop and grip on the ball. If your soft game is still developing, a more forgiving control paddle may serve you better first. Our best paddles guide helps you choose, our best power paddles guide covers the hard-hitting options, and our full pro paddle list shows who plays what.
— Jason Regan, USA Pickleball Ambassador, North Central Massachusetts. Last updated September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What paddle does Andrei Daescu use?
As of the 2026 season he plays the CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2, per his official PPA Tour page. He previously played for Proton.
Did Andrei Daescu switch to CRBN?
Yes. He moved from Proton to CRBN in 2026, around the launch of the CRBN TruFoam Barrage line.
Is the CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2 a power paddle?
It is built around power with spin, using a foam-injected thermoformed construction that suits an aggressive, pace-first style like his.
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Or browse the full list of what paddles the pros use.