First Impressions
Despite the name similarity, this isn't a variant of the X2 or the X2H — Pulsar built the X2N around a genuinely new high-hump, narrow-waist shape. Same CrazyLight internals I already rated highly on the X2H Mini CL, in a shell that's close enough to that shape family that I expected to like it just as much.
Shape & Ergonomics
The high hump and narrow waist deliver what they're supposed to — a locked-in feel for claw grip, with the rear hump giving the palm real support instead of just floating above the shell. It's not as bad as the GPX Superlight when it comes to restricting movement — not even close. Objectively, this is a shape that should work as well as the X2H does for me.
The Mystery
And yet, for some reason, I don't enjoy this as much as the X2H Mini CL or the TenZ Signature. I want to chalk it up to how full it feels in my hand — but the TenZ is a noticeably fuller shape than this, and I still prefer it. So that theory doesn't hold up. I genuinely can't pin down why this one doesn't land the same way. It's not a complaint about any single spec — it's just a fit that doesn't come together the way the other two do.
Weight
38g with the dot skates is genuinely light, and it doesn't come at the cost of the build quality feeling cheap. It's a real number on paper. It just isn't enough on its own to make this the shape I reach for first.
Pros
- Genuinely new high-hump, narrow-waist shape with a locked-in claw grip feel
- 38g with dot skates — light without feeling cheap
- Far less restrictive on movement than the GPX Superlight
- Same reliable XS-1 sensor, Pulsar Optical switches, and dot skates as the rest of the CrazyLight lineup
Cons
- Doesn't feel as good in hand as the X2H Mini CL or TenZ Signature, despite strong specs on paper
- The reason why is genuinely unclear — "feels too full" doesn't hold up since the fuller TenZ is still preferred
- Not an automatic upgrade if the X2H Mini CL shape already works for you
Verdict
A genuinely new shape from Pulsar, executed well on paper — light, well-built, and nowhere near as restrictive as the GPX Superlight. In hand, it still isn't the shape I reach for first, and I can't fully explain why: not because of any one flaw, more a fit that doesn't come together as naturally as the X2H CL or TenZ Signature does for me. Still a 9.0 on its own merits. Just don't assume it'll unseat a shape you already love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pulsar X2N CrazyLight Mini the same as the X2 or X2H CrazyLight Mini?
No — despite the similar name, the X2N uses a genuinely new high-hump, narrow-waist shape distinct from both the X2 and X2H lines.
How much does the X2N CrazyLight Mini weigh?
38g±2g with the included dot skates, or 40g±2g with regular skates.
Is the X2N CrazyLight Mini better than the X2H Mini CL or TenZ Signature?
Not in this review's testing — despite strong specs, it was preferred less than both, for reasons that couldn't be fully pinned down.
Specs reflect official Pulsar listings at the time of writing — verify current pricing and availability before publishing. Impressions above are a direct personal take rather than a lab-style average.