The Complete Ronbus Pickleball Paddle Review

Looking for a new Ronbus pickleball paddle? You’re in the right spot! Ronbus, a homegrown pickleball brand, has made a big impact in the pickleball scene thanks to good reviews and positive word of mouth.

People appreciate the quality and value they bring to the table. Ronbus has gained respect and a solid community of fans by being transparent about how they make their stuff, actively participating in online communities, and offering top-notch customer service.

I got my hands on Ronbus’ hottest paddles, compared them side by side, noted the differences, and now I’m here to guide you to the one that fits you best. If you’re eyeing a Ronbus pickleball paddle but aren’t sure which one, this guide has got your back.

Ronbus R1 Pulsar

Specs：

• Paddle Length: 16.5” or 16.25”
• Face Width: 7.5”
• Grip Length: 5.5” or 5.25”
• Grip Circumference: 4.125” Octagon
• Weight: 8.0oz, +/- 0.2oz
• Face/Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured
• Paddle Shape: Aerodynamic
• Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Edge Guard: Yes
• Warranty: 6 months

Price: $130 at Ronbus  use code:RCPaddleshop

Rating
Power – 3/5

Control/Feel – 3.5/5

Spin – 4/5

Forgiveness – 3.5/5

Who needs it?

If you’re after more offense and a power kick-up compared to a control paddle, the R1 Pulsar is your go-to.  It amps up your offensive game without sacrificing too much control.  Add its hefty spin and lighter swingweight, and you’ve got a paddle that’s pretty friendly for an all-court style play.

PROS:

-It’s well-balanced, making drops, resets, and dinks easy. It packs a punch on serves, returns, and drives.

-It handles defensive moves like blocks and counters because it doesn’t feel too heavy up top and is light in your hands. 

CONS:

-Paddle cover not included

BOTTOM LINE:

The R1 Pulsar from Ronbus stands out with its traditional thermoformed design, packing more power than other Ronbus paddles. It excels in quick swings, countering speed-ups or boosting the ball at the net. Falling into the all-court category, it’s a winner in blending power and control.

Yet, its stiffer feel, compared to non-Pulsar Ronbus paddles, might take some adjusting for a few players, making connections a bit tricky. Still, among thermoformed paddles out there, it’s on the less stiff side.

What makes the Ronbus Pulsar series shine is their larger sweet spots and better forgiveness, making them an awesome all-around choice for various playing styles. Despite its elongated shape, it keeps a lighter swing weight, ensuring easier maneuverability compared to many others on the market – including the R3 Pulsar, which we’ll dive into next.

Ronbus R3 Pulsar

Specs：

• Paddle Length: 16.5”
• Face Width: 7.5”
• Grip Length: 5.5”
• Grip Circumference: 4.125” Octagon
• Weight: 8.0oz, +/- 0.2oz
• Face/Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured
• Paddle Shape: Standard
• Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Edge Guard: Yes
• Special Features: Thermoforming, foam edge
• Warranty: 6 months

Price: $130 at Ronbus use code:RCPaddleshop

Rating

Power – 3.5/5

Control/Feel – 3.5/5

Spin – 4.5/5

Forgiveness – 3.5/5

Who needs it?

If you’re after a longer thermoformed paddle with a Gen. 2 raw carbon fiber, the R3 Pulsar is the way to go. It delivers top-tier spin, plenty of power, and excellent control.And If you can handle a heavier swingweight, the R3 Pulsar offers more stability and power compared to the R1 Pulsar.

PROS:

-Solid overall control attributed to a blend of power and spin.

-Effective spin for topspin, as well as side and underspin.

CONS:

-Near touch shots may compromise some finesse in spin.

BOTTOM LINE:

The R3 Pulsar, a Gen. 2 RCF paddle, uses unibody thermoforming, edge-foam injection, and a high-quality carbon fiber face. Gen. 2 RCF paddles bring more power, pop, and spin than Gen. 1, while still nailing control.

In the Pulsar line, there are two shapes: the R1 and R3. The R1 is a hybrid, curved-top design, and the R3 is a conventional elongated rectangular shape.

Having tested all the new thermoformed paddles since late 2022, the R3 Pulsar stands out. It’s got a bit of everything, feels great in hand, is well-balanced, offers abundant spin and touch, and just the right amount of power. It’s one of only two elongated thermoformed paddles on the market, the other being the CRBN 1X.

To me, the Pulsar is the perfectly balanced all-court thermoformed paddle, and it’s quickly become one of my top recommendations for players wanting to try a Gen. 2 RCF paddle.

The R3 Pulsar and R1 Pulsar are quite similar, with the main difference being the shape of the top. The R3 has a flat top instead of a round one, and this seemingly small change affects how the paddle plays.

Both paddles share versatility across the court and deliver an extra kick not found in other Ronbus paddles. They’re forgiving and adaptable.

The key distinction lies in their swingweight. The R3 Pulsar weighs 122, 8 points more than the R1 Pulsar’s 114. This extra weight translates to more power and distance, especially from the baseline. However, the R3 Pulsar might feel heavier and a bit sluggish at the net.

In general, I’d lean towards recommending the R1 Pulsar. It maintains the same style but is lighter and easier to handle. But if you’re seeking that additional swingweight for more power, the R3 Pulsar could be your pick.

Ronbus R1 Nova

Specs：

• Paddle Length: 16.5”
• Face Width: 7.5”
• Grip Length: 5.5”
• Grip Circumference: 4.125” Octagon
• Weight: 7.9oz, +/- 0.2oz
• Swingweight: 114
• Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured
• Paddle Shape: Hybrid
• Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Edge Guard: Yes
• Warranty: 6 months

Price: $160 at Ronbus use code:RCPaddleshop

Rating

Power – 3/5

Control/Feel – 4/5

Spin – 4/5

Forgiveness – 3/5

Who needs it?

For those wanting more control without sacrificing too much power, the Nova is the sweet spot. It nicely bridges the gap between a pure control paddle and an all-court style paddle.

PROS:

-Fantastic spin potential and packs more power compared to other control paddles.

-The R1 NOVA is quicker at the net, delivering a significant amount of power, just a tad below the power of the R3 Pulsar.

CONS:

-To maximize performance, consider adding lead tape.

-Falls slightly short in power compared to the usual output of thermoformed paddles.

BOTTOM LINE:

For my gameplay, it strikes the perfect balance between power, control, spin, and pop.

First and foremost is the top-notch construction – Ronbus has always been a step ahead in quality, reliability, and durability, and the NOVA only solidifies this lead.

Spin, a skill I’m still honing, has been greatly supported by the NOVA. When it comes to control and power, it’s a resounding yes.   

There’s a dwell time on the paddle surface that sets it apart, offering a tactile feedback that lets me unleash a variety of shots as needed.

However, the paddle does have a smaller sweet spot than expected, which can hinder gameplay. To overcome this issue, I recommend adding lead tape to optimize performance. 

Whether I’m playing singles or doubles, this paddle does it all exceptionally well.  It truly feels like the one paddle to rule them all.  Whether you’re in search of your first paddle, looking for a serious upgrade, or tired of your overpriced paddle wearing out, the NOVA is without a doubt the paddle to grab, 110%.

Ronbus R3 Nova

Specs：

• Paddle Length: 16.5”
• Face Width: 7.5”
• Grip Length: 5.5”
• Grip Circumference: 4.125” Octagon
• Weight: 8.1oz, +/- 0.2oz
• Swingweight: 120
• Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured
• Paddle Shape: Standard
• Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Edge Guard: Yes

Price: $160 at Ronbus use code:RCPaddleshop

Rating

Power – 3/5

Control/Feel – 4/5

Spin – 4/5

Forgiveness – 3.5/5

Who needs it?

For those looking to dial in more control without sacrificing too much power, the Nova is the way to go. It nicely bridges the gap between a pure control paddle and an all-court style paddle.

PROS:

-The new light blue edge guard adds a nice touch, really standing out.

-Excellent control for softer plays.

CONS:

-Not quite as powerful as the R3 Pulsar

BOTTOM LINE:

The R3 Nova hit the scene a couple of months after the R1 Nova, and while they both rock the same weave thermoforming tech, they play a bit differently. Similar to the R1, it packs a punch from the baseline like the Pulsar series, but it’s a tad softer and lacks some pop at the net on shorter swings, making it easier to control.

The standout difference between the R3 Nova and its sibling, the R1 Nova, is that the R3 is more forgiving and comes with a higher swingweight. Even though it feels a bit heavier than the R1, it’s still in line with most other elongated shapes. Unlike the R1, the R3 doesn’t need lead tape for customization, so no extra weight was necessary. Also, note that the R3 Nova is a smidge lighter than the R3 Pulsar.

That extra swingweight gives you more oomph on counter punches and volleys and just feels more solid overall. Like the R1 Nova, I’d slot it into the aggressive control paddle category. Spin-wise, it aligns with the R1, boasting RPMs just under 1900, which is a stellar result, though it falls slightly short of my very high spin category.

Ronbus R1.16

Specs:

• Paddle Length: 16.5”
• Face Width: 7.5”
• Grip Length: 5.5”
• Grip Circumference: 4.25” Octagon
• Weight: 7.9oz, +/- 0.2oz
• Swingweight: 115
• Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured
• Paddle Shape: Hybrid
• Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Edge Guard: Yes

Price: $100 at Ronbus use code:RCPaddleshop

Rating

Power – 2.5/5

Control/Feel – 4.5/5

Spin – 4/5

Forgiveness – 3/5

Who needs it?

If you’re after more control, aiming to cut down on errors, and want a paddle with good spin and a lighter swingweight, this one’s for you. However, keep in mind it might need a bit more effort for added power. 

PROS:

-Budget-friendly and dependable.

-It has excellent control.

CONS:

-It’s not a power paddle.

BOTTOM LINE:

The R1.16 and R3.16 stand out as the most control-oriented paddles in the Ronbus lineup, holding their ground against paddles that cost twice as much. Taking pace off the ball is a breeze, but adding power requires a bit more effort. Spin is effortlessly produced with your strokes, no need for exaggerated motions. 

Despite its elongated shape, it maneuvers well. The paddle offers a slightly larger than average sweet spot and a plush, soft feel, giving a satisfying touch when connecting with the ball, ultimately enhancing control. If you struggle with popping the ball up, this paddle helps keep it down, making it a great choice for improving consistency and soft game control.

In terms of play, it’s most similar to the R3.16, with the main difference lying in the swingweight. The R1.16 has a lower swingweight, making it more maneuverable and slightly less powerful compared to the R3.16.

Ronbus EV2

Specs：

• Paddle Length: 16.5”
• Face Width: 7.5”
• Grip Length: 5.5”
• Grip Circumference: 4.125” Octagon
• Weight: 8.0oz, +/- 0.2oz
• Swingweight: 122
• Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured
• Paddle Shape: Standard
• Core Material: Enhanced EVA
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Edge Guard: Yes

Price: $160 at Ronbus use code:RCPaddleshop

Rating

Power – 3.5/5

Control/Feel – 4/5

Spin – 4/5

Forgiveness – 3/5

Who needs it?

If you’re an intermediate player who has a solid understanding of the fundamentals of the game and would like to continue to improve your skills, you could benefit from using the Ronin EV2 paddle.

PROS:

-Impressive generous sweet spot due to its unibody shape

-Excellent stability on off-center hits

-The spin potential enhances touch shots

CONS:

-it is NOT USAPA approved.

-It may not be the best option for players who prioritize precise ball placement and a delicate touch.

BOTTOM LINE:

This paddle is a personal favorite – lightweight, providing good power, spin, and control. Its unique EVA Foam gives it a different sound. While not USAPA approved, it’s perfect for casual play, especially for older players. Ronbus has made a great paddle here, though it needs more recognition! With dimensions of 16.5 x 7.5 and 5.5, and weighing 8oz, it offers a great balance. It performs exceptionally well in driving, volleying, and serving during the game.

If you’re just starting and want more control and spin, try the Ronbus R1.16 Paddle. For intermediate players seeking an all-around choice, the Ronbus R3 Pulsar Paddle offers a balance of control and power. Advanced players favoring forceful hits might prefer the Ronbus EV2 Paddle, while those focusing on finesse and accuracy would enjoy the Ronbus R1 Nova Paddle.

Overall, the Ronbus R3 Pulsar Paddle is a solid option for most players. However, your personal style matters most. Trying different Ronbus models helps you find what suits your skills best.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pickleball paddle, consider exploring Ronbus’ diverse range: the R1.16, R3 Pulsar, EV2, and R1 Nova.  Each boasts innovative features like PolyCore, Edge Grid, and perimeter weighting, catering to various play styles.  Whether you prioritize finesse, power, adaptability, or control, Ronbus likely offers a paddle that fits your needs.

After reviewing the “Ronbus Pickleball Paddle” options, choose based on your skill level, style, budget, and comfort.  Trying different Ronbus models will help find your best fit for optimal performance on the court.

Maintaining your Ronbus paddle is crucial for its longevity.  We trust this detailed overview of the Ronbus Pickleball Paddles aids in your selection, providing an excellent match for your gameplay.

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