Best Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle Review (Power, Spin, Control)

There were a few dominant companies that dominated the pickleball paddle industry in 2022. Notable as one of the best paddles of the year was the Joola Hyperion line.

In 2023, a paddle from Ronbus is changing the game with performance comparable to that of the Hyperion CFS at a far lower price.

It gives me great pleasure to present my evaluation of this amazing paddle today. Many of my friends and fellow players have asked me questions regarding the Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle Review after either borrowing mine or seeing how amazing it is to play.

Now, let’s get started with the review.

Technical Specifications

Price: $130 ($120 with Amazon Associates)
Type: Control/all-court
Guarantee: six months of protection
Form: Extended
Thickness of core: 16 mm
Face: uncooked Carbon Fiber Toray T700
Weight on average: 8.2 oz
Length of grip: 5.5 inches
Weight in swing: 117; Grip size: 4.25
Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb
Overall length: 16.5 inches
Breadth: 7.5 inches

Quick Summary of Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle

The Ronbus R1 is a stylish paddle with all the attributes you need to be a great all-court player.

It performs admirably as a flexible hybrid, providing a well-balanced mix of control, speed, spin, and power. Its power output is more than enough for most players, and its spin and control abilities are among the best.

It’s important to note that the Ronbus R3.16 paddle and the R1.16 are quite similar, with minor form differences. While the R3 model has a more squared-off top, the R1 model has a rounded top similar to the SixZero Black Diamond and Vatic Pro Flash paddles. The shape of the R3 is similar to that of paddles such as the Joola Perseus, Vatic Pro V7/V7 Prism, Legacy Pro, and Ronbus R3 Pulsar.

Pros and Cons of Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle Review

Pros:

• Plays Similar to Joola Hyperion CFS at a More Affordable Price. The Ronbus R1 closely mirrors the Joola Hyperion CFS in performance but at a more affordable price point. Sharing numerous characteristics with the Hyperion, it boasts a plush feel, reliable power, a generous sweet spot, and impeccable build quality with no exposed polymer.
• Exceptional Control. Offering exceptional control, the Ronbus is forgiving with a well-defined sweet spot, making it ideal for players seeking precision and finesse. Its soft feel lends itself perfectly to executing drops, resets, and dinks with ease.
• Perfect balance and comfort. Balanced to perfection, the Ronbus feels just right in hand, striking a harmonious balance between weight and maneuverability. While some may perceive it as slightly head-heavy, it’s notably less so than the Hyperion, ensuring a comfortable playing experience.
• Agile and Quick. With its lightweight construction and low swing weight, the Ronbus moves swiftly on the court, facilitating rapid movements and nimble play at the net. Its agility surpasses that of the Hyperion, thanks in part to its reduced head-heaviness.
• Extended Handle Length for Enhanced Grip. Featuring an extended 5.5″ handle, the Ronbus offers ample grip space, catering to players who favor a two-handed backhand. While this may not suit everyone’s preferences, many find the handle length to be optimal for enhanced control and versatility.
• Elegant Minimalist Design. In terms of aesthetics, the Ronbus R1 embraces a minimalist design ethos that exudes sophistication and elegance. Its understated appearance adds a touch of refinement to the court, making it a visually appealing choice for discerning players.

Power of Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle

While it may not hit as hard as the latest unibody thermoformed paddles, the Ronbus R1 still offers plenty of putaway power. If you’re able to generate your own power and pace, finishing points with pace and power should be a breeze.

The Ronbus R1 doesn’t provide the same level of control as dedicated power paddles or thermoformed options. However, it strikes a unique balance by offering more power than paddles like the Halo or Warrior Edge while remaining soft and controllable. This makes it an excellent choice for players who may struggle with the extreme power of dedicated power paddles.

If you’re looking for even more power from the Ronbus R1, consider using lead tape. Adding just a little bit can give you an extra powerful punch, perfect for putting away drives fast and hard.

Control of Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle

The Ronbus R1 excels as a control paddle, offering a soft and plush feel with a generous sweet spot that makes it a master at executing third-shot drops.

Its 16mm core enhances the experience of dinking and resets, providing a satisfying level of control and precision. Whether you’re at the kitchen line or engaged in a cat-and-mouse game, this paddle instills confidence in your soft game.

While I appreciate the performance of newer thermoformed paddles like the Legacy Pro, Vatic Pro, and SixZero Black Diamond, I sometimes crave the easeful dinking and resets that the Ronbus R1 effortlessly delivers. It’s my go-to paddle when I prioritize control and finesse on the court.

Spin of Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle

Chris Olsen’s tests at Pickleball Studio, demonstrated the Ronbus paddle’s remarkable spin potential, with the R1 reaching RPMs of over 2100. The R1.16 has earned a well-deserved place on my list of the best spin paddles thanks to its outstanding spin performance. The R1 is an exceptional option within its pricing range because of its unrivaled spin rate.

The use of Toray T700 carbon fiber on the paddle’s surface is a major factor in its fast spin rate. This substance, which is well-known for its superior construction, offers remarkable grit and hold on the ball. Placing the ball precisely where you want it will be simpler with the Ronbus paddle because it performs a lot of the work for you in terms of spin mechanics.

Durability of Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle

Even though the Ronbus is still somewhat young, I haven’t yet compiled comprehensive durability data. Still, it feels solid and shows no evidence of cheap construction.

Examining the grip, it’s comforting to see that the overgrip is solidly constructed, with no exposed polymer. While many paddles in this price range economize by not encasing the honeycomb cores, the Ronbus appears to have steered clear of this trap. Furthermore, the edge guard seems to be attached firmly, which solves a typical durability issue with certain paddles.

Moreover, the neck of the paddle seems to be adequately reinforced, which is a crucial point where some paddles, especially the Hyperion series, shatter easily. In this aspect, the Ronbus looks more stable than my Hyperion paddle.

Value

This paddle offers exceptional value in today’s pickleball market. With impressive spin, control, and a satisfying amount of power, all at around a $100 price point, it stands as one of the best deals available. In my opinion, it’s a legitimate rival to the Joola Hyperion, which retails at $220. Additionally, I find the Ronbus to outperform the Joola Vision line, priced at $170.

Interestingly, the Volaire Mach 1 paddle, part of Julian Arnold’s signature pro line, shares identical features with the Ronbus R1. They’re sourced from the same factory and boast the same design, including the grip, shape, head, and feel. However, the Volaire Mach 1 comes with a price tag of $160, further highlighting the exceptional value offered by the Ronbus.

Is it better to get a Ronbus R1.16 or R3.16 paddle?

For players seeking a paddle similar to the Joola Hyperion but at a fraction of the cost, I highly recommend the Ronbus R1.16 and R3.16 paddles. Priced at less than half of the Joola, these paddles deliver comparable performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, looking for a high-quality, all-court control paddle, the Ronbus is an excellent choice. In fact, it has secured the top spot on my list of the best paddles for intermediate players.

The Ronbus paddle is impressively versatile and impeccably constructed. I’ve experienced no difficulties in generating spin, delivering powerful deep serves, or executing delicate dinks with precision.

The R1.16 and R3.16 paddles are currently priced at ($120 when using my Amazon Associates ) on Amazon. However, even if the price were closer to $150, I would still highly recommend this paddle. Its exceptional performance easily earned it the top spot on my list of the best paddles under $100.

If you’re in search of more power than what the Ronbus can provide, I suggest exploring the latest unibody thermoformed raw carbon fiber paddles that have recently entered the market. Options such as the thermoformed Ronbus Pulsar, Legacy Pro, Vatic Pro, and SixZero Black Diamond Power / Double Black Diamond Control paddles offer phenomenal performance at an excellent price point. Plus, you can use my Amazon Associates program to enjoy a 10% discount on any of these paddles.

FAQs for Ronbus R1.16 Pickleball Paddle