Let’s start with the TLDR:
The Ronbus R1 Nova is marketed as a “Gen 3” thermoform paddle. It’s fairly soft with pop, and is on the lower end of power. Control focused.
As a part of the xPRO program, Ronbus’ closed group for player focus testing, I have tried the original alpha Nova and now the production model R1 Nova. I thought the original alpha Nova was a perfect paddle. It was one of the only paddles that I personally didn’t need to allow for adjustment time. A true extension of the hand where everything felt natural. This was definitely not a paddle for someone looking for power output. Whatever you generated, the original Nova would oblige.
The new production model Nova is different. Ronbus considers the R1 Nova to be a “Gen 3” thermoformed paddle. “Gen 3” in the sense that the core is now made of a grid that, supposedly, solves the dreaded thermoform core crushing and delamination issue. More time is needed to see if that’s true.
For me, the R1 Nova performed drastically different from the alpha Nova. It sacrificed control for a bit more pop over the alpha. With this change brought an adjustment period, and it no longer felt different than a Six Zero Double Black Diamond or a Vatic Pro Flash. An interesting side note: the Six Zero Double Black Diamond has the same core build as the R1 Nova, which is likely why new Six Zero DBDs and the R1 Nova play similarly.
I have a few negatives with Ronbus paddles lately. First, I was impressed that it’s a small company run by a family. The owner is an engineer and I love that he’s focused on propelling the sport forward with new technology. But customer satisfaction and customer experience is lacking. The R1 Nova is $180 without a discount code. The price of Ronbus paddles is increasing, and when you receive the paddle, you’re getting it in a slim bubble mailer. No protection from post office mishandling. No paddle cover either. With my R1 Nova, it didn’t even have the small rubber overgrip ring. This seems to have been missed by quality control as others did receive paddles with the ring. Less expensive paddles like Vatic always include paddle covers. They also perform incredibly well. The Six Zero is similarly priced, and also has a cover. Bread & Butter is less expensive and puts effort into packaging where you receive a wonderfully designed box, some stickers, and a drink koozie.
The paddles certainly perform well, but so do others. With their prices increasing and the tech found in other paddles, why invest in a Ronbus paddle that offers less to the customer? It’s becoming harder to recommend Ronbus above its competitors. Most pickleball players are not paddle nerds. None of the tech or marketing terms makes sense to them. They want a nice looking paddle that performs well. And with other companies offering accessories for less overall cost, the average player will think this is a bad deal even if the R1 Nova is a thermoformed gen 3 paddle with a grid designed core that solves delamination. Read that to any average player and watch their eyes roll into the back of their heads.
Until Ronbus decides to match offerings from competitors, I would recommend Vatic Pro or Six Zero for similar paddles and performance.