Ronbus Ripple R1 and R2 Pickleball Paddle Review

Introduction

I've heard and read a lot about Ronbus's innovation in the pickleball paddle space, so I was naturally curious to see how their Ripples—specifically the R1 and R2—would perform on the court. The original R1 16mm, which was denied USAPA approval, made waves for its power and unique design. Given the community's obsession with power paddles, I had to find out if the R1 and R2 lived up to their reputation as "Thor’s Hammers"—paddles that bring immense power to every swing.

When it comes to my game, I typically value a balanced blend of power and control. But as I kept hearing about the Ripples being a banger’s dream, I knew I needed to give them a try. It’s safe to say these paddles are a different breed—light, extremely poppy — and powerful — and capable of generating enormous shot-shaping spin.

This review will break down how the Ripple R1 and R2 feel in the hand, their performance metrics, and where they shine (and struggle) on the court. I'll dive into the innovation that went into creating these paddles, but I also want to be candid about my own experience. Despite the impressive design, these paddles might not be the perfect match for me, and I’ll explore why.

The key question for anyone considering these paddles is simple: do you want a paddle that delivers raw, unfiltered power—one that can send the ball flying with ease—but may amplify your vulnerabilities? Or do you prefer a paddle that trades a bit of that power for greater control? If you’re a player who thrives on aggressive drives and fast-paced rallies, the Ripples might just be the paddles you’re looking for.

Testing the Ronbus Ripple R1 & R2

I tested these paddles in various settings, including tournaments and casual play, and compared them to high-performance paddles from Paddletek and Joola. In terms of raw power, the Ripple paddles outperformed the others, with an average serve speed of 59.2 mph. However, under pressure, I struggled to maintain control, leading to unforced errors and mishits during fast-paced games.

While these paddles excel in aggressive rallies, they require consistent focus. For players who enjoy overpowering their opponents, the R1 and R2 are impressive, but they demand a lot in terms of control.

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In-Depth Playing Experience

Power and Speed
The R1 and R2 excel at generating speed thanks to the FIRE core. The elongated R1 provides more reach for powerful drives, while the R2's larger sweet spot offers stability. Both average serve speeds around 59.2 mph.

Spin Potential
The textured carbon fiber surface allows for great ball bite and spin. The R1 records spin at 2,368 RPM, while the R2 achieves 2,402 RPM, ideal for shaping shots in fast rallies.

Control and Feel
Despite their power, these paddles challenge players when it comes to softer shots and resets. The R2's wider design offers more forgiveness, but both paddles reveal weaknesses in technique.

Volleys and Drives
At the net, the power of these paddles shines, enabling easy put-aways, but this demands precision—overhitting is common with misjudged shots.

Defensive Play
While offensive play feels natural, defense is trickier. The extra pop can make resets harder, and players who rely on finesse may find these paddles too lively.

Aesthetics & Design

The Ronbus Ripple paddles feature a sleek, minimalist design with flowing blue lines that reflect their "Ripple" name. The R1 is more aerodynamic, offering extended reach, while the R2's wider design increases forgiveness. Both paddles use the advanced FIRE core and a textured carbon fiber surface, which is visually appealing and highly functional, particularly for players focused on spin.

Core Technology

The Ripple paddles' standout feature is the FIRE core, which combines carbon fiber and a rebounding elastomer to maximize power output. This multi-layered core efficiently transfers energy, enabling players to generate more powerful shots with less effort. The paddles balance power with control, though their emphasis on power means they best suit aggressive playing styles.

Who Will Like This Paddle

The Ronbus Ripple R1 and R2 are designed for high intermediate to advanced players—those who are prepared to invest the time and effort into mastering these powerful paddles. These are not paddles you can pull out of the bag and instantly dominate with. Their explosive power requires careful handling and precise technique, particularly when the game gets fast and you need to rely on quick resets or defensive shots.

If you thrive in aggressive rallies, enjoy fast-paced exchanges, and have the skills to land kill shots with confidence, the Ripples can elevate your game. However, they are not for the faint-hearted. Without the proper control, you may find your game slipping as resetting becomes difficult, and touch shots overshoot the mark. For players who enjoy overwhelming opponents with power, these paddles are a great fit, but for those who prioritize finesse, they may not be the best choice.

Durability

As of now, the long-term durability of the Ronbus Ripple R1 and R2 paddles remains to be seen. While the innovative FIRE core technology and carbon fiber construction promise durability, there are unverified claims about potential core crushing, an issue seen in some previous paddle generations. However, with these paddles being so new, only time will reveal how they hold up under extended, competitive use. Early adopters should keep this in mind as real-world testing continues in the months ahead.

Aesthetics & Design

Visually, both the Ronbus Ripple R1 and R2 paddles feature a sleek and modern design that immediately catches the eye. Their dark, minimalist face is complemented by subtle, flowing blue lines, reminiscent of the water patterns that inspired the "Ripple" name. The paddles have a clean, refined look that contrasts with more cluttered designs on the market, making them stand out on the court for players who prefer a streamlined aesthetic.

The Ripple paddles also have a distinct shape, with the R1 showcasing a more elongated, aerodynamic profile compared to the slightly wider R2. This difference in shape not only adds to their visual appeal but also serves functional purposes. The R1's hybrid shape is ideal for players seeking extended reach, while the R2's standard shape offers a bit more forgiveness and surface area for those who prefer a larger sweet spot.

The true innovation, however, lies beneath the surface. Both paddles are built using Ronbus’s patent-pending Carbon Fiber-Infused-Rebounding-Elastomer (FIRE) core. This 4th generation paddle technology allows for maximum power and responsiveness, all while maintaining a sleek and lightweight build. The materials used—carbon fiber on the surface and the FIRE core—make the paddle feel high-tech and performance-focused. These advanced materials also contribute to the overall durability and performance of the paddles, though time will tell how well the FIRE core stands up to extended play.

Additionally, the grip design is clean and functional. The light blue grip not only adds a touch of color to contrast with the darker paddle face but also offers excellent tack and comfort during play. The grip is designed to handle intense gameplay, ensuring you maintain control even in the most aggressive rallies.

Overall, the Ripple paddles combine elegant simplicity with innovative engineering, making them visually appealing and technologically advanced. Whether it’s the flowing lines or the ergonomic design, these paddles give players a professional look to match the high-performance play they enable.

Core Technology

The Ronbus Ripple R1 and R2 paddles use an innovative core construction that is outlined in patent documents related to the paddle’s unique design. At the center of the Ripple’s performance is a multi-layered core that utilizes advanced materials to maximize power output while maintaining control and responsiveness.

The core features carbon fiber reinforcements, designed to enhance the paddle’s structural integrity and improve energy transfer from the paddle face to the ball. This construction amplifies the trampoline effect, enabling players to generate more power with less effort. The carbon fiber-infused core is engineered to rebound quickly after impact, which makes these paddles ideal for aggressive players who prefer fast-paced, power-driven gameplay.

Additionally, the patent highlights the incorporation of a foam-enhanced structure that assists in improving both power and control by softening the feel of off-center shots. This feature increases the paddle's sweet spot and reduces the likelihood of mishits along the edges. The design ensures that the paddle maintains a balance between power and precision, though it leans heavily into a power-dominant playstyle.

The complexity of this multi-layered core construction is part of what makes the Ripple paddles stand out from previous generations, though it also contributes to the labor-intensive manufacturing process. As a result, these paddles are positioned as premium products, priced accordingly to reflect the innovation and materials involved in their production.

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Surface Texture

The Ronbus Ripple R1 and R2 paddles feature a Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber textured surface, which is designed to significantly enhance spin and overall shot control. Toray T700 carbon fiber is known for its strength and durability, making it a go-to material for high-performance paddles. However, in the Ripples, Ronbus takes this one step further by keeping the surface raw and textured, allowing for more grip on the ball during contact.

This textured finish provides players with an excellent ability to generate spin on their shots, whether it's topspin on drives or slicing underspin on dinks and drops. The surface's slight roughness increases friction between the ball and the paddle, which allows players to shape their shots with more precision. This gives a distinct advantage, especially in faster-paced games where quick reactions and shot manipulation are essential.

The 3D carbon fiber grid infused EVA core beneath the surface also contributes to the paddle’s overall responsiveness. The carbon fiber grid provides structural support, while the EVA material softens the feel, particularly on touch shots. This combination ensures that the paddle remains powerful without sacrificing too much control, making it ideal for players who like to mix power with finesse.

The design of the Ripple paddles makes them particularly effective in handling spin-heavy shots, as the surface allows for excellent ball bite. Players who rely on spins to gain an advantage over their opponents will find that the Ripples give them the necessary control and grip to keep their shots precise. The textured surface, combined with the carbon fiber grid core, gives the paddle a uniquely dynamic feel, providing both power on offensive plays and touch during defensive resets.

Overall, the raw carbon fiber texture plays a crucial role in enhancing the paddle’s playability, particularly for advanced players who want to take full advantage of shot-shaping techniques. It strikes a great balance between spin generation and durability, ensuring the surface holds up well under extended use.

About the Ronbus Patents

The Ronbus Ripple paddles are backed by innovative technology that is reflected in their patents, WO2024076417A1 and WO2024112661A2. These patents focus on advanced materials and structural designs that enhance performance, specifically addressing core construction and surface texture for better power and control.

Patent WO2024076417A1: Paddle Core Innovation

This patent details a cutting-edge paddle core that uses multiple layers of materials designed to improve energy transfer and rebound efficiency. The core’s structure is built around the FIRE core (Fiber-Infused-Rebounding-Elastomer), which plays a pivotal role in the paddle's performance.

The FIRE core functions similarly to a trampoline, efficiently absorbing energy on ball impact and then releasing it back to the ball, resulting in faster shot speeds while maintaining precise responsiveness. This allows players to generate more powerful shots with less physical effort, which is particularly beneficial in aggressive, fast-paced play.

Key features of the FIRE core include:

• Carbon Fiber Reinforcement: Embedded carbon fibers add strength and stability without increasing the paddle's weight. This reinforcement is key to maintaining the durability of the paddle while also keeping it lightweight for maneuverability.
• Rebounding Elastomer Layer: The elastomer layer in the core provides a high rebound effect, allowing the paddle to propel the ball with more power and spin potential. This layer also aids in making the paddle feel more responsive and ‘poppy,’ enhancing the player's ability to shape shots.
• Multi-layered Construction: The core is made up of various material layers, each contributing to the balance between power and control, making this technology effective for different playing styles, from power hitters to players focused on spin.

This patent emphasizes Ronbus's dedication to leveraging material science to maximize the efficiency of energy transfer in paddles, giving players a distinct performance edge.

Patent WO2024112661A2: Surface Texture and Core Structure

The second patent focuses on the paddle’s surface texture and core structure, designed to increase spin control and provide more consistent shot performance across the paddle face. This patent introduces an innovative textured carbon fiber surface that allows for a higher grip on the ball, enabling players to generate more spin, especially during slice or topspin shots.

Key elements of this patent include:

• Textured Carbon Fiber Surface: The surface of the paddle is designed with a raw, coarse texture that improves ball grip, which, in turn, increases the potential for spin. This gives players a tactical advantage in both offensive and defensive play, allowing them to manipulate the ball’s trajectory more effectively.
• Foam Layer for Enhanced Sweet Spot: The design integrates a foam layer beneath the paddle surface, which expands the sweet spot and ensures more consistent results even on off-center hits. This helps make the paddle more forgiving for mishits, providing more control and consistency, especially for players still mastering precision.

Together, these technologies significantly improve the player experience by enhancing control, spin potential, and shot consistency while maintaining the paddle’s inherent power. The combination of these patented technologies is what sets the Ronbus Ripple paddles apart, offering a unique balance of power, durability, and spin control.

These innovations provide players with a paddle that adapts to a variety of playing styles, ensuring that both power-driven and spin-oriented players can enjoy the benefits of these high-performance paddles.

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Promo Code: Use MPB at checkout to get $20 off your purchase on the Ronbus website!

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Pricing & Value

The retail price of the Ronbus Ripple is set at $250.

While this price is on the higher end of the spectrum for pickleball paddles, I believe it’s a fair price given the significant amount of innovation and cutting-edge technology that has gone into the design of the Ripples. The patent-pending FIRE core technology, along with the Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber surface and the 3D carbon fiber grid infused EVA core, positions these paddles at the forefront of the industry, providing a level of performance that justifies the cost.

For players who are looking for a paddle that excels in power, spin potential, and unique shot-shaping capabilities, the Ripples deliver excellent value. However, these paddles also come with a learning curve, meaning that players will need to invest time into mastering them to get the most out of their performance.

The $250 retail price remains competitive within the premium paddle market, especially given the level of innovation these paddles bring.

Release Date: December 6, 2024

Promo Code: Use MPB at checkout to get $20 off your purchase on the Ronbus website!

Conclusion & Recommendation

The Ronbus Ripple R1 and R2 paddles are undeniably impressive pieces of equipment, showcasing cutting-edge materials and innovative technology. With the Carbon Fiber-Infused-Rebounding-Elastomer (FIRE) core and a textured Toray T700 carbon fiber surface, these paddles deliver incredible power and spin generation, making them a top choice for players who thrive on high-speed, aggressive gameplay. If you’re seeking a paddle that offers significant pop with minimal effort, the Ripples provide unparalleled performance.

However, while I admire the engineering behind these paddles, they simply aren’t the right fit for my playing style. As someone who values a balance between power and control, I found the Ripple’s explosive nature to be overwhelming at times. The paddles amplify every shot, but with that power comes a steeper learning curve—especially for touch shots, resets, and control during fast-paced exchanges. For me, the challenge of consistently managing the power during defensive play outweighed the benefits.

That said, these paddles are phenomenal for the right player. If your game revolves around aggressive drives and attacking at every opportunity, the Ripple R1 or R2 might be exactly what you need. For advanced players who can manage the power and are willing to invest the time into mastering these paddles, they could be a game-changer.

If you play singles or need a bit more reach on the court, the R1’s elongated shape could be the better fit, offering extended reach for those powerful overheads and drives. On the other hand, if you primarily play doubles or value a larger sweet spot, the R2’s wider body may be the better choice, providing more stability and forgiveness in fast net exchanges.

Ultimately, if your control game is already dialed in and you're looking for more power to dominate aggressive rallies, these paddles will take your game to the next level. But if you struggle with control or favor an all-court approach that requires more finesse, I can't wholeheartedly recommend them. Ronbus has pushed the boundaries of paddle technology, but for players who rely on a more balanced and controlled style of play, these paddles may not be the best fit.