Six Zero Ruby Pickleball Paddle Review

Introduction

The Six Zero Ruby immediately caught my eye during a family vacation to Hawaii. At Holua Racquet & Paddle, several locals lucky enough to be part of the first wave of orders were the talk of the club. The paddle's striking red Kevlar surface, intricate design, and unique hybrid shape set it apart from standard and elongated paddles. The crisp, sharp sound it produced during play hinted at its power and responsiveness. But what truly captivated me was the incredible spin these players generated and their precise shot placement. I knew I had to experience the Six Zero Ruby for myself and share my findings with fellow pickleball enthusiasts.

Testing the Six Zero Ruby

To thoroughly test the Six Zero Ruby, I put it through its paces in a variety of settings. I used it indoors on controlled courts and outdoors in real-world conditions. I played in intermediate open sessions, DUPR matches, league games, and even took lessons with my club's pro. The perfect outdoor weather—72°F, low humidity, and minimal wind—let me focus entirely on how the paddle performed.

In-Depth Playing Experience with the Six Zero Ruby

The more I played with the Six Zero Ruby, the more I appreciated its exceptional balance of power and control, with a slight favor towards control. Its swing weight of 117.15 and twist weight of 6.8 contribute to a solid, stable feel, providing a reliable base for every shot.

The Ruby's standout feature is its remarkable spin potential. During testing, I consistently recorded an impressive average of 2,250 RPMs, thanks to the paddle's 100% Kevlar face and textured 3K weave surface. This high spin capability enables dynamic and unpredictable shots that can keep opponents guessing.

The paddle truly shines in feel and control. Its soft touch and responsive surface are a dream for players who prioritize precision and finesse. Dinks, drops, and resets feel effortless, thanks to the Ruby's surface providing the perfect balance of grip and feedback. The 16mm core thickness and forgiving sweet spot further enhance these qualities.

Although the Ruby prioritizes control and touch, it doesn't sacrifice power entirely. With a serve speed of 55.6 MPH and a punch volley speed of 34.5 MPH, it can generate sufficient force to win points when needed. However, players may need to supply some of their own power to fully unlock the Ruby's potential.

The paddle's balance point at 24.2mm from the base of the handle enhances its maneuverability and control, making precise shots at the net easier to execute. The cross-weave cloth pattern of the surface is a game-changer, significantly enhancing grip and overall feel. This allows for unparalleled accuracy and the ability to execute both powerful and finesse shots with confidence.

Durability is another strong suit of the Ruby, thanks to its 100% Aramid fiber face. Known for its high strength (6x stronger than steel) and thermal stability, this material offers excellent abrasion resistance, ensuring the paddle can withstand intense play without compromising performance or feel.

Overall, the Six Zero Ruby offers a fantastic playing experience that caters especially well to players who value precision, spin, and control in their game.

Who Will Like This Paddle

The Six Zero Ruby's versatility is one of its most appealing aspects. This paddle caters to a wide range of players, from beginners just starting their pickleball journey to advanced players looking to refine their skills.

The Ruby's balance of control and power makes it an excellent choice for players who prioritize precision and shot placement. If you're looking to elevate your dink game, execute precise drops, or improve your overall touch, the Ruby is a faithful companion on the court.

For tennis players transitioning to pickleball, the Ruby's 5.5-inch grip length and 4.5-inch grip circumference provide a familiar and comfortable feel. The paddle's responsiveness and control will help tennis players adapt to the unique demands of pickleball while still allowing them to utilize their existing skill set.

Durability & Maintenance

Investing in a high-quality pickleball paddle is about both performance and durability. The Six Zero Ruby is built to last, thanks to its premium materials and construction.

After a month of rigorous play, I was impressed by the minimal wear and tear on the paddle. The Kevlar surface showed no signs of significant deterioration, and the edge guard remained intact, protecting the paddle's structure.

I did notice a slight decrease in the ball's dip when hitting topspin shots, but this change was subtle and unlikely to be noticed by most players. However, those who rely heavily on spin may want to keep an eye on this over time. Despite this minor decrease in performance, the Ruby still delivered exceptional spin capabilities throughout my testing period.

To get the most out of your Six Zero Ruby's spin potential, it's important to keep the surface clean. Wiping down the paddle after each use, storing it in a protective case when not in play, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures will help maintain its performance and appearance for years to come. You can use a paddle cleaning rubber, albeit, gently!

Aesthetics & Design

The Six Zero Ruby is not just a high-performing paddle; it's also a work of art. The vibrant red Kevlar surface immediately catches the eye, making a bold statement on the court. The white handle and edge guard provide a sleek contrast, creating a modern and stylish look.

The Ruby's hybrid shape is a departure from traditional paddle designs, offering a unique balance of power and control. The shape is not only visually appealing but also functional, allowing for a larger sweet spot and improved maneuverability.

When you hold the Ruby in your hand, you'll notice the attention to detail in its construction. The paddle feels solid and well-crafted, with a comfortable grip that promotes a secure hold during intense rallies. The paddle's weight distribution is balanced, contributing to its overall stability and ease of use.

The Ruby produces a satisfying, crisp "pop" when striking the ball. This sound adds to the overall playing experience, giving you a sense of power and control with every shot.

Surface Texture

The Six Zero Ruby's textured 3K weave surface is a major factor in its spin capability. Let's take a closer look at this feature.

Under a microscope at 100x magnification, the complexities of the Ruby's surface are clear. The weave pattern creates a network of intersecting fibers that work together to generate spin.

At 1000x magnification, the surface texture's true nature is revealed. The Aramid fibers, known for their strength and thermal stability, create a rough, gritty surface that grips the ball intensely. This allows players to put more spin on their shots, from crafty slices to deceptive drop shots and powerful topspin drives.

The Ruby's surface texture also contributes to the paddle's overall feel and control. The cross-weave pattern provides feedback that players can use to adjust their shots based on how the ball contacts the surface. This responsiveness is valuable for players who prioritize touch and finesse in their game.

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OEM Paddle Characteristics

• Registered Approval Body: USA Pickleball
• Top Face Material: Aramid Fibre
• Length: 16.3” / 413mm
• Width: 7.5” to 7.7” / 192mm to 196mm
• Core Thickness: 0.55" (14mm) / 0.63” (16mm)
• Grip Length: 5.5” / 140mm
• Grip Circumference: 4.125-4.25" / 105-108mm
• Average Weight: 8.2oz +/- .3oz
• Swing Weight: 112 (14mm) / 115 (16mm)
• Twist Weight: 6.5 (14mm) / 6.8 (16mm)

Optimizing Your Ruby 16mm Paddle with 3 Gram Lead Tape

The Six Zero Ruby performs well out of the box, but there's room for customization to suit your individual needs and preferences. One way to fine-tune the Ruby's performance is by using lead tape.

Adding 3-gram weights on either side of the paddle, 9 inches up from the base of the neck, can improve the Ruby's stability and control. This configuration results in the highest twist weight (7.19) while keeping a relatively low swing weight (117.12), which could be beneficial for intermediate to advanced players who prioritize precision and shot accuracy.

The added weight in this specific location helps counterbalance the paddle's head, reducing unwanted twisting and increasing overall stability. This increased stability can lead to more consistent shots, especially when hitting precise dinks and drops at the net.

Keep in mind that this customization may not work for everyone. Players who rely on quick, aggressive movements at the net might find the added weight a bit cumbersome, affecting their reaction time and maneuverability.

Before modifying your Six Zero Ruby, try out different weight configurations and placements to find what works best for your unique playing style.

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Pricing & Value

At $199, the Six Zero Ruby is undoubtedly a premium pickleball paddle. However, its advanced materials, innovative design, and excellent performance may justify the investment for serious players looking to improve their game.

When considering the Ruby's value, it's important to factor in its durability and long-term performance. The paddle's high-quality construction and Kevlar surface ensure that it will withstand the test of time, providing consistent performance for many hours on the court.

Although the upfront cost may be higher than some other paddles on the market, the Ruby's longevity and reliable performance could make it a worthwhile investment for players who demand the best.

Conclusion & My Recommendation

After extensive testing and analysis, it's clear that the Six Zero Ruby 16mm Pickleball Paddle is a strong contender on the court. Its innovative design, impressive spin capabilities, and precise control make it a great choice for players of all skill levels who are serious about improving their game.

The Ruby's 100% Kevlar face, textured 3K weave surface, and 16mm core thickness work together to deliver a rewarding and enjoyable playing experience. Whether you're executing delicate dinks at the net or hitting powerful topspin drives from the baseline, the Ruby provides the tools you need to succeed.

While the paddle's unique feel and slightly heavier weight may require an adjustment period for some players, the benefits of its design outweigh any initial challenges. With practice and dedication, the Six Zero Ruby can help you unlock your potential on the pickleball court.

Ready to Buy?

If the Ruby sounds like it could be your next paddle, or if you've had experiences with it, I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. And if you're ready to make a purchase, don't forget to use a discount code (you can find some by watching other paddle reviewers' below)!