Ronbus R3 Nova Pickleball Paddle Review

The new Ronbus R3 Nova paddle has hit the courts! This elongated, thermoformed paddle offers some excellent performance and innovations. But is it the right paddle for your game? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and key lessons from my 50+ hours of testing the R3 Nova prior to its release.

Pros

• Excellent power: The R3 Nova delivers powerful serves, drives, and putaways thanks to its elongated shape and stiff carbon face. It packs a real punch.
• Great pop: The paddle face is very lively and poppy, leading to satisfying blocks, counters, and volleys. It really zings off the face.
• Impressive control: Considering it’s a stiffer paddle, the R3 Nova provides better touch and control than expected. Drops, dinks, and touch shots feel very natural.
• Large sweet spot: You can really feel the sweet spot expand on this paddle. Mishits stay controlled and in play.
• Strong spin: As with all Ronbus paddles, the R3 Nova produces heavy spin on serves and groundstrokes. Great for shaping shots.
• Innovative construction: Ronbus’ new Gen 3 production using a carbon fiber grid edge prevents durability issues in thermoformed paddles.
• Good value: At $180 ($160 with coupon code), it outperforms paddles over $200 in power, control, and especially durability.

Cons

• Stiff feel: The paddle is quite stiff and crisp. Lacks the softness and dwell time of other Ronbus paddles like the R3 Pulsar.
• Heavier swing weight: Its swing weight of 120 makes it less maneuverable than hybrid paddles like the R1 Nova.
• Reduced power vs. Pulsar: Doesn’t plow through the ball on drives like the R3 Pulsar due to less flex and dwell time.

Key Lessons and Details

Design and Structure

• Thermoformed unibody polypropylene honeycomb core with textured carbon fiber face
• Ronbus’ new Gen 3 edge construction replaces the sealed edge with a grid structure
• Improves durability and prevents overheating/damage during production
• Edges feature light blue guard for a sleek look

Technical Specs

• 16 mm core, 8.1 oz average weight
• 5.5-inch octagonal handle with 4.125-inch grip circumference
• 120 swing weight and 16.5-inch length

Performance and Feel

• Stiffer and more poppy than Pulsar with crisp, lively face
• Variable stiffness adapts to stroke type – soft on touch shots but stiffens up for power
• Excellent control from the kitchen with great touch on finesse shots
• Large sweet spot provides stability and keeps mishits in play
• Powerful serves, drives and putaways aided by elongated shape
• Quick enough in hand battles despite higher swing weight

Player Fit

• Suited to intermediate and advanced players looking for power and control
• Ideal for those who use elongated paddles and want improved touch
• Players seeking more finesse may prefer the lighter R1 Nova
• Lead tape can add plow-through for drives if more power is desired

Durability

• New Gen 3 edge grid prevents delamination and core issues
• Withstands high heat and pressure of thermoforming
• Significantly more durable than early generations of thermoformed paddles

Value

• Outperforms $200+ paddles in power, control, feel, and especially durability
• Reasonably priced at $180, excellent deal at $160 with coupon code

So in summary, the R3 Nova provides excellent power, control, pop, spin, and durability thanks to Ronbus’ innovative construction. While a bit stiff, it adapts well to touch shots and offers great finesse for a thermo paddle. The Nova sets the new standard for performance and longevity in molded composite paddles. It’s a top choice for intermediate to advanced players.