CRBN-1X vs Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 wins this matchup for most players: it takes forgiveness and hand speed on Paddle DNA against the CRBN-1X, which costs $220.
Power
Too close to call
89 vs 88
Spin
Too close to call
94 vs 94
Control
Too close to call
89 vs 89
Forgiveness
90 vs 86
Hand speed
116 vs 119 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$220 at IQ 88.2 vs $220 at IQ 87.5
Overall pick: Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 · $220 · IQ 88.2
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 89Power88
- 89Control89
- 94Spin94
- 86Forgiveness90
- 88Sweet spot91
- 89Stability90
- 71Maneuverability70
- 83Pop84
- 87Touch86
- 89Consistency89
- 79Swing weight76
- 88Twist weight90
- 57Launch angle54
- 88Plow through86
- 78Softness78
CRBN-1X vs Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | CRBN-1X | Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $220 | $220 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 87.5 | 88.2 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 119 | 116 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.6 | 7 — better |
| Shape | elongated | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 7.4 | 7.7 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.125 |
| Surface | Raw Toray T700 carbon | Aramid fiber |
| Core material | Foam-injected edge-wall polymer | Thermoformed honeycomb polymer with foam edgewalls |
CRBN-1X verdict
The spin-first elongated build for players who care about how a paddle is made. Foam-injected edge walls widen the sweet spot on a shape that usually punishes off-center contact.
Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 verdict
The edgeless Ruby. Removing the edge guard adds face area and twist weight (7.0) to a paddle that already had one of the most durable spin surfaces in the sport.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is forgiveness: Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 scores 90 against 86 for CRBN-1X — a 4-point gap. They are effectively level on sweet spot, swing weight, launch angle, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Both sell for $220, so price cannot break the tie.
Forgiveness
Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 leads by 4 points (90 vs 86).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16
Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 is a narrow pick at this level — forgiveness 90 vs 86, sweet spot 91 vs 88, twist weight 90 vs 88. Twist weight 7 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Twist weight
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.2 vs 86.1 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — hybrid on the Infinity Ruby 16, elongated on the CRBN-1X.
- Forgiveness
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.5 vs 87.3 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — hybrid on the Infinity Ruby 16, elongated on the CRBN-1X.
- Plow through
- Power
- Touch
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (83.5 vs 82 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — hybrid on the Infinity Ruby 16, elongated on the CRBN-1X.
- Forgiveness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16
Take Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 if you want forgiveness (+4). Its swing weight of 116 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 review →CRBN-1X
Take CRBN-1X if you prefer an elongated face and a 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core — it gives up nothing measurable to Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16.
Read the CRBN-1X review →Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 vs CRBN-1X FAQ
- Which is better, the Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 or the CRBN-1X?
- Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (88.2 vs 87.5), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — forgiveness — Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 leads by 4 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16, at 116 kg·cm² swing weight against 119 for CRBN-1X. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 or the CRBN-1X?
- CRBN-1X scores 89 for power against 88 for Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16. That comes from a 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core swinging at 119 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 89 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 94 for spin.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16, with the higher forgiveness score (90 vs 86). Its 7 twist weight against 6.6 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Both list at $220. Too close to call — neither has an advantage here.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16: 16 mm Thermoformed honeycomb polymer with foam edgewalls core with an Aramid fiber face. CRBN-1X: 16 mm Foam-injected edge-wall polymer core with a Raw Toray T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both run a 5.5 in handle, long enough that neither forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 90 and sweet spot 91 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. CRBN-1X rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 at 8.2 oz against 8.3 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (116 vs 119) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the CRBN-1X to the Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 leads on forgiveness by 4 points; everything else is within 3 points. At $220 vs $220, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Related comparisons
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Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Infinity Ruby 16 vs CRBN-3X Power Series
- Infinity Ruby 16 vs Pro Ultimate Elongated 16
- Infinity Ruby 16 vs Coral Pro
Top alternatives to both
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Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put CRBN-1X and Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: CRBN-1X and Six Zero Infinity Ruby 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.