Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Proton Series Two Project Flash
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 85Power84
- 88Control88
- 95Spin92
- 82Forgiveness84
- 84Sweet spot86
- 83Stability84
- 84Maneuverability80
- 82Pop80
- 86Touch86
- 88Consistency88
- 68Swing weight70
- 82Twist weight80
- 57Launch angle50
- 78Plow through80
- 80Softness80
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Proton Series Two Project Flash specs
Every measured spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) | Proton Series Two Project Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $175 — better | $200 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 85.6 — better | 85.3 |
| Weight(oz) | 7.9 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 15 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 110 | 111 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.3 | 6.7 — better |
| Shape | elongated | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.6 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.375 | 5.4 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave | Gritted raw carbon |
| Core material | Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb | Thermoformed polymer honeycomb |
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) verdict
The exposed Kevlar weave is the story: it grips the ball like a fresh grit face but, unlike sprayed textures, it is the material itself, so the spin number does not decay over a season.
Proton Series Two Project Flash verdict
The grittiest face Proton has made. Spin 92 puts it in the top tier of the database, and the hybrid shape keeps it usable at the kitchen line.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is launch angle: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 57 against 50 for Proton Series Two Project Flash — a 7-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, forgiveness, sweet spot, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is $25 cheaper at $175.
Launch angle
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 7 points (57 vs 50).
Maneuverability
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 4 points (84 vs 80).
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
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84 vs 84.8 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and keep the $25.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Stability
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (87.1 vs 86 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and keep the $25.
- Maneuverability
- Spin
- Power
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.3 vs 85.3 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and keep the $25.
- Spin
- Maneuverability
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (80.9 vs 81.1 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and keep the $25.
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want launch angle (+7), maneuverability (+4). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 15 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) review →Proton Series Two Project Flash
Take Proton Series Two Project Flash if you prefer a hybrid face and a 5.4 in handle — it gives up nothing measurable to Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner).
Read the Proton Series Two Project Flash review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Proton Series Two Project Flash FAQ
- Which is better, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the Proton Series Two Project Flash?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.6 vs 85.3), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — launch angle — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 7 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), at 110 kg·cm² swing weight against 111 for Proton Series Two Project Flash. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the Proton Series Two Project Flash?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) measures 85 on power against 84 for Proton Series Two Project Flash. That comes from a 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core swinging at 110 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) at 88 versus 88. Its 15 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 95 for spin off its Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face, against 92 for the Gritted raw carbon face on Proton Series Two Project Flash. In practice a 3-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash, with 6.7 twist weight against 6.3. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Proton Series Two Project Flash carries the higher forgiveness score (84) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) costs $175, $25 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner): 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core with a Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face. Proton Series Two Project Flash: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core with a Gritted raw carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash, at 5.4 in of handle against 5.375 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 84 and sweet spot 86 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) at 7.9 oz against 8 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 111) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Proton Series Two Project Flash to the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on launch angle by 7 points; everything else is within 4 points. At $175 vs $200, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs V-Sol Pro 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs SLK Halo XL Control
- Series Two Project Flash vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Series Two Project Flash vs Crush Control 16
- Series Two Project Flash vs Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0
- Series Two Project Flash vs R3 Pulsar
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and Proton Series Two Project Flash. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.