Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
Add a third paddle to this comparison →
Quick answer
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) wins this matchup for most players: it takes power and spin on Paddle DNA against the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2, which costs $170.
Power
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
85 vs 80
Spin
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
95 vs 88
Control
Too close to call
90 vs 88
Forgiveness
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2
88 vs 82
Hand speed
Too close to call
110 vs 111 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$170 at IQ 85.4 vs $175 at IQ 85.6
Overall pick: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) · $175 · IQ 85.6
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 85Power80
- 88Control90
- 95Spin88
- 82Forgiveness88
- 84Sweet spot88
- 83Stability86
- 84Maneuverability78
- 82Pop74
- 86Touch88
- 88Consistency88
- 68Swing weight72
- 82Twist weight82
- 57Launch angle48
- 78Plow through78
- 80Softness80
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) | Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $175 | $170 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 85.6 — better | 85.4 |
| 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 | 6.8 — better |
| Shape | elongated | standard |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.9 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.375 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave | Raw Toray T700 carbon |
| Core material | Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb | Thermoformed polypropylene 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.
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 verdict
The V2 keeps the original DBD's forgiveness and adds face texture. Control 90 with sweet spot 88 in a standard shape is the safest upgrade path in the database.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is launch angle: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 57 against 48 for Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 — a 9-point gap. They are effectively level on stability, control, touch, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($175 vs $170) that it should not break the tie.
Launch angle
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 9 points (57 vs 48).
Pop
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 8 points (82 vs 74).
Spin
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 7 points (95 vs 88).
Forgiveness
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 leads by 6 points (88 vs 82).
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 Double Black Diamond Control V2
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 is a narrow pick at this level — forgiveness 88 vs 82, sweet spot 88 vs 84, stability 86 vs 83. Twist weight 6.8 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- 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 85.6 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Series Four (Project Roadrunner), standard on the Double Black Diamond Control V2.
- Spin
- Maneuverability
- Power
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is a narrow pick at this level — spin 95 vs 88, power 85 vs 80, maneuverability 84 vs 78. Swing weight 110 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Spin
- Power
- Maneuverability
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (80.9 vs 82.5 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Series Four (Project Roadrunner), standard on the Double Black Diamond Control V2.
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want launch angle (+9), pop (+8), spin (+7). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 15 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) review →Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2
Take Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 if you want forgiveness (+6), sweet spot (+4), swing weight (+4). Its swing weight of 111 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 FAQ
- Which is better, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.6 vs 85.4), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — launch angle — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 9 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), at 110 kg·cm² swing weight against 111 for Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2. 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 Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 85 for power against 80 for Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2. 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?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 at 90 versus 88. Its 16 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 88 for the Raw Toray T700 carbon face on Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2. In practice a 7-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2, with the higher forgiveness score (88 vs 82). Its 6.8 twist weight against 6.3 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $5 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner): 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core with an Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2: 16 mm Thermoformed polypropylene honeycomb core with a Raw Toray T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), at 5.375 in of handle against 5.25 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 88 and sweet spot 88 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable 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 Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 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 9 points; everything else is within 8 points. At $175 vs $170, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Related comparisons
The other matchups shoppers open in the same session as this one.
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Series One Project Black
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Double Black Diamond Control
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Double Black Diamond Control
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Blaze Pro 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Black Diamond Power 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Loco 16mm Standard
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs CRBN-3X Power Series
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Series Two Project Flash
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 Series Two Project Flash
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Vice V2 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Scorpeus Pro IV 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Radius CGS 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Pursuit Pro EX 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Vision CGS 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Crush Control 16
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.