Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Six Zero Quartz Control

The verdict

Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is pop: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 82 against 72 for Six Zero Quartz Control — a 10-point gap. They are effectively level on consistency, maneuverability, swing weight, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is $15 cheaper at $175.

• Pop

  Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 10 points (82 vs 72).

• Forgiveness

  Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 9 points (91 vs 82).

• Softness

  Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 9 points (89 vs 80).

• Sweet spot

  Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 8 points (92 vs 84).

Which one should you buy?

Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Six Zero Quartz Control FAQ

Which is better, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the Six Zero Quartz Control?

Six Zero Quartz Control carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (88 vs 85.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — pop — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 10 points.

Which one is faster at the kitchen line?

Six Zero Quartz Control, at 108 kg·cm² swing weight against 110 for Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). 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 Quartz Control?

Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) measures 85 on power against 78 for Six Zero Quartz Control. 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 Quartz Control at 93 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 90 for the Raw carbon friction face on Six Zero Quartz Control. In practice a 5-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.

Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?

Six Zero Quartz Control, with 7.2 twist weight against 6.3. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Six Zero Quartz Control carries the higher forgiveness score (91) as a result.

Is the price difference worth it?

Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) costs $175, $15 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. Six Zero Quartz Control: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core with a Raw carbon friction 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 Quartz Control is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 91 and sweet spot 92 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 7.9 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 108) is what you feel mid-rally.

Is it worth upgrading from the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) to the Six Zero Quartz Control?

Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on pop by 10 points; everything else is within 9 points. At $175 vs $190, 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 V-Sol Pro 16
• Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs SLK Halo XL Control
• Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs V7 Hybrid
• Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby

• Quartz Control vs Magnus 3S 16
• Quartz Control vs Double Black Diamond Control
• Quartz Control vs Pursuit MX 6.0
• Quartz Control vs Bantam ALW-C 14

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Read the full reviews: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and Six Zero Quartz Control. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.