Proton Series One Project Black vs Six Zero Ruby
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Proton Series One Project Black takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Six Zero Ruby wins this matchup for most players: it takes hand speed and value on Paddle DNA against the Proton Series One Project Black, which costs $200.
Power
Too close to call
86 vs 85
Spin
Too close to call
90 vs 88
Control
Too close to call
86 vs 86
Forgiveness
Too close to call
81 vs 80
Hand speed
114 vs 117 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$160 at IQ 83.5 vs $200 at IQ 83.8
Overall pick: Six Zero Ruby · $160 · IQ 83.5
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 86Power85
- 86Control86
- 90Spin88
- 80Forgiveness81
- 82Sweet spot82
- 86Stability85
- 72Maneuverability76
- 82Pop83
- 82Touch82
- 84Consistency85
- 76Swing weight70
- 86Twist weight83
- 54Launch angle56
- 86Plow through80
- 68Softness74
Proton Series One Project Black vs Six Zero Ruby specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Proton Series One Project Black | Six Zero Ruby |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $200 | $160 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 83.8 — better | 83.5 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 117 | 114 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 7 — better | 6.6 |
| Shape | elongated | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.4 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw carbon fiber | Raw T700 carbon |
| Core material | Thermoformed unibody with foam walls | Thermoformed polymer |
Proton Series One Project Black verdict
A thermoformed unibody built around stability. The foam walls push twist weight to the top of our scored range, which is why off-center drives still land deep.
Six Zero Ruby verdict
Six Zero's answer to the hybrid trend, and the most balanced paddle in our 2026 database. Very few weaknesses at this price.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is swing weight: Proton Series One Project Black scores 76 against 70 for Six Zero Ruby — a 6-point gap. They are effectively level on twist weight, spin, launch angle, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Six Zero Ruby is $40 cheaper at $160.
Swing weight
Proton Series One Project Black leads by 6 points (76 vs 70).
Plow through
Proton Series One Project Black leads by 6 points (86 vs 80).
Softness
Six Zero Ruby leads by 6 points (74 vs 68).
Maneuverability
Six Zero Ruby leads by 4 points (76 vs 72).
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 (83.4 vs 83.2 on the weighted index). Take Six Zero Ruby and keep the $40.
- Twist weight
- Stability
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (82.8 vs 83.2 on the weighted index). Take Six Zero Ruby and keep the $40.
- Maneuverability
- Forgiveness
- Consistency
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.4 vs 83.3 on the weighted index). Take Six Zero Ruby and keep the $40.
- Plow through
- Spin
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Six Zero Ruby
Six Zero Ruby is a narrow pick at this level — softness 74 vs 68, forgiveness 81 vs 80. Its 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core at 8.2 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Proton Series One Project Black
Take Proton Series One Project Black if you want swing weight (+6), plow through (+6). Its swing weight of 117 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series One Project Black review →Six Zero Ruby
Take Six Zero Ruby if you want softness (+6), maneuverability (+4). Its swing weight of 114 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Ruby review →Proton Series One Project Black vs Six Zero Ruby FAQ
- Which is better, the Proton Series One Project Black or the Six Zero Ruby?
- Proton Series One Project Black carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (83.8 vs 83.5), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — swing weight — Proton Series One Project Black leads by 6 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Six Zero Ruby, at 114 kg·cm² swing weight against 117 for Proton Series One Project Black. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Proton Series One Project Black or the Six Zero Ruby?
- Proton Series One Project Black scores 86 for power against 85 for Six Zero Ruby. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed unibody with foam walls core swinging at 117 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 86 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Proton Series One Project Black scores 90 for spin off its Raw carbon fiber face, against 88 for the Raw T700 carbon face on Six Zero Ruby. In practice a 2-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Six Zero Ruby, with the higher forgiveness score (81 vs 80). Proton Series One Project Black actually carries the higher twist weight (7 vs 6.6), but Six Zero Ruby makes it back on sweet spot (82) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Six Zero Ruby costs $160, $40 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 One Project Black: 16 mm Thermoformed unibody with foam walls core with a Raw carbon fiber face. Six Zero Ruby: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core with a Raw T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Proton Series One Project Black, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.4 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Proton Series One Project Black avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Six Zero Ruby is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 81 and sweet spot 82 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Proton Series One Project Black rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Six Zero Ruby at 8.2 oz against 8.3 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (114 vs 117) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Six Zero Ruby to the Proton Series One Project Black?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series One Project Black leads on swing weight by 6 points; everything else is within 6 points. At $200 vs $160, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Guides featuring these paddles
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Read the full reviews: Proton Series One Project Black and Six Zero Ruby. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.