Ronbus Nova R1 vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Ronbus Nova R1 wins this matchup for most players: it takes control and value on Paddle DNA against the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, which costs $332.99.
Power
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
95 vs 87
Spin
Too close to call
91 vs 88
Control
89 vs 84
Forgiveness
Too close to call
88 vs 85
Hand speed
Too close to call
116 vs 118 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$160 at IQ 85.7 vs $332.99 at IQ 87.1
Overall pick: Ronbus Nova R1 · $160 · IQ 85.7
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 87Power95
- 89Control84
- 88Spin91
- 85Forgiveness88
- 86Sweet spot89
- 87Stability92
- 73Maneuverability66
- 83Pop90
- 86Touch80
- 87Consistency85
- 79Swing weight82
- 84Twist weight92
- 57Launch angle58
- 85Plow through93
- 85Softness72
Ronbus Nova R1 vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Ronbus Nova R1 | Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $160 — better | $332.99 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 85.7 | 87.1 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.1 | 8.25 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 116 | 118 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.4 | 7.2 — better |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.45 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw T700 carbon | Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit |
| Core material | Foam-perimeter polymer | BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring |
Ronbus Nova R1 verdict
Ronbus keeps doing the same thing: premium specs, mid-tier price. The Nova R1 lands between a control and power build and does not embarrass itself in either direction.
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 verdict
The highest power score in the database, and the twist weight (7.2) to back it up. The MOI tuning system lets you dial the balance, but nothing turns a 118 swing weight into a fast-hands paddle.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is softness: Ronbus Nova R1 scores 85 against 72 for Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 — a 13-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, forgiveness, sweet spot, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Ronbus Nova R1 is $172.99 cheaper at $160.
Softness
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 13 points (85 vs 72).
Power
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 8 points (95 vs 87).
Twist weight
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 8 points (92 vs 84).
Plow through
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 8 points (93 vs 85).
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
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is a narrow pick at this level — twist weight 92 vs 84, stability 92 vs 87, forgiveness 88 vs 85. Twist weight 7.2 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Forgiveness
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.7 vs 83.6 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $172.99.
- Maneuverability
- Control
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.2 vs 86.3 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $172.99.
- Power
- Plow through
- Spin
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Ronbus Nova R1
Ronbus Nova R1 is a narrow pick at this level — softness 85 vs 72. Its 16 mm Foam-perimeter polymer core at 8.1 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
Which one should you buy?
Ronbus Nova R1
Take Ronbus Nova R1 if you want softness (+13), maneuverability (+7), touch (+6). Its swing weight of 116 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Ronbus Nova R1 review →Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Take Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 if you want power (+8), twist weight (+8), plow through (+8). Its swing weight of 118 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 review →Ronbus Nova R1 vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 FAQ
- Which is better, the Ronbus Nova R1 or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.1 vs 85.7), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — softness — Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 13 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Ronbus Nova R1, at 116 kg·cm² swing weight against 118 for Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Ronbus Nova R1 or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 95 for power against 87 for Ronbus Nova R1. That comes from a 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core swinging at 118 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Ronbus Nova R1 at 89 versus 84. 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?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 91 for spin off its Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face, against 88 for the Raw T700 carbon face on Ronbus Nova R1. In practice a 3-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, with the higher forgiveness score (88 vs 85). Its 7.2 twist weight against 6.4 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Ronbus Nova R1 costs $160, $172.99 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?
- Ronbus Nova R1: 16 mm Foam-perimeter polymer core with a Raw T700 carbon face. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16: 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core with a Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, at 5.8 in of handle against 5.5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 88 and sweet spot 89 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Ronbus Nova R1 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Ronbus Nova R1 at 8.1 oz against 8.25 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (116 vs 118) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Ronbus Nova R1 to the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Ronbus Nova R1 leads on softness by 13 points; everything else is within 8 points. At $160 vs $332.99, 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.
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- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Perseus CFS 16
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs GX2 Power Elongated
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs CRBN-3X Power Series
- Nova R1 vs Mach 1 Forza 16
Also worth comparing
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- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Ultré Power 2
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs 1X TruFoam Power
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Hyperion Pro V 16
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Labs 008 Project 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 Ronbus Nova R1 and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Ronbus Nova R1 and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.