Ronbus Nova R1 vs Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Ronbus Nova R1 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
- 87Power82
- 89Control90
- 88Spin82
- 85Forgiveness84
- 86Sweet spot84
- 87Stability88
- 73Maneuverability70
- 83Pop76
- 86Touch90
- 87Consistency90
- 79Swing weight78
- 84Twist weight84
- 57Launch angle48
- 85Plow through86
- 85Softness84
Ronbus Nova R1 vs Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta specs
Every measured spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Ronbus Nova R1 | Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $160 — better | $180 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 85.7 — better | 84.7 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.1 | 8.4 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 19.8 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 116 | 120 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.4 | 6.5 — better |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw T700 carbon | FiberFlex fiberglass |
| Core material | Foam-perimeter polymer | X5 polypropylene honeycomb |
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 Vanguard 2.0 Invikta verdict
Selkirk's long-running Invikta shape in the softer Vanguard 2.0 build. Touch 90 and consistency 90 with 86 plow-through make it a drive-and-reset paddle for patient players.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is launch angle: Ronbus Nova R1 scores 57 against 48 for Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta — a 9-point gap. They are effectively level on maneuverability, consistency, sweet spot, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Ronbus Nova R1 is $20 cheaper at $160.
Launch angle
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 9 points (57 vs 48).
Pop
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 7 points (83 vs 76).
Spin
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 6 points (88 vs 82).
Power
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 5 points (87 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
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86 vs 86 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $20.
- Sweet spot
- 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 83.3 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $20.
- Spin
- Power
- Maneuverability
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.2 vs 83.5 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $20.
- Spin
- Power
- Maneuverability
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.8 vs 84 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $20.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Ronbus Nova R1
Take Ronbus Nova R1 if you want launch angle (+9), pop (+7), spin (+6). Its swing weight of 116 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Ronbus Nova R1 review →Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Take Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta if you want touch (+4). Its swing weight of 120 kg·cm² and 19.8 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta review →Ronbus Nova R1 vs Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta FAQ
- Which is better, the Ronbus Nova R1 or the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta?
- Ronbus Nova R1 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.7 vs 84.7), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — launch angle — Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 9 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Ronbus Nova R1, at 116 kg·cm² swing weight against 120 for Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. 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 Vanguard 2.0 Invikta?
- Ronbus Nova R1 measures 87 on power against 82 for Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. That comes from a 16 mm Foam-perimeter polymer core swinging at 116 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta at 90 versus 89. Its 19.8 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?
- Ronbus Nova R1 scores 88 for spin off its Raw T700 carbon face, against 82 for the FiberFlex fiberglass face on Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. In practice a 6-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta, with 6.5 twist weight against 6.4. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Ronbus Nova R1 carries the higher forgiveness score (85) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Ronbus Nova R1 costs $160, $20 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 Vanguard 2.0 Invikta: 19.8 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb core with a FiberFlex fiberglass face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Ronbus Nova R1, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.25 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Ronbus Nova R1 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Ronbus Nova R1 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 85 and sweet spot 86 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Ronbus Nova R1 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Ronbus Nova R1 at 8.1 oz against 8.4 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (116 vs 120) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta to the Ronbus Nova R1?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Ronbus Nova R1 leads on launch angle by 9 points; everything else is within 7 points. At $160 vs $180, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: Ronbus Nova R1 and Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.