Ronbus Nova R1 vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2
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
- 87Power80
- 89Control90
- 88Spin88
- 85Forgiveness88
- 86Sweet spot88
- 87Stability86
- 73Maneuverability78
- 83Pop74
- 86Touch88
- 87Consistency88
- 79Swing weight72
- 84Twist weight82
- 57Launch angle48
- 85Plow through78
- 85Softness80
Ronbus Nova R1 vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 specs
Every measured spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Ronbus Nova R1 | Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $160 — better | $170 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 85.7 — better | 85.4 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.1 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 116 | 111 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.4 | 6.8 — better |
| Shape | elongated | standard |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.9 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw T700 carbon | Raw Toray T700 carbon |
| Core material | Foam-perimeter polymer | Thermoformed 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.
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
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is pop: Ronbus Nova R1 scores 83 against 74 for Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 — a 9-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, sweet spot, touch, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($160 vs $170) that it should not break the tie.
Pop
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 9 points (83 vs 74).
Launch angle
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 9 points (57 vs 48).
Power
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 7 points (87 vs 80).
Swing weight
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 7 points (79 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 (86 vs 86.9 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Nova R1, standard on the Double Black Diamond Control V2.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.7 vs 85.6 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Nova R1, standard on the Double Black Diamond Control V2.
- Maneuverability
- Forgiveness
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.2 vs 83.7 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Nova R1, standard on the Double Black Diamond Control V2.
- Power
- Plow through
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 80, twist weight 84 vs 82. Its 16 mm Foam-perimeter polymer core at 8.1 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Ronbus Nova R1
Take Ronbus Nova R1 if you want pop (+9), launch angle (+9), power (+7). Its swing weight of 116 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Ronbus Nova R1 review →Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2
Take Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 if you want maneuverability (+5). 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 →Ronbus Nova R1 vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 FAQ
- Which is better, the Ronbus Nova R1 or the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2?
- Ronbus Nova R1 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.7 vs 85.4), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — pop — Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 9 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2, at 111 kg·cm² swing weight against 116 for Ronbus Nova R1. 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 Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2?
- Ronbus Nova R1 measures 87 on power against 80 for Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2. 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?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 at 90 versus 89. 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?
- Ronbus Nova R1 scores 88 for spin off its Raw T700 carbon face, against 88 for the Raw Toray T700 carbon face on Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2. In practice a 0-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2, with 6.8 twist weight against 6.4. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 carries the higher forgiveness score (88) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $10 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Ronbus Nova R1: 16 mm Foam-perimeter polymer core with a Raw T700 carbon 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?
- 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?
- 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. Ronbus Nova R1 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 at 8 oz against 8.1 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (111 vs 116) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 to the Ronbus Nova R1?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Ronbus Nova R1 leads on pop by 9 points; everything else is within 9 points. At $160 vs $170, 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.
- Nova R1 vs Mach 1 Forza 16
- Nova R1 vs Pro Ultimate Elongated 16
- Nova R1 vs Oni 16
- Nova R1 vs TruFoam Genesis 3
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Radius CGS 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Model E Max V3
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Sapphire 16
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 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.