Proton Series One Project Black

Who should buy the Series One Project Black?

Most compared with the Series One Project Black

The matchups people actually cross-shop, each with a full 15-trait breakdown.

• Proton Series One Project Black vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)In depthIn-depth head-to-head
• Series One Project Black vs Edge 18K V2Cross-shopped at the same price
• Series One Project Black vs Pegasus Gen 3Cross-shopped at the same price
• Series One Project Black vs Series Two Project FlashSame brand, more control
• Series One Project Black vs Agassi Pro 16Premium step up
• Series One Project Black vs Mach 2 Forza 16Cross-shopped at the same price
• Series One Project Black vs Loco 16mm StandardCross-shopped at the same price
• Series One Project Black vs Vice V2 16$30 cheaper
• Series One Project Black vs Ruby$40 cheaper

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the Series One Project Black

Our similarity engine ranks the whole database by average DNA deviation. Tighten or widen the band to see how far you have to travel to save money or gain a trait.

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Proton Series One Project Black

IQ 83.8 · $200

8 paddles within 5% of the Series One Project Black

Ranked by DNA deviation

1. #1JOOLA Agassi Pro 16$250 (+50) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match98%86
   +4 forgiveness+4 sweet spot+4 consistency+4 softness

   +4 forgiveness · Higher IQ score (85.6 vs 83.8)

   CompareFull DNA
2. #2Volair Mach 2 Forza 16$200 · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match97.9%85
   +4 forgiveness+4 sweet spot+4 maneuverability+2 power

   +4 forgiveness · Higher IQ score (84.6 vs 83.8)

   CompareFull DNA
3. #3Six Zero Ruby$160 (-40) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.7%84
   -6 swing weight-6 plow through+6 softness+4 maneuverability

   Saves $40 versus the Series One Project Black · +6 softness · -6 swing weight

   CompareFull DNA
4. #4Ronbus R4 Pulsar$160 (-40) · 14 mm · elongatedDNA match97.7%84
   +6 maneuverability-6 twist weight-4 control+4 pop

   Saves $40 versus the Series One Project Black · +6 maneuverability · -6 twist weight

   CompareFull DNA
5. #5JOOLA Mod TA-15 3S 16$250 (+50) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.5%86
   +6 maneuverability+6 softness+4 forgiveness+4 sweet spot

   +6 maneuverability · Higher IQ score (86 vs 83.8)

   CompareFull DNA
6. #6CRBN-5 TruFoam Hybrid$270 (+70) · 14 mm · hybridDNA match97.3%87
   +8 forgiveness+8 sweet spot+4 power+4 stability

   +8 forgiveness · Higher IQ score (86.9 vs 83.8)

   CompareFull DNA
7. #7Diadem Edge 18K V2$180 (-20) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match97.3%84
   -6 twist weight-6 plow through+4 maneuverability-4 pop

   Saves $20 versus the Series One Project Black · +4 maneuverability · -6 twist weight

   CompareFull DNA
8. #8HEAD Extreme Tour 16$180 (-20) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match97.3%84
   +8 softness+6 forgiveness-4 spin+4 sweet spot

   Saves $20 versus the Series One Project Black · +8 softness · -4 spin

   CompareFull DNA

Best alternatives to the Series One Project Black

Each pick beats the Series One Project Black on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

• Series One Project Black vs V-Sol Pro 16
• Series One Project Black vs Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
• Series One Project Black vs Perseus Pro V 16
• Series One Project Black vs Quartz Control

Series One Project Black — frequently asked questions

Is the Proton Series One Project Black good for beginners?

Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 80/100 and the paddle is tuned for advanced/pro play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.

Is the Proton Series One Project Black worth the price?

At $200 it sits in the 55th percentile of the database for cost and the 51st for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 at $99 is the value alternative we point people to.

How does the Series One Project Black compare to the Agassi Pro 16?

They are close on DNA. The Series One Project Black reads power 86 / control 86 / spin 90 against 88 / 86 / 90 for the Agassi Pro 16, at $200 versus $250. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.

Is the 16 mm better than the 14 mm version?

A 16 mm core has longer dwell time, which is what produces softer resets and more repeatable placement. The 14 mm build trades that dwell for a faster, poppier response off the face. Control players take 16 mm; players who want the ball gone quickly take 14 mm.

Is the Proton Series One Project Black approved for tournament play?

Sanctioned play requires the model to appear on USA Pickleball's official approved-equipment list. Proton submits its retail models for approval, but approval is per model and configuration, so check the current USAP list for the exact Series One Project Black build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.

Does the Series One Project Black have good spin?

Spin scores 90/100 — the 56th percentile of our database (around the database average) — off a Raw carbon fiber face. Spin is not this paddle's strength — several paddles in the same price band score meaningfully higher.

Is the Series One Project Black head heavy?

Swing weight is 117 kg·cm² and twist weight 7. That is mid-range: balanced enough that most players will not describe it as head heavy. Static weight is 8.3 oz.

Does the Series One Project Black benefit from lead tape?

It already swings at 117 kg·cm², so adding weight at 12 o'clock will make it sluggish. If you customise, keep it to a few grams at 3 and 9 o'clock for stability. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.

What is the best overgrip for the Series One Project Black?

The stock handle is 5.5 in long with a 4.25 in circumference. A thin tacky overgrip adds roughly 1/16 in of circumference and a few grams above the balance point — the cheapest way to fine-tune fit. If your hand is larger than the 4.25 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.

What should I replace the Series One Project Black with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Series One Project Black; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 86) and the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 adds power (95 vs 86).

Who is the Series One Project Black best for?

Aggressive doubles players who drive from the baseline. Skill levels we would put on it: advanced, pro. Handle length of 5.5 in supports a two-handed backhand.

What shape and size is the Series One Project Black?

elongated shape, 16.5 in long by 7.5 in wide, 16 mm Thermoformed unibody with foam walls core, Raw carbon fiber face, 8.3 oz. Released 2025.

Is the Series One Project Black good for two-handed backhands?

Yes — the 5.5 in handle gives your top hand a full grip rather than riding the throat.

Series One Project Black or Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?

Both are Proton. The Series One Project Black reads IQ 83.8 at $200; the Series Four (Project Roadrunner) reads IQ 85.6 at $175. The clearest split is maneuverability (72 vs 84).

How does PickleballLookup score the Series One Project Black?

The IQ score of 83.8 is a weighted composite of the 15 Paddle DNA traits, normalized across every paddle in the database so the number means the same thing on any page. Performance traits carry the most weight; descriptive traits like swing weight carry none. Full methodology is published.