Ronbus Tenon

Who should buy the Tenon?

Tenon head-to-head comparisons

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

• Tenon vs Nova R1Same brand, more control
• Tenon vs Pegasus Gen 3Cross-shopped at the same price
• Tenon vs Mach 1 Forza 16Cross-shopped at the same price
• Tenon vs Loco 16mm HybridCross-shopped at the same price
• Tenon vs CRBN-1XPremium step up
• Tenon vs Loco 16mm StandardCross-shopped at the same price

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the Tenon

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.

Paddle DNA™ match

Match tolerance

±3%±5%±8%±12%

Only show cheaper paddles

Ronbus Tenon

IQ 87.8 · $180

8 paddles within 5% of the Tenon

Ranked by DNA deviation

1. #1Six Zero Coral Pro$240 (+60) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98.3%89
   +4 swing weight+3 spin-3 maneuverability+3 plow through

   +4 swing weight · Higher IQ score (88.5 vs 87.8)

   CompareFull DNA
2. #2Selkirk OMNI 16$280 (+100) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98.1%89
   -4 maneuverability+4 swing weight+3 twist weight+3 plow through

   +4 swing weight · -4 maneuverability · Higher IQ score (88.7 vs 87.8)

   CompareFull DNA
3. #3JOOLA Magnus 3S 16$230 (+50) · 16 mm · standardDNA match97.9%88
   -6 plow through-5 power-5 pop+3 launch angle

   -6 plow through

   CompareFull DNA
4. #4Honolulu J2CR$230 (+50) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.7%89
   +4 power+4 pop+4 plow through+3 spin

   +4 power · Higher IQ score (88.7 vs 87.8)

   CompareFull DNA
5. #5Volair Mach 1 Forza 16$170 (-10) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.7%85
   -4 touch-4 consistency+4 swing weight-3 control

   +4 swing weight · -4 touch

   CompareFull DNA
6. #6Bread & Butter Loco 16mm Standard$180 · 16 mm · standardDNA match97.6%86
   +8 launch angle-4 control-4 spin-4 touch

   +8 launch angle · -4 control

   CompareFull DNA
7. #7Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16$99 (-81) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.5%86
   -6 plow through-4 power-4 stability-4 swing weight

   Saves $81 versus the Tenon · -6 plow through

   CompareFull DNA
8. #8Ronbus Nova R1$160 (-20) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match97.5%86
   +7 swing weight-5 maneuverability-3 forgiveness-3 sweet spot

   Saves $20 versus the Tenon · +7 swing weight · -5 maneuverability

   CompareFull DNA

Best alternatives to the Tenon

Each pick beats the Tenon on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

• Tenon vs V-Sol Pro 16
• Tenon vs Ultré Power 2
• Tenon vs Perseus Pro V 16

Tenon — frequently asked questions

Is the Ronbus Tenon good for beginners?

Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 88/100 and the paddle is tuned for intermediate/advanced play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.

Is the Ronbus Tenon worth the price?

At $180 it sits in the 33th percentile of the database for cost and the 85th 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 Tenon compare to the Coral Pro?

They are close on DNA. The Tenon reads power 88 / control 91 / spin 90 against 90 / 90 / 93 for the Coral Pro, at $180 versus $240. 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 Ronbus Tenon approved for tournament play?

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

Does the Tenon have good spin?

Spin measures 90/100 — the 63th percentile of our database — off a Raw T700 carbon face. That is top-tier: enough bite for heavy topspin drives and rolls.

Is the Tenon head heavy?

Swing weight is 110 kg·cm² and twist weight 6.7. That is light and fast through the swing path, which favours hands battles over plow-through. Static weight is 8 oz.

Does the Tenon benefit from lead tape?

Yes — at 110 kg·cm² there is room to add. Tape at 3 and 9 o'clock raises twist weight and stability with the smallest hit to hand speed; tape at 12 adds power and plow-through but slows the paddle noticeably. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.

What is the best overgrip for the Tenon?

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 Tenon with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Tenon; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 91) and the 11SIX24 Ultré Power 2 adds power (94 vs 88).

Who is the Tenon best for?

Value-minded players who want flagship performance. Skill levels we would put on it: intermediate, advanced. Handle length of 5.5 in supports a two-handed backhand.

What shape and size is the Tenon?

hybrid shape, 16.3 in long by 7.6 in wide, 16 mm Foam-perimeter thermoformed polymer core, Raw T700 carbon face, 8 oz. Released 2026.

Is the Tenon good for two-handed backhands?

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

Tenon or Nova R1?

Both are Ronbus. The Tenon reads IQ 87.8 at $180; the Nova R1 reads IQ 85.7 at $160. The clearest split is control (91 vs 89).

How does PickleballLookup score the Tenon?

The IQ score of 87.8 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.