Ronbus Pickleball Refoam R1 and R4 Paddle Review

Intro

Ronbus's new Refoam series marks their first venture into full foam-core construction, abandoning the internal carbon fiber chassis that defined their FIRE core Ripple paddles. The result is a more predictable, stable platform that prioritizes control and consistency over explosive power output. If the Ripple was built for maximum velocity, the Refoam is engineered for maximum trust.

The lineup features two distinct shapes: the elongated R1.14 and the hybrid R4.14, both utilizing a dense 14mm microcellular polypropylene foam core reinforced with strategically placed 3D carbon lattice segments. Each paddle pairs this construction with a raw Toray T700 carbon fiber face, targeting players who want advanced materials and tunable performance without the volatility of hotter foam-core designs.

Full disclosure—Ronbus provided these paddles for testing with no strings attached and zero editorial influence. After several weeks of drilling and match play with both shapes, the Refoam delivers exactly what it promises: a refined, stable all-court experience that rewards technique over raw aggression. Use code MPB to drop the retail price from $199 to $179, positioning it as a compelling alternative to paddles costing $80 more.

Tech Overview

The Refoam's core represents a significant departure from traditional foam-core construction. Instead of standard EPP or EVA foam, Ronbus uses MPP—Microcellular Polypropylene—created through supercritical foaming. This process generates smaller, more uniform cell structures compared to conventional foaming methods, resulting in improved strength-to-weight ratios and better long-term rebound consistency. Unlike EPP's rigid compression resistance, MPP compresses under finger pressure while maintaining structural integrity during play.

The defining feature is the embedded 3D carbon lattice system. Six carbon fiber grid segments wrap lower-density foam blocks positioned strategically around the sweet spot perimeter. This reinforcement adds torsional stability where impact forces concentrate most while avoiding the dead zones that solid carbon inserts often create near paddle edges. The lattice placement also contributes significantly to twist weight without adding excessive swing weight.

The hitting surface uses raw Toray T700 carbon fiber with a textured finish—no fiberglass blending or surface treatments. Dwell time and spin generation come from the MPP core's ball-holding characteristics and surface texture rather than face flexibility. This pure carbon layup delivers consistent response across the paddle face while maintaining the crisp feedback that advanced players expect.

Compared to the Ripple's FIRE core, which combined EVA foam with an internal carbon chassis for maximum output, the Refoam prioritizes stability and predictability. The trade-off is deliberate: less explosive power in exchange for more manageable ball response and easier shot shaping.

Specs

Both Refoam models share identical construction specs: 14mm MPP foam core, 3D carbon lattice reinforcement, raw T700 carbon face, 5.5-inch handle length, and 4.25-inch octagonal grip circumference. The dimensional differences define their playing characteristics.

The R1.14 elongated measures 16.5″ length by 7.5″ width, creating a longer, narrower profile. My test unit registered 7.81 oz static weight with a swing weight of 114.4 and twist weight of 6.15. These numbers translate to quick maneuverability through contact zones and extra leverage on full swings, particularly beneficial for baseline drives and serves where reach matters.

The R4.14 hybrid dimensions are 16.25″ by 7.75″, trading length for width. Static weight measured 7.89 oz with a swing weight of 111.15 and twist weight of 6.45. That additional face width shifts mass toward the outer edges, creating a larger sweet spot and improved stability on off-center hits while maintaining excellent maneuverability.

Both configurations offer substantial customization headroom. The sub-115 swing weights mean you can add significant tungsten without crossing into sluggish territory. Adding weight at 12 o'clock noticeably improves drive penetration, while side or throat weighting enhances stability for kitchen exchanges. The MPP core and lattice structure handle modifications well without compromising the paddle's fundamental response characteristics.

Playtest

Contact with the Refoam series feels distinctly different from both traditional EPP foam and thermoformed constructions. The MPP core creates a plush yet dense impact sensation—no hollow ring, minimal vibration, and a satisfying compression that lets you feel the ball compress and release cleanly. It's firm enough to maintain crisp feedback but soft enough to reduce hand fatigue during extended sessions.

From the baseline, both paddles require deliberate acceleration to generate pace. This isn't a free-power setup where lazy swings produce surprising depth. Drive power sits in the middle tier—plenty to pressure opponents when you commit to the stroke, but predictable enough that you won't accidentally overcook shots when you open up. The linear power delivery makes it easy to calibrate your swing for different court positions and tactical situations.

The soft game showcases the MPP core's strengths. Resets drop with minimal effort, and the dwell time gives you excellent directional control even when taking significant pace off incoming shots. Dinks feel stable and consistent, with the ball holding its intended line rather than wandering or floating. The face maintains its responsiveness across the hitting surface, with only gradual energy loss toward the edges rather than sudden dead zones.

Kitchen exchanges reveal the difference between shapes clearly. The R4.14's wider profile and higher twist weight create a more forgiving platform for hand battles, staying stable when contact drifts off-center. The R1.14 feels quicker to maneuver and slightly more responsive on counter-attacks, but requires more precise contact to maintain consistency. Both deliver adequate pop for finishing opportunities without feeling jumpy or unpredictable on blocks.

Spin generation sits in the upper mid-tier range for raw carbon faces. The surface texture and MPP dwell combine effectively for topspin drives and shaped dinks without requiring extreme swing mechanics. Spin consistency remains stable across sessions, with no noticeable degradation in grip over time.

Shape Comparisons

The dimensional differences between the R1.14 and R4.14 create distinct playing personalities despite identical core construction. The elongated R1.14's 16.5″ × 7.5″ profile prioritizes reach and leverage over forgiveness. The longer paddle head generates more momentum on full swings, particularly beneficial for baseline drives and serves where maximum leverage translates to improved penetration. Maneuverability remains excellent due to the narrow width, making it quick through contact zones during rapid exchanges.

However, the elongated shape creates a more focused sweet spot. Off-center hits toward the edges lose energy more noticeably, and the lower twist weight means less stability when contact isn't perfectly centered. This demands more precise technique but rewards clean contact with superior feel and responsiveness.

The hybrid R4.14's 16.25″ × 7.75″ dimensions shift the balance toward forgiveness and stability. The wider face creates a larger sweet spot with more generous margins for error, particularly valuable during kitchen battles where precise contact becomes challenging. The higher twist weight from additional perimeter mass improves torsional stability, keeping the paddle face square through contact even when hits drift off-center.

The trade-off is slightly reduced leverage on full swings compared to the elongated model. While the difference isn't dramatic, players who rely heavily on baseline power may notice the reduced penetration on drives. However, for most all-court scenarios, the improved forgiveness and stability outweigh the minimal leverage loss.

For controlled bangers and players with consistent technique, the R1.14 delivers superior reach and leverage. Players seeking maximum forgiveness and stability in fast exchanges will find the R4.14's wider sweet spot more accommodating.

Recommendations

The Refoam series targets players who prioritize stability and predictability over maximum output. If your game emphasizes shot placement, resets, and tactical point construction rather than overwhelming pace, the MPP core's plush-yet-firm response provides the control needed to execute complex strategies without fighting unpredictable ball reactions.

Advanced players who enjoy customizing their equipment will find the Refoam platform particularly rewarding. Both shapes start with conservative swing weights that provide substantial room for tungsten modifications. The core construction handles weight additions well, with noticeable improvements in stability and penetration without compromising the fundamental feel characteristics.

Players transitioning from thermoformed paddles or overly aggressive foam cores will appreciate the Refoam's middle-ground approach. It delivers enough power to pressure opponents when you accelerate while maintaining the predictability needed for precise shot execution. The learning curve is minimal—most players adapt to the feel within a few sessions.

This series won't satisfy players chasing maximum free power or explosive pop. The MPP core's stable response means you need to generate your own pace rather than relying on paddle assistance. Beginners or recreational players who benefit from paddle-assisted power might find it less immediately rewarding, though the control benefits become apparent as technique develops.

Players with arm or elbow sensitivity will appreciate the vibration damping and reduced shock transmission. The dense foam construction absorbs impact energy effectively while maintaining responsive feedback, reducing fatigue during longer playing sessions.

Price and Value

At $199 retail, dropping to $179 with code MPB, the Refoam series occupies an interesting position in the foam-core market. This pricing sits approximately $80 below the Ripple's $280 retail, reflecting the more moderate power profile while maintaining the advanced materials and construction quality that define Ronbus paddles.

Compared to similarly priced foam-core options, the Refoam's MPP construction and 3D carbon lattice system represent genuine technological advancement rather than marketing terminology. The materials cost and manufacturing complexity justify the premium over basic EPP foam paddles while undercutting the pricing of comparable high-end foam cores from other manufacturers.

The customization potential adds significant value for players who tune their equipment. The conservative stock specifications provide room for substantial modifications without compromising playability, effectively giving you multiple paddle personalities within a single purchase. For players who invest time in equipment optimization, this flexibility extends the paddle's useful lifespan significantly.

Build quality meets the standards expected from U.S. manufacturing, with consistent weight matching and durable construction that should maintain performance characteristics over time. The MPP foam's resistance to compression set and the carbon lattice reinforcement suggest long-term durability that justifies the initial investment.

Conclusion

The Ronbus Refoam series succeeds in creating a stable, predictable all-court platform that prioritizes control and consistency over explosive output. The MPP foam core with 3D carbon lattice reinforcement delivers a unique feel—plush yet dense, responsive yet controlled—that sets it apart from both traditional foam constructions and thermoformed alternatives.

For players who want advanced materials and customizable performance without the volatility of maximum-output foam cores, the Refoam provides exactly that balance. The $179 price point with code MPB positions it as strong value against competitors that often cost significantly more for similar construction quality.

Whether you choose the elongated R1.14 for additional reach and leverage or the hybrid R4.14 for enhanced forgiveness, both shapes deliver the stable, trustworthy performance that makes tactical pickleball more enjoyable and effective.

Pick up your Refoam at authorized Ronbus dealers, use code MPB for the $179 price, and let me know how it works for your game! For more detailed paddle breakdowns and performance analysis, subscribe to the newsletter and follow along on YouTube for the latest reviews and testing updates.