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TL;DR
- Top Paddle: Ripple R4 V2 – best all-court performance, fastest in hand, easiest to tune
- Most Surprising: R2 – high twist weight, stable, forgiving, zero fuss
- Biggest Jump: R1 – extreme swing weight, huge pop on punch volleys
- Wildcard: FIRE Core structure – completely different from honeycomb paddles
- Watch Episode: POTW Ripple V2 Review
- Discount Code: Use code MPB to save at checkout.
Introduction
This is not just a minor tweak—it's a reset. The Ronbus Ripple V2 lineup represents a full structural and design overhaul of the original Ripple family. With new internals, full USA Pickleball approval, and a bold move away from traditional honeycomb cores, the V2 line sets out to fix everything that held previous Ronbus paddles back.
Ronbus sent over all three V2 models—the R1 (elongated), R2 (standard), and R4 (hybrid)—for hands-on testing. As always, this review is entirely independent. My conclusions are based on match play, drills, paddle comparisons, and deep dives into the numbers.
What makes this line unique isn’t just the shape or surface—it’s the core. Ronbus calls it FIRE Core (Fiber Infused Rebounding Elastomer), a dense EVA foam platform fused into a 3D carbon fiber lattice. The result? A paddle that’s quieter, more stable, and far more composed than any of their earlier builds. More importantly, it’s one of the few Gen 3 alternatives that doesn’t rely on thermo-honeycomb or traditional edge foam. And yes—it's fully tournament legal.
Each paddle plays differently, and all three reflect Ronbus's push toward structural integrity and tuned rebound. Let’s break down how they perform, how they compare, and which one (if any) earns a place in your bag.
Player Fit and Paddle Type
Each paddle in the Ripple V2 series shares the same reengineered FIRE Core structure and carbon fiber face—but how they play on court is shaped entirely by geometry, weight distribution, and balance. This lineup doesn’t offer three versions of the same paddle. It offers three distinctly different tools.
Ripple R1 V2 – Built for Full-Swing Offense
The R1 is made for players who generate power through length and leverage. Its elongated 16.5" design and 124.45 swing weight put it firmly in the power category—but not in the trampoline sense. You don’t get free speed here. You get plow-through. This is a paddle for players who load their strokes, accelerate through contact, and want the ball to stay deep under pressure.
Its 5.5" handle supports two-handed backhands and offhand topspin flicks, while the narrower 7.375" face reduces drag just enough to keep it manageable. That said, hand speed is not its strength. Unless you’re used to managing higher swing weights—think Legacy Pro or a leaded-up thermoform—the R1 can feel heavy in transitions.
Ideal for: Baseline-oriented players, singles specialists, and anyone who values maximum drive power and directional plow.
Ripple R2 V2 – The All-Around Control Specialist
The R2 is the standard shape—15.875" long and 7.875" wide—and it plays like a reset-first, block-steady workhorse. With a twist weight of 6.65, the highest in the series, and a more compact swing profile (116.5 swing weight), the R2 is the most forgiving and stable option out of the box.
It favors players who prioritize consistency over explosiveness. Dinks, resets, blocks, and punch counters all feel grounded. There’s still enough pop to attack with, but the R2 doesn’t ask for perfect timing to deliver results. It’s the most accessible shape in the lineup for players coming from traditional widebody paddles or Gen 2 thermoforms.
Ideal for: Doubles players, defenders, and anyone who wants stability, forgiveness, and soft-game confidence without needing to tinker.
Ripple R4 V2 – The Hybrid Speed-Control Specialist
The R4 splits the difference between the R1 and R2. Slightly shorter than the R1 (16.125") and narrower than the R2 (7.5"), it carries the lightest stock weight of the three (7.99 oz static, 117.65 swing weight) while maintaining solid control characteristics. It also has the lowest twist weight in the series (5.95), making it slightly more timing-sensitive on mishits—but with just a bit of added neck weight, that gap closes quickly.
On court, the R4 is fast in hand, responsive in counters, and controlled through flicks and rolls. It doesn’t overpower the ball, but it reacts fast and stays firm in quick exchanges. Of the three, this model has the most room to fine-tune—and for many players, that makes it the best long-term fit.
Ideal for: Aggressive net players, transition zone attackers, and anyone who wants a fast, stable paddle they can customize for their game.
- Control
Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation. - All-Court
Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles. - Power
Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.
- Control
Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation. - All-Court
Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles. - Power
Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.
- Control
Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation. - All-Court
Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles. - Power
Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.
In-Depth Playing Experience
What stood out most during testing wasn’t just how the Ripple V2 line played—it was how different it felt from anything else currently in the Gen 3 market. The FIRE Core gives these paddles a compressed, grounded response that doesn’t behave like thermo-honeycomb builds or hollow Gen 1s. Each paddle has its own character, but all three share that same elastic, composed impact feel.
Overall Feel and Feedback
All three models play dense and quiet, with a clear rebound action off the face. Contact feels plush and muted, but not mushy. There’s none of the rattling or brittleness that affected earlier Ripple releases, and no over-softening that dulls responsiveness. You can feel the ball compress and release in a linear, controlled arc.
That response creates a noticeable contrast from many current thermoformed paddles, which tend to either feel snappy and crisp or spongy and slow. Here, the sensation is more like a flexing suspension system—stable at low speeds, springy under acceleration, and consistent across a range of touch and power shots.
Power: Controlled, Not Trampoline
Power delivery is deliberate. These paddles don’t offer trampoline pop or reward lazy mechanics. Instead, they build power with swing speed and release it with structure. When you drive with intention—especially on groundstrokes, serves, or counters—the ball jumps. But when you’re off balance or rushed, the response stays stable and manageable.
R1: Despite its high swing weight, the R1 doesn’t feel sluggish on drives. Once you get it moving, it delivers heavy plow-through and straight-line power. The 40.5 MPH punch volley speed (99th percentile) reflects just how forceful it is when centered.
R2: Slightly softer on the hit, the R2 still offers above-average pop with more linear control. It doesn’t take over the shot for you, but it’s easy to keep depth on third balls, flicks, and drive counters.
R4: The most elastic feeling in the group—especially when weight is added. Once dialed in, it combines the speed of a hybrid with enough mass to stay stable under pressure, delivering efficient, snappy counters without overreaching.
Touch & Control: A Major Upgrade
Where the V2 line pulls ahead of its predecessors is in control. Resetting with these paddles feels natural. There’s enough face dwell to take pace off the ball, but not so much that drops or dinks float or spray. The surface texture helps shape roll shots and top-spin resets, but it doesn’t get sticky. Everything feels deliberate.
The R2 is the most consistent at the kitchen—it handles off-center hits well, especially when rushed. The R1, while heavier, has enough mass to keep the ball low and compact during flick blocks and short counters. And the R4, post-tuning, became the most reliable under transition pressure, blending enough grip for touch with speed for reaction shots.
Paddle Design and Technology
The Ripple V2 lineup marks a significant structural shift for Ronbus—one that moves away from industry norms and toward a purpose-built, all-carbon platform. These aren’t just reshaped thermoforms with foam edgewalls. They’re built around a fully reengineered internal system that starts with the core.
FIRE Core: EVA Foam Meets 3D Carbon Grid
At the heart of all three paddles is Ronbus’s FIRE Core (Fiber Infused Rebounding Elastomer), a dense EVA foam that’s embedded in a 3D woven carbon lattice. There’s no honeycomb, no polypropylene, no plastic inserts. This is a single-material, molded internal structure fused with perimeter carbon and sealed inside a unibody shell.
The design goal was to blend the elasticity of foam with the structural consistency of a rigid frame—and in practice, that’s what it delivers. Impact feels composed and linear. There’s enough give to absorb speed on resets, but enough rebound to accelerate cleanly through drives and counters. Unlike Gen 1 paddles (which often feel hollow) or Gen 2 builds (which can feel harsh), the V2 platform offers quiet, dampened response with a low noise signature.
Structural Upgrades: Reinforcement Where It Counts
The V2 paddles show clear signs of structural reinforcement compared to the original Ripple, Alpha, and Beta test units. Independent x-rays and teardown photos from PB Medicine and Pickleball Tech Dude confirm:
- A thicker, denser foam core
- Heavier perimeter wrapping with carbon fiber
- Additional layering at throat and edge junctions
- Tighter face layup to reduce delamination risk
This added density translates into higher swing weights and more stability, but also more consistent feel across the face. The carbon skin—still raw Toray T700 with a coarse peel-ply texture—retains the same surface grip, but underneath, the behavior is more refined. There’s less flutter on mishits, more integrity on counterpunches, and better shock absorption on full-stretch blocks.
Mass and Balance: Designed for Load
These paddles are not lightweight. That’s by design. Each V2 model comes in heavier than its Beta predecessor:
- R1 V2: 124.45 swing weight (vs 111.44 Beta)
- R2 V2: 116.5 swing weight (vs 104.65 Beta)
- R4 V2: 117.65 swing weight (up from sub-110)
Static weights also increased by 6–7%. But what makes these changes work is how the mass is distributed. None of the V2 paddles feel head-heavy or sluggish unless you’re used to ultra-fast setups. The handles remain balanced, edge foam is absent (replaced by unibody carbon), and balance points stay centered.
The upshot: power gains without destabilizing the paddle. Punch volley speeds rose across the board (up to 41.5 MPH on the R2), while spin held at high levels despite added mass. Instead of trampoline bounce, you get controlled output that stays stable under load.
Internal Construction: X-Ray and Structural Transparency
Ronbus’s FIRE Core construction isn’t just a claim—it’s clearly visible in teardown and x-ray images. For this review, I’ve included internal x-rays of all three Ripple V2 shapes: R1, R2, and R4. These visuals, sourced from Pickleball Medicine and Pickleball Tech Dude, highlight exactly how the new structural design differs from traditional thermoforms and legacy builds.
Reinforced Grid and Foam Consistency
What stands out immediately is the uniform density of the EVA foam core. Unlike honeycomb interiors, which show a hexagonal pattern of air gaps and variable density, the Ripple V2 models display a consistent fill—tightly packed and evenly distributed throughout the paddle head. This ensures that the paddle face compresses uniformly, whether you strike dead center or near the edge.
You can also see the carbon fiber lattice wrapping through the core, which acts like a tensioned bridge inside the paddle. This woven reinforcement is fused directly into the foam during molding. The result: fewer dead spots, better rebound symmetry, and structural integrity that doesn’t rely on edge foam or perimeter injection.
Key Observations from the X-Rays
- R1: The most robust of the three. You can see additional layering at the throat and perimeter, likely contributing to its top-tier swing weight and solid drive feel.
- R2: Broadest core density and highest twist weight. The shape shows well-distributed mass, with balanced layering through the shoulders and edge.
- R4: The lightest, and with slightly narrower density near the top third of the paddle. This is likely why it benefits most from weight tuning—especially at the neck and upper face.
In all three, the lack of edge foam is a design choice, not an omission. These paddles rely on unibody shell construction and perimeter carbon reinforcement instead of the edge-cavity filling used in Gen 2 thermoforms. That gives the paddle a cleaner resonance profile and avoids foam compression over time.
Structural Summary
This is one of the few paddle lines on the market where you can see the engineering. The images back up what you feel on court: consistent, quiet, grounded impact that doesn’t shift over time. It’s not flashy, but it’s real—and it’s a meaningful departure from hollow builds that rely on face stiffness alone to deliver energy.
Aesthetics & Design
The Ripple V2 paddles follow Ronbus’s usual visual formula—understated, monochrome, and minimal. But this time around, the build execution finally matches the design intent. These don’t just look clean; they feel refined in hand.
Face Graphics and Branding
Each paddle features a matte black raw carbon face with a subtle gloss logo etched near the upper third. There’s no loud branding, no color overlays, and no pattern gimmicks—just a visible peel-ply texture and restrained cosmetic identity. The weave lines are visible under good light, and the surface grain is coarse enough to confirm the texture is baked in, not printed.
For players who appreciate visual simplicity, it’s a clean win. For those who prefer brighter or bolder designs, the V2 line stays firmly in the stealth category.
Shape and Contour
Each of the three models presents with slightly different proportions, but the construction feels consistent across the board. The R1 is tall and narrow, the R2 is squat and wide, and the R4 is a tapered hybrid that splits the difference. Edge guards are slim, uniform, and tight to the paddle body—no overhangs or bubbles.
The transition between throat and handle is smooth, without rough seams or loose wrap lines. Despite being molded paddles, they carry the precision you’d expect from a cold-layered or CNC-cut platform.
Handle and Grip
All three models ship with a slightly oval 4.125" circumference handle and a classic 5.5" length. The stock grip is minimalist—tacky but not thick, with a low-profile ridge. It’s easy to overgrip with lead tape or wrap of choice without adding bulk.
For two-hand backhand players, the 5.5" handle length on all models leaves plenty of space. And unlike some extended-handle thermoforms, the balance point hasn’t been pulled too far down, so you don’t lose maneuverability or control up front.
Design isn’t the standout feature of the Ripple V2 line—but it doesn’t need to be. These paddles are built to be played, not shown off. And for players who care about feel, balance, and surface function over graphic flourishes, the subtle aesthetic lines up perfectly with what’s under the hood.
...
Who Will Like This Paddle
Each model in the Ripple V2 lineup fills a distinct role. Despite sharing the same core and surface materials, they behave differently in hand—thanks to their shapes, mass distribution, and swing profiles. If you’re trying to figure out which one fits your game, here’s how they break down.
Ripple R1 V2 – For Players Who Drive First, Ask Questions Later
With a swing weight of 124.45 (95th percentile) and a static weight of 8.19 oz, the R1 V2 is the power paddle in this series. It rewards players who use full-body mechanics, generate their own acceleration, and rely on plow-through to create pressure. This model is best in the hands of players who know how to load a swing and are comfortable trading hand speed for ball weight.
- Punch Volley Speed: 40.5 MPH (99th percentile)
- Spin RPM: 2210
- Twist Weight: 5.9 (12th percentile)
- Who it fits: Advanced singles players, full-stroke baseliners, players upgrading from leaded-up thermoforms or paddles like the Legacy Pro
- What to know: Demands fast prep and good timing in hand battles. Not plug-and-play if you rely on finesse or quick flicks.
Ripple R2 V2 – For Players Who Build Points Through Control and Shape
This is the most approachable of the three. With a swing weight of 116.5 and the highest twist weight in the group (6.65), the R2 V2 is made for players who want stability at the net, confidence in resets, and a wide sweet spot that forgives off-center contact. It’s not a banger’s paddle—but it gives you enough pop to keep pressure on while helping you stay in points longer.
- Punch Volley Speed: 41.5 MPH (100th percentile)
- Spin RPM: 2295 (86th percentile)
- Static Weight: 8.15 oz
- Who it fits: Transition-minded players, steady doubles players, anyone who favors consistency over raw pace
- What to know: Easiest to adapt to, lowest learning curve, and strong out of the box without needing to add weight
Ripple R4 V2 – For Players Who Attack Early, Reset Cleanly, and Customize
If the R1 is the hammer and the R2 is the anchor, the R4 is the scalpel. It has the lowest stock weight at 7.99 oz, a swing weight of 117.65, and a twist weight of 5.95. On paper, that twist number might look low—but in practice, the paddle moves fast, hits clean, and handles well once weighted. This is the model that gives you the most room to tune and the most versatility across formats.
- Punch Volley Speed: 41.0 MPH
- Spin RPM: 2253
- Who it fits: Aggressive doubles players, transition attackers, players who want a modifiable platform to fine-tune with lead or tungsten
- What to know: Not the most forgiving in stock form—but easily becomes the most balanced once weighted properly
Not Ideal For…
- Players looking for ultra-light builds (none of these dip below ~8 oz)
- Anyone who prefers max trampoline pop or a floaty, open sweet spot
- Beginners or early intermediates who haven’t dialed in their contact point yet
Surface Materials and Texture: A Closer Look
All three Ripple V2 paddles share the same surface: raw Toray T700 carbon fiber with a coarse peel-ply texture. This isn’t a hybrid weave or printed overlay—it's a true raw carbon face with visible texture built directly into the top sheet.
Texture Type and Spin Behavior
The face texture feels dry, slightly grippy, and tactile without being overly rough. Under the fingertip, you can feel the directional grain and peel lines. It’s not sandpaper-like, but it does offer a notable bite—especially on roll shots, topspin flicks, and third shot drops with shape.
Across the three paddles, spin performance holds up well:
- R2 V2: 2295 RPM (86th percentile)
- R4 V2: 2253 RPM
- R1 V2: 2210 RPM
This places the entire line among the upper tier of spin-producing paddles currently tested, particularly impressive given the denser, non-honeycomb core. That’s key—many foam-core builds lose spin to compliance. The Ripple V2s maintain grip without giving up structural feel.
What’s also worth noting is that the spin is predictable. The paddles grab the ball, but they don’t over-shape. The result is a clean trajectory, fewer misfires, and more consistent shaping from both wings.
Surface Wear and Durability
While I haven’t stress-tested for long-term abrasion yet, initial signs are solid. The carbon face is sealed under a unibody shell, and early teardown photos suggest a tighter weave than earlier Ronbus models. There’s no evidence of surface breakdown, no fraying at the edges, and no signs of grit coating flaking away (because there is no grit coating—this is true raw carbon).
In short: the surface matches the core. Both are built for long-term consistency rather than early-stage explosiveness. If you're coming from a thermoformed grit-coated paddle, the feel will be less harsh—but the spin won’t suffer.
Pricing & Value
The Ronbus Ripple V2 series launches at $280 MSRP—firmly positioned in the Gen 3.5 market tier, alongside most raw carbon thermoformed paddles with foam cores and performance-grade layups. And in this case, the price isn’t just about carbon and shape—it’s about architecture.
You're paying for a fully non-honeycomb, EVA-based core, a 3D carbon lattice structure, and a paddle that doesn’t rely on glued edge foam or press-fit seams to hold up under pressure. It’s a molded platform with internal reinforcement visible in teardown and x-ray photos—and that alone sets it apart from most paddles in the $200–$300 tier.
Included Value
- Structural consistency: Unibody design with no edge foam, fewer breakdown points over time
- Spin performance: All three models exceed 2200 RPM, holding near top percentile for carbon-face paddles
- Compliance assurance: Each paddle is PBCOR.43 certified and backed by a joint public statement from Ronbus and USA Pickleball—a key reassurance for competitive players
- Versatility within the line: Three distinct shapes with different balance points, weights, and play characteristics
Promo Code + Upgrade Offer
- Use code
MPBat checkout on Ronbus.com to save off retail.
Is It Worth It?
At $280, the Ripple V2 sits at the same price point as major competitors like the Legacy Pro, Vatic Pro Flash Gen 3, and Six Zero Black Diamond. But what it offers is a fundamentally different build philosophy—no traditional core, no reliance on foam edge enhancement, and a rebound profile that feels more like a tuned system than a raw speed tool.
If you’re the kind of player who breaks down paddles quickly, plays competitively, or simply wants a structure that doesn’t degrade after 3–6 months, the price is justified by the design.
Conclusion & Recommendation
The Ripple V2 lineup isn’t just a patch. It’s a full-system reboot of Ronbus’s most ambitious concept to date—and this time, it works. The paddles are structurally solid, legally compliant, and competitively tuned. Each one plays differently, but all three share the same DNA: dampened feedback, high spin, spring-loaded control, and the kind of build integrity that sets them apart from most thermoformed offerings on the market.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Pick the R1 if your game is built around full-stroke power, baseline drives, and attacking from behind the line. You’ll trade some speed for mass, but gain unmatched plow-through and punch.
- Go with the R2 if you’re a doubles-first player who lives in the kitchen, resets often, and wants a paddle that forgives timing misses while still delivering controlled pop. It’s the easiest to trust on contact and the most plug-and-play friendly.
- Grab the R4 if you like to play fast, adjust your weighting, and need a paddle that responds well to minor tuning. It’s the most adaptable model in the lineup—and the one that earned a permanent spot in my bag.
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