The Ronbus Pulsar Pickleball Paddle Series Review

Looking for that extra edge on the court? The Pulsar pickleball paddle from Ronbus is here to revolutionize your play!

The 2023 Ronbus Nova paddle series has been released, including the R1 Nova and R3 Nova. These are great paddles and worth a try. But today we’re talking about the R1 pulsar and the R3 pulsar.

Of course, the R3 Pulsar, which was one of my favorite paddles last year. We don’t know what will happen this year, so let’s wait and see.

This article is a comprehensive review of the Ronbus pulsar pickleball paddle.

Ronbus R1 pulsar pickleball paddle

Specs：

Shape: Hybrid

Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb

Core thickness: 16mm

Face: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber w/ long-lasting finish

Grip length: 5.5″ and 5.25″ options

Grip circumference: 4.125″ Octagon

Average weight: 8.1oz (+/- 0.2)

Swing Weight: 113 (5.25″ handle) 117 (5.5″ handle)

Thermoformed: Yes

Total length: 16.25″ or 16.5″

Width: 7.5″

Price: $130 at Ronbus with discount code Rcpaddleshop

Rating
Power – 3/5

Control/Feel – 3.5/5

Spin – 4/5

Forgiveness – 3.5/5

Who needs it?

For those seeking increased offense and a power boost over a control paddle, the R1 Pulsar is the choice. It enhances your offensive play without compromising control. With substantial spin and a lighter swing weight, it’s a paddle suitable for versatile all-court gameplay.

Pros

-Exceptional Spin Capability.

-Powerful without Excessive Bounce.

-Optimal Swing Weight for Swift Moves.

-Highly Competitive Price for Carbon Fiber + Thermoforming.

Cons

-Paddle cover not included.

-The grip tends to get sweaty.

The Ronbus R1 Pulsar is also one of my personal favorites, and I often choose it for intense matches. It’s a nimble, all-court paddle with a power emphasis, delivering accessible power, pop, and control. The twist-weight and swing-weight hit the sweet spot, ensuring excellent maneuverability and stability.

You can snag this paddle for just $130 using the code “RCPaddleshop,” while comparable paddles from other brands usually go for around $200.

The paddle industry is booming, with many companies jumping in, but as Chris Olson mentioned, it’s becoming a “copycat” market. Numerous brands are trying to produce paddles with thermoformed carbon fiber faces and similar specs.

While you might find similar-looking paddles from other companies, choosing Ronbus ensures you’re getting an exceptional paddle from an outstanding company.

I think the Pulsar series paddles are more manageable compared to many others made using the same process. The R1 Pulsar has a nice mix of power, pop, and control.

What I really appreciate about the Pulsar series is its touch. Even though the paddle face is stiff due to thermoforming, it feels softer and more comfortable than many other Gen. 2 thermoformed paddles. This might be because Ronbus uses a unique thermoforming method with less heat.

As a result, the R1 Pulsar isn’t overly stiff or too plush. I haven’t had issues with pop-ups, and I feel in control during my drops, dinks, blocks, and resets.

The Pulsar, like other Ronbus paddles, has a great sweet spot. While the R3 Pulsar’s sweet spot is a bit larger and higher up than the R1, I didn’t find the difference to be major, especially after adding some lead tape to my R1.

If you’re switching from a non-thermoformed paddle, the R1 Pulsar should help you get used to the touch and power of thermoformed paddles. If you’re transitioning from another thermoformed model, you might notice a bit less stiffness, making it easier to nail challenging shots.

Ronbus paddles stand out as some of the best for spin performance in the market. The Pulsar series, easily secures a spot on my list of top paddles for spin.

In my tests of both the 5.25″ and 5.5″ versions of the R1 Pulsar, I recorded spin rates exceeding 2,000 RPM. If you haven’t experienced a similar Gen. 2 raw carbon fiber paddle, the spin output of the R1 Pulsar is bound to pleasantly surprise you. It allows you to manipulate the ball in incredible ways, creating intense spin.

Notably, my R1 Pulsar scored slightly higher in spin performance compared to the R3. This difference, I believe, is due to its lower swing weight and higher maneuverability. The lighter R1 can generate more spin as it moves through the air swiftly when applying topspin, underspin, or sidespin.

I’d place the R1 Pulsar in the upper-mid level for power output. While it’s a bit less powerful than heavy-hitters like the Legacy Pro, Six Zero Black Diamond, CRBN 1X, and Vatic Pro V7, it still delivers a considerable punch.

With the R1 Pulsar, I can effortlessly crush serves and drives. Its power is on par with paddles like the Vatic Pro Flash and Six Zero Double Black Diamond. It might not bulldoze through the court like heavier paddles, but it certainly has enough oomph for forceful drives.

The lightweight design doesn’t sacrifice swing speed, allowing for plenty of whip and spin on drives. You can unleash powerful returns without feeling like you’re wrestling with the paddle. Ronbus seems to have found the perfect balance here.

Talking about pop, the Pulsar brings a lively carbon fiber face into play, generating a good amount of pop without going overboard. When it comes to punch volleys and quick exchanges at the net, the R1 Pulsar delivers a snappy and lively feel.

It’s worth noting that it’s not as poppy as some other thermoformed paddles, but this isn’t a drawback. The Pulsar excels in hand battles—it’s quick, punchy, and remains easy to control.

What sets it apart is how its maneuverability enhances the pop factor compared to heavier, slower paddles. With the R1 Pulsar, you can effortlessly flick returns using wrist action and swiftly return to a neutral position.

When it comes to durability, the Pulsar series stands out as one of the most robust thermoformed paddles available. Ronbus has tackled quality control issues common in Gen. 2 thermoforms, such as delamination, disbonding, and core-crushing, with a unique thermoforming process.

With these concerns effectively addressed, the durability of the Pulsar paddles is rock-solid.  Ronbus employs a unibody thermoforming process, ensuring the paddle is a single, solid piece that won’t break at the handle or suffer from other structural issues.

For those seeking even greater durability, the newer Ronbus Nova series, available in R1 and R3 shapes, might be worth exploring.

It’s quite surprising for a paddle packing this much power that the R1 Pulsar is incredibly forgiving. The sweet spot is generously sized, and even when hitting outside of it, there weren’t many dead shots to worry about.

Personally dealing with tennis elbow and using a light grip, I appreciated that this paddle doesn’t rattle or shake excessively, a notable quality given its pop. This was especially evident during resets—even when not hitting the sweet spot perfectly, the ball consistently found its way into the kitchen.

Weighing in at 8.1 oz, the paddle’s relatively light weight aligns well with my preferences as I appreciate the option to customize with lead tape.

The aerodynamic design, possibly owing to the rounded edges, allows the paddle to cut through the air with remarkable speed. Whatever Ronbus has implemented, it has crafted a paddle that’s exceptionally fast, making it ideal for players who relish quick and dynamic hand battles.

If you’re contemplating the R1 Pulsar Paddle, I wholeheartedly recommend it. As a staunch supporter of Ronbus paddles, I find the combination of price and performance to be spot-on.

The Pulsar series stands out among thermoformed options, avoiding the common trend of being a clone of other paddles. Ronbus’s unique thermoforming approach brings performance and durability enhancements that, in my opinion, truly make this paddle stand out.

At $130 with code RCPaddleshop, the R1 Pulsar is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking a hard-hitting thermoformed paddle that’s exceptionally fast in hand. It offers a touch that’s stiff and poppy yet forgiving for a thermoformed paddle. It’s a great investment for your game.

Ronbus R3 pulsar pickleball paddle

Specs：

Paddle Length: 16.5”

Face Width: 7.5”

Grip Length: 5.5”

Grip Circumference: 4.125” Octagon

Weight: 8.0oz, +/- 0.2oz

Face/Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured

Paddle Shape: Standard

Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb

Core Thickness: 16mm

Edge Guard: Yes

Special Features: Thermoforming, foam edge

Price: $130 at Ronbus with discount code Rcpaddleshop

Rating
Power – 3.5/5

Control/Feel – 3.5/5

Spin – 4.5/5

Forgiveness – 3.5/5

Who needs it?

If you’re after a paddle with more oomph and a power kick beyond what a control paddle delivers, the R1 Pulsar is your jam. It amps up your offensive game without ditching control entirely. Now, if you’re cool with handling a bit more swing weight, the R3 Pulsar takes it up a notch, offering extra stability and power compared to the R1 Pulsar.

Pros

-It’s well-balanced, making drops, resets, and dinks easy. It packs a punch on serves, returns, and drives.

-It handles defensive moves like blocks and counters because it doesn’t feel too heavy up top and is light in your hands.

Cons

-Paddle cover not included.

The R3 Pulsar is a lot like the CRBN 1x in size – same length, width, and boasting the only 5.5-inch handle among thermoformed paddles. But don’t be fooled; it’s not just a budget copy of the CRBN 1. What sets the R3P apart is its unexpectedly soft and plush feel, rare for an elongated thermoformed paddle.

Its gentle power lets you tweak it with lead tape for added oomph and adjusting the balance to your liking—a flexibility I didn’t have with previous elongated thermoformed paddles, which already packed a punch.

If you’re into customizing paddles with lead tape and prefer a softer feel with less power from thermoformed paddles, the R3 Pulsar is a must-try. It’s a fantastic addition to the thermoformed paddle lineup, and the price is just right.

Beyond performance, I dig the cool design and think Ronbus has the best-looking logo around. But what seals the deal for me is Dong’s customer service at Ronbus—honest, timely, and customer-first.

The R3 Pulsar nails the sweet spot between power, pop, and control, making it one of the most easily maneuverable thermoform paddles out there. Surprisingly, the plush feel of the Pulsar gives it an edge in control over the crisper Double Black Diamond. It’s consistently less poppy and more reliable.

This paddle strikes a perfect balance—not too stiff or plush—with a forgiving sweet spot, minimizing mishits. The touch is pretty amazing overall, and popping up balls isn’t an issue. Right off the bat, I felt in control of my drops, dinks, blocks, and resets with the Pulsar.

It seems like the R3 Pulsar might ease the transition for players wary of switching to thermoformed paddles. If you’re coming from a soft, control-focused Gen. 1 paddle like the Hyperion CFS or Electrum Model E, there might be an adjustment period. However, it’s likely to be quicker than with other thermoformed paddles, and your soft game shouldn’t face significant challenges.

One intriguing difference with the R3 Pulsar is that it doesn’t seem to require a “break-in” period. Unlike most thermoformed paddles that need a week or two to settle in, the Pulsar’s performance remains consistent. Whether it’s the durability factor or something else, the paddle feels just as good after weeks of hard play as it did initially.

Just like the original Ronbus R3, the Pulsar doesn’t hold back when it comes to spin—it’s top-tier.  You’re in for a pleasant surprise seeing the impressive curve you can put on the ball with the Pulsar.

From my experience, the R3’s spin competes with heavyweights like the Legacy Pro, surpassing the Double Black Diamond and CRBN 1X.  That’s saying something, considering all these paddles are among the top spinners in the market. Here’s a list of the Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin that I think will help you.

I’ve been nailing my topspin drives, drops, and dinks with massive success using the Pulsar, making it super enjoyable.

The R3 doesn’t boast the same effortless power as some heavyweight thermo paddles like the Six Zero Black Diamond, CRBN 1X, or Legacy Pro. However, that doesn’t mean it lacks power.

Right out of the box, the R3 Pulsar packs a punch. You can match the power of a Black Diamond by incorporating a slightly larger swing with the R3, and you won’t have to worry as much about popping it up.

It’s notably more powerful than any Gen. 1 paddle I’ve used, including thinner 13/14 mm versions of those paddles. The R3 brings to mind the extra powerful Ronbus R3 or Joola Hyperion, both of which I’ve enjoyed playing with. I’m eager to try the R1 Pulsar when I get my hands on it, especially since the R1 is shaped more like the Hyperion CFS.

In terms of raw power, the Double Black Diamond (DBD) might be the most comparable thermoformed paddle. It’s tough to determine which hits harder between the DBD and R3 Pulsar, but the DBD is certainly more poppy. Regardless, both paddles offer ample power for control-oriented thermos.

The plush and less poppy power of the R3 Pulsar provides more flexibility to experiment with lead tape. Adding lead tape to the R3 Pulsar pickleball paddle significantly enhances its plow-through power.

The R3 Pulsar opts for a less super-stiff face and is among the less poppy thermoformed paddles out there. This isn’t necessarily a downside. Thermoformed paddles are inherently stiff and powerful by standard measures, and an excess of pop can make them challenging to control. For instance, the Six Zero Black Diamond, with its insane pop, can be one of the trickier thermoformed paddles to handle.

However, there’s buzz that the R1 Pulsar has even more pop than the R3. It lets you unleash laser-quick punch volleys and dominate hand battles. I often catch opponents off guard with sneakily powerful and poppy drives right up the middle or fast counter punches that they struggle to react to quickly.

Durability is a hot topic in the pickleball paddle scene, especially with Gen. 2 thermoformed paddles facing threats like delamination, disbonding, and core crush. Thankfully, the Pulsar from Ronbus takes a proactive stance.

Ronbus, in collaboration with TopCarbon, has meticulously refined its manufacturing processes to ward off durability issues. Through rigorous stress testing, the Pulsar has shown promising results in this regard.

Despite being relatively new to the market, the Pulsar’s production methods have proven effective, with no reported durability issues in the wild. Notably, the Pulsar skips the “break-in period” typical of other thermoformed paddles, showcasing intentional manufacturing differences.

Perhaps the use of cold molding instead of hot molding is a contributing factor, but regardless, this focus on consistent play seems intentional and aligns with Ronbus’s goal to minimize risks of delamination, disbonding, and core crush.

Putting delamination and core-related concerns aside, the Pulsar is a robust piece of equipment. The unibody thermoforming ensures it’s not prone to snapping or edge-guard failure. The premium Toray raw carbon fiber used for the paddle face is known for its durability.

As of now, feels great out of the box and the spin is still excellent after about 20 hours of use.

It’s the best of both worlds with the R3 Pulsar. Taking the strengths from both Gen2 RCF thermoformed paddles—stability, a solid structure, and forgiveness (thanks to its huge sweet spot)—and blending them with the soft touch and excellent feel of the gen1 16mm RCF. This paddle is a master at drops and dinks!

Within its unique niche, the Pulsar stands out as a fantastic addition to the thermoformed paddle market, earning my recommendation as one of the best paddles worth investing in. Priced at $130 with the RCPaddleshop code, it feels like a steal.

Choosing the R3 Pulsar is a smart move if you’re in the market for an elongated, long-handled thermoformed paddle boasting top-tier spin, ample power, and excellent control, especially considering its Gen. 2 raw carbon fiber build. Whether you’re new to thermoformed paddles or aiming to build a top-notch collection, the R3 Pulsar is calling your name.

Some might express concerns about its power compared to other paddles, but I find those worries a bit exaggerated. I’ve been delivering seriously hard shots with this paddle, achieving better accuracy and consistency than with my more powerful options.

My time with the R3 Pulsar has been a joy, and it has become my primary paddle. It’s consistent, strikes an excellent balance between power and control, and brings a ton of spin to confound opponents. Plus, it sports a 5.5″ handle, a feature I adore.

For those skeptical about thermoforming, the original Gen 1 Ronbus R1.16 might be the perfect fit for your game. While less powerful, it comes at a more affordable price and is easier to control compared to the Pulsar.

The R3 Pulsar pickleball paddle shares a thermoformed design with the R1 Pulsar pickleball paddle, but it rocks a squared-off top instead of a rounded one. Interestingly, this slight tweak in design actually affects how the paddle plays, even though it keeps many of the versatile traits of the R1 Pulsar pickleball paddle for all-court play.

Just like the R1, the R3 Pulsar brings that extra power punch and forgiveness that sets it apart from other Ronbus paddles.

The key difference? Swingweight.

The R3 Pulsar clocks in at a swingweight of 122, a solid 8 points more than the R1 Pulsar’s 114. This higher swingweight amps up the R3 Pulsar’s power, especially at the baseline, ensuring more energy transfer and ball carry.

However, it’s crucial to note that the R3 Pulsar feels heftier and plays a bit slower at the net.

In most cases, I’d steer you toward the R1 Pulsar for a similar play style but with the added bonus of being lighter and easier to handle. But if that extra swingweight is precisely what you’re after, then the R3 Pulsar might be the better fit for you.