Ronbus's R1 Nova is positioned at the upper mid end of the range, designed around competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape.
Build at a glance
- Face materialTORAY T700 raw carbon fibre
- ConstructionThermoformed unibody
- Skill levelPro
What this paddle does well
Thermoformed unibody construction presses the face, edge, and core as a single piece. Result: stiffer, quieter, less prone to dead-spot creep than older sandwich-construction paddles. Lifespan typically runs 1.5–2x longer.
TORAY T700 carbon is the modern competitive standard — same weave grade you find on paddles £80 more expensive. The face grips the ball for proper spin generation without flexing unpredictably under impact.
Who it's for
This paddle is designed with competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape in mind. If you've moved past entry-tier paddles and want to feel the difference at every contact, the spec is here.
The honest trade-offs
No major trade-offs at this spec — it's a sensible all-rounder that doesn't peak at any one thing but doesn't compromise meaningfully either.
How it sits in the range
Browse Ronbus's full UK line to compare against the brand's other models, or the wider paddle range to compare against equivalents from other brands at this tier.
Frequently asked
What's the face made of?
The face is TORAY T700 raw carbon fibre. TORAY T700 is the modern competitive grade — known for consistent spin generation and stiffness across the face.
How does the R1 Nova compare to other paddles in this price band?
At this price you're competing against the equivalent tier from Selkirk SLK, JOOLA, Head Radical, and Vatic Pro. The differences come down to face grit, edge guard quality, and brand-specific feel — best to read the spec sheet, not just the badge.
Is the R1 Nova USAPA approved?
Most current paddles from Ronbus are USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play. Check the listing tags or contact us if you need confirmation for a specific event.
Does this paddle come with a cover?
Cover inclusion varies by model and batch. Where Ronbus bundles a cover, we mention it explicitly in the listing. Otherwise, paddle covers are sold separately and we recommend one for any paddle £100+.
Is the R1 Nova too advanced for a beginner?
This paddle is engineered for advanced and tournament-bound players — tighter tolerances, more demanding sweet spot. Beginners can play it, but won't access most of what makes it special. Consider a £30–£90 starter paddle first.
How long will this paddle last?
1–2 seasons of regular weekly play before noticeable dead-spot creep. Thermoformed unibody paddles tend toward the longer end of that range; sandwich-construction paddles toward the shorter.