If you're shopping the upper mid tier, the R2 Nova is Ronbus's answer for 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
- ShapeWidebody
- Weight0.2oz
- Skill levelIntermediate · Advanced · Pro
- Play styleSpin · All-court
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.
Widebody shape: shorter handle, wider face. Bigger sweet spot, easier on improvers. Trade-off is slightly less reach on defensive plays.
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
Is the R2 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.
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.
How does the R2 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.
What's the weight of the R2 Nova?
This paddle weighs 0.2oz on average. Pickleball weights vary slightly between units (typically ±0.1oz) due to manufacturing tolerance, but you can plan around this number.
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.
Is the R2 Nova elongated or widebody?
This is a widebody paddle. The wider face offers a bigger sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-centre contact than a standard or elongated shape — generally easier on improving players.