Interesting review. Nice coverage of how the Ruby slots into the Six Zero product line. However, the defining issue for the choice of Kevlar is about durability/resistance to deterioration of the grittiness/spin power of the surface. Yet, so far no one has address this issue. How does it fare vs other surfaces? What is the value proposition for Kevlar?
You didn't specifically talk about how the sweet spot compares with the DBD or other paddles. And what specifically did you gain with your lead tape placement over stock without any lead?
Thanks for the in depth review. Used your discount code at checkout and looking forward to trying it out. Curious on your thoughts on it in comparison to Cliff's Vauraus paddle as that's what I'm currently using and love it but I love trying and switching between paddles to keep things fresh. Thanks to you and Cliff for all the great content!
Appreciate the support!! Cliff's paddle is definitely all control so that's what I use still for indoor and dura games! The Ruby is much more of a power paddle, definitely designed for countering with the slightly shorter handle as well. Both paddles are very different and suit different game styles.
Thank you for your time and posting. Not sure what my next paddle will be. I bought the GearBox Pro Elongated, not for me. I used it for two months and still couldn't get used to it. Back to my Legacy Pro. I'll wait for a few more reviews on the 6.0 Infinity Black Diamond.
Of course!! I couldn't play with the GearBox for long either, it's just unplayable at the higher levels. I have a review out on the Infinity BD on my channel, and John Kew has a great review comparing it to other 6.0 paddles as well. Personally, I would recommend the regular Black Diamond over the Infinity if you're looking for a consistent power paddle. If you're looking for a little more control/feel, take a look at the DBD, Volair Mach 1 Forza or even the Ruby. Legacy and CRBN are great options if you're looking for more power than those.
Thank you for the lead tape advice! I have it closer to the 6.0 on my dbd and love it but ill try it at the throat. Are you just using the pre-cut 3g strips? And have you ever found that they're too light and have to add two side by side or stack them?
The Ruby does come in stock heavy, so a single 3g precut strip was good enough for this paddle. On my Vauraus I do have the regular full strips all the way from the top of the handle to just under the lettering on the side because it comes in much lighter. Ideally I like to have my paddles at 8.5 - 8.6oz with a lower balance.
@@bk_pickleball I appreciate it man! I've been seeing all these videos surrounding No more backspin returns, but after learning how to do your slice drive return I just can't swallow that.
I was specifically concerned with the pop of the paddle. Confused to see you and another reviewer contradict as they said this paddle has less pop than the regular six zero.
This paddle is definitely more poppy than the Double Black Diamond and Infinity paddles. However, it's not as poppy as the Black Diamond as I mentioned in the video. Hope that helps!
I watched Johnqew and two others who said the same thing. It really will be interesting. I ordered one so I guess I’ll find out. Hopefully their QC is good. I have a BD that I gave to one of my kids and a DBD that the other one uses. Six Zero should take some responsibility and tell customers what to expect. I looked at their website. Couldn’t find anything about power, pop, control.
How can you measure pop outside of anecdotal feel? Are there any metrics? I was just watching another review and they said the pop is the one thing that the paddle isn’t good for.
Absolutely!! I am planning on starting to do some game reviews and breakdowns. Hopefully should be able to start recording some of them in the coming weeks.
Excellent video. Do they have a 14mm paddle? If they do, How does it compare. Also, can you give us yours thought on the New Engage Pursuit Pro EX. THANKS
What's better the ruby or gearbox pro? Which one would you prefer? I ordered the gearbox pro given all the hype, but of course, SixZero goes and drops this paddle and now I am torn. Been playing with the DBD for 4 months now and do like that paddle, but as I continue to play better competition it almost feels like you need all that pop to win points, so again not sure which paddle to play with going forward.
Personally, I prefer the Ruby over the Gearbox, the Gearbox just has too much uncontrollable power for doubles play. If you like the DBD, the Ruby is perfect as it is just a straight upgrade on the DBD with more power. Definitely recommend you check it out.
About your lead tape set up. You said add to the bottom where the handle is or the throat. What exactly and where exactly do you put it for “the bottom where the handle is “
Great question! If I'm adding weight at the handle, I usually remove the original grip and add lead tape onto the handle itself. Once I do that, I put on a replacement grip on top. If you're someone that holds the paddle pretty low on the handle like I do, you could also just add some thinner more flexible lead tape to the top of the handle and wrap and overgrip on top of it.
I would caution against adding weight to the handle. Little energy goes into the handle itself and therefore it will have little effect on how the paddle surface plays. Consider just above grip on the actual surface. YMMV.
The CRBN 1X is a very powerful paddle and honestly has a little too much pop imo. The most noticeable differences are, the Ruby has a 5.5" handle which is shorter than the CRBN 1X and the curved face has a much better sweet spot on the Ruby as well. The CRBN is wayyy more more powerful, and the ball deflects quicker off the CRBN. The pop on the Ruby is way more controllable and is much better for the control game. Go with the CRBN if you need the extra reach or power, go with the Ruby if you want a paddle with more controllable pop and better feel.
The Kevlar is DuPont and top Quality but what about the core? Their are cheap brands out there and no one is talking about that. i.e. cell wall thickness and diameter of cells.
Go to John Kew for his review and it is the complete opposite in comments. The pop and weight feel of the paddle are in contrast so who knows what to expect. 💁🏻♂️
I noticed the same thing. Now I’m scared of what’s coming in the mail. I have two of the DBD and one BD. The DBDs play the same, but feel different in the hand. I currently use the Pickle Ball Apes 🦍 Pro Line Energy. I love it.
Cliff's paddle is definitely all control so that's what I use still for indoor and dura games! The Ruby is much more of a power paddle, definitely designed for countering with the slightly shorter handle as well. Both paddles are very different and suit different game styles.
Was definitely trying something new with this video haha, but yeah I felt it too once I watched it on a bigger screen. The upcoming videos will be back to normal, appreciate the feedback! :) Thanks for the support