When it comes to innovating and pushing the boundaries of paddle technology, Ronbus has truly outdone itself with the release of the Pulsar FX series. This new generation of paddles, debuting with the R1, R2, and R3 shapes, is the result of years of research and effort to improve performance.
After the Pulsar line was introduced, Ronbus fans and paddle enthusiasts eagerly awaited its release, which has undoubtedly been well-received. The Pulsar FX series is not just a minor update—it’s a complete overhaul designed to address the issues that have plagued thermoformed paddles in the past. Thanks to innovations like edge-grid technology, crushed core and core corruption have been solved.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the Pulsar FX series is how affordable it remains despite its high-end performance features. Ronbus has maintained its commitment to delivering high-performing paddles at affordable prices, ensuring players at all levels can enjoy this new technology.
The grid technology is patent-pending, making it a unique addition to the paddle world. The R1, R2, and R3 shapes all provide different playing experiences, but each is designed to improve control, power, and spin output, with extended dwell time for better dynamic response. These paddles have been extensively tested for over five weeks, and it’s clear that Ronbus is leading the way in next-gen paddle performance.
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Ronbus Pulsar FX Series: A Quick Overview
The Ronbus Pulsar FX series offers a fresh take on the classic Pulsar line, with some noticeable adjustments that players will appreciate. The new FX paddles feel slightly denser and marginally heavier than the original Pulsar line, adding a tad more power and pop to your shots.
While this added weight might be a drawback for those who prefer lighter paddles, it enhances stability and control for others. The Pulsar FX series combines the best traits of the OG Pulsar and Nova lines, pushing the limits on dwell time and spin output. The flexible grid pattern also enhances ball control, offering a more connected feeling when making contact.
The R2 shape, with its wide body design, has already become a popular choice, especially for doubles players. It has an excellent sweet spot and offers smooth stability, making it a great all-around paddle.
The R3 shape, on the other hand, with its elongated design, is ideal for singles players looking for more reach. Players who prefer the heavier feeling of the FXs will likely find it a worthy successor to the original Pulsar line, offering more power and spin without sacrificing control. In testing, it’s clear that Ronbus has created one of the best paddles they’ve ever produced—combining the right mix of power, control, and spin to make this line a top contender.
| Specification | R1 | R2 | R3 |
| Paddle Length | 16.5” | 16” | 16.5” |
| Face Width | 7.5” | 8” | 7.5” |
| Grip Length | 5.5” | 5.5” | 5.5” |
| Grip Circumference | 4.125” Octagon | 4.125” Octagon | 4.125” Octagon |
| Weight | 7.8oz, +/- 0.2oz | 7.8oz, +/- 0.2oz | 8.0oz, +/- 0.2oz |
| Swingweight | 110 | 105 | 119 |
| Twistweight | 5.82 | 6.55 | 6.22 |
| Paddle Surface | Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured | Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured | Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured |
| Paddle Shape | Hybrid | Wide Body | Elongated Standard |
| Core Material | Polypropylene Honeycomb | Polypropylene Honeycomb | Polypropylene Honeycomb |
| Core Thickness | 16mm | 16mm | 16mm |
| Edge Guard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences:
- Paddle Length: R1 and R3 are longer at 16.5” compared to R2 at 16”.
- Face Width: R2 has a wider face (8”) compared to 7.5” for R1 and R3.
- Weight: R3 is heavier (8.0oz) compared to R1 and R2 (7.8oz).
- Swingweight: R3 has the highest swingweight (119), R1 at 110, and R2 at 105.
- Twistweight: R2 has the highest twistweight (6.55), followed by R3 (6.22) and R1 (5.82).
- Paddle Shape: Each model has a distinct shape: Hybrid (R1), Wide Body (R2), and Elongated Standard (R3).
Paddle Features and Technology
The Ronbus Pulsar FX series stands out due to its advanced technology and cutting-edge features, which are designed to enhance performance on every shot. One key innovation is the flexible carbon fiber grid, strategically placed within the paddle to optimize dwell time and offer a perfect balance of softness and responsiveness.
This grid design significantly boosts power output and enhances spin, allowing players to generate more spin and control with ease. The raw finish and carbon fiber layup provides superior grip, ensuring a solid connection with the ball during both powerful drives and delicate touch shots.
A significant improvement in the Pulsar FX line is the edge grid density and internal pressure management system, addressing the issues faced by earlier models, such as core crushing. The air-permeable edge grid helps distribute pressure evenly, contributing to better durability while maintaining a high level of performance.
The 360-degree unibody thermoforming process further ensures a durable yet responsive paddle, with strategically reinforced and softened areas for dynamic play. Whether you’re aiming for powerful drives or more controlled shots, the Pulsar FX series delivers, making it ideal for players seeking the perfect balance of power and control.
Power and Performance: Unmatched Speed and Consistency
Thanks to its 360-degree unibody construction and thermoformed design, the Pulsar FX series excels in power without sacrificing control. These features provide the solid construction necessary for powerful shots while ensuring consistent control on every strike. The increased sweet spot and foamed edge perimeter add stability, allowing players to hit with more confidence, whether executing fast speed-ups or precise touch shots.
The extra-long handle offers added comfort and flexibility for those who rely on a two-handed backhand. Crafted from high-quality Toray T700 carbon fiber, the Pulsar FX paddle is built for longevity. Its textured finish maximizes spin. The balanced weight distribution enhances the overall feel, ensuring comfort without compromising on performance. As a USAPA-approved paddle, the Pulsar FX is also an excellent choice for sanctioned tournament play, combining modern design with premium materials for long-lasting reliability.
Build Quality
The Ronbus Pulsar FX series is built for durability and performance. Its unibody construction and thermoforming process ensure that the paddle maintains its strength and flexibility over time. The carbon fiber layup gives the paddle a solid feel, while the edge grid density and internal pressure system prevent damage to the core, allowing it to perform at its best for longer.
Grip
One of the most important features of the Pulsar FX series is its grip. The raw texture combined with a soft finish gives players a secure and comfortable hold during play. Whether you’re going for a quick attack or a more controlled shot, the paddle’s grip ensures a firm connection with the ball. The grip is strategically designed to support both enhanced power and maximum spin with every stroke.
Paddle Shape
The Pulsar FX series offers three distinct paddle shapes: R1, R2, and R3. Each shape is designed to meet different playing styles and preferences. The R2 shape is popular for doubles, offering a wide body for a more prominent sweet spot and smooth stability. The R1 and R3 shapes cater to singles players, with the R3 offering an elongated design for extra reach. The shape you choose impacts dwell time and ball control, so it’s important to select the one that best suits your style of play.
Ronbus Pulsar FX Series Paddle Performance
Power Output and Playability
The Pulsar FX line stands out for its impressive power output. Thanks to its thermoformed construction and innovative design, these paddles deliver a potent punch on every shot. The power is particularly noticeable during big, heavy drives and serves, where the paddle allows for excellent plow-through and controlled overheads.
The R3 shape is ideal for those looking for extra reach. It provides more power on drives and volleys while maintaining a smooth, controlled feel during play. Players can expect an effortless power transfer from the paddle, as the edge grid and flexible grid work together to ensure maximum power output while keeping the ball under control.
The Pulsar FX paddles offer a noticeable increase in power compared to the original Pulsar and Nova series. The R2-shaped paddle, with its wide-bodied design, is perfect for players who prefer a more stable, robust feel, especially during counters and punch volleys.
For those who wish the paddle were lighter, options like the 12mm or 13mm versions are available. These offer a slightly thinner build while still delivering impressive power and stability.
Whether you’re playing aggressive drives or delicate half-volleys, the Pulsar FX series gives you the power output to compete with other top paddles like the Joola Gen 3 or Gearbox Power paddle, making it a top choice for players seeking a balance of power and control.
Control and Feel
Thanks to its advanced carbon fiber and flexible grid technology, the Pulsar FX series provides an incredible controllable feel. This combination results in a buttery smooth and connected experience during play, allowing the ball to sit comfortably on the paddle face. For players who prioritize control, the Pulsar FX paddles offer a smooth, responsive feel, perfect for drops, resets, and blocks.
The paddles are also soft enough to allow the ball to sink in, giving you more control over the ball’s placement, especially during delicate dinks or blocks at the net. The sweet spot is generous, making the R2-shaped paddle especially appealing for those who need stability and control in their shots.
The overall control of the Pulsar FX series is a significant upgrade compared to the original Pulsar line. In my experience, the paddles feel incredibly responsive, allowing for precise, controlled shots with excellent stability.
Whether you’re adjusting to new angles, performing controlled drops, or setting up volleys, the Pulsar FX paddles help maintain consistency. They remind me of the feel you get from high-end paddles like the Six Zero Ruby but with more stability and a better connected feeling to the ball.
Even with the margin of control, the Pulsar FX paddles make it easier to deliver precise shots, making them a great choice for players looking for excellent control and touch on the court.
Spin Potential
One of the standout features of the Pulsar FX series is its improved spin output, a change that’s immediately noticeable when you hit the ball. The peel-ply texture on the carbon fiber face of the paddle enhances the ability to impart spin, giving you better control on both topspin and underspin shots.
Whether you’re executing aggressive drives, drops, dinks, or rolls, the Pulsar FX paddles allow you to generate more spin with ease. The difference in spin is enormous compared to the OG Pulsar series, offering you the ability to attack with flicks and speed-ups that can throw opponents off balance.
This ability to generate high-spin shots makes the Pulsar FX line a real game-changer. It allows players to attack from wild angles, hitting shots that stay in bounds even when you’re pushing the limits.
Whether you’re controlling the net with delicate flicks or placing aggressive topspin shots to force mistakes, the Pulsar FX paddles provide a level of spin and control that’s perfect for players looking to improve their offensive game.
The peel-ply texture also ensures durability, so the improved spin remains longer-lasting. This makes this series a top choice for players who rely on spin to dictate play.
Pop and Responsiveness
The Pulsar FX series has a noticeable increase in pop, giving it a crisp, energetic feel that’s perfect for serves, volleys, and punch counters. Swapping from the original Pulsar line to the FX series, you’ll immediately notice the high-pop output, which comes from the combination of a flexible carbon fiber grid and an improved dwell time.
This dwell time allows the ball to stay on the paddle a fraction longer, providing a more responsive and controlled feel during play while still delivering that paddle pop when needed.
The added pop of the Pulsar FX series results in better speed on your shots, from high-pop serves to aggressive volleys that fly off the paddle with energy. This improvement helps create crisp shots that are not only fast but also controllable, making the Pulsar FX paddles an excellent choice for players looking to inject more speed and pop into their game.
The paddle structure’s enhanced flexibility helps achieve a solid, energetic feel without sacrificing control. Players can make quick adjustments while keeping their shots powerful and precise.
Hand Speed and Agility
When it comes to hand speed, the Pulsar FX series offers a balance of power and stability without sacrificing agility. The heavier paddle adds substantiality, but it makes wrist movements slightly slower than with lighter paddles.
If you’re used to lighter-weight paddles, you might notice a slower feel, particularly during quick speed-ups or reactions at the net. However, the added weight can actually improve the stability and power of your shots, mainly when using the paddle for drives and more aggressive attacks.
The Pulsar FX series can be modified to suit players who prefer faster, more agile movements. A simple modification with lead tape or choosing a lighter paddle can help counter any lagging feel during wrist movements. Stock paddles offer excellent balance, but for those who feel the heavier paddle slows their hand speed, adjusting the weight can make a big difference without sacrificing overall performance.
In fast-paced exchanges, such as kitchen battles, the paddle offers enough control and responsiveness to keep up with the speed while still allowing for excellent power and stability on more substantial shots. Whether you prefer a more modified or stock setup, the Pulsar FX gives you the flexibility to enhance your hand speed while maintaining solid performance in key areas.
Durability and Longevity
The Pulsar FX series has a reputation for excellent durability, addressing past concerns with thermoforming and edge-guard issues seen in earlier Ronbus models. Ronbus has always been committed to improving their paddles, and this new series is no exception.
The unique air-permeable edge grid technology helps prevent damage, and the overall construction reduces the risk of warping. Thus, Pulsar FX paddles are not only durable but also maintain their performance for a longer time than some other paddles on the market.
While previous versions of the Pulsar line have been criticized for their durability, such as warping from the thermoforming process, these issues have been addressed mainly in the Pulsar FX series.
Due to the reinforced design and the edge grid supporting the paddle’s structure, players can expect better durability. This makes it a solid choice for those looking for a long-lasting paddle. After extensive testing and adjustments, Ronbus has created a more resilient paddle that stands up to the rigors of competitive play, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Value
The Ronbus Pulsar FX series offers solid value at its price point, especially considering its performance. At around $160, it provides a tremendous cost-to-value ratio compared to other paddles on the market. Many players would expect to pay more for the performance and durability it delivers, but the Pulsar FX line offers a high-quality product without breaking the bank.
With the possibility of a discount code, the Pulsar FX is a good choice if you’re looking for a competitive pickleball paddle that offers excellent performance at a reasonable price.
Should You Buy the R1, R2, or R3 Pulsar FX Shape?
Choosing the right paddle shape from the Pulsar FX line can be exciting. Each of the three shapes—R1, R2, and R3—offers unique benefits. When deciding which one to choose, consider key performance areas such as control, power, and reach.
The R1 shape is ideal for those who prefer quick reactions and maneuverability, making it great for doubles players. If you want a paddle that offers a balance between power and control, the R2 shape, with its wide-bodied design, might be the right fit. For players who need extra reach and power, the R3 shape is perfect, providing a more extended reach for aggressive shots. Ultimately, it’s all about what feels best for your playing style, but each shape in the Pulsar FX line is designed to improve your game in different ways.
R1 Pulsar FX: A Hybrid-Shaped All-Around Paddle
The R1 Pulsar FX features a hybrid-shaped design, making it a versatile option that performs well across the board. It strikes a balance between power and control, offering a marginally less powerful hit compared to the R2 but more hand speed and pop output than the R3. With a smaller sweet spot than the R2, the R1 still provides an excellent all-around performance, making it a popular choice for those who want a paddle that excels in multiple areas. Its middle ground between power and control makes it an all-arounder that’s suitable for a wide range of playing styles, which is why it’s favored by so many players looking for a versatile, reliable option.
R2 Pulsar FX: The Wide-Body Paddle for Control and Power
The R2 Pulsar FX is a wide-bodied paddle ideal for players who prioritize controllability without sacrificing power. Its more prominent sweet spot makes it the most forgiving option in the Pulsar FX series, helping reduce mishits and giving players more confidence in their shots.
The R2 offers an outstanding balance of power and stability, making it one of the best choices for players looking for consistent performance. The wide-body design also adds maneuverability, allowing players to move quickly in the kitchen while still maintaining pop on their shots. With stability and forgiving features, it’s an excellent option for players who want a solid paddle that’s easy to handle while delivering reliable performance in a variety of situations.
Whether you prefer a higher swing weight for more power or a lower swing weight for faster reactions, the R2 Pulsar FX supports both styles, making it a highly adaptable choice for a wide range of players.
R3 Pulsar FX: The Elongated Paddle for Power and Reach
The R3 Pulsar FX features an elongated shape, making it the best option for players seeking extra reach and power output. This model is ideal for singles players who need to cover more court and generate more power on their shots, thanks to its added length.
While it offers the best power and stability of the three paddle shapes offered, the R3 is the least maneuverable, making it less suited for quick exchanges at the net or fast maneuvers. However, its superior reach and power make it a standout choice for players who prioritize hitting with force and controlling the court from the baseline.
Final Thought
The Ronbus Pulsar FX series combines innovative technology, dynamic design, and premium materials to create a paddle that delivers in every aspect of performance. From its flexible carbon fiber grid, which enhances power and spin, to its 360-degree unibody construction, which ensures durability and control, the Pulsar FX is a standout option for players of all skill levels.
Whether you’re looking for precision and control in your touch shots or powerful drives with a more prominent sweet spot, the Pulsar FX series offers versatility through its R1, R2, and R3 shapes. Designed to suit different play styles, it excels in areas like hand speed, spin output, and durability, ensuring that you get the most out of every match.
With an excellent cost-to-value ratio, the Pulsar FX is not only a top-tier paddle in terms of performance but also an investment in long-term reliability and playability. Whether you’re competing in tournaments or enjoying casual play, the Pulsar FX delivers exceptional quality and performance across the board.
