Ronbus R3 Pulsar (higher swingweight, more pop & spin)

The R3 Pulsar, like the R1 Pulsar, features a thermoformed design, but with a squared-off top instead of a rounded one. Interestingly, this slight variation in design actually impacts the paddle’s playing characteristics, despite sharing many of the same all-court playability traits as the R1 Pulsar. The R3 Pulsar offers the same benefits of extra power compared to other Ronbus paddles, as well as increased forgiveness.

The main distinguishing factor between the R3 Pulsar and the R1 Pulsar is their swingweight. With a swingweight of 122, the R3 Pulsar offers a notable increase of 8 points compared to the 114 swingweight of the R1 Pulsar. This higher swingweight enhances the R3 Pulsar’s power at the baseline, allowing for increased energy transfer and ball carry. However, it is important to consider that the R3 Pulsar feels heavier and performs slower at the net. In most cases, I would recommend the R1 Pulsar due to their similar play style, with the added advantage of being lighter and easier to manage. If, however, you specifically desire that extra swingweight, then the R3 Pulsar would be better suited for you.

Who is this good for? Anyone seeking more offensive ability and a step up in power than what a control paddle offers will like the R1 Pulsar. It gives you a boost in offensive ability without losing too much control. If you can can manage the higher swing weight then you’ll get more stability and power with the R3 Pulsar over the R1 Pulsar.