The Ronbus Ripple R2 is a highly forgiving control pickleball paddle designed to maximize touch and precision. Featuring a plush core and wide sweet spot, it dominates in the soft game but trades off top-end put-away power.
The Verdict
A plush control benchmark with elite touch.
We kept reaching for this paddle whenever the games got tight and we needed to force errors. After thorough on-court evaluation, the Ronbus Ripple R2 landed in the solid mid-tier of the paddles we tested in 2026.
If you're comparing it against other foam-core paddles, it's one of several great foam core paddles we've played this year.
Specs
| Overall Score | 8.4 / 10 |
| Price (with code) | $160 with code RC3Q2082 |
| Stock Price | $180 |
| Shape | Standard |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb |
| Face | Raw Toray T700 carbon |
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
| Grip Length | 5.5" |
| Swing Weight | 111 |
Performance Scores
On-Court Feel
The Ripple R2 eats up pace effortlessly. Drives won't deliver the explosive pop of a stiff thermoformed paddle, but you get accurate placement and heavy topspin dips. The soft game is where this paddle shines — dinking is predictable and stable, with an expansive sweet spot that bails you out of imperfect contact. It doesn't try to win the point for you, but it never loses the point for you either.
Performance & Testing
The Ronbus Ripple R2 went through our standard on-court protocol - drills, rec play, and at least one tournament match. Scores reflect consensus feedback, not a single reviewer's opinion.
Grit & Durability
Ronbus continues to use high-quality Toray raw carbon, and grit retention on the Ripple R2 is solid. After extended testing the texture felt nearly identical to day one. The edge guard is well-seated with no rattling or core looseness developing.
Who It's For
Right-side doubles players, reset specialists, and anyone struggling with pop-ups at the kitchen. Skip if you rely on driving the ball for winners and need maximum exit velocity.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional touch and dwell time for resets
- Highly forgiving sweet spot
- Fast swing weight makes hands battles easy
- Top-tier raw carbon spin
Cons
- Lacks raw power to hit through opponents
- Pop on counter-attacks is muted
- Standard shape gives up some reach
- Short 6-month warranty
Bottom Line
A masterful control paddle that rewards touch over power.
If you generate your own pace and play patient pickleball, the Ripple R2 is one of the safest premium picks of 2026.
Compare to
