I’ve had the chance to put Six Zero’s paddles through their paces since the brand's debut, exploring each paddle’s unique traits and performance strengths. Among all their models, the Ruby stands out with its distinct Kevlar surface and powerful versatility, making it not only a fun paddle to play with but also one of the most compelling in Six Zero's lineup. In this review, I’ll dive deep into the Ruby’s standout features, examining how it performs in key areas like spin, control, power, and touch.
With detailed comparisons to popular paddles like the Double Black Diamond and an overview of its technical specifications, this guide will give you a clear picture of what the Ruby brings to the court. By the end, you’ll have all the insights you need to decide if this paddle is the perfect fit for your playing style.
By the end of this review, you’ll have all the information you need to decide whether the Ruby paddle can help take your game to the next level. For a broader view on Six Zero’s lineup.
Ruby Paddle Overview and Key Specifications
The Ruby is a powerful, all-around paddle equipped with the latest technology that not only improves performance but also enhances the control and feel in all aspects of gameplay. While it retains the familiar shape and dimensions of the Double Black Diamond (with a few minor handle adjustments), its Kevlar surface offers a markedly different feel and impressive resilience. Here’s a look at the Ruby’s essential specs:
Price: $250 (Take 10% off with Discount Code Danielj10)
Shape: Hybrid (between elongated and square)
Core: Narrow-cell Honeycomb Polypropylene
Core Thickness: 16mm
Face Material: 100% Dupont Kevlar
Handle Length: 5.5 inches
Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
Average Weight: 8.2 oz +/- .02 oz
Swing Weight: 118
Twist Weight: 6.79
Thermoformed: Yes
Dimensions: 16.3 inches x 7.6 inches
Warranty: 12 months for defects, 6 months for core material
Power The Ruby brings exceptional power, a feature often associated with Six Zero’s paddles due to their thermoformed construction. The Ruby produces more power than the Double Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond Infinity, but it sacrifices a bit of pop in exchange for added control. Its Kevlar surface slightly absorbs impact, creating a balanced power response that’s particularly well-suited to full, sweeping shots and spin-heavy serves.
Spin Spin potential is one of the Ruby’s standout qualities. With its textured Kevlar face, this paddle easily generates high spin rates, ideal for top-spin drives and aggressive slice returns. In fact, I was able to consistently hit RPMs exceeding 2,000 with the Ruby—a spin rate that puts it among the top-performing paddles I’ve used. Adjusting to the Ruby’s high spin output may require some finesse, but once dialed in, the paddle helps create challenging serves, groundstrokes, and dinks.
Control and Touch Control and feel are where the Ruby excels, making it Six Zero’s most controllable paddle to date. Despite its power, the Ruby offers a plush, muted feel that’s particularly helpful for touch shots like dinks and resets. The Kevlar surface, combined with the paddle’s impressive twist weight, enables players to maintain stability and keep vibration in check during rapid exchanges, making it a reliable option for countering tough shots at the net.
Maneuverability and Hand Speed Weighing an average of 8.2 oz, the Ruby feels balanced and responsive, with enough heft to absorb impact but light enough for quick movements. Its 117 swing weight keeps it agile and well-suited for players who want quick recovery between shots. The Ruby’s design allows for smooth, quick movements in hand, and I found it easy to position and reset for rapid volleys.
Durability As one of Six Zero’s thermoformed paddles, the Ruby features a unibody construction for enhanced durability. The Kevlar face provides additional resistance to wear and tear, though its longevity compared to carbon fiber faces remains to be fully tested over time. Kevlar is known for its durability, boasting impact resistance much stronger than steel by weight, suggesting that the Ruby is built to withstand rigorous play without compromising its grit or surface texture.
Value and Price At $250, with a discount option bringing it down to $225, the Ruby is well-priced for a premium paddle, especially given its performance capabilities. Six Zero paddles have a solid reputation for quality, and the Ruby, with its unique Kevlar face and refined performance, is a valuable addition to their lineup. If released by a larger brand, it could easily be priced above $350, making the Ruby an excellent deal in the premium category.
Who Should Consider the Six Zero Ruby Paddle?
The Ruby is ideal for players who enjoy a well-rounded game with a balanced mix of power, control, and spin. Its feel, touch, and all-court playability make it an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate a responsive paddle that doesn’t sacrifice control or durability. If you’re intrigued by thermoformed paddles but want an option that tempers pop in favor of stability and touch, the Ruby is an outstanding choice.
Final Takeaway
The Ruby has quickly become my top recommendation among Six Zero’s offerings, surpassing even the Double Black Diamond as the go-to choice for players who want top-tier performance. While its Kevlar face may take some getting used to for those accustomed to the poppier feel of carbon fiber, the Ruby’s balanced playability and unique characteristics are well worth exploring.
With this review, you now have a comprehensive look at what makes the Ruby paddle so special. Whether you’re looking to dominate with aggressive spin or finesse your soft game, the Ruby offers something for every player type, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to up their game.
