If you don’t know what is Kevlar is, lets check this out its brand name for a synthetic fiber, which is a strong and heat-resistant material, Kevlar is five times stronger than steel per unit weight and is often used in bulletproof vests, aircraft tires, ropes and cables, and sails, technically its a very strong material

Verdict

I purchased the Ruby around Nov 2023, and I am still using this, its been almost 6+ months I have been playing. I recommend the Ruby paddle for players who are looking primarily for spin and control in games with trade off little power. The Kevlar face has decent pop and the returns feel crisp. The Kevlar face is also pleasantly gritty and has a tough texture. The Ruby generates almost 2100rpm of spin, which is considered higher than normal. Update after 6 Months After few months I can see face has been not rough enough to have crisp returns also spin RPM has reduces a lot, that shows Ruby paddle life is shorter then Carbon Fiber paddles. View at SixZeroPickleball.com with discount

Specs	Description
Paddle Weight	8.3 ounces / 232gm +/- 10gm
Paddle Face Material	Kevlar® fiber
Paddle Core Material	Premium Honeycomb Polymer Core
Paddle Core Thickness	0.63″ / 16mm
Paddle Shape	Slightly flared shape
Paddle Length	16.3” / 413mm
Paddle Width	7.5” to 7.7” / 192mm to 196mm
Grip Size	4 ¼ – 4 ½ ” 108 – 114mm
Swing Weight	117
Twist Weight	6.76

Warranty

I did not like warranty program from Six Zero if we compare from other competitor brands like Selkirk and Engage. You can return Six Zero paddles within 30 days of the original purchase date for a refund, but this excludes shipping costs. Also after 7 days they might charge a 10% stocking fee. Additionally, these paddles come with a six-month limited warranty covering manufacturer defects and workmanship. For issues like core material defects, deformation, and delamination, there’s a separate 120-day warranty.

Performance

Power

The Ruby paddle doesn’t fall short when it comes to generating power, but its 16mm core does absorb some of that power, which can be beneficial when blocking opponents’ hard drives. This design balances power and control, making it less ideal for players who prioritize strong power and pop in their gameplay.

Spin

The Ruby paddle has a commendable RMP score, ranging between 2100-2200 RPM, which is quite impressive. The Kevlar face has a gritty and textured surface that greatly aids in generating exceptional spin shots. As someone who relies heavily on topspin, both in play and serves, I find using the Ruby paddle to be a lot of fun. In the current paddle market, Ruby stands out as one of the best options for spin capability, which is why it’s so well-loved among tennis players.

Control

This paddle excels in control due to its 16mm core, and has a decent sweet spot that enhances accuracy and consistency, reducing the likelihood of errors.

Comparative Analysis

If we compare Ruby with all other Six Zero paddles.

I believe the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy Paddle is another Kevlar surfaced paddle in market but they say its mixed with T700 carbon fiber as well. I personally have not tried Pickleball Apes Pro Line hence I cannot compare the difference but here is the specifications for both the paddles.

Paddle	Weight (ounces)	Core material	Face material	Swing weight	Thickness
Ruby	8.2-8.7	Polymer Core	Kevlar	117	16mm
ProLine Energy	8.0 – 8.2	Narrow-cell Honeycomb Poly Core	DuPont™ Kevlar® x Toray T700 Carbon fiber	120	16.5mm

Overall & Social Proof

I think the Ruby is suitable for a broader range of players rather than catering to those seeking power, control, or spin exclusively because it offers a well-rounded combination of these aspects.

Furthermore, the Ruby comes at a really affordable price point ($199 as of my writing), especially when you consider the time and effort Six Zero’s Australian team invested in research and development. It’s worth noting that other new paddles on the market typically start at $250-$350.

I believe there’s room for improvement in the paddle, particularly by introducing an edgeless design to reduce swing weight and enhance hand speed. Perhaps a future version like the Ruby Infinity could explore these improvements.

Some articles and video reviews have suggested that the use of Kevlar might be more of a marketing strategy or hype. However, after playing with the Ruby for a few days and using it in a local tournament, it has become one of my favorite paddles. From my personal experience, I genuinely think it’s a fantastic paddle. If you are a player rated 3.0 or higher and you’re looking to improve your game by finding a paddle that offers a balance between control, power, and spin, the Ruby could be a great choice.

If you’ve had the chance to try out the Ruby, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think it lives up to the hype, or do you also find it to be a great paddle?

View at SixZeroPickleball.com with discount

References

SixZeroPickleball.com, Pickleballcentral.com, Pickleball Magazine