Generation 3 Thermoforming: Ronbus NOVA
The NOVA series from Ronbus (approved June 9, 2023), brings a new technology into the RCF paddle space. In this section, this patent pending innovation and its benefits will be discussed.
Carbon Fiber Grid Foamed Edge
The key innovation of the Ronbus NOVA paddles is its use of a carbon fiber grid along with foam on the edge of the paddle. Recall that the Generation 2 paddle, foam is injected along the edge and encased in a fully enclosed carbon seam layer. The Ronbus NOVA replaces the fully enclosed carbon seam layer with a carbon fiber grid layer. This grid is permeable whereas previously, the carbon seam layer was not. The rest of the paddle layup and thermoforming process is as before. While curing, the epoxy resin is configured to flow and fully disperse such that the carbon fiber grid foamed edge, the facesheets, and the core will be securely fastened together. Figure 10 shows the resulting paddle edge after the thermoforming process.
Figure 10. Ronbus NOVA.R1 after thermoforming fabrication. The carbon fiber grid (black) can be seen in the foamed edge (yellow).
There are two main benefits that this carbon fiber grid foamed edge creates. First, it solves the delamination/disbanding/crushed core issue structurally, and second, it creates a more balanced paddle with both power and control.
Solving the Delamination/Disbonding/Crushed Core Issue
As detailed before, the delamination/disbonding/crushed core issue of the Generation 2 paddles was caused by the inability to release the internal pressure during the thermoforming process. The carbon seam layer along the edge is not permeable. With the carbon fiber grid, which is permeable, the internal pressure of the paddle can be released during the thermoforming process. This significantly reduces delamination/disbonding/crushed core risk. Figure 11 shows a Ronbus NOVA.R1 paddle dissection after the manufacturing process.
Figure 11. Ronbus NOVA.R1 dissection after manufacturing process. The expanded foam edge (orange) is visible. The PP honeycomb core maintains its structural integrity (the black specks are carbon fiber dust from the surface that fell onto the core during dissection).
We further tested the integrity of the Ronbus NOVA.R1 paddle by using a machine to strike it 10,000 times at a speed of over 150 mph. For reference, the top speed of a pickleball serve is only 40 mph. The machine is shown in Figure 12. Afterwards, we dissected the paddle to inspect the inside. As shown in Figure 13, the paddle’s core integrity is preserved.
Figure 12. The machine used to strike the paddle 10,000 times. The paddle is rotated downwards to strike the knob (yellow) at over 150 mph.
Figure 13. Ronbus NOVA.R1 dissection after 10,000 machine strikes. The expanded foam edge (orange) is visible. The PP honeycomb core structure preserves its integrity.
A Balance of Power and Control
Generation 1 RCF paddles are able to generate large amounts of spin and thus provide controlled play. Generation 1.5 RCF paddles do not significantly change the spin or power generation of the paddle relative to Generation 1, but they do provide a better feel for players with the enlarged sweet spot. Generation 2 RCF paddles are able to generate tremendous amounts of power, though at the risk of having a crushed core. In contrast, the Generation 3 Ronbus NOVA series is noticeably stronger than the Generation 1 or 1.5 paddle while also significantly reducing the risk of a crushed core. This makes the Ronbus NOVA series the ultimate balance between power and control.
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David Block
Well, each one of these pieces has been beautiful written. You guys must have experience in scientific writing. (You even explain that in one of the figures, the "black particles" are to be expected. You'd do this in a publication or dissertation. Nice!) It makes a great case for your company, really. But now I have a question or two: after reading about the R3, should I worry that my R1 will fall apart? I'm not trying to be difficult. Who should still be playing the R1? Is the R1 *sufficient* for slower swing speeds and non-tournament, recreation play if you would want to get a decent, effective, efficient lifespan? Should all R1's be returned (mine is unused as yet, and I have return guarantee)? Should I just go back to the old Engage and complement it with an occasional wee dram of Irish whiskey on bad days until those days outnumber pickleball days? In other words, are you saying that I should find another $60 for improved technology in the face of my own diminished anatomy and physiology? I might be willing to skip a few meals for a better paddle if it likely to make The Difference that most all of us want in life these days. You Ronbus-ers really do show great analytic ability. Well, what do you say? I used to be in healthcare. Every day folks would say to me, "What would you do if I were your father? Medication? Surgery? Irish whiskey?" So, I'm asking you, would you give your dad an R1, or would you tell him just to save up a little more and then come back for an R3? Not an easy question. But pickleball is a tough, competitive business. I trust your answer. I have a kid who is an engineer.