Six Zero 14 MM Ruby

INTRODUCTION

I finally, after a long wait,  I got my 14 MM Six Zero Ruby paddle. Up front, let me say that it was worth the wait.

Before I go into the review, let me get some technical stuff out of the way.

Gen 2 or Gen 3?

Six Zero does not classify the paddle as Gen 2 or Gen 3 (Gen 3 seems to be a concept invented by another paddle manufacturer) By most definitions, the Ruby would be classified as Gen 2 because it is thermoformed with a foam perimeter and carbon seam edge. FYI: Six Zero developed the R&D for the Gen 2 carbon seam edged paddle that other paddle makers use now.

What is the Sweet Spot on a Paddle?

The Sweet Spot is the area on a pickleball paddle where players experience optimal contact, resulting in enhanced, more accurate shots and better overall gameplay. It is where the paddle’s purest power and accuracy are best represented.

Where is the Sweet Spot on a paddle?

The Sweet Spot on a pickleball paddle is located near the center of the paddle. That is true for a standard shape paddle, but what about hybrid (wider at top than the bottom) paddles? I don’t have an answer. I can say that I had no mishits with the Ruby, so the sweet spot (I guess) is whare I wanted it to be. Testament to that fact is that, after my shoulder surgery, I have been reluctant to go back to a one-handed backhand. The other day, though, I was pulled wide off the court and hit a one-handed laser across court for a winner. Pretty good sweet spot.

So, one of my favorite paddles is, and will continue to be, the Double Black Diamond. Below is a comparison of the two paddles.

RUBY 14 MMDouble Black Diamond 14MM 
Top Face MaterialAramid FiberFace MaterialJapanese Toray 700K Raw Carbon
Length16.3” // 413mmLength16.3” // 413mm
Width7.5” to 7.7” // 192mm to 196mmWidth7.5” to 7.7” // 192mm to 196mm
Core Thickness0.55″ Core Thickness5.5”
Grip Length5.5” // 140mmGrip Length0.55″ // 140 mm
Grip Circumference4.125-4.25″ // 105-108mmGrip Circumference4.125-4.25” // 105-108mm
Average Weight8.2oz +/- .3ozAverage Weight8.1 ounces // 230gm +/- 10gm
Swing Weight112Swing Weight113
Twist Weight6.5 Twist Weight6.8

You will notice a few differences.

  • The Ruby has an aramid face, while the DBD has a Carbon face
  • The average weight of the Ruby is a bit higher than the DBD. Mine came in at 8.3 ounces.
  • The swing weight, despite being heavier, is a bit lower with the Ruby.

So, what does that mean about performance?

  • In general, a carbon face will be stiffer than an aramid face and, therefore, the paddle will have more control. I found, however, that the Ruby had the same control as the DBD.
  • An aramid fiber (like Kevlar) has more of a trampoline effect on the ball, so the paddle will be more powerful and, on occasion, the ball will fly off the face of the paddle. However, Six Zero uses a thicker aramid face than other paddles, and that will lessen the trampoline effect. Six Zero suggests that the Ruby will have more power but less “pop” than the DBD, but that the DBD will have more control. So, what is pop and what is power? Pop refers to the speed at which the ball comes off the paddle face, while power refers to the court penetration of your shot, essentially the sustained speed of the ball as it travels. Pop, therefore, is the trampoline effect. I really did not encounter any “pop” with the paddle, but the backhand I mentioned earlier suggest that the paddle does have more power—not a great deal more, but enough to be noticeable.
  • This is where my review gets tricky. The Ruby is heavier than my DBD, but feels lighter. I can’t explain that other than to say the internal weight distributions are a bit different. In any event, both paddles feel light but provide more power than you might think.

BOTTOM LINE

The differences between the DBD and the Ruby are minimal, except for the following: despite the fact that Six Zero has more “pop” than the Ruby, my feeling is that the Ruby has more power. The information in the chart clearly will vary from user to user. Like I said, I have had to go away from my one-handed backhand because of shoulder surgery, but with the Ruby I can drive the ball easily without having to swing hard. I owe it to myself to try my one-hander more often with the DBD, which I will do soon. If anything changes, I will update this review.

If, after reading this, you are interested in getting a paddle at a 10% discount, follow the link below and use the coupon code HANSEN10. The paddle is expensive but, in my opinion, worth it, especially with the discount.

https://www.sixzeropickleball.com?sca_ref=3948184.kD0c3vqSoW