The Six Zero Ruby Pro: Everything We Know About the Upcoming Paddle and How It Compares to the Classic Ruby

Six Zero has been making waves in the pickleball community, and while details about a specific "Ruby Pro" model remain limited, the brand has been actively engaging with content creators and the pickleball community through factory visits and product showcases. Let's explore what we know about Six Zero's upcoming developments and how they relate to their highly successful Ruby paddle line. Will post additional information once we get further updates from Six Zero. 

I used to play with a Ruby 14mm and really love the speed and pop of the paddle. The spin was incredible too. 

* Image credit goes to Pickleball Effects

Six Zero's Recent Activities and Industry Engagement

Six Zero has been taking a proactive approach to community engagement, including hosting YouTube paddle reviewers for factory tours in China. These visits provide influencers and content creators with behind-the-scenes access to Six Zero's manufacturing processes and upcoming product developments. The company has been particularly active in showcasing their innovation and manufacturing capabilities, demonstrating their commitment to transparency and quality control.

The brand's partnership with the PPA Tour as an official paddle sponsor further solidifies their position in the professional pickleball space. This partnership allows Six Zero to showcase their cutting-edge products to a broader audience of professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Original Ruby: A Proven Champion

The Six Zero Ruby has established itself as one of the most sought-after paddles in the market, becoming "the most-searched paddle in the market today". This paddle represents a significant innovation in pickleball technology, being the first paddle made from 100% Aramid fiber sourced from Kevlar.

Key Features of the Original Ruby

Construction and Materials:

• 100% Aramid fiber face sourced from DuPont™ Kevlar for exceptional strength and durability
• Cross-weave cloth pattern that enhances spin, grip, and overall feel
• Honeycomb polymer core with foam-reinforced walls
• Carbon Fusion Edge thermoform technology for seamless construction 
• 3D carbon thermoformed handle designed to reduce vibration 

Available Configurations: The Ruby comes in two thickness options to suit different playing styles:

Specification	Ruby 14mm	Ruby 16mm
Core Thickness	0.55"	0.63"
Average Weight	8.2oz ± 0.3oz	8.2oz ± 0.3oz
Swing Weight	112	115
Twist Weight	6.5	6.8
Length	16.3" (413mm)	16.3" (413mm)
Width	7.5" to 7.7"	7.5" to 7.7"

Performance Characteristics:

• Exceptional spin generation, producing nearly 2,100 RPM
• Superior control and precision for accurate shot placement 
• Enhanced durability compared to carbon fiber paddles
• Large sweet spot with excellent forgiveness
• Retail price of RM892, offering excellent value for money

Performance Analysis and Player Feedback

Spin and Control Excellence

The Ruby has earned acclaim for its exceptional spin capabilities, ranking among the top spin paddles in the market alongside paddles like the CRBN 3X. Players consistently report the ability to generate topspin on virtually all shots, from dinks to drives, helping keep opponents off the kitchen line.

The paddle's control characteristics have been particularly praised by intermediate and advanced players. The Kevlar face provides a unique feel that balances power with precision, though some players note it requires an adjustment period to dial in the touch.

Comparative Performance

When compared to Six Zero's popular Double Black Diamond (DBD) Control, the Ruby offers several distinctions:

Advantages of the Ruby:

• Slightly better spin generation
• More pop and power, especially on faster shots
• Enhanced durability due to Kevlar construction
• Unique feel and texture that many players prefer

Advantages of the DBD Control:

• Better overall control and accuracy 
• More consistent performance across all shot types 
• Slightly Lower price point
• More rounded all-court performance 

Player Testimonials

Professional feedback highlights the Ruby's learning curve and ultimate satisfaction. Michael Thompson, a Six Zero brand ambassador, noted: "It took me a little while to dial in the touch. Once I was able to adjust to the 'pop,' and got used to the feel, it started playing really nice". He emphasized the paddle's sturdiness and the feeling that "the paddle isn't going to wear out".

Market Position and Value Proposition

Why the Original Ruby Remains Relevant

Despite being released in late 2023, the Ruby continues to be a top choice for several reasons:

1. Innovation Leadership: As the first 100% Kevlar-faced paddle, it set new standards for durability and performance
2. Proven Track Record: Over a year of positive reviews and player satisfaction
3. Excellent Value: At under RM900, it offers premium features at a competitive price point 
4. Versatile Performance: Suitable for players seeking enhanced spin without sacrificing control 

Target Player Profile

The Ruby is ideally suited for :

• Intermediate to advanced players seeking more spin
• Players transitioning from carbon fiber paddles who want more offensive capability
• Spin-focused players who prioritize ball manipulation
• Players seeking durability and long-term paddle investment

Looking Ahead: What to Expect with the Ruby Pro

While specific details about a "Ruby Pro" model remain under wraps, Six Zero's pattern of innovation suggests several potential improvements:

Ruby Pro Technology: What’s New?

Enhanced Surface Durability

The Ruby Pro introduces a new surface technology designed to dramatically improve the longevity of the paddle’s grit texture - we are assuming that it is called Diamond Tough texture. We are also assuming there is a 45 degree orientation to the surface texture which would make it similar to it's predecessor. This could be called Flextech 45? I'm guessing here! Unless there's an exotic combination of Kevlar, Carbon fibre and perhaps layer of fibreglass giving it even more pop that previously. If you didn't know, the Ronbus Ripple V2 does have multiple layers of carbon fibre and fibre glass at different angles. 

But what this means is that players can expect consistent pop, spin and control, even after extensive play. The new surface is engineered to maintain its roughness and performance longer than traditional paddle faces.

Improved Core and better Adhesion 

A major advancement in the Ruby Pro is a large cell core (think Paddletek and the recent Holbrook ARMA) and improved adhesion between the paddle’s surface and its core. This addresses the dreaded delamination issues that can plague high-performance paddles like the Paddletek although we see very few in the wild that have delaminated over time. This will ensure the Ruby Pro stays solid and reliable throughout its life.

Thermoformed Construction & Foam Edge Walls (

Like its predecessor, the Ruby Pro uses Six Zero’s signature thermoformed construction, known as Carbon Fusion Edge Technology. This process involves hot press molding and foam injection, creating a “unibody” paddle where the carbon face and edge fusion run the full length of the handle. The foam edge walls enhance the sweet spot, dampen vibrations, and boost stability—features that advanced players will immediately appreciate.

Will It Have Foam? Will It Be Thermoformed?

Yes and yes. The Ruby Pro continues Six Zero’s use of foam-injected edge walls and a fully thermoformed build. This combination is a hallmark of Six Zero’s approach, delivering a paddle that feels solid, balanced, and forgiving across the entire face.

We are really interested to know what the Power Gel is about - perhaps the foam surrounds have a further flexible gel layer. All of these are super interesting to us, and we're keen to get hold of our own unit to test. 

Comparing Ruby Pro to the Current Ruby

The original Ruby set a high bar with its 100% Aramid fiber (Kevlar) face and 16mm honeycomb polymer core. It’s renowned for its spin, durability, and unique feel. The Ruby Pro builds on these strengths with:

• Longer-lasting surface texture for more consistent spin
• Stronger core-to-surface bonding to prevent delamination
• Refined manufacturing for better quality control and performance consistency

Players who love the current Ruby’s feel and spin will find the Ruby Pro to be a true upgrade, especially in terms of durability and reliability.

Conclusion

The Six Zero Ruby has established itself as a groundbreaking paddle that successfully combines innovation with performance. Its Kevlar construction offers superior durability while delivering exceptional spin capabilities that have made it the most-searched paddle in the market.

For players considering their options, the original Ruby remains an excellent choice that offers proven performance, innovative technology, and outstanding value. Whether Six Zero releases a "Ruby Pro" or continues to refine their existing line, the Ruby has set a high standard for what players can expect from premium pickleball paddles.

The Ruby's success demonstrates Six Zero's commitment to pushing paddle technology forward while maintaining accessibility for serious players. As the pickleball community continues to grow, paddles like the Ruby that successfully balance power, control, and spin will remain highly relevant choices for players looking to elevate their game.

Additional Materials: Content Creator YouTube Videos

For an inside look at the Six Zero factory tour and hands-on impressions of the Ruby Pro, check out these videos from top pickleball content creators:

• Chris Olson (The Pickleball Studio)
• Braden (Pickleball Effect)
• Brian (Building Pickleball)
• John Cowie (Pickleball Central)

(Search for their Six Zero Ruby Pro factory tour videos on YouTube for in-depth coverage and first impressions.)

Sources:

Six Zero Pickleball - Precision Paddles Redefined - Picklefox.com https://picklefox.com/collections/six-zero-pickleball 

Six Zero Factory Tour Surprises Revealed! - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqpx-1ketb0 

Six Zero Ruby Paddle Review | Pickleball Effect https://pickleballeffect.com/equipment-reviews/six-zero-ruby-review/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLKXU9dRlrq/?img_index=10&igsh=MXMwbngwYnpmMmdieg%3D%3D