R1 Nova
This paddle delivers control-oriented 54.4 MPH power, plush 16mm feel — a control option in an elongated shape.
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USAP approved since Jun 9, 2023
- Certified under the previous test (before Oct 1, 2026)
- Eligible for Pickleball Canada sanctioned play
Official USA Pickleball entry · Approved paddle tracker
Always confirm on the official USA Pickleball list before tournament play.
Specs & Lab Data
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Find Your Perfect MatchPros
- +Elongated shape gives extra reach on defense, overheads, and two-handed backhands
- +Thick 16mm core provides a soft, controlled feel
Cons
- −Below-average power at 54.4 MPH (bottom 9%, avg 56.4) — you'll need to generate pace with technique
- −Lower pop at 34.2 MPH (bottom 4%, avg 36.1) — may feel sluggish in fast hands exchanges
- −Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
- −Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
Best For
Swing weight of 118 (74th percentile) plus elongated reach for court coverage and driving
Swing weight of 118 and 5.5" grip feel familiar coming from tennis
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Compare with similar paddles
The closest paddles to the R1 Nova on swing weight, twist weight, power, spin, core and price.
- Gamma RCF-Airbender 16$199.99 · SW 118 · 54.9 mphCompare
- Selkirk Amped Invikta Pro Air$180 · SW 118 · 55.5 mphCompare
- Pickleball Apes Harmony X$179 · SW 120 · 53.7 mphCompare
- Ronbus R3 Nova$180 · SW 120 · 55 mphCompare
- Holbrook Aero Metallic TI (16mm)$219.99 · SW 117 · 55.3 mphCompare
Data sources
Data sources. Specs from The Pickleball Studio's paddle database (mostly manufacturer figures; swing and twist weight measured by the source), power, pop and spin from lab testing credited to Pickleball Effect. Percentiles compare this paddle with the other paddles in our database. Pros and world ranks from the PPA Tour, as of Nov 8, 2026. The price is the list price from the source database and may have changed. How we score paddles.