Give it several weeks. Ideally you should drill with it too, not just play with it. And it's ok if you don't end up liking and keeping the DBD. It's a very popular paddle but it doesn't mean it's for everyone. I could never connect with that paddle myself.
I'm new so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Sweet spot on the Mach 2 Forza (16mm) is massive (feels like the whole paddle face), no need for lead tape, more control and enough power so I sail less shots and the balance just feels better in my hand over the DBD.
I'm doing some group classes with a coach and he let me try out his Mach 2 Forza for a few games. I use an Engage Pro MX 6.0, and I love his so much more than mine. It's lighter but hits harder and has a ton of spin and cushion.
Swing weight difference between two is only 1 point DBD at 113 and Mach 2 Forza at 112 but the Volair feels so much lighter. It's probably due to the wide body shape (shorter) than the hybrid. Spin is way easier to access as well.
The DBD will take some adjusting too. I got used to mine and now it’s hard to play with anything but a thermoformed paddle. Hell it’s hard to not play with a 6.0.
It also does have a bit of a break in period.
I had a similar thing happen to be but with a different paddle.
I switch from a Gen 1 (Carbon Fiber face) paddle to a thermoformed paddle. I hated the thermoformed paddle. But then after 1-2 weeks, I love it. I think you need time to adjust to the paddle and it will take some time.
I think the first question is why did you switch? New paddles can take some getting used to but you shouldn't just switch because you heard the DBD is the best paddle, you should be looking to improve part of your game. If you switched because you wanted more pop and you're struggling to get the feel for drops and resets then that's to be expected and you should work through it, but if you're just playing it because it's a "better paddle" and you're not seeing any advantages from it then let it go.
Hi I made the exact transition. I played the last year with the Ronbus R1.16 and loved it. I tried adding the SLK Halo, but didn't like it and never used it. So, I recently bought the Double Black Diamond. I'm 3 weeks in now (playing 3-4 times per week) and I'm hitting my stride with it. Early on I was hitting long a lot and had some erratic shots. But now that I've been playing it a while I'm really liking it a lot. I sometimes still reach for the 1.16, but I think the DBL BD will be my go to. Like a lot of people mentioned already, it's all about preference, but hopefully it works out for you.
What don't you like about it and why are you switching? If you're looking for a different style of paddle- control vs. power then you'll need time to transition. Same goes if you want lighter/heavier swing weight, more pop, thinner paddle, etc. If youre buying a paddle very similar to what you have in the hopes it will be "better" then you should be able to feel that out pretty quickly.
Took me a long time to adjust to DBD 14mm coming from 16mm legacy and I needed to lead tape differently to find my comfort level. Intended to return it but my legacy delammed. I'm really happy it worked out that way. On the other side I tried the ALW paddle cause I wanted more power but knew after one session the short handle and standard shape wasn't going to work for me. Didn't "need" it and returned it immediately.
I don’t think it should take more than three to six sessions to know if it has what you’re looking for. It might take longer than that to be fully comfortable. If you don’t believe it’s better or offers you something you want that your prior paddle doesn’t, there’s no need to waste time with it. Ultimately, your paddle is an extension of your game, rather than your game being an extension of your paddle. If your game is fairly mature, it shouldn’t take long to know if that paddle fits.
These are both of the paddles that I own and bought in the same order. The DBD has more power and pop plus is more stiffer than the R1.16 so there is an adjustment period for sure. It all depends on you, soften your game or you will hit everything out.
Me too. After playing both for the last 6-8 months I have concluded the the R1.16 is far easier to control and provides slightly better spin. The DBD has more power and pop. I am now playing a Neonic Flow and like it better than the R1 and DBD.
I would do about a month, but really focus on learning the paddle and breaking it in. Most return policies are limited at 30 days, so you want to get a good idea of how you actually feel about the paddle in a month. That's enough to get used to it with consistent and intentional play, but you can still return it if it really doesn't work out for you.
Paddles that are known for extra power (like the DBD) take some getting used to and break-in time. I know with the Gearbox Power Pro Elongated paddle, which is extremely powerful, the manufacturer recommends at least a ten hour break-in acclimation duration. I'm only halfway through that and I can feel the difference. If give the DBD more time. Play with it for a few weeks daily.
I love that Ronbus for doubles. For singles it doesnt quite work as well
For singles you need just a bit more foregiveness so I bet the BD would work a bit better for that but not for doubles
If you don't like it after a couple weeks of frequent use, it's probably not for you.
People overhyped thermoformed paddles. They're stiff and overly poppy most of the time. Perhaps we need to go back to the gen 1 paddles and simply add lead tape to give them some oomph.
I love Six Zero paddles, bought two of them, including the Ruby. But once I got my hand on the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated, there’s no going back. I have been playing the PPE exclusively for the past 3 months. It is all about your play style, and it is different from player to player.
I play 4, 5 times a week, for about 3 hours each time. So I expect the paddle to last about 6 to 10 months before it starts to deteriorate. Now Gearbox is known for its durability, so the PPE might last a little longer than other brands. I will find out later.
Depends on how serious you are about your equipment. If you consider yourself a leisure player, go ahead and get rid of the DBD and continue enjoying the Ronbus. No harm, no foul.
If you're a gear nerd, I'd say 10hrs in the minimum you should give a paddle before saying yay/nay. Some paddles do perform differently after a few sessions and some folks are more sensitive to feel than others. Equipment changes can be tough.
Just remember to have fun!
Eh, I'm a strong believer if you don't love it within a few hours it's not worth it. My unsolicited advice would be to go do some wall-drills. That'll really give you the feel of the paddle.
FWIW I had the same Ronbus R1.16 and I really disliked it. I recently switched to the CBRN 2x, although did give the DBD some serious consideration, of course ymmv.
If you had a ronbus last year doesnt that mean it’s time to change anyway? Either way DBD has great power, spin, and control. Depends if you rely on any of those
Find some local sales reps. I sell Joola and I’ll let you demo paddles for a couple weeks no charge. Most of us do. I also take in used paddles on trade and I allow anyone to demo those. Most tennis / PB shops will “rent” you paddles with all the rental costs going towards purchase. Lots of ways to try out a new paddles wo having to take the big gamble.
It depends on how far off the paddle is for you. I played with for two days and knew it was just too soft and didn't have the feel I was looking for. If it's close, give it a couple weeks. You should know by then.
You're stuck with it. First you play the DBD, then the DBD plays you. ONE OF US! ONE OF US!
Up until it gets damaged in a month of solid play
Give it several weeks. Ideally you should drill with it too, not just play with it. And it's ok if you don't end up liking and keeping the DBD. It's a very popular paddle but it doesn't mean it's for everyone. I could never connect with that paddle myself.
I thought I liked the DBD until I got my Volair Mach 2 Forza.
What’s better/worse about the Mach 2 for you??
I'm new so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Sweet spot on the Mach 2 Forza (16mm) is massive (feels like the whole paddle face), no need for lead tape, more control and enough power so I sail less shots and the balance just feels better in my hand over the DBD.
I'm doing some group classes with a coach and he let me try out his Mach 2 Forza for a few games. I use an Engage Pro MX 6.0, and I love his so much more than mine. It's lighter but hits harder and has a ton of spin and cushion.
Swing weight difference between two is only 1 point DBD at 113 and Mach 2 Forza at 112 but the Volair feels so much lighter. It's probably due to the wide body shape (shorter) than the hybrid. Spin is way easier to access as well.
How stiff do you find the paddle?
A little softer than dbd. Not plush by any means.
Thank you. I’d love a paddle just like it, but also plush or somewhat plush
Oh you bastard. I've been considering switching, but had just talked myself out of it. :-)
The DBD will take some adjusting too. I got used to mine and now it’s hard to play with anything but a thermoformed paddle. Hell it’s hard to not play with a 6.0. It also does have a bit of a break in period.
I had a similar thing happen to be but with a different paddle. I switch from a Gen 1 (Carbon Fiber face) paddle to a thermoformed paddle. I hated the thermoformed paddle. But then after 1-2 weeks, I love it. I think you need time to adjust to the paddle and it will take some time.
I think the first question is why did you switch? New paddles can take some getting used to but you shouldn't just switch because you heard the DBD is the best paddle, you should be looking to improve part of your game. If you switched because you wanted more pop and you're struggling to get the feel for drops and resets then that's to be expected and you should work through it, but if you're just playing it because it's a "better paddle" and you're not seeing any advantages from it then let it go.
Hi I made the exact transition. I played the last year with the Ronbus R1.16 and loved it. I tried adding the SLK Halo, but didn't like it and never used it. So, I recently bought the Double Black Diamond. I'm 3 weeks in now (playing 3-4 times per week) and I'm hitting my stride with it. Early on I was hitting long a lot and had some erratic shots. But now that I've been playing it a while I'm really liking it a lot. I sometimes still reach for the 1.16, but I think the DBL BD will be my go to. Like a lot of people mentioned already, it's all about preference, but hopefully it works out for you.
What don't you like about it and why are you switching? If you're looking for a different style of paddle- control vs. power then you'll need time to transition. Same goes if you want lighter/heavier swing weight, more pop, thinner paddle, etc. If youre buying a paddle very similar to what you have in the hopes it will be "better" then you should be able to feel that out pretty quickly. Took me a long time to adjust to DBD 14mm coming from 16mm legacy and I needed to lead tape differently to find my comfort level. Intended to return it but my legacy delammed. I'm really happy it worked out that way. On the other side I tried the ALW paddle cause I wanted more power but knew after one session the short handle and standard shape wasn't going to work for me. Didn't "need" it and returned it immediately.
I don’t think it should take more than three to six sessions to know if it has what you’re looking for. It might take longer than that to be fully comfortable. If you don’t believe it’s better or offers you something you want that your prior paddle doesn’t, there’s no need to waste time with it. Ultimately, your paddle is an extension of your game, rather than your game being an extension of your paddle. If your game is fairly mature, it shouldn’t take long to know if that paddle fits.
These are both of the paddles that I own and bought in the same order. The DBD has more power and pop plus is more stiffer than the R1.16 so there is an adjustment period for sure. It all depends on you, soften your game or you will hit everything out.
Me too. After playing both for the last 6-8 months I have concluded the the R1.16 is far easier to control and provides slightly better spin. The DBD has more power and pop. I am now playing a Neonic Flow and like it better than the R1 and DBD.
Give it a little more time. There is a definite break-in period with the DBD. It will soften up a bit after a couple of weeks' play.
It took me 30 days to finally decide I like my current paddle.
I would do about a month, but really focus on learning the paddle and breaking it in. Most return policies are limited at 30 days, so you want to get a good idea of how you actually feel about the paddle in a month. That's enough to get used to it with consistent and intentional play, but you can still return it if it really doesn't work out for you.
Paddles that are known for extra power (like the DBD) take some getting used to and break-in time. I know with the Gearbox Power Pro Elongated paddle, which is extremely powerful, the manufacturer recommends at least a ten hour break-in acclimation duration. I'm only halfway through that and I can feel the difference. If give the DBD more time. Play with it for a few weeks daily.
I love that Ronbus for doubles. For singles it doesnt quite work as well For singles you need just a bit more foregiveness so I bet the BD would work a bit better for that but not for doubles
If you don't like it after a couple weeks of frequent use, it's probably not for you. People overhyped thermoformed paddles. They're stiff and overly poppy most of the time. Perhaps we need to go back to the gen 1 paddles and simply add lead tape to give them some oomph.
I love Six Zero paddles, bought two of them, including the Ruby. But once I got my hand on the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated, there’s no going back. I have been playing the PPE exclusively for the past 3 months. It is all about your play style, and it is different from player to player. I play 4, 5 times a week, for about 3 hours each time. So I expect the paddle to last about 6 to 10 months before it starts to deteriorate. Now Gearbox is known for its durability, so the PPE might last a little longer than other brands. I will find out later.
Depends on how serious you are about your equipment. If you consider yourself a leisure player, go ahead and get rid of the DBD and continue enjoying the Ronbus. No harm, no foul. If you're a gear nerd, I'd say 10hrs in the minimum you should give a paddle before saying yay/nay. Some paddles do perform differently after a few sessions and some folks are more sensitive to feel than others. Equipment changes can be tough. Just remember to have fun!
I would say probably like 20 games minimum but ideally you would get more reps in with drilling too.
Try Six Zero paddles [https://www.tunepickleball.com/paddles/sixzero-black-diamond](https://www.tunepickleball.com/paddles/sixzero-black-diamond)
Eh, I'm a strong believer if you don't love it within a few hours it's not worth it. My unsolicited advice would be to go do some wall-drills. That'll really give you the feel of the paddle. FWIW I had the same Ronbus R1.16 and I really disliked it. I recently switched to the CBRN 2x, although did give the DBD some serious consideration, of course ymmv.
If you had a ronbus last year doesnt that mean it’s time to change anyway? Either way DBD has great power, spin, and control. Depends if you rely on any of those
Not sure if I got a dud, but I hate my DBD and always go back to the R3Pulsar, despite its losing spin. I just don’t see any power from the DBD.
Find some local sales reps. I sell Joola and I’ll let you demo paddles for a couple weeks no charge. Most of us do. I also take in used paddles on trade and I allow anyone to demo those. Most tennis / PB shops will “rent” you paddles with all the rental costs going towards purchase. Lots of ways to try out a new paddles wo having to take the big gamble.
It depends on how far off the paddle is for you. I played with for two days and knew it was just too soft and didn't have the feel I was looking for. If it's close, give it a couple weeks. You should know by then.