I received Selkirk Luxx and Ronbus R3.16 for review. My recent paddle was Selkirk Labs 003. Both of these new paddles, out of the box, were very similar in weight: Ronbus was 226 g with an overgrip, and Lexx was 228 g with an overgrip [overgrip adds 2 grams]. This is around 7.9 to 8.0 oz.
Selkirk Luxx Review
“As is”, Selkirk Luxx felt shallow and lacked the sense of control which I got used to with Project 003. Ronbus felt much more responsive, to the point that I was successful with Ronbus in rec open play but my play was really bad with Luxx. Knowing from past experience with Project 003 that this paddle needs extra weight, and remembering that Selkirk included tungsten weight right in the shipping carton for free, it is clear they fully expected that the users would add weight to the Luxx. I added 6 grams to Luxx, and the paddle came alive – became solid and lively.
As with 003, the difference from added weight is huge. I added another 6 grams, but cannot say that it improved it much (need to experiment more to determine the optimum extra weight, maybe 6 grams is enough, or maybe 9 g will be the optimum extra weight). My Project 003 has as much as 15 grams added; Luxx, at 6 to 12 grams added, has a very similar feel.
The Paint Grit Issue
The only drawback we’ve heard from some users is that they have using Luxx Epic for only a few weeks, and they noticed some decent chunks of paint chipping off, particularly around the periphery. We’re wondering how common this issue is, even though I haven’t noticed it yet. We raised our concern, and they assured us that if some users face this problem, they will not only send them a replacement paddle right away but also at no cost.
My thoughts are, that grit on any paddle will gradually wear out over the period of 3 to 6 to 9 months, depending on how well and how much one plays. Those who do not use spin much or at all, will not notice the difference from grit wear, those who use spin a lot or try to use spin to control ball trajectory would probably benefit from a new paddle every 6 months or so. It would be nice to pay less for new paddles without too many compromises, but cost is not the only factor.
Ronbus R3.16 Review
My Ronbus R3.16 arrived over the weekend and tested it pretty thoroughly during 3 hours of 4.5+ league play.
Pleasantly surprised to find the R3 lives up to the hype from the initial field test reviews and comments. Won’t go into too many details because you can find much better information with Christopher Yu Olson’s first look YouTube video and John Kew’s comparison of the R3. Nealy has the same form factor as my current paddle so transitioning to the R3 was smooth and intuitive. I noticed it had less power which is exactly what I was not looking for.
However, it wasn’t overpowering or unpredictable which are issues I had with other Gen 2 paddles I’ve tried. Speeding up the ball was noticeable and convenient, especially during punch/block volleys at the line. Control was natural and easy to draw from when needed. The spin is pretty nuts but I knew that going into this paddle and I got nice feedback about it from my friends I played against last night.
Going back to comparison after playing with Luxx for an hour, I found that it is great for soft play, but I was unable to hit with more power, and most of my attempts to drive, strangely, would go into the net (with Luxx, no problem!). Also, the square-ish handle felt unusual.
I am going to add weight to Ronbus next time to see if this would add some power to it to make it more balanced between power and control. I like control-oriented paddles but do not like when power is lacking altogether. The amount of spin that I see with Ronbus is excellent, although I cannot tell that Luxx produces less spin. I was able to ace topspin serves with both paddles.
It is interesting how dust from ball impacts is visible on Ronbus’s carbon face. That paddle truly needs cleaning after each play!
Who is the Winner
After comparing and reviewing both Selkirk Luxx and Ronbus R3.16 for now, Luxx is definitely a keeper, and it is very similar to what I got used to Project 003. Granted, I am probably biased to what I got used to. Ronbus, still an open question. A really good value for the money for sure, but I have not been able to play with Ronbus as I play with Luxx / Project 003. I will share more thoughts after I play with Ronbus with added weight.
The idea to compare Vatic Pro Flash to try it out is still on my wish list, but I want to sort it out with Ronbus first.
Latest 2024 Gameplay Update
An update on Ronbus 3.16 which I received, much less pop and also less control than what I got used to with Selkirk Labs 003 or Luxx. Basically, I could not play with it – it was a non-stop misery. Added 6 grams. Became much better, but still, I liked Luxx more. Added 6 more grams, for 12 grams in total, and the paddle became just great. Smooth like butter, but also with adequate (for my style of play, oriented on control paddles) pop/power.
[A disclaimer: I am a tall guy with some tennis background, so maybe I can deliver more power to the paddle through my swing than smaller and less physically strong players] For my style of play, I now like it even better than Luxx. Spin is great, drives are very controlled, and soft play is also very good. Power/pop (even with the added 12 grams) is still a little less than Luxx, but I can easily compensate for it. Added weight created a miracle. I was pleasantly surprised because I was curious enough to buy this paddle just to try it, but honestly, I did not truly believe that it could be as good as people say. I was wrong.
