Paul Pickle Reviews: Ronbus Refoam R1.14 & R4.14

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TL;DR (or as I like to call it, “Too Many Dinks; Didn’t Read”):

Stable, plush MPP foam core with 3D carbon lattice for a predictable, cozy feel—no awkward dead zones.
Mid-tier power and pop—you supply the muscle, but the paddle won’t revolt on ya.
Two shapes, two vibes: R1.14 elongated = reach & leverage; R4.14 hybrid = wider sweet spot & forgiveness.
Custom-ready—low swing weights (111–114) let you bolt on tungsten without turning your paddle into a missile.
Looks like a $280 paddle, plays better—and with code PKLPRO you score it for $179.

Paul’s Courtside Commentary

Alright, pickleball pals, let’s dig in. The Refoam series is like a reliable teammate—steady, unflashy, but always got your back. Instead of blasting fastballs, it’s about finesse, precision, and tactical magic.

Feel & Construction: Plush, Not Mushy

This paddle uses fancy MPP (microcellular polypropylene) foam with a 3D carbon lattice grid. Fancy words, simple meaning: it feels cushioned and controlled—like a bear hug, if bears were in stable carbon cages. And no weird dead spots when you miss that center by a smidge.

Power & Pop: You’ve Gotta Commit

This isn’t your lazy-swing power sorcerer. You get out what you put in—mid-tier drive and punchy volleys that reward effort and timing.

Shape Personality: R1 vs R4

R1.14 (Elongated): Think of it as your long-reach buddy on the baseline—great leverage, extra reach, but demands your A-game for crisp contact.
R4.14 (Hybrid): More surface area = more forgiveness. Sweet for dinks, tight rallies, and those “oops, power net” moments.

Custom Options: Play Gear Jenga

With swing weights under 115, you can happily bolt in tungsten or weighting tape—and keep it zippy. It’s like starting with a blank canvas…that you can pimp out.

Playtest Impressions

The feel? Satisfyingly squishy yet crisp—like biting into fresh bread. No echo, no buzz, just a clean, cushioned connection. Resets are smooth, dinks are stable, and spin feels consistent.

Off-center hits? The R4.14 laughs it off. The R1.14? Only laughs if you do your part.

Who Should Grab This Paddle?

Strategic tacticians who thrive on control over chaos.
Tech tinkerers who love tuning gear to their sweet spot.
Transitioning players coming off too-hot foam paddles and want something more grounded.

Not for you if you’re chasing free power, explosive pop, or like your paddle to do the heavy lifting. But for the rest of us? This is trustworthy all-court toolmaking at its best.

Value Verdict

Usually $199, but with code PKLPRO, you get it for $179. That’s $80 less than those flashy Ripple ($280) models—same high-tech carbon, more consistent play, better price.

Final Paul Pickle Wrap-Up

Think of the Refoam as the “Goldilocks paddle”—not too hot, not too soft, but just right. If you’re all about control, customization, and comfort over raw firepower, your pickleball self will thank you.

Paul’s Parting Joke: “If your paddle doesn’t make you feel like the boss of touch shots, are you even playing pickleball right?”