Torn between the Six Zero Double Black Diamond (DBD) Control and the Six Zero Ruby? Beyond the $20 difference, there's a surprising amount that separates these two paddles.
Having reviewed both paddles, I've put them side-by-side so you can see how each one compares, and whether that $20 is better spent elsewhere.
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control vs Six Zero Ruby comparison
These paddles may look very similar as they have the same hybrid shape and 5.5" handle. However, they play differently in your hands.
Overall, the Ruby boosts spin a little and provides a more unique feel with its Kevlar® paddle face. That said, it's not enough for me to warrant the slight sacrifice you make on power, control, and consistency.
The carbon fiber DBD offers better value in my opinion. It's $20 cheaper and is a more rounded paddle, giving you a better all-court game.
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Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
To learn more, check out my full Six Zero DBD Control review.
Buy if:
You want the best paddle in the game:
the DBD is one of the best pickleball paddles I've tested, with the best blend of power, spin, control, and forgiveness.
You want to save money:
the DBD is $20 less than the Ruby (or $17 less with our exclusive 10% discount on these paddles).
You want a touch more power and control:
the DBD Control just beats the Ruby in both power and control.
Pass if:
You're bored of carbon paddles:
if you're excited to try some new tech, the Ruby has a Kevlar® surface that feels (slightly) different and grips the ball even better.
You want the paddle with the best spin:
the Ruby nudges ahead of the DBD on spin, generating huge topspin on almost every shot.
You want a colorful paddle:
with its red and white design, the Ruby stands out more than the typical black carbon look of the DBD.
Paddle Weight
8.1 oz
Paddle Width
7.5-7.66"
Handle Length
5.5"
Paddle Face Material
Toray 700K raw carbon
Core Thickness
14 mm or 16 mm (0.55" or 0.63")
Sweet Spot
Large
Six Zero Ruby
To learn more, check out my full Six Zero Ruby review.
Buy if:
You want more spin:
though both score 10/10 for spin, the Ruby gets just slightly better spin than the DBD.
You prefer paddles with more pop:
the ball pops off the face of the Ruby more than the DBD.
You're done with raw carbon paddles:
many players are excited to move onto cutting-edge paddles that use materials like Aramid fiber (Kevlar®), such as the Ruby.
Pass if:
You're happy with carbon paddles:
if you're not in a hurry to move onto the newest tech, stick with the reliable DBD.
You want the better all-court option:
the DBD offers more power, control, and consistency for a more complete game.
You want to save a little money:
the DBD is $20 cheaper than the Ruby ($17 with our discount code).
Paddle Weight
8.2 oz
Paddle Width
7.66"
Handle Length
5.5"
Paddle Face Material
100% Aramid fiber sourced from DuPont™ Kevlar®
Core Thickness
16 mm (0.63")
Sweet Spot
Large
How do the Six Zero DBD and Ruby compare?
Power
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
9/10
Six Zero Ruby
8.5/10
If you're a more aggressive player who likes to hit hard drives and put the ball away, you'll prefer the power of the DBD's raw carbon.
While the Ruby has plenty of power (especially on serves), the Kevlar® face takes some of the finishing power and drive out of this paddle. The ball flies off the Ruby a bit more, though, so it's a good option if you like a lot of pop.
Control
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
9/10
Six Zero Ruby
8.5/10
The DBD is more controlled and accurate, especially on harder shots like fast-hands volleys and resets.
The pop on the Ruby makes it a little harder to control—not by much, but enough for it to be noticeable. I lose points more easily because of the odd flier.
If you're after consistency, the DBD is the clear winner here.
Spin
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
10/10
Six Zero Ruby
10/10
While both paddles score full marks here, I'd put the Ruby a touch higher because I can get huge topspin on virtually every shot. This new Kevlar® face works wonders for gripping the ball.
That said, the DBD Control has a textured carbon face that generates more spin than a rec player will need. I can always load up topspin, sidespin, and backspin with ease.
Forgiveness
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
9/10
Six Zero Ruby
9/10
Six Zero is great at making powerful paddles with lots of forgiveness, and both of these are equally forgiving. The DBD's hybrid shape and foam-injected walls work so well to expand the sweet spot to the edges of the paddle.
I'm glad they didn't change this for the Ruby. Mishits are rare with both of these paddles.
Price
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
10/10
Six Zero Ruby
9/10
With our 10% discount taking the price of the DBD down from $180 to $162, I'm calling this one of the best deals in pickleball right now, alongside the $90 Vatic Pro PRISM Flash.
The Ruby is still good value at $179 (down from $199 with our PICKLEHEADS code). When you compare it to the $250 mark set by brands like JOOLA, Selkirk, and Gearbox, these Six Zero paddles are a great deal.
Six Zero DBD vs Six Zero Ruby - which is better?
The DBD Control is the winner in my eyes. It edges out the Ruby on power and control, giving you 9/10 and above across all the attributes you want in a high-performance paddle (including spin and forgiveness). It's more rounded, and my current favorite paddle, so it's tough to beat. It's also $20 cheaper.
The Ruby has a touch more spin and pop. While the unique Kevlar® face will appeal to players looking for something new, I didn't personally feel much of a difference.
Other Kevlar® paddles like the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S have a distinctly responsive feel. The Ruby feels closer to the raw carbon DBD than I expected, and the Kevlar® isn't enough here to set the Ruby apart.
Final thoughts: unless you really want to try a Kevlar® paddle from Six Zero, I'd recommend getting the DBD Control over the Ruby.
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Alternatives to the Six Zero DBD and Ruby
If neither of these paddles feels like they're right for you, check out some of my other top picks below:
Better for power
Gearbox Pro Power
Better Kevlar® paddle
Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S
Better for control
Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta
What even more options? Try my 30-second quiz and I'll recommend the best paddles for your play style and budget.
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
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